STMCVol. 0217 • March 2018 • P.O. Box 385 • Dobson, North Carolina • 336.374.5021

STMC

THE BUZZ

Are you frustrated by rising TV prices? You’re not the only one. Surry Telephone’s goal is to keep costs as low as possible for you and the programs you enjoy on the air.

Sometimes, there are factors beyond our control that impact costs. One factor is broadcast TV fees. This process is called retransmission negotiations. Retransmission is the right to retransmit a “free” over-the-air station on our network. (We don’t pay for the content. We just pay to carry it on our network.) Without their written consent, TV providers are not allowed by law to carry those signals,

We strive to reach fair agreements with broadcasters that allow access to the TV programs you have come to love and expect to watch – with the goal of reducing the threat of blackouts or unreasonable monthly fees.

That can be challenging when it comes to these negotiations as broadcast TV fees are a growing source of income for broadcasters. They are not members of our community; so, they are not negatively impacted by the outcome of these negotiations as we all are.

Surry Telephone wants to make clear that we are focused on making sure our customers can watch local news, enjoy family night in front of the TV, and cheer on your favorite sports teams.

This is an on-going national issue, not just isolated to any one TV provider. No TV provider is immune. If rates increase we will notify you 30 days in advance, unlike other providers that just put it on your bill.

We know you have many choices for TV and video viewing, and we share your desire for the lowest price for quality TV programming. Our promise to you is that we are doing everything we can to negotiate the best rate for our customers.

IMPORTANT SURRY TV CUSTOMER UPDATESPRING FORWARD!Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday, March 11!

It’s Easy to Pay Your Bill!

PaymentBox

Mail Drive Thru

Bank Draft or Credit Card

Onlinesurry.net

Automated Phone Pay

SURRY TELELEPHONE MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION ANNUAL MEETING – SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2018CELEBRATING 67 YEARS IN BUSINESS

You are invited to attend the Surry Telephone

Membership Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Surry Central High School. Breakfast will be served beginning at 7:00 a.m. in the high school cafeteria. Musical Group “The Marshall Brothers” will perform from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. in the gymnasium.

Members may register between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. The business session will begin at 9:30 a.m. and door prizes will be awarded immediately after. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit with your friends, neighbors and give employees at Surry Telephone Membership Corporation the opportunity to let you know how much we appreciate your patronage.

Good food. Fellowship. Music. Valuable Door Prizes. Mark Your Calendar!

C O N N E C T I N G

GENERATIONS

BEULAH EXCHANGE Jennifer McLain 336-352-3022

DOBSON EXCHANGEGolda Stuller 336-356-8100

ELKIN EXCHANGEPremier Properties 336-258-8204 Dirty Joe’s 336-258-8261

MOUNT AIRY EXCHANGEFlat Rock 336-786-2910Elementary School Glenda Edwards 336-786-7335

PILOT MT. EXCHANGEPremium Tobacco 336-368-2033 Company Us Inc.

LEVEL CROSS EXCHANGEGuy W. Oldenburgh 336-374-1210

LEXINGTON EXCHANGEVeronica Hough 336-867-1190

REEDS EXCHANGEGoins John Matthew 336-787-0062Justin Lanning 336-787-0170Michelle Applebee 336-787-1016

WESTFIELD EXCHANGELisa McNeish 336-351-0025

ZEPHYR EXCHANGERobbert Kobhl 336-366-4211

Welcome New Customers!

Recipe of the Month:

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

3 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables

(carrots, corn, green beans, peas), thawed,

drained

½ lb. (8 oz.) VELVEETA®, cut into 1/2-

inch cubes

1 can (10-3/4 oz.) reduced-sodium

condensed cream of chicken soup

1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent dinner

rolls

Want your business spotlighted in “The Buzz”?This is a free service to our customers. Contact Melanie Senter atsenterm@surrytel.com336-374-4524

“Unlimited” means total data throughput. Restrictions may apply during certain periods. See service contract or representative for details.

UNLIMITED DATA$55/mo.

per line for three lines

GREAT DATA DEALS

HEAT oven to 375ºF.

COMBINE fi rst 4 ingredients in 13x9-inch baking dish.

UNROLL dough; place over chicken mixture.

BAKE 20 to 25 min. or until crust is golden brown.

SIMMONS INSURANCE AGENCY1428 West Pine St. Mount Airy | 336-789-3001 534 S Key St. Pilot Mountain | 336-368-5204

Conveniently located in the heart of Pilot Mountain, the Simmons Insurance Agency is a “Heritage Agency” - a second generation agency that has served the Surry and Stokes County area for over 45 years with over 52 years combined insurance experience. We are an ON YOUR SIDE agency, which signi� es excellence in customer service. Our emphasis is serving and educating our customers. We know how important it is to be educated, su� ciently protected and to save money at the same time. Contact Pam Simmons Morgan for more information.

BizFest is an expo that focuses on building business-to-business relationships, while celebrating the variety of services and products available in Surry County. Plan to participate as an exhibitor to create more opportunities, increase your referrals in Surry County, and support growth in our local economy. If you are interested in participating as an exhibitor, contact Emily Venable at 336-401-9900 or email surryedp@surry.net

SAVE THE DATE April 12, 2018

The Liberty222 East Main St. Elkin, NC

2018 TELEPHONE BOOKS ARE HERE!If you have not received your 2018 Surry Telephone book or need additional copies, please drop by one of our business o� ces which are located in Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, Dobson or Elkin.