Hartford’s Conference of Churches EcoSpace Empowers Neighborhood Businesses and Residents; Serves as Launching Pad for Innovators

HARTFORD – October 4, 2017 – Comcast Business today announced that The 224 EcoSpace, the social entrepreneurship venture of the Conference of Churches, is using Comcast Business Ethernet to provide its community members and entrepreneurs with reliable, high-performance internet and Wi-Fi services that support cloud-based applications, live streaming video and other communications.

A faith-based non-profit organization focused on community development, the Conference of Churches reaches tens of thousands of people each year by providing space and support for individuals to positively impact the Hartford area. The 224 is a 30,000-foot EcoSpace facility and is the newest undertaking by the Conference of Churches. It supports three main initiatives: The Collaboration Centre, a meeting space designed for creativity and used by changemakers; The LivingWell Centre, an area focused on health and wellness services; and The Business Growth Centre, a community of entrepreneurs.

“We see ourselves as a platform for other people to do great work in the community and to assist entrepreneurs and volunteers who are making a difference in the Region,” said Reverend Dr. Shelley D. Best, president and CEO of the Conference of Churches. “The Conference of Churches is making a significant investment in the city to address poverty through economic development and neighborhood empowerment.”

Comcast Business’ recent network expansion in Hartford enabled The 224 to implement a 50 Megabit-per-second (Mbps) Ethernet Dedicated Internet service that is used by more than 50 entrepreneurs operating in the EcoSpace as well as for visitors attending community gatherings. The reliable service also enables conference presenters to use live-streaming video in presentations and for up to 200 people in attendance at these events to access the internet. Additionally, Conference of Churches uses the high-performance network to access its email and cloud-based operational programs.

“We were fortunate that Comcast Business saw the value of investing in the City of Hartford to help companies of all sizes be more productive. Our business needed a reliable, high-quality internet for The 224, especially The Business Growth Centre, to be successful,” said Rev. Dr. Best. “Internet access is woven into most of our work for both our entrepreneurs and internal operations. Without Comcast we'd be limited in so many ways and we would not be what we are today.”

“The 224’s artists, therapists, activists and businesses rely heavily on the internet to connect with social media, stream music and access research. Comcast Business’ commitment to growing the local Hartford economy and supporting entrepreneurs is why we stepped in to provide technology to The 224 and throughout the City,” said Paul Savas, vice president, Comcast Business, Western New England Region. 

About The 224 EcoSpace

The 224 EcoSpace is a social entrepreneurship venture of the Conference of Churches, a 116-year old non-profit organization that drives faith-based community development. It is the only EcoSpace in the greater Hartford region that provides the space and support to gather and inspire individuals who create positive impact, build social profit and foster a thriving community. With 30,000 square feet of endless possibilities, the space provides a nurturing environment and the necessary resources for life learners and innovators to work, create and lead beyond the traditional ways of thinking.

About Comcast Business

Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services.

For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social.

About Comcast Cable

Comcast Cable is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed internet and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. Comcast has invested in technology to build an advanced network that delivers among the fastest broadband speeds, and brings customers personalized video, communications and home management offerings. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Media Contacts:

Kathryn Ghita 
LEWIS
781.418.2421
kathryn.ghita@teamlewis.com

Kristen Roberts
Comcast Business
860.505.2075
kristen_roberts@comcast.com