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Last updated on Tuesday, June 9, 2015
(UNDATED) - The Indiana Broadband and Technology Association (IBTA) announced during its annual convention in French Lick this week that AT&T Indiana is the organization’s “Company of the Year” for 2015.
In making the announcement, IBTA President John Koppin cited AT&T's role as a trendsetter and investment hero in the broadband and technology community. AT&T has invested nearly $2 billion in the Hoosier state over the last 3 years, and nationally, no one has invested more in the United States.
Koppin also noted that AT&T Indiana has ramped up its relationships with technology thought leaders throughout the state, and funded civic hackathons that are designed to engage software developers in helping solve community challenges.
In addition, the company built on its successful history of improving Indiana's regulatory environment during the last session of the General Assembly, by taking a leadership role in supporting legislation that's focused on making it easier for the industry to bring high-speed Internet to the Crossroads of America
"AT&T has been a long-time member of the IBTA, since its incorporation in 1919, and the company consistently works in a cooperative way through the association to meet the goals of a growing Indiana broadband and technology industry," Koppin said. "Due to its long-time membership and willingness to assist other members and invest its resources in Indiana cities, towns and rural communities, we're thrilled to honor AT&T as our 'Company of the Year.'"
In selecting AT&T, the IBTA also pointed out that the company has been committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. The most recent statistics show that AT&T has contributed or directed more than $6.4 million through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs in Indiana. And thanks to AT&T Aspire - the company's signature education initiative that drives innovation in education - more than $300,000 has been invested in education in Indiana, and its employees have provided nearly 6,400 hours of mentoring through the Aspire Mentoring Academy.
"We're proud to be members of the IBTA and to work together to boost the state's broadband and telecommunications industry," said AT&T Indiana President Bill Soards. "We live in a rapidly changing world, and we're quickly headed to a fully connected future. Organizations like the IBTA are critical to staying ahead of the game, and ensuring that Hoosiers are benefiting from the very latest in technology advancements."
During the convention, Soards was elected second vice-chairman of the IBTA, which is a two-year officer position.
About the IBTA
The Indiana Broadband and Technology Association is a non-profit trade association representing Indiana's Broadband and Technology industry. Its members include 40 local competitive wireline and wireless companies and over 125 companies that supply goods and services to broadband and technology companies.
The IBTA hosts three regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year which include a Spring Meeting held in April, a Convention in June, and a December Conference in December. Additionally, the IBTA administers a trade show, the Great Lakes Technology Showcase, in cooperation with the Ohio Telecommunications Association and the Telecommunications Association of Michigan, held in late October each year. This trade show includes over 100 exhibit booths featuring the latest offerings in products and services from the telecommunications industry along with an educational program filled with industry speakers. The Great Lakes Technology Showcase draws over 600 professionals from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. The IBTA also hosts seminars and conferences on various educational topics as needs or issues arise.
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