Blackfoot Returns 2009 Profits to their Member Owners

Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative (Blackfoot) http://www.blackfoot.com paid out over $1.2 million to their Cooperative owner members as part of their 2009 distribution of Capital Credit checks. When you purchase services from a Cooperative you build equity in the business. Each year Blackfoot pays out a portion of this equity in cash to each of their members based on the total services they purchased from the Cooperative and the length of time they’ve been customers.

“We’re thankful for the investment that our members have made in Blackfoot, and we’re delighted to be able to put cash back in our members’ pockets. This year’s Capital Credit distribution totaled $1,206,263 – and average about $102 per active member. We believe our customers deserve more than just advanced technology and great customer service they deserve a company that honors loyalty and truly understands corporate and civic responsibility,” says Joan Mandeville, CEO of Blackfoot.

Blackfoot believes that when it pays out capital credits that not only do the individuals that receive the money benefit but the communities they live in will benefit from additional consumer spending. “We spend a lot of money each year on utility expenses to operate our hospital and clinics. The Capital Credit distribution from Blackfoot serves to offset a portion of that expense, which is a great benefit of being a co-op member,” added Carla Neiman CFO at Clark Fork Valley Hospital & Family Medicine Network in Plains.

The total amount sent out to customers in each community is as follows: Alberton: $25,159.58; Alberton South: $12,083.23; Alta: $11,175.91; Arlee: $109,006.98; Avon: $31,010; Charlo: $80,662.40; Clinton: $68,218.20; Condon: $67,878.78; Dixon: $16,752.30; Drummond: $30,203.71; Haugan: $8,102.29; Noxon: $42,848.70; Ovando: $38,856.28; Philipsburg: $44,234.14; Plains: $87,350.43; Potomac: $66,263.75; Powell (ID): $5,810.37; St. Ignatius: $133,351.78; St. Regis: $17,549.57; Seeley Lake: $132,198.34; Superior: $52,781.40; and Thompson Falls: $124,765.60.

As owners, Blackfoot’s members also have a voice in the Cooperative, influencing the future of their communication services by electing the Board of Trustees and voting at the Cooperative Annual Meeting. This year’s meeting will be held at the University of Montana, University Center on Saturday, May 1, 2010. For more information, call 541-5000 or visit Blackfoot on the web at http://www.blackfoot.com. Connect Globally. Partner Locally.