Energy, Integrity, Intention, and Care Drive Pineland’s Next Chapter

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, 228 members gathered at the Metter Pre K-8 Educational Complex for the 74th Annual Meeting of Pineland Telephone Cooperative, Inc. The event celebrated another year of growth, innovation, and service while highlighting the Cooperative’s continued commitment to serving rural communities with Energy, Integrity, Intention, and Care.

Members enjoyed entertainment provided by local musicians Chris Lee and Chad Reinbold, followed by an invocation delivered by Tom Osborne of Metter First Baptist Church. Throughout the meeting, President Mark Bland and Chief Executive Officer Dustin Durden reflected on the Cooperative’s accomplishments and shared a vision for the future centered on enhancing the value Pineland delivers to its members.

Bland emphasized the Cooperative difference, reminding attendees that cooperatives are built on people working together to meet shared needs and improve the quality of life in the communities they serve. He praised the dedication of Pineland’s employees, management team, and Board of Directors, noting that the organization’s success is rooted in professionalism, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to service.

A major milestone celebrated during the meeting was the successful completion of the historic Sumter County broadband expansion project. Supported by one of Georgia’s largest broadband grants, the initiative brought fiber connectivity to thousands of previously unserved homes, businesses, farms, schools, and community institutions.

“Building the future was just the beginning,” said Durden. “Now it’s time to make it even better.”

Durden described 2026 as a transition from an era of expansion to an era of enhancement. With broadband construction projects largely complete, the Cooperative is now focused on maximizing the value of its network through improved services, enhanced cybersecurity, and continued innovation.

Beginning in July, Pineland will introduce upgraded multi-gigabit internet service offerings across its fiber network, providing members with even greater bandwidth to support streaming, remote work, online learning, artificial intelligence applications, gaming, and future technologies. The Cooperative also announced a significantly enhanced video platform designed to deliver a more modern and intuitive viewing experience.

Durden highlighted the work of Pineland employees over the past year, noting the Cooperative answered more than 58,000 customer calls, completed over 10,000 utility locates, connected 1,164 new services, resolved more than 7,600 service issues, and completed more than 3,800 service orders.

The Cooperative’s commitment to strengthening communities extends beyond connectivity. During the meeting, Durden announced that Pineland has achieved Operation IFAST Certification, recognizing the organization’s commitment to combating human trafficking through employee education, community partnerships, and support for law enforcement resources.

Seven employees were recognized for their dedicated service to the Cooperative, representing a combined 70 years of service. Honorees included Aaron Anderson, Joe Canady, and Casey Yarbrough (5 years); Mandi Cisneros and Matthew Massey (10 years); Ashley Aldrich (15 years); and Wesley Braddy (20 years).

Members also re-elected three directors to serve additional three-year terms on Pineland’s Board of Directors: Wiley “Chip” Evans IV representing District 2, Ralph D. Clifton representing District 5, and Mark Bland representing District 8.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude to the Cooperative’s members, Board of Directors, and employees whose energy, integrity, intention, and care continue to shape the organization’s success and strengthen the communities it serves.

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Pineland Telephone Cooperative, Inc. proudly serves more than 2,000 square miles across all or parts of thirteen counties in South Georgia, delivering Phone, Internet, and Technology solutions to the communities we call home.

Now in its 74th year, Pineland provides 100% Fiber-to-the-Home service to all customers, offering gigabit-enabled broadband designed to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities.

Pineland’s mission is to deliver an outstanding customer experience through the efficient deployment of progressive technology solutions. This mission comes to life by living out the Core Values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, and a Servant’s Heart — showing up with energy, keeping our promises, leading change with purpose, and caring deeply for every customer, coworker, and community we serve.