The city of Woodstock rejoices as it prepares to receive $3 million in tech goods and services
WOODSTOCK – Back in April, T-Mobile, a mobile telecommunication company, partnered with Smart Growth America, an organization that specializes in community planning and development, to unveil its first-ever “Hometown Techover” contest, which gave small towns across America with a population of 50,000 or less an opportunity to enter to win a $3 million reward.
Jon Freier, executive vice president of T-Mobile’s Consumer Group, explained via a Facebook video that the $3 million in prizes include a $200,000 grant, 5G network enhancements, a Little League Baseball field refurbishment, T-Mobile Magenta Ticket prize packs that will be handed out to 100 lucky households, as well as a free concert featuring multi-platinum duo Florida Georgia Line.
Out of 10 finalist towns, the City of Woodstock ultimately took the win based on “enthusiasm, commitment to the process, and the special nature of the town,” a Sep. 2 press release stated.
“Choosing a Hometown Techover winner was no easy task, with so many fantastic entries across the nation…but the people of Woodstock, Illinois are primed and ready to become the 5G model for small towns nationwide,” said Freier. “They’re going to show Small Town America all the ways 5G can transform and more deeply connect a community, and we’ll be here every step of the way through this massive technology upgrade.”
Superintendent for Woodstock School District 200 Michael Moan expressed the importance of having community-wide access to the internet.
“I think now more than ever access to technology is access to the world. Having connectivity, not be tied to [school buildings] anymore, but to have it whether you’re out in our rural areas or near our downtown, just giving the resources they need to continue to grow,” said Moan.
What made Woodstock a competition stand out was the dedication community leaders put forward to prove that while they are a tight-knit community with a small-town charm, they are not afraid to also integrate a contemporary and progressive mindset to enhance a diverse economy within Woodstock.
“Woodstock is very fond of saying that we’re true to our past and confident in our future. We work to maintain that history and the community recognizes the value of the history of the buildings, the history of our culture. The T-Mobile 5G Techover is a huge deal for us because it’s going to help our businesses, help our downtown, help our residents, help our visitors. Its technology that will make us more productive, enhance our lives and make us a better community not just now, but for decades to come,” said Woodstock Mayor Mike Turner.
“Smart Growth America is committed to the success of small cities and rural communities. Having worked in over 130 cities and towns of all sizes over the years, we know what it takes to help them capitalize on what makes them great places to call home,” said Calvin Gladney, president and CEO of Smart Growth America.
He continued, “We are excited about the opportunities afforded to these rural places by T-Mobile. Woodstock, IL is a unique community that is keenly aware of its sense of place, is anchored by a vibrant downtown, and possesses both a compelling vision for the future and the capacity to fulfill that vision. We are eager to help them continue on their quest.”
The nine other finalist towns were not left empty-handed as they were each awarded with a $50,000 grant for project funding.
Florida Georgia Line was set to perform in Woodstock this fall though due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, all Florida Georgia Line concerts have been canceled until further notice.
Once COVID-19 cases have subsided, Florida Georgia Line member Tyler Hubbard expressed his excitement at the prospect of performing in Woodstock.
“Let’s go, Woodstock! Congrats on winning the T-Mobile Hometown Techover,” Hubbard said. “Your community came together to make this happen, and we can’t wait to celebrate this moment with such a great town!”
Florida Georgia Line’s other member Brian Kelley continued with, “We’ll be bringing the energy, good vibes, and something special for all the people of Woodstock. Hope y’all are ready to party!”
Despite the Hometown Techover contest being over, T-Mobile states that they are invested in continuing their wireless support for communities across rural America.
With that being said, T-Mobile is committing $25 million to small-town grants during the next five years to help fund community development projects in rural areas across the country to help jumpstart stalled projects and get new ones off the ground.
For more information about T-Mobile’s commitment to small towns, visit T-Mobile.com/AcrossAmerica
