BOWLING GREEN, Ky., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since the launch
of Kentucky's Prescription for Innovation in late 2004, ConnectKentucky has
facilitated efforts garnering unprecedented success in broadband deployment
and technology advancement. Utilizing what is becoming known as the
Connected Nation model for technology expansion, ConnectKentucky has helped
the Commonwealth become a national leader in technology adoption and
planning with a #1 ranking for growth in broadband technology.
America is watching Kentucky's success story and as a result, states
are considering the possibility of replicating the Connected Nation model
to close the digital divide that exists in communities across the nation.
The digital divide refers to the gap that exists for communities without
adequate technological resources or in some cases -- communities yet to be
served with high-speed Internet. Additionally, the United States Congress
has numerous efforts underway to establish a national initiative to
replicate Kentucky's success that has resulted from ConnectKentucky's
implementation of the Prescription for Innovation. The bipartisan Connect
the Nation Act of 2007 has been filed by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois)
to encourage the rapid deployment of affordable broadband Internet service,
particularly in rural areas. The legislation supports a grant program that
would enable states to implement an initiative similar to ConnectKentucky,
a public-private partnership leading efforts to accelerate broadband
availability and technology literacy throughout the Commonwealth.
In response to the growing demand for technology planning in the
Commonwealth and for increased requests for planning assistance from other
states, the leadership of ConnectKentucky is adding senior level staff and
has formed a national umbrella organization called Connected Nation.
Connected Nation assists with statewide comprehensive technology expansion
efforts across America that effectively enhance the supply of available
broadband while dramatically increasing demand through state and local
grassroots awareness/adoption campaigns. Connected Nation specializes in
increasing technology access and literacy towards greater digital inclusion
for all. This technology expansion improves economic development,
healthcare, education and public safety, in addition to providing a better
way of life for Americans.
The Connected Nation model in Kentucky has been very successful.
Currently, 94 percent of Kentucky households are able to subscribe to
broadband compared to only 60 percent in 2001. At the end of the year,
Kentucky will be the only state in the nation to have full broadband
coverage -- meaning every citizen in the state will be able to subscribe to
some form of high-speed Internet.
High-speed Internet has quickly become the necessary foundation for
economic development. With broadband Internet, Kentucky communities can
engage the world with their goods and services. Industries reliant upon
traditional manufacturing can use the Internet to expand their markets and
make their operations even more efficient. Broadband brings educational
opportunities, improved healthcare, more effective and efficient government
services and ultimately a better quality of life for all Kentucky
residents.
The closing of the digital divide is already yielding dividends in the
quality of life for Kentuckians. In the Commonwealth, computer literacy has
increased, the growth rate of high-tech jobs is outpacing the national
average and Kentucky communities are enjoying the return of their offspring
as more students remain in Kentucky to begin their careers. At an
increasing rate, companies are locating to Kentucky, entrepreneurs are
developing businesses in Kentucky and jobs are increasing thanks to a rich
technology infrastructure and an expanding technology-savvy workforce
equipped to support business growth.
The national interest the Connected Nation model has received spurred
the creation of two senior leadership positions to explore and manage the
implementation activities of Connected Nation and ConnectKentucky. Mark
McElroy, Senior V.P., Operations and Communications for Connected Nation,
recently announced the addition of Rene' True as Director of Operations for
ConnectKentucky and Brent Legg as Director of State & Local Initiatives for
Connected Nation.
"The Prescription for Innovation initiative that began in Kentucky is
creating an impression all over America. The ConnectKentucky partnership
has provided for the rest of the nation a model of success that Connected
Nation is happy to share. Great work attracts great people," McElroy said.
"These two individuals will further complement our staff during this
development and provide new insight into the overall mission of technology
growth for interested states. Kentucky, as the clear leader in technology
planning, will continue to lead the nation as we demonstrate what is
possible when a state has 100% broadband availability."
Rene' True joins ConnectKentucky as Director of Operations and will
provide primary management for ConnectKentucky, while also demonstrating
leadership and vision to accelerate the growth of technology in the
Commonwealth.
"It is an honor to work alongside individuals who are dedicated and
passionate in regards to the mission of broadband development in the
Commonwealth," True said. "I am eager to play a part in continuing the
success of the Prescription for Innovation and positioning Kentucky as the
foremost choice in which to call home."
Prior to joining ConnectKentucky, True served as Executive Director of
the Office of Research and Information Technology in the Kentucky Cabinet
for Economic Development. In addition to managing a 20 person staff, his
responsibilities included coordinating the agency's strategic planning
efforts and overseeing the Cabinet's IT functions. Before joining the
agency, Rene' served over three years as Deputy Secretary of the Kentucky
Revenue Cabinet, where he helped develop and implement the Cabinet's first
strategic plan. True holds a Master's of Business Administration from the
University of Kentucky.
Brent Legg serves as Director of State & Local Initiatives for
Connected Nation. In this role, he provides primary management of Connected
Nation's national (state-by-state) strategy coordinating the work of the
organization as it expands its engagements in, and to, other states
concentrating specifically on states lacking a statewide technology
public-private partnership.
"ConnectKentucky is now widely recognized as the nation's best model
for enhancing broadband development at the state level," Legg said. "I am
thrilled to have the opportunity to work for an organization that is truly
pioneering these efforts nationwide."
Immediately prior to joining Connected Nation, Legg served as Field
Director for United States Congressman Geoff Davis (KY-4), where he oversaw
the Congressman's four field offices and served as a liaison for
constituents and local elected officials. Prior to that assignment, he
acted as Senior Legislative Liaison for the Secretary of the Kentucky
Education Cabinet and Assistant Policy Advisor for the Fletcher for
Governor 2003 Campaign. Legg is a 2003 graduate of Transylvania University
with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
True and Legg will be valuable additions to the Connected Nation team
as the organization continues to answer the broadband needs of the nation
by encouraging investment, driving technology adoption and empowering
grassroots- led community development.
About ConnectKentucky: As a non-profit technology-based economic
development organization, ConnectKentucky is working to ensure that
Kentucky remains the place of choice to live, work and raise a family. As a
public- private partnership, ConnectKentucky partners with
technology-minded businesses, government entities and universities to
accelerate technology in the Commonwealth.
About Connected Nation: Connected Nation, Inc. is a national non-profit
organization known for its ability to close the digital divide. Through its
partnerships, programs and policies Connected Nation makes technology work
for previously underserved communities and markets, improving community
life and economic development while enhancing markets for technology
providers. Connected Nation's proven methodologies are delivering dramatic
results that translate into more efficient public services and enhanced
quality of life. Connected Nation's work in Kentucky, ConnectKentucky, has
been identified as a national model for the expansion of broadband.
For more information about ConnectKentucky visit
http://www.connectkentucky.org
For more information about Connected Nation visit
http://www.connectednation.com
|
