Windstream to permanently locate its headquarters in Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (July 13, 2010) – Windstream Corp., an S&P 500 company with communications operations in 23 states and about $4 billion in annual revenue, today announced that it will permanently locate its corporate headquarters in Little Rock. The company also plans to create 210 new jobs and retain 300 existing jobs.

“I am extremely pleased to announce that Windstream has chosen to make Little Rock its permanent home,” said Jeff Gardner, president and CEO of Windstream. “This is due in large part to the fact that the state of Arkansas and the city of Little Rock have created a climate where technology companies like Windstream can grow and achieve long-term success, and I want to thank Governor Mike Beebe and Mayor Mark Stodola for their leadership.”

Windstream currently employs about 825 people at its Little Rock headquarters and 1,150 statewide. The expansion will take total employment in Arkansas to about 1,360. The company employs more than 9,500 nationwide.

“We’re excited that Windstream has decided to make Little Rock its permanent corporate headquarters, and to bring even more quality jobs to Central Arkansas,” Governor Mike Beebe said. “Technology-based jobs are vital to our future economic success, and this continued and expanded commitment from Windstream bodes well for our state and our people.”

Windstream has about 1.3 million high-speed internet customers, 3.4 million access lines, and 409,000 digital TV customers in 23 states.

“Windstream has grown to national prominence with its headquarters in Little Rock and we are pleased to see this growth continue,” said Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola. “The City of Little Rock’s partnerships with the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, the State of Arkansas and our existing industries will continue to move our economy forward.”