NORWICH – A celebration was held Monday night as the Greater Norwich area has been named one of the 50 quarterfinalists in the America’s Best Communities (ABC) competition.

Greater Norwich – comprised of not only the City of Norwich but also North Norwich and the Town of Norwich – is in the running to potentially receive millions of dollars to revitalize the area.

The dinner and celebration was held at the Canasawacta Country Club Monday night, and area business leaders were in attendance, in addition to Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano and Assemblyman Clifford Crouch.

Frontier Communications’ Area General Manager Claudia Maroney said that this idea came about last September, and she extended gratitude to the additional sponsors supporting the competition, including DishNetwork and The Weather Channel.

“As Chairman and CEO of Frontier for the past ten years, I have traveled and spent time in many of the communities we serve,” said Maggie Wilderotter. “I have seen a great sense of camaraderie and was inspired by how people come together to work for the better of their community.”

“We know how great of a community this is,” said Maroney. “We are one of 50 left in the running, which awarded us $35,000. Chobani, our strategic mentor, was gracious enough to donate $50,000.”

Maroney acknowledged Jeff Genung, Chobani’s Senior Manager of Corporate Communications, for Chobani’s assistance and contribution to the efforts.