BRISTOL VIRGINIA IS ONLY ONE OF 57 FINALISTS FOR THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES 2008 MUNICIPAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS. THE NOMINATION IS A RESULT OF THE CITY’S GROUNDBREAKING BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INITIATIVE. BRISTOL WAS THE FIRST IN THE U.S. TO IMPLEMENT THE SERVICE. IN ADDITION TO SERVING CITY RESIDENTS AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS, THE OPTINET DIVISION HAS EXTENDED FIBER-OPTIC SERVICE TO OTHER PARTS OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA AND RECENTLY BEGAN MANAGING A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM IN NORTH CAROLINA. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED DURING THE LEAGUE’S ANNUAL CONGRESS OF CITIES IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA IN MID-NOVEMBER.