Beaver State Telco Opens New HQ with Support from NCSC

Oregon-based Colton Telephone Company recently opened the doors to its new headquarters building, marking a significant step forward for the cooperative and its community. The decision to build a new facility was driven by the deteriorating condition of the previous building, which had become impractical to repair or expand due to county restrictions and site limitations. 

For years, Coltontel’s staff had been spread across multiple locations, but the new headquarters finally brings everyone together under one roof. The telco broke ground on its new headquarters in August 2024, and officially completed the project in September 2025, just 13 months later.

Spanning approximately 6,000 square feet, the modern facility is designed to foster collaboration and efficiency. With all employees in a single location, Coltontel expects to improve communication, reduce costs and enhance customer service. 

“The biggest improvement is bringing all staff into one area, which we believe will create synergy, improve communication and help us provide better service,” General Manager Geri Fraijo said. “We also expect to reduce costs by being in the same building. The old building even had areas without heat. Now, we have a space where customers can come in and everything is under one roof, which is a huge asset.” 

Financing the project required careful planning and the right partners. Coltontel was able to self-fund a significant portion but looked to NCSC’s support to complete the project. 

“We looked at local banks but felt NCSC offered a better fit. They’ve always been great to work with—easy, transparent and very responsive. They communicated well and answered all of our questions, which made the process smooth,” Fraijo said.  

Open House Held Oct. 1

The new headquarters was officially unveiled at an open house on Oct. 1, coinciding with the start of Cooperative Month. The event drew about 100 attendees and gave the community a chance to tour the facility and learn more about Coltontel’s role as a local cooperative. Feedback from members and visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about the improved space and renewed accessibility.  

“It was nice to let the community inside because this building is more than boards and wires, it’s a central part of the community and reflects our commitment to service,” Fraijo said. “The membership and community were very supportive. They were anxious for us to open because, during construction, we were cramped in one small room and couldn’t let customers inside. Now, we can serve them properly again.”

Building for Tomorrow

Looking ahead, Coltontel aims to leverage its new headquarters to better serve its members and the broader community. The centralized location is expected to streamline operations and create an environment that supports teamwork and high-quality service.  

“We hope the new building makes us more accessible and allows us to engage more with customers,” Fraijo said. “Having all our staff together improves workflow and efficiency, which translates into better service quality. The environment is more conducive to teamwork, and that spills over into customer service.” 

Coltontel’s new HQ stands as a testament to the power of cooperative partnership and forward-thinking leadership, made possible in part by NCSC’s commitment to supporting rural utilities and their communities. 

“Helping Coltontel bring this project to life is exactly why NCSC exists—to support cooperatives in building the infrastructure they need to succeed,” NCSC Vice President of Business Development Jason Shelton said. “A headquarters isn’t just a building; it’s a hub for collaboration, service and community connection. We’re proud to play a role in making that possible.” 

Interested in financing a new headquarters for your telco?