Verizon has announced that it is bringing the world’s first large-scale 4G long-term evolution (LTE) network to this region of the state.

The availability of a 4G LTE wireless network is part of the company’s aggressive expansion of its network into 140 additional markets in 2011, according to a news release. Last year, the world’s first large-scale launch of LTE began in 38 major metropolitan areas and in more than 60 commercial airports coast to coast.

The deployment of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE in Fayetteville-Lumberton provides coverage throughout the surrounding areas, including Aberdeen, Pinehurst and Southern Pines.

“This network revolution marks a new era in wireless communications with faster connections and endless possibilities for both consumers and businesses,” said Jerry Fountain, Verizon Wireless Carolinas region president. “The launch of our lightning-fast 4G LTE network in the Fayetteville-Lumberton communities is further evidence of our commitment to and investment in the residents of this area.”

Enterprise users, businesses and individuals can immediately benefit from Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network. While the network promises much more than speed, the first application gives employees the ability to work at significantly faster speeds and improved latency, increasing productivity and the opportunity to get work done where their business takes them, the company said in the release.

These speeds are significantly faster than Verizon Wireless and other wireless providers’ current or promised 3G network speeds.

Chamber Names Award Finalists

The Moore County Chamber of Commerce has announced the six finalists for the Chamber’s Small Business and Entrepreneur Business of the Year Awards.

The winner of each of these awards will be presented at the Chamber’s annual banquet Jan. 27.

“The Chamber is proud to showcase the four finalists and their contributions to the enrichment of Moore County’s business Community,” said Ken Lewis, 2011 chairman of the board. “The Chamber was looking for a business that despite facing tremendous adversity would do it all over again, and whose fervor for running a business is rivaled only by their willingness to serve the community.”

The criteria for both awards included innovation, response to adversity and community involvement.

For innovation, the businesses needed to cite examples of marketing ideas, overcoming significant challenges, employee relations, customer development, technology, distribution and competitive advantages.

In the category of adversity, the business needed to show how they addressed significant challenges, overcoming one or more of the following: employee relations, growth, training, retention, management and technology.

In the last category, the business needed to indicate its involvement in the community, not including industry-related organizations or affiliations.

The steering committee that reviewed the applications were Chamber executives from outside of Moore County.

The two finalists for the Entrepreneur Business of the Year Award have been in business less than five years and have less than 50 full-time employees. These finalists include O’Mahoney’s Pub & Grill and Green Gate Olive Oils.

The finalists for the Small Business of the Year Award have been in business more than five years and also have less than 50 full-time employees. These finalists include Health Innovations Pharmacy and Meridian Zero Degrees.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the annual banquet, visit www.moorecountychamber.com or call (910) 692-3926.