October 23, 2025—America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) is proud to announce LFT Fiber as the winner of the 2025 Community Champions Contest, recognizing their outstanding commitment to community service and historical preservation. ACA Connects is making a $2,500 donation to the 4-A Sisters Club on behalf of LFT Fiber.
Located in Lafayette, Louisiana, LFT Fiber earned this honor for their heartfelt tribute to Major Fannie McClendon, a hometown hero and member of the trailblazing 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. The event in collaboration with the 4-A Sisters Club, took place during Black History Month on February 13, 2025, and celebrated McClendon’s legacy with a formal award presentation, a community meal, and a screening of Tyler Perry’s film The Six Triple Eight, inspired by the battalion’s story.
“Congratulations to LFT Fiber, our 2025 Community Champion,” said Grant Spellmeyer, President and CEO of America’s Communications Association. “LFT Fiber’s dedication to honoring local history and uplifting heroes like Major McClendon’s is truly inspiring. It exemplifies how America’s independent broadband providers go above and beyond to serve their communities and make a difference.”
“We are honored to be recognized as the 2025 Community Champions by ACA Connects,” said Michael D. Soileau, Director of LFT Fiber. “Celebrating Major Fannie McClendon’s legacy and contributing to our community is a privilege, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support the 4-A Sisters Club with this donation.”
ACA Connects congratulates LFT Fiber and applauds all its members who submitted projects in the Community Champions Contest, which included supported food pantries, building with Habitat for Humanity, supporting digital literacy programs, collecting children’s winter clothing, and more.
LFT Fiber will be honored with a special feature in Independent Communications News (ICN), which will be published on November 5, 2025.
America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) is a trade organization representing about 500 small and medium-sized, independent companies that provide high-speed internet, video, phone, and mobile services covering 29.5 million households. ACA Connects Members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of independent operators, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation. For more information, visit www.acaconnects.org.