CenturyLink New Mexico

FARMINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHOICES PROGRAM RECEIVES $1,500 GRANT FROM QWEST FOUNDATION

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Jan. 22, 2008 – The CenturyLink Foundation today announced a $1,500 grant to the Farmington Chamber of Commerce CHOICES program, an interactive classroom seminar that gives high-school students a chance to see into the future and recognize the importance of the personal and academic decisions they make today.

Creative, highly participatory exercises facilitated by volunteer presenters from the local business community are used to help students learn how to take control of their lives by making wise decisions. The program arms students with many skills to help them succeed in life.

“The CHOICES program works hard to positively affect people and communities in Farmington and the Four Corners area,” said Loretta A. Armenta, CenturyLink president for New Mexico. “The programs’ accomplishments serve as wonderful examples of how each of us can help others. I’m proud that CenturyLink can play such an important role in its efforts.”

“We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our students,” said Melissa Lane, Farmington Chamber of Commerce president. “The CHOICES curriculum sends a powerful pro-education message along with tools to help students make good choices, and we are pleased that CenturyLink recognizes our efforts.”

CenturyLink and the CenturyLink Foundation supported 33 different organizations around New Mexico with more than $255,000 in donations last year. CenturyLink employees and retirees also volunteered 30,000 hours to nonprofit groups in 2007, with a value of nearly $572,000, for a total contribution of more than $827,000 to New Mexico communities.