A Look Back at 2025: The Moments That Shaped the Year
As 2026 begins, it’s easy to forget just how much happened in the last 12 months. For West Carolina, 2025 was a year of meaningful change, steady growth, and renewed momentum. Before we turn the page and focus on what’s next, we wanted to pause and reflect on what made this year so special.
A Leadership Transition: Honoring the Past and Looking Ahead
This year marked an important leadership transition for West Carolina. After years of dedicated service, Jeff Wilson retired, leaving behind a strong foundation built on vision, trust, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. We’re grateful for the leadership that helped guide us to this point and for the lasting impact it will continue to have across our region.
As we honored that legacy, we also welcomed new leadership and began the next chapter of our story. Chris Townson quickly became part of the West Carolina family, embracing life in South Carolina and bringing fresh perspective while staying true to the values that have always defined who we are.
Growing Our Network
While leadership evolved, our mission continued full speed ahead. In 2025, we saw measurable growth across our fiber network – building 888 miles of fiber and welcoming nearly 6,000 new customers. Each mile built and every connection made, we moved closer to our goal of strengthening infrastructure that supports local growth, opportunity, and long-term success.
These numbers represent more than expansion. They reflect thoughtful planning, dedicated teams, and a shared belief that reliable connectivity plays a vital role in thriving communities – today and for years to come.
Staying Connected to Our Communities
From local events to school activities and everything in between, 2025 gave us many opportunities to spend time with our customers. Community has always been at the center of what we do, and this year was no exception.
We hosted multiple educational classes throughout our service areas to help customers better understand everyday technology challenges. Topics included streaming, cybersecurity, WiFi X, and email. These sessions allow us to build relationships, share knowledge, and continue showing up for our communities in meaningful ways.
We hosted Summer Bash events at each office location, offering lunch and giveaways as a small thank-you to our customers. Being able to connect face-to-face matters to us –you’re the reason we do what we do and the reason we continue to grow and evolve.
Giving back financially remains an important part of our commitment as well. Through the West Carolina Community Foundation, we’ve given nearly $50,000 to local organizations that work every day to make a difference in our communities. In addition, many members of our team used their Volunteer Time Off to support causes close to home, from delivering meals with Meals on Wheels to wrapping gifts for Angel Tree.
Thank You for Another Year Together
Most of all, we’re thankful – for our customers, our communities, and the opportunity to be part of your everyday moments. Choosing a local provider means more than just a connection; it means trust, relationships, and shared experiences.
As we look ahead to a new year, we’re excited to keep doing what we do best: showing up, staying connected, and supporting the places we’re proud to call home.