PHOENIX, Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), today announced finalists for Arizona's Cox Conserves Heroes program. A total of $15,000 will be donated to local environmental nonprofits on behalf of the finalists.

By being a finalist, each individual has secured a $2,500 donation for his or her nonprofit of choice. The finalists are now competing for an additional $7,500 - bringing the total donation on behalf of the winner to $10,000. The winner will be chosen through an online public vote.

The public is being asked to vote now through February 13. To vote, visit Cox7.com/coxconserves.

Arizona's Cox Conserves Heroes finalists (environmental nonprofit of choice):

• Jane Rau (McDowell Sonoran Conservancy)
• Maxine Lakin (Phoenix Mountains Preservation)
• Melinda Gulick (McDowell Sonoran Conservancy)

Arizona's Cox Conserves Hero will be announced in late February.

The finalists were nominated by the public and then selected by a judging circle, including:

• Chair of Arizona's House Energy, Natural Resources and Environment Committee Amanda Reeve
• Mesa City Councilman Dave Richins
• The Nature Conservancy's Cheryl Lombard
• The Trust for Public Land's Chris Byrne
• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Legislative Director and Avondale City Councilman Jim Buster

Para más información, visita  CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on Facebook.

Social Media: #CoxConservesHeroes and #CoxConservesHero

Acerca de Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves more than 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for five years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com/espanol y www.coxmedia.com.

About The Trust for Public Land

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has completed 4,250 land conservation projects in 47 states, protecting 3 million acres. TPL has helped states and communities craft and pass more than 380 ballot measures, generating $34 billion in new conservation-related funding. In Arizona, TPL has conserved more than 250,000 acres including inholdings within the Aqua Fria National Monument. www.tpl.org

About Cox Conserves

Launched in 2007, Cox Conserves is the company's national sustainability program that seeks to reduce Cox Enterprises' energy consumption by embracing alternative forms of energy, conserving natural resources and inspiring eco-friendly behavior. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Manheim, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader.com) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 50,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

In Phoenix, Cox Enterprises generates alternative energy through its solar installations at Cox Communications and Manheim. Cox Communications also is a past recipient of the International Citrix Innovation Award for its "green" call center program. Additionally, the company collects waste materials and sells them to recycling companies. The proceeds are given to local charities and help fund grants for youth-oriented education and development programs run by area nonprofits. www.coxconserves.com

SOURCE Cox Communications