BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce named Connected Nation one of the Best Places to Work — awarding the organization with a sixth-place ranking in the small-sized employer category. This is the 10^th time the Kentucky-based, national nonprofit has been given the distinction.

“Connected Nation is celebrating 20 years of service in 2021,” said Tom Ferree, chairman and CEO, CN. “This honor is among the best we can receive because it says that we are creating a work environment for our employees that gives them the tools and support they need to fulfill our mission. Each Connected Nation staff member is working tirelessly to find innovative solutions for expanding broadband access, adoption, and use to all people, no matter where they live or where they began. The pandemic has demonstrated — and reaffirms to us — just how critical our mission remains even 20 years after we began this important work.” 

CN was named one of the 2021 Best Places to Work in Kentucky in the small-sized employer category (those employing 15-149 U.S. employees). 

“The reason we are receiving this award is because our employees feel strongly that we are providing a work environment that allows them to thrive and grow within their roles,” said Stephanie Rivera, human resources manager, CN. “Leadership at Connected Nation is focused on ensuring that every staff member is empowered to do their job well and help others as we work to close the Digital Divide in the U.S. I’m extremely proud of our team, our organization, and how we work together to create positive change in the lives of individuals and families.”

This is the 17^th year for the competition, which is “designed to motivate companies in the commonwealth to focus, measure, and move their workplace environments toward excellence,” according to the Kentucky Chamber.  

Winners from across the state fall into three categories: small, medium, and large companies. The selection process is based on an assessment of each company’s policies and procedures combined with the results of an internal employee survey.