I think you’ll agree that time is something that is too easy for us all to take for granted.  Here we are again approaching a brand new year.  2006 is quickly slipping away, and time is moving on.

In this business of communications, we deal with a lot of different time intervals.

First is our calendar year, from January 1^st through December 31^st, but MonCre’s fiscal year runs July 1^st through June 30^th.  Set for spring, the all-important annual meeting of the cooperative members is always scheduled for the second Tuesday in April.  That’s the most important date on the calendar.  It’s really your meeting…set aside to report how the business of our cooperative has progressed.  It is also a time to select new board members, and to hear concerns and ideas from members, personally.

In the ever changing business world we live in, companies such as ours have to move with the times, or get left behind.  One trend in the industry moving at record pace is toward deregulation.  Deregulation is the process by which government removes restrictions on business and individuals in order to (in theory) encourage the efficient operation of markets.  The stated rationale for deregulation is often that fewer regulations will lead to a raised level of competitiveness, therefore higher productivity, more efficiency and lower prices overall.

We have been regulated for years under the auspices of the Alabama Public Service Commission.  Their role has been to structure and monitor telephone rates throughout the state, and to make sure providers meet quality of service standards for every customer.  In August, MonCre, along with the vast majority of other telephone companies in the state, made the decision to seek deregulated status.  This process will evolve over the next several months, and each member will be mailed information explaining the process.  Information will also be available on the MonCre website:  www.mon-cre.net.

Although the Public Service Commission will retain some control for a length of time, MonCre will be fully deregulated relatively soon.  I believe this is good for both MonCre and you, the customer…especially since we are a member-owned cooperative.  And, as you’ve heard me say many times, remember you will always have a say in how this company’s business is handled.  Be proud that you are part of an organization that has a vested interest in you, the customer.

From all of us here at MonCre, we hope you take time to truly enjoy this wonderful season.  We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

General Manager