Real People, Real Work, Real Communities – Building Better Broadband

On Thursday, June 12, 2025 members of Pineland Telephone gathered for the Cooperative’s 73rd Annual Meeting. Held at the Metter Pre K-8 Educational Complex, local singer and songwriter Cade Beecher provided this year’s entertainment, and Pastor Bo Fulginiti of Cedar Street Baptist Church led attendees with the invocation.

This year’s theme, Powered by People, was reflected as President Mark Bland and CEO Dustin Durden presented their respective reports. “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do, you earn that reputation from what you accomplish”, said Bland, as he highlighted the commitment of Pineland’s employees and directors to deliver high quality and innovative services.

Acknowledging the resilience of Pineland’s infrastructure during the impacts of Hurricane Helene on Pineland’s service areas, Bland stated, “While other providers with exposed aerial lines and towers were down for days and sometimes weeks, Pineland’s underground fiber network following years of investment and redundancies resulted in most of our customers [being] able to continue to check on family and loves ones…”.

In his address, Durden gave credit to those that made the connection possible; “While we weathered the storm well, our team didn’t take a victory lap. They got to work immediately assessing damage, supporting members, and restoring full operations.” He followed with a recap of service stats from the prior year; “These aren’t just numbers, they’re a testament to the relentless work ethic and commitment of the men and women who make up Team Pineland. Every call answered, every wire spliced, every home connected – that’s real work, by real people, serving our communities with care. And they do it all while upholding the values that define our cooperative: excellence, integrity, innovation, and a servant’s heart.”

An update was provided on the Sumter County grant project, which now has 120 miles of fiber construction remaining, slated for completion by the end of this year, as well as success stories from businesses and individuals that are now connected with Pineland’s gigabit enabled fiber network.

In the coming year, Pineland will focus on strengthening its core through enhancements in

cybersecurity, customer service processes, and product offerings. Attention will also remain on advocating for smart policy, focusing on funding infrastructure efficiently and effectively.

Ten employees were honored for their dedicated service to the Cooperative, celebrating career milestones that represent a combined 140 years of service; William Gay (30 years), Jeffery Hilderbrandt (25 years), Gerald “Nig” Powell and Beau Youngblood (20 years), Arthur Allen, Steven McComas, and Amanda Vernon (10 years), and Timothy Deaver, Emily Thompson, and Matthew Todd (5 years).

Three incumbent directors on Pineland’s Board of Directors were proposed for re-election, Will Donaldson representing District 1 (Lexsy & Oak Park), Carson Cross representing District 4 (Midville & Northeast Emanuel), and Brinson Lanier representing District 7 (Northeast Metter). All were re-elected, unopposed, and will continue their service for three more years.

Pineland Telephone Cooperative, Inc. serves over 2,000 square miles with its Phone, Internet, and Technology services in all or parts of thirteen counties in South Georgia. In its 74th year, 100% of Pineland’s Phone and Internet customers receive their services via a Fiber-to-the-Home network offering Gigabit enabled broadband connections. Pineland’s mission is to offer an outstanding customer experience through the efficient delivery of progressive technology solutions in the markets served. We will achieve this mission by applying our Core Values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, and a Servant’s Heart in everything we do.