In recent years, Westelcom has taken their communications network to new levels. Having invested over $8,000,000 in networking, switching and transport infrastructure and another $750,000 in fiber optic infrastructure, they are responding to the demand from local businesses in Watertown and Plattsburgh. In Watertown, the investment has provided multiple rings of high-speed fiber optic communications to a number of businesses. Paul F. Barton, Westelcom President, stated, "Our priority and vision in 2009 and beyond is to continue deployment of our fiber infrastructure to allow for gigabyte connection to our customers." Westelcom continues to turn up fiber adding even more customers to their network including: Samaritan Hospital, JCC, Immaculate Heart Central, Watertown Daily Times, STAT Communications, HSBC, Paddock Arcade, Sci-Tech, Pulmonary Associates, Planned Parenthood of NNY, City of Watertown & Jefferson County. To view their fiber network go to www.westelcom.com/newsroom.

Westelcom has partnered with telecom giant Alcatel-Lucent and installed a switching platform to allow for advanced IP capabilities throughout the Watertown area. Barton says, "We want to be the go-to company for a customer who needs a telecommunication solution. Whether it's a phone system, dedicated internet access, web domain and hosting, or dial tone, we can engineer a solution, deliver and install it, and then support it - with local, instant response times - should any issues arise in terms of maintenance or upgrade."

Their goal is to bring large data connections, or "fat pipes" to area businesses that provide Gigabit data speeds over fiber and advanced electronic transmission. With such 'fat pipers' they are capable of becoming a "logical extension" of their customers Local Area Network (LAN) via the transport between their business and Westelcom facilities. With that connections, the company will be able to host customers' phone systems, servers, firewalls, and data storage devices in their facility. they believe that managing those systems for their customers will reduce customers' need to purchase IT equipment or to have their own in-house IT staff over-burdened. "Managed services are where the future of telecom is headed," says Barton, "but to get there it will take 'fat pipes' that reach our business customers." Recently, Westelcom hosted a free Educational Technology Forum for our local business leaders to educate local business leaders on future technologies, unified messaging demonstrations, security considerations and more. If you were unable to make the forum, presentations can be viewed at www.westelcom.com/newsroom. They plan for future forums as well.

Another goal in action is the cross-training of staff and installation for new internal procedures including Management Information Systems, billing, customer resource management, on-line advanced applications, and project planning systems to ensure more efficient communications for and with their clients.

Westelcom's commitment to the community is well noted. Not only does the company focus their donations within our local economy supporting local organizations including Samaritan Medical, JCC, DPAO, The United Way, Watertown Zoo and more, but they also give back in time and volunteer work. "Many of our employees are on local Boards, coach local sports, and assist local events." Barton shared proudly. In January, Barton was chosen to serve as Chairman of the Board for the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce for 2009. Within this capacity, Barton intends to emphasize the Chambers vision of expanding areas of support for local businesses and growing our economy in the North Country.

The company is continuing to have a hand in the success of Absolutely Business Magazine (AB), as part owner and Barton as Publisher. AB is the area's only regionally-focused business magazine. The second annual Absolutely Business Forum took place in January, which was a huge success despite a large snow storm. The magazine continues to grow in popularity and interest. Further, the company is excited to launch their new website offering online advertising, subscriptions and information.

One of the company's proudest accomplishments in 2008 was the announcement that they joined forces to fight against Child Pornography with the New York Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo. They have volunteered to ensure that its systems are not used for the use of trafficking child pornography and have signed an agreement with AG setting forth the significant steps to anticipate and prevent the use of its services in suck manner. Paul Barton says, "The fight against child pornography has strengthened considerably with the advent of this programs. We are proud to join forces with the New York Attorney General to combat the exploitation and degradation of children via the internet. Anything we can do to help make our North Country children safe is a priority to us."

Paul F. Barton states, "There was time when North Country businesses were a little behind the rest of the country. Our goal was to help effect change and we have done that, while at the same time, we have maintained our commitment to continuous improvement in customer services levels. 2009 will be a challenge for many of us; however, where there are challenges, there are opportunities. We will continue to strive to improve our capabilities across multiple levels of our business in order to further our mission statement: 'To exceed our customers' expectations by providing excellent customer service in communications solutions, design, delivery, and support.'"