More than $10 million dedicated to support innovation and growth
in 50 rural communities over three years.
Frontier, DISH challenge communities across America to submit and
implement their best plans for future growth and prosperity.
Unique financial rewards, support network for small communities to
collaborate, initiate change for long-term sustainability.
STAMFORD, Conn. & ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Frontier Communications (NASDAQ:FTR) and DISH Network (NASDAQ:DISH)
today launched America’s Best Communities, a $10 million prize
competition to stimulate growth and revitalization in small cities and
towns across Frontier’s 27-state footprint.
America’s Best Communities contest will help address the need for
growth by identifying and investing in innovative ideas that small
cities and towns can use to build and sustain their local economies. The
winning ideas then become available as a roadmap for growth for all
rural communities across the U.S.
In creating this contest, Frontier and DISH emphasized their commitment
to supporting sustained economic success for rural communities, many of
which have faced tough times in recent years.
“This contest is designed to challenge a community’s brightest and most
innovative thinkers to develop meaningful strategies and plans that will
transform their town or city,” said Maggie Wilderotter, Chairman and CEO
of Frontier Communications. “Whether ideas come from an individual or a
group, visionaries in a community can effect powerful transformations.
And the $10 million in support from Frontier and DISH is just the tip of
the iceberg. As businesses join together to support their local
community through the America’s Best Communities Contest, there will be
a multiplier effect that will expand the size and impact of the prize.
Frontier is offering qualified applicants the resources they need to be
their own agents for positive change.”
“DISH got its start serving remote areas of Colorado, so we understand
the innovation and entrepreneurialism that springs forth from America’s
smaller communities,” said DISH CEO and President Joe Clayton. “Every
small community has a story to tell and we want to help create an
opportunity for the best ideas that lead to thriving communities to be
identified and shared.”
America’s Best Communities is a multi-stage, three-year contest
that provides $4 million in seed money and other support to assist
communities as they develop growth and revitalization plans. The top
three communities will receive a total of $6 million in prize money.
Municipalities with populations of 9,500 to 80,000 and located within
Frontier’s service areas are eligible to apply. Those with populations
under 9,500 are encouraged to join forces and collaborate with adjacent
communities to become eligible.
Communities must apply by Jan. 12, 2015, to qualify. Judges will then
select up to 50 qualified applicants in February 2015, each of which
will be awarded $35,000 to develop their plans and proposals. These
communities will then have seven months to refine and submit their final
proposals in September 2015.
Up to 15 semifinalists will be selected in November 2015, and will
attend America’s Best Communities summit in January 2016 to
present their proposals. In early 2016, eight finalists will be selected
and will be awarded $100,000 each. The prize money awarded to the eight
finalists will be used to implement the communities’ plans and bring
them to life, while sharing their stories – and successes – along the
way.
The America’s Best Communities top three competition winners –
those with the most innovative, effective proposals – will be awarded a
total of $6 million in grand prizes in Oct. 2017.
More detailed information on eligibility and how communities can apply
can be found at www.americasbestcommunities.com.
“Frontier is committed to the small cities and towns we serve, and one
of the best ways to demonstrate that is through our new America’s
Best Communities prize competition,” Wilderotter said. “We’re
excited to see which ideas rise to the top and how they will help not
only an applicant’s local community grow and thrive, but how the
proposals can benefit all communities across America.”
About Frontier Communications
Frontier Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: FTR) offers broadband,
voice, satellite video, wireless Internet data access, data security
solutions, bundled offerings, specialized bundles for residential
customers, small businesses and home offices, and advanced
communications for medium and large businesses in 27 states. Frontier's
approximately 13,900 employees are based entirely in the United States.
More information is available at www.frontier.com.
About DISH
DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiaries, provides
approximately 14.053 million pay-TV subscribers, as of June 30, 2014,
with the highest quality programming and technology with the most
choices at the best value. Subscribers enjoy a high-definition lineup
with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international
channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corp. is
a Fortune 250 company. Visit www.dish.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140910005127/en/
Frontier Communications
Steve Crosby, 916-686-3333
916-206-8198
steven.crosby@ftr.com
or
DISH
Network
Jenna McMullin, 303-723-1695
jenna.mcmullin@dish.com
@DISHnews
Source: Frontier Communications