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OUR MISSION
Helping Communities Take Control
Of Their Broadband Futures
JIM BALLER is the chairman of the Economic Development
program at the Summit and at regional events produced
by Broadband Communities around the country.
With the unique credentials of both economic development
expert and the nation's leading telecom lawyer for
municipalities seeking next-generation networks, Jim Baller has
a special appreciation for your community's concerns. He knows
these concerns involve creating jobs, attracting and retaining
businesses, fostering economic development and contributing
to America's global competitiveness.
As he recently told hundreds of public ofcials at a
Broadband Communities event:
Our mission is to help you meet these goals – as rapidly and
efectively as possible.
To that end, for our Austin Economic Development Program
we will be emphasizing economic development throughout –
in every session, with every speaker.
As attendees you will get useful, practical information –
including insights, examples and principles – that you can take
home and put to use at once.
You'll learn from the leaders and individuals at the very center
of the gigabit revolution – from a city that is taking advantage
of the development of entirely new fber infrastructure. As
such, it is the ideal place to explore the best ways of linking the
communications infrastructure of the future to economic vitality
and the quality of life.
Each attendee will also receive a wealth of economic research,
case histories, how-to materials, and other practical information
that you can use efectively in your
communities.
In our workshops and sessions, we will
address the latest, hottest topics – including
Google Fiber, telemedicine, distance learning,
getting seniors online, and much more.
You'll learn, of course, about Austin – but
also about many other state, regional, and
community networks.
You'll also hear about several ways to
improve your chances of getting a gigabit
network, including vehicles to attract private-
sector network providers, public-private
partnerships, and collaborating with vendors.
You'll hear about a variety of successful
eforts to fund broadband – including
investments in education, healthcare
institutions and community anchors in
underserved areas.
Other topics include:
• the social and economic opportunities that ultra-fast broadband
provides citizens and businesses
• the benefts in creating commercial and innovation corridors
• the value of broadband in bolstering neighborhood safety,
enhancing education and improving health care services.
You'll also enjoy ample time for networking and learning
about relevant cutting-edge products and services.
Jim Baller, Chairman,
Economic Development Program
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