Bristol Virginia Utilities (BVU) and the community it serves have been awarded the national 2008 Smart Community Award for their outstanding broadband and economic development initiatives.

Sponsored by Last Mile magazine, the competition chooses two "smart communities" annually from across the country -- one with a population of more than 200,000 and another with a population of less than 200,000. The award recognizes municipalities that have bridged the digital divide. Tucson, Ariz., received the award for a community with a population of more than 200,000.

Smart Communities are judged on their efforts to enable ubiquitous broadband access, further economic development, enhance public safety and education, employ innovative solutions in network deployment and application, and foster community involvement.

Sandy Crusenberry, Bristol Virginia Utilities' marketing and business development director, accepted the award on behalf of Bristol, Va., at the Digital City EXPO in Phoenix. Addressing Expo attendees, Crusenberry stated, "BVU's success is attributed to our dedication to providing excellent customer service and technical support, a forward-thinking management team, investment in 'future-proof' infrastructure and a trusting relationship built with our customers after over 60 years of providing electric service."

BVU IS the first municipal utility in the nation to offer triple-play services over a fiber-to-the-user (FTTU) network, according to a release from the utility.

BVU President and CEO Wes Rosenbalm said, "Bristol leaders and the BVU Board of Directors chose to invest in important infrastructure in order to make advanced broadband more accessible and affordable to local residents and businesses and to enhance the area's economic development opportunities and its citizens' quality of life. That decision took commitment to our community's future."