On Monday, NC Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler announced a major N.C. State Fair partnership with software innovator Bandwith.
- First, I want to offer both my congratulations and my appreciation for Bandwidth’s commitment to deepen its roots here in North Carolina. Today’s groundbreaking for a global communications software company seems especially fitting for a state with a strong history of innovation and progress.
- My conversations with CEO David Morken convinced me that Bandwidth would be good stewards of this land and that the company not only understood the needs of the State Fair, but its team came prepared with solutions and a partnership that would work for everyone involved.
- I’ve always said our most valuable resource outside our people is the land, and I was raised that you don’t sell land.
- But the benefits of being the global headquarters for such an innovative and dynamic company represent a tremendous opportunity for us all and I am proud of the partnership we have embarked on with Bandwidth and its team.
- Building on its long-term partnership in the state, I am pleased to announce that Bandwidth will be a major sponsor of the N.C. State Fair, and through that sponsorship, we will be adding a brand new special event – “Accessibility Day presented by Bandwidth” on Sunday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Accessibility Day is another example of Bandwidth helping create solutions that matter.
- For years, our team has been brainstorming ways to make the N.C. State Fair more inclusive. We’ve had conversations with the community and advocates on steps we can take to be more welcoming to all North Carolinians, regardless of ability.
- We have implemented many of these steps over the years.
- But to really put a focus on the inclusion of all our state’s citizens, specifically with a day like Accessibility Day, we needed a partner who also strives every day to see both its employees and its community succeed.
- I’m proud of the ideas I have heard, from the availability of noise canceling headphones to a specific guide of all the inclusive activities the Fair offers.
- We’ve got a dedicated team of advocates who understand that we can’t always be everything to everyone, but we sure can do our best to offer something every person in this state can enjoy.
- You’ll be hearing more about Accessibility Day presented by Bandwidth leading up to the Fair, but I want to share a few details on what visitors can expect.
- Lowering the amount of sound and light stimulants. We have had many requests for this.
- Our carnival provider will begin operations at 9 a.m. and will operate until noon with no lights or music playing.
- Vendors will turn off lights and music at their booths until noon.
- Music stages will only play acoustic sets with light amplification until noon.
- Public address system will only be used for lost visitor announcements through noon.
- There will be a “Bandwidth Chill Out Zone” available to guests with tables/chairs, low lighting and soft music playing for those who need to take a break from the busy atmosphere outside.
- Guests can win ribbons in specially designed inclusive “on the spot” competitions that will be held from 9 a.m. – noon.
- Adult changing stations will be added into existing family restrooms as space allows.
- We are excited to partner with Bandwidth to be able to provide this experience for fairgoers. I know this will be a partnership that continues to grow because of the people they have on their team and their level of commitment to be a great corporate partner.
- Thank you for this opportunity, for thinking outside the box and for your community commitment. We are very excited to join “the band.”