Route 1 Communities Competing to be America's Best Community

PALESTINE, Ill. - March 4, 2015 - PRLog -- Six rural communities along Illinois State Route 1 are working together on the America’s Best Community Contest sponsored by Frontier Communications, DISH Network and CoBank.  The partnership includes Paris, Marshall, West Union, Hutsonville, Robinson, and Palestine with support from East Central Illinois Development Corporation (ECIDC), University of Illinois Extension, Marathon Petroleum Company, Yargus Manufacturing Inc., and a number of additional economic development and community organizations.  The “6 Communities - 1 Route” team will be competing against communities across the 27 states Frontier serves.
(follow 6 Communities - 1 Route on Facebook)

The public may go to the America’s Best Communities Facebook Page to follow the competition and to comment in favor of the “Paris, Marshall, West Union, Hutsonville, Robinson, and Palestine” grant project.  The first round of applicants will compete for a $35,000 prize, while the second round will complete for a $100,000 prize.  The final round of grants will be for a $1 million, $2 million, and $3 million dollar prize.   Social media support from friends and neighbors is greatly appreciated.

The competition, conceived by Frontier and co-sponsored by DISH and CoBank, is designed to stimulate growth and revitalization in small cities and towns across 27 states in Frontier’s footprint.  The contest will identify and invest in innovative ideas communities can use to build and sustain their local economies.

“I am so pleased to see the list of proud Illinois communities that have registered for the contest,” said Eric Barie, Frontier Senior Vice President and Illinois General Manager  “We are looking forward to seeing what kind of innovative plans are developed for local economic growth and community development.”

Barb Webster, local resident and Executive Director of ECIDC, is excited about the project. “We have a wonderful group of small communities coming together to make a difference as a team.  They know how to get things done and are willing to put in the effort.”

Pat Schofield, Palestine Mayor, commented after the last planning meeting, “My opinion is that our meeting last night was very productive.”  “I so applaud you all who have entered this project with an open mind and with vision for our future.”

About Frontier Communications

Frontier Communications Corporation  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 28 states. Frontier's approximately 17,400 employees are based entirely in the United States. http://www.frontier.com

About DISH

DISH Network Corp. , through its subsidiaries, provides approximately 14.04 million pay-TV subscribers, as of September 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. http://www.dish.com

About CoBank

CoBank is a $102 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture and the nation's rural economy. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore. http://www.cobank.com