Fiber Tech Training Begins
From left, Joe Phillips and Andy Gibson observe as Terry Gillooly (right) provides instruction during the first FTAP class. VMDAEC is grateful for support from S&N Communications.

Fiber Tech Training Begins

by | Feb 27, 2023 | Connections

Thanks to the expertise and support from the Fiber Broadband Association and VMDAEC Associate Member S&N Communications, the first Fiber Technician Apprenticeship Program kicked off this month at the Association Training Center in Palmyra, Va. S&N...
Brunswick Expansion Complete in Record Time
In 2019, county, state and federal dignitaries celebrated as USDA announced a $3.8M fiber expansion awarded to EMPOWER Broadband to serve southern Brunswick County. This highly successful project was completed this winter and brings high-speed fiber internet three years ahead of schedule.

Brunswick Expansion Complete in Record Time

by | Feb 27, 2023 | Connections

Following only three short years, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, EMPOWER Broadband, is pleased to announce it has met its obligation in the Connect America Fund II Auction to fully deploy fiber-to-the-premises in...
Lee Recognized for Service by NRECA Board
John C. Lee, Jr. was recently presented a plaque in appreciation of his faithful and dedicated service on the NRECA board of directors. Lee served for three years, representing electric cooperatives across Virginia. Presenting the plaque to Lee is David Jones, chairman of MEC’s board of directors.

Lee Recognized for Service by NRECA Board

by | Jan 31, 2023 | Connections, Connections Archive

After serving three years on the board of directors of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, John C. Lee Jr., president and CEO of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative in Chase City, will not seek reelection. Lee, who represented Virginia’s electric...
EMPOWER Broadband Breaks Ground on $154 Million Project
EMPOWER employees were joined by Sen. Frank Ruff and Del. Tommy Wright, along with other state, regional and local leaders, for a groundbreaking ceremony held last week. Pictured, from left, are John Lee, president & CEO of EMPOWER; Del. Wright; Dr. Tamarah Holmes, director, Office of Broadband DHCD; Butch Hamlett, Charlotte County Board of Supervisors; David Jones, EMPOWER Board of Directors chairman; John Zubrod, Brunswick County Board of Supervisors; Rick Short, Halifax County Board of Supervisors; Glen Barbour, Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors; Sen. Ruff; Wade Boteler, National OnDemand and Joe Newton, Dominion Energy.(Photo by Jim Robertson, VMDAEC)

EMPOWER Broadband Breaks Ground on $154 Million Project

by | Nov 17, 2022 | Connections, Connections Archive

With several ceremonial shovels full of Southside Virginia soil on October 20, EMPOWER Broadband, Inc., commemorated a significant stride forward in leveling the playing field between rural and urban communities by launching a significant expansion of its fiber...