Cable Co-op Inc. technicians are working on a system to keep customers connected. (Submitted)
Oberlin is home to a small nonprofit organization that not only helps residents connect and connect with each other, but is also active in the community and making positive changes in residents’ lives.
In 1986, Cable Co-op Inc. was incorporated in Oberlin as a nonprofit corporation to provide local and cable television services to the city of Oberlin and surrounding townships.
But Cable Co-op does everything from filming and broadcasting school board and city meetings to supporting local youth sports teams and organizations, homework help, canned food sales, and even efforts to eliminate electronic waste. We are involved in the community in many other ways, including:
Cable Co-op is the only member-owned, nonprofit cable television and internet provider in all of Ohio.
And as the industry has evolved since its founding nearly 40 years ago, so has Cable Co-op.
It started as a basic cable television provider and has grown to offer high-speed Internet, high-definition, digital cable, and fiber-based services.
Today, the co-op serves more than 2,100 homes and businesses and provides community-based technical support.
Jay Shrewsbury is the general manager of Cable Co-op.
After working at Media One, Mr. Shrewsbury began his career at Cable Co-op in 2000 as chief engineer and then operations manager until becoming general manager in 2022.
He said he is proud of the company and its involvement in the community at large.
“We sponsor a number of events, take part in parades and also organize our own events, such as our annual e-waste collection, which raised £7,000 last year. ” Shrewsbury said. “This is waste from Lorain County, much of which is refurbished and resold.
“Our annual canned food drive has donated more than a ton of goods each year since its inception. We are not focused on profit and use the money we make to strengthen community services. Therefore, there are benefits for members.”
One recent addition that Shrewsbury is particularly proud of is the new BARK program, which aims to protect children and community members from the potential dangers associated with online activity.
BARK is a comprehensive parental control tool that is championed by Oberlin Police Department Chief Ryan Warfield and has extensive support from local schools, libraries, and various community partners committed to improving online safety in Oberlin. I am receiving it.
“This software was created by child psychologists, and when we were looking to offer this type of tool to our members, we had a lot of options,” Shrewsbury explained. “However, we felt that BARK had everything that parents and children needed.
“Not only does this provide great parental controls, but it also provides advice to parents about conversations with their children and how to approach them regarding sensitive topics. And anyone can call us Just give us a call and we’ll tell you about the BARK system, explain how it works, and if you’re interested, set it up right over the phone.
“Times have certainly changed, and while the internet may be good, it also has a dark side. We are dealing with cyberbullying and predators accessing gaming sites and social media platforms, and the BARK system has It’s a great way to establish control and provide practical solutions when faced with this type of challenge.”
Cable Co-op is located at 27 E. College St. in Oberlin.
Currently, seven employees provide technical support, installation, and maintenance services to our members.
Shrewsbury added that the co-op offers energy-efficient Wi-Fi routers that use 50% less energy than standard Wi-Fi units.
He encourages members to ask about new Wi-Fi units when disposing of e-waste.
For more information, please visit www.Oberlin.net.
