Socket honors local employees

Socket has named Tony Lana as the recipient of its sixth annual Socketeer-of-the-Year award. Russ Mulkey and Brian Fitch were honored as runners-up. Owners George Pfenenger, John Dupuy and Carson Coffman presented the honors at Socket's annual holiday celebration.

Each month, co-workers nominate and vote for an employee who best reflects Socket's Core Values and Beliefs. All winners are then eligible for the annual honor. Fellow employees submitted comments to help the owners make their decision.

"It's always difficult to choose a winner because we have so many incredible people," said Pfenenger. "This year, we felt Tony, as well as Russ and Brian, all deserved recognition."

Lana joined Socket in 2005 and now serves as a regulatory analyst for the company. He handles numbering resources, 911 records, directory listings and filings with the Federal Communications Commisssion (FCC). Lana, originally from Iowa, enjoys home improvement projects in his spare time.

Mulkey joined Socket in 2007 and is now an installer for the company. He performs installations and responds to network issues for Socket’s business clients. A Columbia native, Mulkey spends his spare time hiking, target shooting and hunting.

Fitch has been with Socket since 2005 and currently holds the title of business center supervisor, in which he oversees quality support for Socket's business clients. Originally from Fulton, Fitch enjoys playing golf, watching movies and traveling.

Founded in 1994, Socket is a Columbia-based telephone and Internet service provider with the largest service coverage in the state. Socket is a privately held company that provides Columbia families and businesses a choice for local and long-distance phone and Internet service. It combines the highest quality customer service with in-depth technical knowledge. Socket’s network serves more than 20,000 residents and businesses in more than 400 Missouri cities, and its customers enjoy simple billing and quick, friendly service. For additional information, visit: http://www.socket.net.