The America's Best Communities Prize Competition is an economic revitalization prize, a $10 million initiative to stimulate economic revitalization in small towns and cities across the Frontier Communications Service Area in 27 states. Sponsored by Frontier Communications,DISH Network and their partners, their goal is to invest in communities to help spur economic growth and community revitalization.
Scranton is one of 50 communities across the country to advance as a quarterfinalist in the America's Best Communities Competition. Spearheaded by MetroAction Inc., the community development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber has been awarded $50,000 to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to accelerate our local economics and improve quality of life. Representatives from Geisinger-Community Medical Center were likewise instrumental in development of the successful grant application. The Chamber and Lackawanna County will provide required matching funds for the initiative.
The proposal is based on a vision for a community revitalization plan built on a platform of business attraction, sustainment and growth, targeted to Education and Medical (“Eds & Meds”) business expansion in the downtown and surrounding areas. Supported by private industry, higher education, economic and community development partners, and government; the plan focuses on various areas including an increased pro-business climate and enhanced quality of life within Scranton's Central Business District.
“Our goal is to engage the leaders of Scranton's business community, to discuss and lay the framework for a community revitalization plan, " said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “The success of these efforts and implementation will also require the input and support of community and public sector leaders.
The process will unfold over the coming months, and will include a high level of engagement from key constituencies involved in Economic, Community and Workforce Development.
Sponsored by Frontier Communications, DISH Network, The Weather Channel and CoBank, the America's Best Communities Prize (ABC) competition is a campaign that dedicates $10 million in cash and other rewards to support and inspire the kinds of creativity and innovation that transform communities and result in long term growth.
In addition, Campbell's Soup Company, after review of the many applications, has selected Scranton as their America's Best Communities Adopt-a-Community Program. Campbell's will serve as a strategic mentor during the development and implementation process.
