A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring l.t. "Beck" Cox, the first president of randolph telephone membership corporation, on the fiftieth anniversary of randolph telephone membership corporation.
Whereas, Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation was founded on May 13, 1954, by residents of rural areas of Randolph, Chatham, and Moore Counties; and
Whereas, L.T. "Beck" Cox was elected the first President of Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation; and
Whereas, Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation was organized as a member‑owned cooperative to promote reliable local telecommunications service in rural areas of central North Carolina; and
Whereas, Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation began operations in 1957 with 97 telephones in Farmer, North Carolina, extending service the next year to High Falls and Bennett, and today has over 10,000 access lines in seven exchanges, encompassing a large geographical area in central North Carolina, including: Badin Lake, Bennett, Coleridge, Farmer, High Falls, Jackson Creek, and Pisgah; and
Whereas, since its formation, Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation has supported advanced telephone services in high‑cost rural areas of central North Carolina that may otherwise have gone unserved; and
Whereas, Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation has been a leader in introducing broadband service to its membership, ensuring that there is no "digital divide" in the rural areas it serves; and
Whereas, Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation is an active participant in improving the lives of its members through economic development and educational initiatives in the seven counties where it provides services; and
Whereas, Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation plays an important role in providing the technology infrastructure to support economic development in rural central North Carolina; and
Whereas, Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation's directors, managers, and staff have consistently remained involved in local community affairs and charitable causes, improving the rural communities they serve; and
Whereas, it is only fitting that Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation be commended for its 50 years of continuous service to the rural communities of central North Carolina; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the life and memory of L.T. "Beck" Cox and expresses appreciation for the contributions he made to Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives recognizes the historical accomplishments of Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation and congratulates the cooperative on 50 years of dedicated commitment to serve the telecommunications needs of the rural communities of central North Carolina, encouraging economic development, education, and worthwhile charitable causes. The House of Representatives further wishes to thank the directors, managers, and staff who have contributed to the growth and development of this distinguished telephone cooperative and extended the legacy of L.T. "Beck" Cox.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the President of Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.