Geographic Information System Provider Esri Awards MBC at Annual User Conference
SAN DIEGO, Calif.— July 12, 2018 Esri, the global leader in spatial analytics, presented Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation with Esri’s Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award on July 11 at the annual Esri User Conference. Selected from over 300,000 eligible candidates, MBC received the award for its innovative application of mapping, data analytics, and thought leadership in the field of telecommunications.
The SAG Awards are meant to show appreciation for organizations that are using GIS to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. Through The Science of Where—the technology of GIS combined with the science of geography—the users honored with these awards are demonstrating the most groundbreaking and transformative possibilities of GIS software.
“Esri User Conference is a great forum for our users to come together and share the amazing ways they are implementing GIS technology,” said Jack Dangermond, Esri founder and president. “The organizations recognized here are creating maps and using spatial analytics to make a difference in the world. We are honored to present these awards.”
“We are honored to be one of this year’s SAG Award recipients.” said Chase Weddle, Senior Network Planner. “We look forward to growing our partnership with ESRI and their business partners to help continue making a positive impact in Virginia.”
MBC was one of over 180 organizations in areas such as commercial industry, defense, transportation, nonprofit work, and government to receive a SAG Award. Esri staff annually nominate hundreds of candidates from around the world for consideration, and Dangermond selects the finalists.
For more information on how MBC is changing the world through The Science of Where, visit www.mbc-va.com.
About MBC
Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation is a Virginia-based leader in creating unique public-private partnerships to build and operate open-access fiber networks. MBC has built over 1,800 route miles of fiber in Southern Virginia to bring competition and drive down costs to accelerate digital inclusiveness. MBC’s middle-mile fiber network provides affordable infrastructure and carrier-class broadband connectivity to drive economic growth. MBC has successfully partnered with regional economic development entities to attract new business and jobs to Southern Virginia with its open access fiber network.
About Esri
Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, offers the most powerful mapping and spatial analytics technology available. Since 1969, Esri has helped customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Today, Esri software is deployed in more than 350,000 organizations including the world’s largest cities, most national governments, 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. Esri engineers the most advanced solutions for digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and location analytics to inform the most authoritative maps in the world. Visit us at esri.com.
Copyright © 2018 Esri. All rights reserved. Esri, the Esri globe logo, The Science of Where, esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of Esri in the United States, the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of their respective mark owners.
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South Boston, VA – April 18, 2018 – The Wanda Bostick Jeffress Memorial STEM Scholarship funded by Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation has been awarded to two members of the Halifax County High School class of 2018. Among 14 competitive applicants, Gordon Taylor and Kyra Scott were selected by the review committee. Each student will receive a one-time scholarship of $2,500 towards their college studies.
Taylor is attending the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia to study computer engineering. Taylor’s career goal is to become a software developer. Taylor said, “My dream is make new software and create applications that makes life easier for all people… When searching for a job, [what] will be the most important factor in my decision is: Will I be able to assist or help people in any way?”
Scott is attending North Carolina Agriculture and Technology University in Greensboro, Carolina to study computer engineering. Scott’s career goal is become a hardware engineer, computer programmer or software developer. Scott said, “My vision for my impact… includes creating an inspiration of diversity in engineering careers… The more diverse minds we have working together, the more breakthroughs we can reach because everyone has unique mindsets.”
The Wanda Bostick Jeffress Memorial STEM Scholarship was created by Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation was created to honor the legacy of Wanda Bostick Jeffress, of Halifax, who departed this life March 19, 2018. The scholarship will be offered annually to graduating seniors at Halifax County High School who are pursuing higher education in a STEM field, which may include science, technology, engineering, math, or healthcare. Qualified students have financial need and display academic achievement and a strong commitment to STEM.
A very active community leader, Jeffress served in numerous capacities including Board of Directors for Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation, Board of Trustees at Averett University, Lead Virginia (2008), the Virginia Advisory Board for American National Bank and a former board of directors’ member for Halifax County Industrial Development Authority.
Jeffress was vice-president and co-owner of Jeffress Funeral Home, South Boston and associate broker/agent with Realty Resource, Inc.
A 1981 Averett College graduate, Wanda’s employment career began as a production supervisor with the former Burlington Industries. She received her MBA degree from Averett College (University) in 1992 and later graduated from the School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia in 1994 while working as a mortgage lending specialist with the former Central Fidelity Bank (Wells Fargo).
Prior to joining her husband in the family business, she served as director of human resources at Halifax Regional Health Systems. Her passion for real estate and home ownership led her to pursue her real estate and broker licenses.
For additional information about applying for Wanda Bostick Jeffress Memorial STEM Scholarship, seniors at Halifax County High School should contact the school’s guidance department.
About Mid-Atlantic Broadband
Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization, committed to providing economic development leadership to Southern Virginia. MBC promotes economic development in Southern Virginia through the operation of a successful advanced open access fiber optic network, providing wholesale telecommunications transport services, colocation and tower leasing. Since its inception in 2004 and by offering a state-of-the art fiber optic network, MBC has supported the recruitment of major investments including data centers, call center/operations centers, advanced manufacturing, research and development, and bio-tech industries. For more information, visit www.mbc-va.com.
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Media Contact
Lauren Mathena
Mid-Atlantic Broadband
434-250-1749
Lauren.Mathena@mbc-va.com