GENEXT LAUCHES SPAM & VIRUS FILTER

“Everyone who uses the Internet is by now aware of the problems that SPAM and malicious Virus Attacks cause. These unwanted and unsolicited intrusions into our homes & offices is not only frustrating and insulting, it's criminal.” says Scott Daniels, VP of Internet Operations at Genext.

“At Genext, we believe it is our job to faithfully deliver all mail. It is not our place to determine for you, what is and isn't legitimate mail.” Scott and the management at Genext concur “it's a Free Internet…” and “…Genext isn't here to act as a censor”.

After months of in-depth research and analysis of various virus/anti spam solutions, Genext Network Engineers chose to purchase a dedicated server form Barracuda Networks. “You will have full control over the filter settings for your e-mail account. You can even choose to opt-out and not use the filter at all, if you wish. It's your mail.” states Lorn Conner, Network Administrator.

The question that quickly comes to mind for many Genext customers is the cost. Mr. Daniels and the Marketing Group have much to say for the value of the new E-Mail Security Service but were determined to offer it “Free of Charge” in spite of the significant costs associated with deploying this Enterprise Grade Solution.

The E-Mail Security Service is a single, simple, no hassle solution for both E-Mail Virus Protection and SPAM blocking. The Company is excited to bring this valuable and worth-while service to you and encourage and look forward to hearing about your experience with the new product.

We will email a notice to our customers on Thursday, July 21st, with a link to the Instruction Guide, which outlines the various methods used in determining a message as Spam or Virus, as well as instructions on how to specify delivery options for your individual needs. The email WILL NOT contain attachments. You WILL NOT have to download or enter any information to receive this new service.

If you have any questions or would like further details, click here or contact our friendly and knowledgeable support staff.

TAXES LEVIED ON INTERNET

As you may have read in the Columbia Basin Herald over the past several months, the Washington State Department of Revenue has decided to place a “Sales and Use” tax on the Fiber Internet Service that customers receive via the Grant County PUD Fiber Network. At a time when the FCC and our Nations Congressional leaders have protected the Internet from taxation, the Washington State DOR has decided to go against this federal policy and place a tax on PUD fiber access. It is our understanding that this tax is not being levied on other Internet access services like DSL, Wireless or Cable wholesale services, only PUD Fiber!

Starting July 1st, 2005, Service Providers on the Grant PUD Network will be charged sales tax on the wholesale services they purchase for subscriber access. We feel that the State has no authority to place a retail sales tax on a wholesale communication transport service; however, we are highly compelled to comply. Regrettably, in response to this increase in cost, we are forced to increase the retail price of our Internet Services in Grant County, as of August 1st.

We have been battling this tax issue fiercely and up until official notice from Grant County on June 23rd 2005, we have held firm against charging taxes on Fiber Internet Services.

In spite of the fact that Genext began accruing taxes as of July 1st, we are providing 30-days advance notice as a courtesy to you, our valued customer. As of August 1st, all Grant County Fiber Connections will be charged a $2.50 flat rate "recovery" fee. The monies generated as a result of this fee does not cover the entire expense incurred by Genext.

This is the first time since last summer that we have been forced to increase our rates on Grant County Fiber Services and we have worked to offset these costs to you by offering additional value added services such as our E-Mail Security and additional email addresses (Now 5 Addresses included with your broadband account!). Those who have been paying for additional email accounts beyond that which was provided with your broadband account will notice an immediate price reduction on August's service invoice. Any additional email addresses beyond the 5 accounts included with your service will be charged at the $2.00 per account rate. Email accounts are also provided in bulks of 5 at a discounted rate.

We sincerely regret this obligatory rate increase and feel that the Department of Revenue has gone far beyond their legitimate authority. If you, too, feel that this tax is improper and unwarranted, please contact your state legislative representative and let them know how you feel.

Thank you for your understanding and support in voicing your thoughts to your Representative. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or visit the links above for more information. We appreciate your support and continued patronage and look forward to continuing to provide you with exceptional service and reliability for years to come.

SECURITY CAMERAS

Genext is rolling out un-beatable deals on professional grade video surveillance and camera equipment.

Cameras help to:

• Reduce losses
  
• Improve customer service
  
• Limit liability
  
• Increase profits
  

Check out the articles and website below and contact us for more information.

Can Cameras Be Justified For My Business?
Convenience Stores Must Be Wary Of Internal Theft

New Digital Technology From Genext – Why go digital, magazine articles, case studies, Brochures and more!

THANK YOU

It's all too easy to get caught in the “daily grind” and overlook the ingredients that have made our Company such a force to recon with. As we continue to grow and expand our services, be assured that our commitment to professionalism and superior customer service will not be lost.

Each week, I take a few moments to review our referral signups and customer comments that are sent to our various departments. While I am primarily interested in areas of improvement, we are always encouraged by your comments on the outstanding service that you received, as well as comments on a specific team member who went above and beyond what you'd have expected. Thank you for taking the time to let us know how we're doing, we sincerely appreciate your experience.

Thank you for your business and your continued support of our organization.

Regards,
Drew Zabrocki
President

Last Month, Kristin McCormick joined the Genext team as our Community Relations and Marketing Manager. She has been working with both our Systems and Internet Group to combine local resources with cutting edge technologies and is soon to bring about exciting new products and services to the valley. Below is an important perspective that even as locals, we sometimes loose sight of. Enjoy the fresh reminder of what it means to be a part of our community and look forward to more to come from Ms. Kristin McCormick.

---

KEEPING IT IN THE VALLEY

By: Kristin McCormick

These are words I had not heard before my recent move from Seattle. Though not common language everywhere in Washington, it holds a lot of meaning in this community. Already in my short time living here, I have welcomed the jargon to my vocabulary.

I have noticed a change in my buying habits, where I go and the reason that I visit a particular place in general. In just these few short weeks I have proclaimed my love for this great town. It is friendly people who let me join traffic with a wave, greet me with a smile everywhere I go, laugh at the plastic cards I had become so accustomed to using. The simple way of life treats me well and I am happy to make my home here.

With that being said, this is a small community where business relationships are taken seriously. Providing jobs to the community and passing money between businesses are daily tasks that keep this community thriving. And, so, I am grateful to Genext for believing in me and providing the opportunity to really dive in and get involved in this community. I have learned the importance of keeping businesses alive and flourishing by giving back to and spending money right here in the valley. Ensuring that this will continue to be a thriving and great community.

So, what does “Keeping it in the Valley” mean? Well, I believe it comes down to choosing to do business here as opposed to another town offering the same competitive price. Making purchases from local companies and simply supporting local organizations. When it comes to looking for any kind of business or service, remember where you live, and the value of giving back to the community that is your home. And believe that your money and support is, in return, benefiting your neighbors, friends, family's as well as your own life.

REMINDER: INTERNET USE POLICY CHANGES

As our business continues to expand we continue to find ways to improve our processes and policies. We have made minor modifications to the Internet Acceptable Use Policies. Please refer to the legal section for more details.

The policy updates include new Account Dormancy Fees as well as clarify that the venue for representation is Chelan County. For more information, click here.

Tour Northwest by County:

Chelan	Douglas
Grant	Okanogan
Kittitas	Yakima