Hemphill, TX October 22, 1999 — The Global Information Infrastructure (GII) Awards Program announced Toledo-Bend.Com Web Site today as a semi-finalist in both the GII Community Category and GII Commerce Category Awards.

The GII Awards, a non-partisan and independent initiative, recognizes champions from all industries and sectors of society who use the Internet and network technology to produce amazing results. Vice president Al Gore has cited the Awards program itself as “An innovation that is vital to our country’s future.” In eleven categories, GII Awards will go to individuals, businesses and organizations who are using the information superhighway in collaborative, innovative and results-oriented ways.

“Toledo-Bend.Com Web Site ‘s achievements demonstrate that the Internet can lead to a society that is healthier, better educated and more prosperous,” said James D. Hake, GII Awards chairman and founder. “As a GII Semi-finalist, Toledo-Bend.Com Web Site has been distinguished for innovation, producing real and valuable results and for powerfully demonstrating the potential of the Internet that we hear so much about. They deserve our recognition and our thanks.”

Frank Dutton, the site creator and owner, commented “We are very proud to have been given this distinction from among the many thousands of sites on the internet, and doubly so to have been honored in two categories. We hope it will bring more attention to the whole Toledo Bend Reservoir area. This achievement would not have been possible without the great contributions made by Janna Lehman and Linda Mauer.”

“Our application process is quite rigorous, which tends to ‘weed out’ all but the most outstanding projects,” said Jeannine Parker, GII Awards judging director. “We’re thrilled that our program has attracted so many of what are clearly the leading architects of the networked world.”

GII semi-finalists were narrowed down from an initial pool of over 800 entries from 41 states. An average of 31 semi-finalists advanced in each of the eleven categories: Arts & Entertainment, Children, Commerce, Community, Education, Government, Health, Netpreneur, Next eneration, Promise, and Public Access. A complete list of the semifinalists can be found on the Awards Web site at https://www.gii.com.

About Toledo-Bend.Com Web Site — This web site works to promote the whole area to potential visitors and anyone interested in the area. It is truly a comprehensive information resource covering the fishing scene with reports and tournament information as well as an online edition of the Lakecaster. Additionally, extensive information is provided on the communities around the lake covering government contacts, community resources, historic information, and upcoming events. Attractions such as Sabine National Forest, Hodges Gardens, and other public facilities are covered, as well.

Currently a project is underway with the Hemphill Business Association to produce a “virtual town square” of the businesses on the square in Hemphill. Plans are to add more information on Shelby and Newton Counties as well as Sabine Parish and Vernon Parish. Information and content submissions from volunteers are always welcomed. Toledo-Bend.Com also makes space available to local organizations such as the Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance and the Art League of Sabine with features such as an online gallery by Art League members.

Having just completed its first full year on the internet, the site has attracted nearly 40,000 visitors – over 34,000 so far this calendar year. The web site is located at www.toledo-bend.com.