Winona, MN – HBC takes the mantra “Reuse, Reduce, Recycle” seriously, as demonstrated this Earth Day weekend. The HBC Wizards collected a small mountain of old computers, monitors, and accessories during the Earth Week recycling drive held at HBC’s 67 Main St. location Saturday, April 21st.

It is estimated that 500 million personal computers have been taken out of service between 2000 and 2007, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Electronic waste volume is increasing two to three times faster than any other waste. Computers often contain lead and other hazardous materials and proper disposal is essential to protect the environment.

“Our thanks to the citizenry of Winona for helping us do our joint part in keeping this beautiful bubble we live on just a little bit cleaner,” said Don Patten, COO of HBC.

The HBC Sales team distributed reusable fabric shopping bags to patrons at area grocery stores to promote Earth Week and encourage conservation of resources.  “We are so happy to be able to team up with local business and hand out hundreds of bags to people in our community in celebration of Earth Week,” said Jill Cordes, an HBC sales team member.

In addition, HBC Mobile still accepts used cell phones and donates them to the Winona Women’s Resource Center. “HBC is pleased to pass recycled cellular phones on to the Women’s Resource Center, so they can be used for emergency calls…,” said Terri McManemy, an HBC Mobile sales representative.

Hiawatha Broadband Communications (HBC) is a southeastern Minnesota service provider. The company delivers voice, video and data applications to a customer base that numbers more than 12,000.

HBC’s roots are in a non-profit project begun in 1993 and called Luminet. Luminet connected Winona education, health care and government and institutions to extend the reach of teaching and learning. In 1997, the success of Luminet led to the formation of HBC. Today, the company operates in 16 markets with 40 percent of its stock owned by non-profit entities.

If you have more questions, or would like to schedule an interview about this topic, please contact Don Patten at (507) 474-4516 or via email at dpatten@exchange.hbci.com.