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West Central Initiative to host Broadening Our Broadband online panel discussion September 16

By McLovin Sep 4, 2021 | 6:02 AM

FERGUS FALLS, MINN — West Central Initiative will host Broadening Our Broadband, featuring a panel of rural broadband industry professionals and policy experts, on Thursday, September 16, at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Register for the event at wcif.org/events to imagine new possibilities that come with enhanced broadband access, learn how communities can prepare for potential future funding opportunities, and hear how our region can leverage broadband access to better support students, businesses, and communities.

“High-speed internet access is fundamental to vibrant rural communities,” said West Central Initiative President Anna Wasescha. “It supports economic development, high-quality health care, equitable education, and more. Broadband discussions, like the upcoming event on September 16, are particularly important in helping to form our region’s long-term, comprehensive broadband implementation strategy. Broadband is no longer a want—it’s a need.”

Broadening Our Broadband will feature Bernadine Joselyn, director of public policy and engagement at Blandin Foundation; Greg Wagner, director of business and economic development at West Central Initiative; Diane Wells, deputy director of the Office of Broadband Development at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development; Amy Baldwin, community development director for Otter Tail County; Todd Johnson, Traverse County Commissioner; and Ann Treacy, owner and founder of Treacy Information Services and researcher and contributor to the Blandin on Broadband blog.

Who should attend:

  • Elected officials
  • Educators
  • Social assistance providers
  • Healthcare professionals
  • Internet service providers
  • Business leaders
  • Official and unofficial community leaders
  • Anyone who wants to learn more about broadening broadband in our region

Brought to our region with support from Blandin Foundation

West Central Initiative is hosting Broadening Our Broadband with support from Blandin Foundation and the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development. Later this fall, Blandin Foundation will host its annual broadband conference, Building on Broadband: Inspiring Progress. The statewide conference is virtual, and will take place October 12-14, with October 12 being dedicated to regional updates.

 

About West Central Initiative

West Central Initiative is a regional community foundation serving the nine west central Minnesota counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin and the portion of White Earth Nation in Becker County. West Central Initiative invests resources in our communities for regional success, using the tools of economic development and community development and by promoting philanthropy. Learn more at wcif.org.  

Press Release from West Central Initiative

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