[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 109 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S6197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING AXIOM TECHNOLOGIES

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I have long held the belief that the 
availability of broadband undoubtedly contributes to business 
expansion, employment growth, and greater educational opportunities. 
Indeed, the Internet can truly transform the way small firms do 
business. This is particularly the case in places like my home State of 
Maine, which is not only largely rural, but is home to over 150,000 
small businesses. As such, it is with great admiration that today I 
recognize Axiom Technologies, based in the town of Machias, for the 
firm's outstanding commitment to the goal of bringing broadband 
Internet service to rural Maine communities that have not previously 
known its remarkable power.
  Founded in 2004 by Nelson Geel and Chris Moody, Axiom originally 
sought to provide inexpensive consulting services to small businesses 
and communities in Washington County, Maine's easternmost county. Yet 
the two quickly realized that there was a growing desire for affordable 
broadband in the area, which was largely overlooked by corporate 
providers. As such, the company reevaluated its business vision in an 
attempt to allow rural areas of the State to benefit from the same 
advantages of broadband Internet provided to Maine's more urban 
regions.
  In addition to operating on a sustainable financial basis, Axiom 
Technologies prides itself on always attempting to hold true to a 
unique social mission as well. Axiom is well aware ``of the central 
role that business plays in society'' and seeks to solidify this 
responsibility ``by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality 
of life in the communities in which [it] operate[s].'' Not only has the 
company done this by spreading equality of access to information 
through broadband services, but its employees also take it upon 
themselves to improve their community.
  One shining example is Susan Corbett, Axiom's CEO, who was 
instrumental in the development of a type of community-minded, service-
based listserv for Washington County called Mighty Women. In 2006, she, 
along with some of her entrepreneurial and social service peers, 
created the ``rolodex'' of e-mail contacts that could be solicited to 
assist those in need throughout eastern Maine. Indeed, in 2009, the 
Mighty Women listserv mobilized to raise last minute funds for 
Washington county children who were in need of toys and warm clothing 
for the holiday season. With just a week before Christmas, the group 
raised approximately $3,000 to help give the children the holiday joy 
that they deserved.
  People such as Susan Corbett are representative of the family-like 
mentality which Axiom Technologies hopes to foster among its employees 
and within the greater community. Small businesses around the country 
have historically helped build a sense of community in the areas in 
which they operate, and Axiom is no exception. The ability to access 
information via broadband should be something available to all people 
across America, and Axiom Technologies has built its business around 
fulfilling this goal. The company has done it economically, but most 
inspiringly, Axiom has attempted to promote the well-being of the 
people in the communities they serve. When a business cares about 
helping others as does Axiom, the community can rest assured that 
Axiom's employees share their goals and aspirations for improving the 
overall community.
  While small businesses are duly noted as the drivers of the Nation's 
economy, they cannot be overlooked for their positive social impacts on 
the communities in which they operate. Although they may serve a 
relatively small market, Axiom is certainly on the cutting edge when it 
comes to promoting broadband equality, a goal of national importance. I 
thank everyone at Axiom for their numerous and varied contributions to 
the health of Maine's economic future and general welfare, and I wish 
them much success in the years to come.

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