End of an Era – Emerge’s original telephone number canceled
June 25th, 2009
Today marks the end of an era in Emerge’s history. We have canceled the company’s first ever telephone number (440) 233-5999.
When Mike and I started the company in (can you believe this) October 1996, we worked out of my house in Sheffield Township. To demonstrate our legitimacy (and because we just knew it would be ringing off the hook) we had a telephone line, a dedicated Internet line and a fax line installed. If I remember correctly, these 3 lines cost over $200 a month.
A year later, we moved to Elyria. Even though the move was just 5 miles South, we had to switch telephone companies. Back then, there was no number portability, so we had to get a new telephone number (440) 284-4949. There was also very little telecommunication competition and limited cell phone options.
For the past 12 years, we held onto the old number (but canceled the Internet and fax line) because it ensured we were listed in the Lorain telephone book. For anyone not from Lorain County, even though the County is less than 300,000 residents, there are 3 major telephone carriers serving different parts of the County. Prior to the Internet, if you wanted people to find your business, you had to be in all 3 telephone books.
With the popularity of the Internet, we have decided that it isn’t important to be in the telephone book. I’m sure there are still some people who will look for us there, but I expect anyone who is serious about reaching us will go to Google or LorainCounty.com or our website for contact information.
