FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MACON, MO – November 6, 2024 – The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, announced the recipients of 36 Community Grants totaling nearly $170,000 — the largest number of grants and greatest total annual allocation in its history — to close out the foundation’s 30th anniversary year. These grants will support a wide variety of projects aimed at improving quality of life across rural communities served by NTCA members.
Chariton Valley is pleased to announce the Macon Police and Fire Departments as one of these grant recipients. The Macon Police and Fire Departments received $4,914 to upgrade their telephone system with advanced telecommunications devices for enhancing service capabilities for its citizens.
“This grant opportunity came at the perfect time,” declared Macon Chief of Police Joey Roberts. “Just two weeks before being notified of the award, our current phone system developed a serious and unrepairable issue, leaving our police station with only one phone line for daily business. Without this award, we would have had to request emergency funds to replace our old system. Macon Police Department is looking forward to working with Chariton Valley to make this needed upgrade and provide future service and support. Ultimately, the modernized phone system will help us maintain high standards of police service to ensure that residents receive timely assistance, significantly boosting community safety and overall well-being,” Roberts stated.
“Implementing a new phone system for the Macon Fire Department means enhancing our communication efficiency, reliability, and ensuring rapid response times,” said Travis Austin, Macon Fire Chief. “With advanced technology and superior service at our fingertips, we can coordinate better during emergencies, and non-emergencies alike. This upgrade is not just about phones; it is about empowering our firefighters to serve our community more effectively,” Austin concluded.
“We are grateful and proud to have achieved a new record in our support for rural communities during this anniversary year,” said FRS Executive Director Pam Becker. “The work these organizations do in their communities is nothing short of inspiring, and it’s an honor to partner with NTCA members to help make these projects a reality. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of FRS than [by awarding] the largest ever number of grants to deserving organizations served by NTCA members. I would like to thank our donors for making this possible,” Becker added.
Chariton Valley President and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Johnson joined in congratulating the grant recipients, “Congratulations to the Macon Police and Fire Departments!” he said. “We are proud to be a part of the FRS and partner with your departments for the betterment of this community,” Johnson concluded.
For a complete list of awardees, click here.
About Chariton Valley
Through influential leadership, innovative advances, and 70 years of experience, Chariton Valley, Missouri’s premier communications provider, enhances rural prosperity and living. While delivering an exceptional customer experience, Chariton Valley’s reliable network expands connectivity to students, families, farmers, businesses, medical facilities, and rural communities every day. Headquartered in Macon, Missouri, Chariton Valley is committed to promoting and investing in the communities it serves. Learn more at www.cvalley.net.
About the Foundation for Rural Service
The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association and its members, seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. Through scholarships, grants, and a variety of educational programs, FRS focuses on educating rural youth, encouraging community development and introducing policymakers to challenges unique to rural communities. Visit FRS at www.frs.org.
About NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association
NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing more than 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovative change in smart rural communities across America. In an era of transformative technological developments, regulatory challenges and marketplace competition, NTCA members are advancing efforts to close the digital divide by delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks. Their commitment to building sustainable networks makes rural communities fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit NTCA at www.ntca.org.
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Chariton Valley
Donna Bell
Public Relations and Economic Development Manager
660-395-9636
[email protected]
www.cvalley.net
