Effective Broadband Partnerships Discussions at the 2019 Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity
To continue building a strong economy in Virginia, the Commonwealth must have universal broadband.
That was, by far, the message that echoed the strongest during the 2019 Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity when it came to developing effective broadband partnerships across the state.
Need proof? Localities in Virginia, specifically rural Virginia, with new access to broadband are seeing a spike in business licenses.
Courtney Dozier, Chief Broadband Advisor and Chief Deputy, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, moderated a panel discussion that included Evan Feinman, the Governor’s Chief Broadband Advisor and Executive Director of the Virginia Tobacco and Revitalization Commission.
Among the lessons and guidance attendees heard during the panel discussion were the following:
Communities can and should partner together to create a strategic plan to bring broadband to underserved rural areas.
Getting with your ISP, your neighbors and your citizens is the best way to help drive broadband project costs down.
Have an adoption plan in place before building out broadband access is a critical component to a successful broadband partnership.
Be a one-man or one-woman spark plug! Rally your partners, and move broadband forward in your community.
ABOUT THE 2019 GOVERNOR’S SUMMIT ON RURAL PROSPERITY
Hosted by the Virginia Rural Center, the 2019 Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity took place Sept. 23-24, 2019 at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center and brought together state, business, and civic leaders to explore the future of rural Virginia. In addition to Governor Ralph Northam, other featured speakers included legislators from across the Commonwealth, Secretariats, business owners, educators and economic developers. Attendees came from 59 different counties across the Commonwealth, six different states and DC.
