Manager’s Message – November/December 2022

Annual Reflections

Together, we make our community better

As the final days of 2022 unfold and we enter a season of celebration and remembrance, I enjoy the opportunity to reflect on the role of Eastex and this place we call home.

Many of us lead lives where it seems the accelerator is always pushed to the floor. Between raising families, bustling careers, volunteering and embracing active pastimes, everyone is flying through life. But the holidays — while busy in their own way — are a chance to take solace and find respite in traditions like sharing family tall tales, great meals and a few belly laughs. We might even find quiet moments, if we’re lucky.

During these times of reflection, I appreciate a theme that runs through our community — neighbors helping neighbors. In so many ways, these connections are what make rural places like ours special. We rally together in hard times. We celebrate good times as a community. We also embrace the teamwork needed to build for the future, which is at the core of Eastex’s mission.

I will never forget this company’s history or the role it plays because it’s far different than that of the for-profit businesses serving our nation’s metropolitan areas. Rather than focusing on stock prices or maximizing profits, Eastex was created to support our hometowns. When larger national companies ignored us, calling our communities too rural and small to be a sound investment, our founders stepped up. It began with telephone lines connecting homes and businesses. But the work did not stop there. Now, we provide a suite of modern communications tools and a fast and dependable internet network that would create envy in many of the largest cities.

This network is not something our leaders and staff did. It’s a creation made possible by you and the people you see every day at the grocery store or at school events. An elected board of directors — residents who, just like you, depend on our services — set the standards and long-term goals we strive to achieve. We are a company made up of people devoted to helping their neighbors. Few other communications companies can say the same.

Does that make Eastex special? Certainly, we’re proud of the work we do because it benefits others. However, I fully appreciate that we’re far from alone in having a goal of uplifting those around us. Our places of worship, schools, locally owned businesses, first responders and more bring that same spirit to their day-to-day missions.

It’s this sentiment that also reminds me to appreciate those who served and sacrificed in the name of our nation. Veterans Day is Nov. 11. Please take a few minutes, at least, to appreciate the sons and daughters of this community who made the choice to serve. Rural areas like ours have a long history of service to the armed forces, something we should never forget. Truly, are there more profound examples of neighbors helping neighbors?

And during this time of celebration, I must thank everyone who is part of the Eastex family. Every department — every individual — plays a vital part in bringing you the services you need in this fast-paced world.

From everyone at Eastex, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a merry Christmas.

Rusty Dorman
General Manager