Columbia, Mo.- Socket has named Steve Crandall and Josh Johnson co-recipients of its fifth annual Socketeer-of-the-Year award. Owners George Pfenenger, John Dupuy and Carson Coffman presented Crandall and Johnson with the honors at Socket's annual Christmas celebration.

Each month, co-workers select an employee as its You-Make-the-Difference award winner based on whom best reflects Socket's Core Values and Beliefs. All winners are then eligible for the annual honor. Fellow employees submitted comments to help the owners make their decision. This year they had a tough time choosing just one winner from all the deserving candidates.

"Choosing only one person as Socketeer-of-the-Year is always hard because we have so many incredible people," said Pfenenger. "This year, we felt Steve and Josh both deserved the recognition."

Crandall joined Socket in 2007 and builds the phone and Internet network outside the office. He also responds to network emergencies and assists with around-the-clock monitoring. Outside Socket, he can often be found playing guitar or chess.

Johnson joined Socket's programming team in 2001 and has since been promoted to department supervisor. He oversees the development and maintenance of billing systems, data tracking and much more. A native of Williamsburg, Mo., Johnson graduated from the University of Missouri in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in computer science. Outside Socket, Johnson spends most of his time with his wife, Kara, and their 21-month-old son, Riley.

Founded in 1994, Socket is a Columbia-based telephone and Internet service provider with the largest service coverage in the state. Socket is a privately held company that provides Columbia families and businesses a choice for local and long-distance phone and Internet service. It combines the highest quality customer service with in-depth technical knowledge. Socket's simple billing and quick, friendly services are enjoyed by more than 20,000 customers in more than 400 cities across Missouri. For additional information, visit: http://www.socket.net.

ATTENTION REPORTERS AND EDITORS:

To view all Socket press releases, please visit www.socket.net/press-releases.