Frontier Communications, DISH team up to support revitalization of small cities with America’s Best Communities Contest

Published: September 10, 2014

STAMFORD, Conn., and ENGLEWOOD, Colo., September 10, 2014 — 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.americasbestcommuni/es.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. 

Contact: Frontier Communications Steve Crosby 916-686-3333 916-206-8198 steven.crosby@ftr.com

Contact:DISH Network Jenna McMullin 303-723-1695 jenna.mcmullin@dish.com@DISHnews

The ABC Prize Competition seeks local, high-impact initiatives that demonstrate commitment to collaboration and action. Successful initiatives will:

1. Detail current initiatives and outline future economic development activities that could attract, retain, and grow their community’s infrastructure or population by identifying new ways to harness local resources, stimulate additional investment or utilize new technologies such as broadband infrastructure.
2. Highlight the community’s unique geographic and social assets, including arts, culture, education and social fabric, and provide an outline for a three- to five-year vision of enhancement in these areas.
3. Articulate the challenges and opportunities facing the community and demonstrate commitment to creating change in the community.
4. Provide a clear overall vision for the community’s revitalized future by describing the desired outcome and the infrastructure, resources and relationships needed to achieve it.
5. Identify the specific and tangible community benefits that result from delivering on the projects and programs identified.

There will be four rounds of the ABC Prize Competition, with Quarter-, Semi-Finalist, Finalist, and Grand Prize winners selected.

After the selection of winners at each round of the ABC Prize Competition, additional submissions or presentations will be required to be considered for the next round of the Competition.

Prizes include implementation funds from Frontier and Co-Sponsors, in addition to other goods and services. Specifically, the ABC Prize Competition will award the following:

• Up to 50 Quarter-Finalists will each receive $35,000 of implementation funds, with a commitment by the recipients to raise $15,000 cash in matching funds.
• Up to 15 Semi-Finalists will receive reimbursement of travel and hotel costs for up to three team members to attend the ABC Prize Summit.
• Up to eight Finalists will receive an additional $100,000 of implementation funds.
• One third place Grand Prize winner will receive $1,000,000.
• One second place Grand Prize winner will receive $2,000,000.
• One first place Grand Prize winner will receive $3,000,000.