Illinois Broadband Innovation a Hot Topic at Rural Community Economic Development Conference
Nathan Woodside
Published: March 8, 2013
The subject of broadband innovation carried a noticeable presence this week at the 24th annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference held Wednesday and Thursday in Peoria.
The event attracted city officials, planners, contractors and businesses from across the state to network and learn economic development strategies.
Broadband Illinois eTeam Leader Clayton Black attended the conference, distributing information about the nonprofit agency and talking to anyone who would listen about internet opportunities in the state.
"We appreciate the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University and the work they do in rural communities across the state,” Black said. “We had the opportunity to meet with several community leaders who cited broadband access among the major issues facing their rural communities. We'll take these contacts and issues back to our eTeams and see if we can help facilitate solutions in these communities."
Paul Schuytema, Director of Community Development in Monmouth, attended the conference for the eighth year in a row. His city was awarded money from the Illinois Broadband Innovation Fund to develop a virtual online museum of historic sites in Monmouth.
“It’s always a chance to get energized,” he said. “You always get something you haven’t thought of... After a couple years, you really start building this network of connections of people that you can communicate with throughout the year. It’s really supportive, especially in Illinois. We’re all kind of in the same boat, and helping each other raises all ships.”
Schuytema said the Illinois Broadband Innovation Fund grant process really gave him a since of new online programs to look for at the conference.
“I’m always looking for communities or business that are doing something innovative with technology,” he said. “I’m very interested in ways that we can enhance our bandwidth… I’m very keen on looking at ways governments can enhance citizens’ services through e-governance and other ways that we can use database web applications to basically refine and enhance our permitting process. Those are the kinds of sessions I want to try and seek out.”
Mark Latham, Highland City Manager attended the conference to not only soak in other idea, but share his city’s experience in broadband innovation.
In March of 2010, Highland broke ground on a city-owned fiber optic network that, by the end of next year, will encompass nearly 60 percent of the community. The $18 million project was passed by a city referendum that earned 78 percent of the popular vote.
“I think, historically, Highland has always been very entrepreneurial innovators,” Latham said. “We want to continue with that.”
Latham said the city is already seeing positive results. A new $68 million hospital will open in the summer, using the fiber-optic network to utilize high-tech health care implementations.
Additionally, Latham said the network has attracted a software company, while boosting current business and overall quality of life to citizens.
“It’s a great product,” he said. “I think the big thing is, you’ve got local customer service.”
Latham said the conference was a great experience for everyone involved.
“I’m here to get new ideas to attract jobs to local communities and learning a little about what’s going on in rural Illinois,” he said.