Southwest Central eTeam Hosts First Gathering in Edwardsville

Roxana Ryan
Published: May 17, 2012
Related to: Southwest Central eTeam

The eight-county Southwest Central eTeam region includes a state university, an air force base that employs more than 6,000 people, and a shared border with a major U.S. city.

On May 15, thirty-seven community leaders, providers and stakeholders met at Lewis and Clark Community College in Edwardsville to discuss the region’s high-speed internet assets and needs. The meeting, facilitated by Broadband Illinois, included representatives from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Kaskaskia College and Lewis and Clark Community College.

Barbara Webster, eTeam coordinator, presented information on new internet builds, Governor Quinn’s Illinois Gigabit Challenge, and resources offered by Broadband Illinois. Although some counties lack infrastructure, a large portion of the region has excellent access and speeds. Marketing these areas and focusing on adoption will be a big issue in these areas, said Webster. 
 
The Southwest Central eTeam will convene again in July. Stay tuned to their events page for upcoming news and information.