The Statesboro team leading a South Main revitalization earned a top eight position in April at the America’s Best Communities competition. In a 10-minute pitch, Statesboro’s ABC team convinced a panel of expert economic developers that its plan to restore a one mile stretch of US 301 connecting the university to our downtown core is one of the best plans of over 350 originally submitted.

The finalist spot earned the project another $100,000, which will be used to implement key steps in the plan over the next 11 months.

Advancing to the top eight gives Statesboro the opportunity to further develop the initiative, nicknamed the “Blue Mile” project.

Organized by Frontier Communications, The Weather Channel, DISH and CoBank, the competition is intended to spark ideas leading to economic vitality and sustainable growth in the small towns and rural communities served by sponsor corporations.

Communities with populations ranging from 9,500 to 80,000 were invited to participate. In  April 2015 Statesboro was announced as one of 50 quarterfinalist, and in January 2016 announced as one of 15 semi-finalists. The finalist spot was secured at a Durham, NC, summit on April 17.  Statesboro will now continue to vie for a top three position, seeking top awards of $1 million for third place, $2 million for second, and $3 million for the top spot.

As a quarterfinalist Statesboro had already won $50,000 for the plan’s implementation.

 “The Competition is not just telling a story, but helping create one for our community,” said Jaclyn Cason, General Manager of Statesboro’s Frontier Communications of Georgia office.

“This competition couldn’t have come at a better time for Statesboro,” said team member and Chamber President Phyllis Thompson. “As we continue to plan and execute South Main Street revitalization, the contest dovetails beautifully, helping us promote our vision and drawing attention to our progress. Winnings would hasten our progress considerably.”

Statesboro’s entry can be viewed at America’s Best Communities.

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