FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ATLANTA, MO – March 7, 2025 – Today, Chariton Valley hosted a ceremony at Atlanta C-3 School to announce the designation of Atlanta as a Smart Rural Community℠ (SRC)!
This prestigious designation highlights the use of Chariton Valley’s fiber network for the betterment of the community and the work of many community leaders who labor tirelessly to strengthen Atlanta economically while maintaining its unique rural charm.
As Ryan Johnson, President and CEO of Chariton Valley, explained, “Smart Rural Communities℠ is a national network of communities powered by innovative rural broadband providers building a brighter future for small-town America. The program promotes rural broadband and its role in supporting innovative economic development, effective education, efficient energy distribution and use, state-of-the-art health care, and other prominent issues for rural America.”
Lisa Bender, Mayor of Atlanta, submitted the award application in which she shared that with high-speed fiber internet, Atlanta has seen economic growth, population growth, increased educational opportunities and that the work-from-home capability is bringing families back to the area.
“The city of Atlanta is thrilled to receive the Smart Rural Community℠ designation from Chariton Valley,” Bender stated. “We are always asking what is next for our town and its future. Atlanta recently 
built a new school and has seen a renewed interest in small business. Fiber to the home has been key in continuing to grow and offer the residents, our school and businesses easy, fast and reliable internet connections, which makes Atlanta a great place to live, work and raise a family,” she concluded.
On behalf of the office of 18th District State Senator Cindy O’Laughlin, District Representative Lois Bragg indicated she was honored to be asked to attend this celebration. “Chariton Valley has been a steadfast provider of phone, cable and wireless services to the Atlanta community for many years. With the addition of fiber, they now offer some of the most technologically advanced services available in the entire state of Missouri,” Bragg stated. “We owe a debt of gratitude to Chariton Valley for their unwavering commitment to rural Missouri communities, ensuring access to cutting-edge technology,” she said.
Referencing three other recently designated communities in addition to Atlanta, Bragg shared, “We take immense pride in the recognition of Atlanta and Macon, two communities within the 18th District, as Smart Rural Communities℠. Their embrace of the services provided by Chariton Valley is commendable. Additionally, we extend our congratulations to Missouri State Senator Rusty Black’s 12th District communities of Marceline and Salisbury for also earning the Smart Rural Community℠ designation.”
Before the entire student body, Bender accepted the SRC certificate on behalf of the Atlanta community!
“Congratulations on being designated as an SRC!” stated Johnson. “We hope to ignite progress in communities through digital transformation, fuel economic growth and enhance the quality of life for everyone! We are excited for what the future holds for Atlanta!” he concluded.
To learn more about Chariton Valley fiber or sign up for service, visit www.cvalley.net/fiber or call 660-388-9930.
About Chariton Valley
Through its influential leadership, innovative advances, and 70+ years of experience, Chariton Valley, Missouri’s premier communications provider, continues to enhance rural prosperity and living. Chariton Valley’s reliable network utilizes fiber facilities to expand connectivity to students, families, farmers, businesses, medical facilities and rural communities every day. Chariton Valley’s success is driven by a commitment to deliver an exceptional customer experience and to continue proudly supporting the communities it serves. Learn more at www.cvalley.net.
# # #
Chariton Valley
Donna Bell
Public Relations and Economic Development Manager
660-395-9636
[email protected]
www.cvalley.net
