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Funding announced for Bluefield’s “Cool and Connected” program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A grant will help the City of Bluefield get the tools needed to further promote itself.

On Thursday, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $15,000 to the City of Bluefield.  The funds will go toward the development of a smartphone app to market Bluefield to businesses and tourists alike.  It’s part of the Bluefield Cool and Connected Broadband Program started by the city.

The app will support the Millennial Ambassador Program.  According to their website, the Bluefield-based organization engages high school and college students in the marketing of the city and region.  These students will help develop and manage the app.

“I’m excited to see initiatives like Bluefield Cool and Connected Broadband sprouting up across West Virginia,” Senator Manchin said. “West Virginia has so much to offer and creative ideas like this will help us show the world just that. I applaud the City of Bluefield for having the foresight to develop a mobile app and ARC for supporting this local project.”

The app is projected to include links to websites promoting city activities, assistance with tourist attractions and showcase available space for businesses to market.  Senator Capito said in a release she is excited about projects like this to help move the state forward.

“Projects like Bluefield Cool and Connected Broadband are perfect examples of ways we can showcase our wonderful West Virginia communities, drive tourism, and strengthen our local economy.”

For more information about the Millennial Ambassador Program, visit their website mybluefield.org/millennial-ambassador-program.