Event brings together local, regional, state and national voices on broadband internet
A Regional Broadband Summit, designed to share the latest broadband accomplishments with a look-ahead to future broadband expansion, is being held October 24. The event is the result of a collaboration between Door County Broadband Office, the Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) and New North Inc.
The Regional Broadband Summit is intended for area elected officials, local stakeholders and decision-makers, and anyone interested in broadband and broadband investment in the Northeast Wisconsin region.
“We are excited to join the Door County Broadband Office and DCEDC in bringing this event to the region,” says Barbara Koldos, vice president of business development for New North Inc. “Local officials within the Door peninsula have proactively addressed the county’s broadband needs – of residents, businesses and visitors – successfully in recent years. We will hear their updates, along with exploring insightful case studies from throughout the region that offer valuable lessons for everyone.”
The event runs from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Stone Harbor Resort, 107 N. 1st Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. The cost is $25.
Registration now is open at https://livedoorcounty.org/broadband-summit/, and runs through October 21. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
The Regional Broadband Summit begins with Coffee and Conversations with Internet Service Providers at 8:30 a.m. before the formal program starts at 9:30 a.m. with an overview from New North President & CEO Barb LaMue, along with Door County Supervisor and Broadband Committee Chair Hugh Zettel.
The morning session focuses on the Secondary Resident: Economic Impact of Broadband Expansion. It will feature a presentation from Matt Kures, community economic development specialist from UW-Madison Extension. A panel discussion of local officials, including two from Washington Island, and an area secondary homeowner ensues.
“The implementation of enhanced broadband internet has had a measurable economic impact of Door County,” says Michelle Lawrie, DCEDC executive director. “The Regional Broadband Summit will discuss the impact upon primary and secondary residents, and businesses, in Door County and beyond.”
Over lunch, attendees will receive Broadband Briefings from regional and statewide organizations, including New North Inc., the Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO) of the Public Service Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Wisconsin Towns Association (WTA). Each will provide updates on the progress of its broadband efforts.
“We are proud of the successes of our local efforts to improve broadband access and quality,” says Jessica Hatch, community broadband coordinator for Door County. “But we know that broadband lines don’t stop at the county line, so working as part of a regional effort is essential. We will benefit from hearing the perspectives of our regional and state broadband partners.”
The afternoon portion of the program will feature Innovations in Industry: How Broadband Enhances Business. There will be a panel of local experts on Education and Healthcare, followed by a similar panel on Agriculture, Manufacturing and Technology, before wrapping up at 2:30 p.m.
New North, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporationfostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago. www.thenewnorth.com
