Benzie Broadband Summit October 12, 2020

Our Economic Future, Our Strong Schools, Our Quality Healthcare, Our Agriculture Industry, Our Tourism Industry and protecting our Contemporary Rural Lifestyle depend on our ability to be digitally connected to the rest of the world.

Information is the great equalizer. Access to and use of the internet has become an integral component of everyday life in the 21st century. Digital information has reshaped how individuals participate in nearly every dimension of society. It is imperative for communities to leverage broadband network access to eliminate the homework gap and for the benefit of education, socioeconomic equality, telemedicine, Smart Agriculture, public safety and economic development to maintain and grow quality of life for their citizens.

Digital Connectivity (Broadband) is a primary driver to the future of Benzie County! Our ability to develop a broadband initiative that makes Benzie County economically, educationally, agriculturally, and medically competitive, while protecting our contemporary rural lifestyle is the key to our future!

Panelists:

Rick Coates, Benzie Chamber: Broadband Communities 2020 Virtual Summit/Broadband Economic Impact on Benzie County

Paula Figura, Benzie County EDC: General Overview/Update on Current Projects

Ben Fineman, Michigan Broadband Cooperative/Washtenaw County Broadband Task Force

Chris Varenhorst, Eclipse Communications: Current Accomplishments/Future Projects

Katie Jensen/Keason Sanvordenker, MERIT: MERIT Moonshot initiative, Data Collection, Funding and Policies

Senator Curt VanderWall: State Programs