The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County announces a $150,000 sponsorship pledge towards the Octagon Barn project from Utility Telephone, a local business telephone and Internet provider.

It is the largest corporate donation made to the project in the organization’s history and provides resources necessary to renovate the site for community use as the future Octagon Barn Center.

“We are proud to support the Octagon Barn Center renovation project," said Jason Mills, Utility Telephone president and CEO. "Our company has long served the farming and ranching communities throughout this state. We are lucky to have preserved this structure which gives present-day San Luis residents and visitors a window into the Central Coast’s rich agricultural heritage. This is a perfect example of connecting the area’s roots with a modern facility everyone will enjoy.”

Utility Telephone is sponsoring the project with a combination of cash funds and in-kind services. The donation subsidizes the various site amenities required to open the Octagon Barn Center for community use in the coming years.  

“Utility Telephone recognizes the importance of the Octagon Barn Center for the region and has generously stepped up to help make it happen," said Wende David, development director of The Land Conservancy. "Both of our organizations are focused on building relationships that support the community over the long term. This partnership represents our shared investment in local resources and our interest in highlighting San Luis Obispo’s agricultural heritage.”

The Land Conservancy reached another milestone on the Barn project with its recent submittal of a Conditional Use Permit application to the County, which will allow for site improvements and eventual operations at the Octagon Barn Center.

“Our tremendous volunteers and Board Trustees have positioned the Octagon Barn Center for completion," said Bob Hill, executive director of The Land Conservancy. "The permit process will take time, but we are confident that the project will proceed with support from our many community partners. The investments we’ve enjoyed from individuals, businesses and foundations are truly helping to ‘raise the community’ through this project.”
    
Established in 1996, Utility Telephone provides business-to-business telephone and internet services focusing on competitive pricing, comprehensive product lines and long-term customer relationships.  From basic voice to VoIP, data, Internet and managed IP services, Utility Telephone strives to deliver the right solutions at the right price to help local companies communicate effectively.

Based in San Luis Obispo, Calif. and Stockton, Calif., Utility Telephone prides itself on customer-first service and a strong network of local technicians. More info at www.utilitytelephone.com.

The Octagon Barn Center will be a community gathering place to promote local agriculture, recreation, history, and education, while applying sustainability principles in its development and operations.

To learn more about the history and proposed renovation of the historic Octagon Barn, please visit www.octagonbarn.org.