Trying to add a payment method? You can do this on the 
At Emerald Broadband, we love celebrating the local businesses and organizations that make Eugene such an awesome place to live and work.
As a locally owned fiber internet company, we believe every local decision matters. When businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations choose Emerald Broadband, they’re getting the best internet available while also helping to keep more jobs, investment, and opportunity here at home.
In this article, we’ll be featuring some of the amazing organizations that trust Emerald Broadband to keep them connected. From small businesses and nonprofits to local institutions, each one plays an important role in making Eugene stronger.
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating and learning some fun facts about the people who are building a more vibrant Eugene, Oregon.
Elena Aguero – Recreation & Outreach Director
River Road Park and Recreation District
What do your facilities provide for the community of Eugene, OR?
We enhance the livability of our community by providing exceptional park and recreation facilities, programs, and services that bring people together, promote healthy lifestyles, and create opportunities for recreation, learning, and connection.
When was your park district founded, and when did you join?
The district was formed in 1957 and I joined the Recreation team in 2025.
Who created the River Road Park and Recreation District?
The District was created by community members who recognized the value in building a healthy, connected, and vibrant neighborhood. For more than 70 years, the District has worked to provide spaces, programs, and services that bring people together.
What’s a favorite story you have from your workplace?
My favorite moment so far was our Fall Family Festival last October. It was our first time hosting this event and we packed in the fun. We connected with local vendors and organizations to put on an event with live music, a petting zoo, interactive mural painting, family games, free bike checks, and more. We were hoping to welcome a few hundred people to Emerald Park for this first event and were pleasantly surprised to host over 1,400! This was an incredible day to hang out with our local community and highlight the people and neighbors that make the River Road area so great. We are looking forward to our next Fall Family Festival coming up Sunday, October 4th from 1-4pm. We hope to have everyone join us again!
What role does Emerald Broadband’s service play in your day-to-day operations?
The District is lucky to have Emerald Broadband as our Internet Sponsor and we utilize their fiber internet for both our Community Center and Annex buildings. Reliable internet is an essential part of our day-to-day operations, supporting program registrations, and the technology needs involved in serving our community. This past January, we were lucky to partner with Emerald Broadband who hosted Navigating the New Internet, a free class focusing on teaching seniors on how to get online, stay safe, and stay connected.
How could other businesses benefit from choosing a local internet provider like Emerald Broadband?
Working with a local provider means partnering with people who understand the community, are invested in the area, and can provide more personalized service when needs arise. We have loved partnering with Emerald Broadband!
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Crafting (currently: crocheting), gardening, and golfing.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
My entire Recreation Office loves Placidos Pasta Shop, so we have to give them a shout out. I also love going to Jade Dumpling & Noodle House in the Market District. My favorite dish in Eugene was Izakaya Meiji’s Spicy Tuna Cocktail (RIP), so I’m on the hunt for my new favorite!
Top 3 favorite movies?
Pride & Prejudice (2005), Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers (extended edition of course), and About Time.
Top 3 favorite shows?
Parks and Rec (obviously!), Heartstopper, and The Newsroom.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
Cake, Greta Van Fleet, and The Format (three of my favorite concerts in the past few years).
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, and Real Americans by Rachel Khong.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
My wife and I love to foster dogs and even foster-failed our border collie Bennet last year when he was the perfect fit for our family. We now have two dogs and a cat – and all three have black and white tuxedo markings. Our favorite local foster-based rescue to support and work with is LuckyPawz, and we can’t wait to foster more animals one day when the time is right.
Kit Kesey – Owner and President
Kesey Enterprises, Inc.
What’s your role at this business?
I own, operate, and manage both the McDonald Theatre and Cuthbert Amphitheater, in addition to being our concert promoter.
When was your business founded?
1992.
Why did you start your business?
I’ve always had a passion for bringing live music to Eugene and the local community.
What is it about your business that drives you?
Keeping the McDonald Theatre active and alive in the heart of Eugene.
What role does Emerald Broadband’s service play in your day-to-day operations?
Fiber internet. Invaluable business partner providing flawless broadband internet and excellent support in a very demanding event-night setting.
How could other businesses benefit from choosing a local internet provider like Emerald Broadband?
Excellent service and communication. Will always support local businesses when possible. Easy decision to do so with Emerald Broadband.
Kelly Coulter – Co-Executive Director
Shelter Animal Resource Alliance (dba: S.A.R.A.’s Treasures)
What is S.A.R.A.’s role in Eugene, OR?
S.A.R.A. is a nonprofit animal rescue organization.
When was your nonprofit founded, and when did you join?
S.A.R.A. was founded in 2001. I started working there in 2009.
How did your organization get started?
S.A.R.A. was originally founded to rescue dogs at risk of being euthanized at public shelters. Over the years, as needs in the community changed, our focus shifted to at-risk cats. I got involved with S.A.R.A. because I have a deep and boundless love for animals.
What’s the best part of the job?
Everyday at S.A.R.A. is full of unexpected activities, new challenges, and most of all, devoted compassion for animals. The staff, volunteers, supporters, and shoppers are all connected by their love for animals.
What role does Emerald Broadband’s service play in your day-to-day operations?
Emerald Broadband has helped to provide affordable fiber internet, which is far more advanced than our previous provider. We were also able to seamlessly transition our phone line, while keeping the same phone number we have used for decades.
How could other businesses benefit from choosing a local internet provider like Emerald Broadband?
It has been great building a rapport with a local company. If something comes up, we can call to speak to someone we have actually met, rather than an automated phone system.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Gardening, hiking, plant-based cooking, and spending time in nature.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Acorn Community Cafe, Sabai, Moke’s.
Top 3 favorite movies?
Mad Max: Fury Road, Hell or High Water, Prey.
Top 3 favorite shows?
Fargo, Archer, Warrior.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
Station Eleven, Life of Pi, Catch-22.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I hope to travel to Türkiye one day.
Pam Haggard – Broker/Co owner
Eugene’s Alternative REALTORS
What does your business provide for the community of Eugene, OR?
We help folks navigate the process of selling or buying real estate, as well as educating folks to the process.
When was your business founded?
We here at Eugene’s Alternative REALTORS have been helping folks since1999.
Why did you start your business?
I started Eugene’s Alternative Realtors because I believed our community deserved a locally owned real estate company built on experience, personal service, and genuine relationships. As a women-owned, community-based company, our focus has always been on providing knowledgeable, ethical, and personalized guidance while supporting the people and neighborhoods that make Eugene and Lane County such special places to live. We believe local expertise matters, and because we live, work, and volunteer here, we have a deep understanding of the community we serve.
What’s a favorite story you have from your workplace?
One of the things I love most about real estate is that it’s never really about the houses—it’s about the people.
Years ago I remember a family I worked with who had lived in their Lane County home for decades. The home was filled with memories: children’s growth marks on doorframes, holiday traditions, and a lifetime of milestones. Selling was emotional because it represented the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
We spent time talking through their concerns, their goals, and what they hoped their next phase of life would look like. Together, we prepared the home for sale, found the right buyer, and successfully got their home sold. What I remember most wasn’t the sale itself—it was seeing the relief and excitement on their faces when they realized they were moving forward with confidence.
A few months later, I received a note thanking me not only for helping them sell their home but for helping them through a major life transition. Moments like that remind me why I chose this profession nearly four decades ago.
Lane County isn’t just where I work—it’s where I was raised, where I’ve built my business, and where I’ve raised my family. Helping people buy and sell homes here allows me to give back to a community that has given so much to me. Every client has a story, and I consider it a privilege to be part of that journey.
What role does Emerald Broadband’s service play in your day-to-day operations?
We have been using fiber internet for a number of years and LOVE the service! Reliable, fast, affordable.
How could other businesses benefit from choosing a local internet provider like Emerald Broadband?
Emerald Broadband is so good you don’t really even notice them?? No interruptions, plus fast and dependable!
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I’m a country girl and LOVE nature! You’ll find me in the forest/at the beach/road tripping by hike/bike or Toyota!!
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Grab’wich on 18th for a yummy breakfast!! Slice Pizza downtown has got lunch with a great pizza selection and fresh salads!! And for dinner, Beppe & Gianni’s tender, flavorful handmade ravioli is a must try!!
Top 3 favorite movies?
Society of the Snow, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, PeeWee’s Big Adventure.
Top 3 favorite shows?
Good Girls, DTF St Louis, The Office (original).
Top 3 musicians/bands?
I’m currently listening to Teddy Swims, Myles Smith, and Tom Petty (always).
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
Sapiens, Outliers, Into Thin Air.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
Four generations of my family were born and still live in Lane County.
Leah Rosin – Executive Director
Wiggly Tails Dog Rescue
What is Wiggly Tails Dog Rescue?
We are a foster-based rescue with a focus on small breed dogs and puppies. We rescue dogs from high-kill shelters and take in local dogs from families who can no longer care for them.
When did you join the Wiggly Tails Dog Rescue team?
I have been a volunteer since 2020, and took on the Executive Director role in September 2025.
How did you find a career in animal rescuing?
Our family began fostering dogs during the pandemic. We were home a lot, had a bored 10-year-old child that loved dogs, and thought it would be fun! Over time I became more involved, first as the volunteer foster coordinator and then as the volunteer special events organizer.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
This work is very rewarding. So many dogs come to us shut down, neglected, and just looking for a home. Our family has focused on pregnant dogs or nursing dogs with litters. We have enjoyed watching the puppies open their eyes, begin walking, playing and finally finding their forever homes. It is great when we hear back from the adopters and get “pupdates” via our Alumni Facebook group or via text.
What role does Emerald Broadband’s service play in your day-to-day operations?
We use Emerald Broadband for our phone and Fiber Internet at our office. We also rely on them as we keep our database updated, post available dogs to our website and social media, share event information, and communicate with adopters and fosters.
How could other businesses benefit from choosing a local internet provider like Emerald Broadband?
We had a minor outage earlier this year and Emerald Broadband’s technician was on site and working to fix the problem very quickly. The technician was very helpful and friendly and cared about helping us get up and running quickly. When you support a local business, your dollar has a bigger impact on our local community.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Dogs! Gardening and photography.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Agate Alley Bistro, The Glenwood, and Abilities Diner.
Top 3 favorite movies?
Best in Show, The Journey of Natty Gann, The Secret Life of Pets.
Top 3 favorite shows?
All Creatures Great and Small, Miss Scarlet and The Duke.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
Fleetwood Mac, Adele, Nora Jones.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
Me Talk Pretty One Day, Educated, and Where’d You Go Bernadette.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I had a job as a goat milker.
MORE FROM EMERALD BROADBAND
