Coastal Broadband Sponsors FFA Gala

Coastal Broadband proudly helped sponsor the annual Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation Dinner at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Governor Sonny Purdue was apparently impressed with Coastal Broadband General Manager, Michael Hendrix and myself last night. The Governor was quoted as saying, "I bet you two are really big men in the Wireless Business." LOL The Governor liked this picture as it made him look slim. :-) We had a great time and were honored to be able to help support this wonderful program.

Items were auctioned off in silent and open auctions to raise money for the FFA Foundation. The winner of a quail hunt with the Governor paid $10,000 for the opportunity to go hunting with Sonny. We verified that Vice President Chaney would not be in attendance. We also bid on several items at a silent auction but didn't bring anything home. There was a Mark Richt autographed football that brought over $500 and several by Larry Munson that brought over $100 each. The 4 press box Braves tickets brought over $1000. All proceeds went to the FFA.

We had a lot of fun and some great food and fellowship in the beautiful setting of the Georgia Aquarium. All of the FFA state officers were there. Foundation chairman Marty McLendon, who is also the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District Chairman, came by and personally thanked us for being there. We had the opportunity to visit with US Senator Johnny Isakson, former Congressman Lindsay Thomas (who is a relative of the family), Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Congressman Sanford Bishop and many business associates from all over Georgia.

Coastal also recently supported our local chapter of the FFA by purchasing a hog at the Annual Spring Hog Show and Sale. So, we are supporters of the local and state associations of this wonderful program. As many of you know, my father Huey R. Ham, was a proud FFA Sponsor for over 25 years at Brantley County High School. I'm honored to have the opportunity to continue a relationship with this program that continues to groom boys and girls for a life after high school.

We had a great time for a wonderful cause.

Ronald E. Ham
Gov. Sonny Purdue with Coastal General Manager Michael Hendrix