Broadband Grant Discussion - Lt. Gov. Tina Smith

Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Gateway Building Systems, 17153 Co Hwy 82 and Hwy 94, Fergus Falls
 
Participants:
Lt. Governor Tina Smith
Danna MacKenzie, Executive Director, Minnesota Office of Broadband Development
Dave Bickett, Ottertail
Kevin Beyer, Federated 
Dan Schindler, Broker/telecommuter
Brent Olson, Farmer, Blogger, and small-business owner
Brian Shuck, Gateway Building Systems
Amy Baldwin, Executive Director, Fergus Falls Area Economic Improvement Commission
 
Tick-Tock:
2:00 pm – Roundtable Begins. Brief overview of how broadband expansion will impact regional economic development and introduction of the Lt. Governor, Amy Baldwin, Executive Director, Fergus Falls Area Economic Improvement Commission.
2:03 pm – Welcome and recognition of awarded grants, Lt. Governor Smith.
2:05 pm – Synopsis of broadband initiative, Danna MacKenzie.
2:10 pm – Discussion: Each grant awardee and business representative (Dave, Kevin, Dan, Brent, and Brian) will have up to five minutes each to talk about their project and what it will do for the community, or about how the projects impact their business and economic development in the region.
2:35 pm (or at conclusion of Discussion, if earlier) – Conversation: Conversation between panel participants (and possibly the audience) moderated by Lt. Governor.  This is an opportunity to discuss next steps, what is still needed to be done regarding broadband, and the economic development possibilities still out there.
2:55 pm – Conclusion and summary, Lt. Governor Smith.
3:00 pm – Roundtable ends.
(Please note that members of the press will be invited)