Living Connected in Benton CountyLocal Government View
Nancy Hoffman Economic Development Director
www.BentonCountyConnected.org
Benton County MIRC
• Planning Process
• Projects funded
• Good To Great Example
• Evaluation
• Planning – Strategies
Planning
• Organized a Steering Committee
• Held a Community Meeting– Provider Directory – Assist Business– Access – physical and ubiquity
• Sent out an RFP and held a Bidders Conference
Independent Lifestyles, Inc.A Center of Independent Living
Project BRAVE: Broadband, Resources And Vocational Exploration
Set up a computer lab open to the their clients and the public and provide computer training
Purchased equipment for the computer lab including computers to be used by disabled.
Partnership with Duet Wireless
Project name: What’s up in Foley Community WebsiteIncrease exposure to the community’s events, information and opportunities
Non-profit organizations take advantage of many features through the website at no charge
LA Home CarePartnered with Cybermation
Project name: Smart Home Technologies – Grand Care•Enhanced ability for aging members of the community to live longer at home
•Activities of Daily Living monitoring Internet communications (Skype, email, etc)•Tele-Wellness supporting an entire network of caregivers •Ease of access to the internet for aging
and Great River Regional Library
Created a new City of Foley Interactive Website -Benefiting over 2,600 residents, this new website, and the services provides: online
payments, auto pay, information about utilities, ordinances and notices and more
Purchased of computers to provide public internet access and training – library hours for use by the public, free of charge
Foley and Sauk Rapids Rice Community Education
Will increase computer lab time for students and the community this fallOffering basic computer skills classes and classes through the U of M - at little to no charge to residents and businesses of Benton County Computer classes for learners to explore computers, Lego robotics, on-line classes and fun computer projects that are not in school curriculum
Country ManorProject name: Enriching LivesProviding iPads for use by tenants and residents
The iPads have helped tenants/residents learn about new technology. Several have set up gmail accounts
Enhance intergenerational learning – Sartell High School students in the LINC program will help teach seniors how to use the technology.
Best Practices
www.BentonCountyConnected.org
“Going From Good To Great”
Leveraging ResourcesSustainability
Gaining Momentum
Good To Great Example
• Independent Lifestyles– Leveraged the MIRC Grant < 1:1– Community Ed is teaching classes– DEED’s Digital Literacy Class 18 - 82– Minnesota Learning Commons online class
for for job seekers– Grand Care System – Independence– PC’s for People – 15 out to residents– Atomic Learning Open House
MIRC
www.BentonCountyConnected.org
Community Evaluation and Planning
Where do we go from here?
Evaluation & Planning
• August 23 community meeting with Stakeholders
– Assisting Business– Provider Brochure– Access
Planning
• Robert Bells report and recommendations– Inclusion of Intelligent Community Themes in
Economic Development Marketing – Creation of a task force to guide development – Creation of a documented strategy and
programs – More public access locations (WiFi vs
computers)– Stop “Brain Drain” connect students to
business
Strategies• Continue working with Partners and increase collaboration
• Economic Development/Intelligent Community Marketing and MIRC Education with SCSU and SCT&CC
• Inventory WiFi locations and those without – Provide Routers or service in public places
• Purchase IPads for SR-R Community Ed. To be used community wide
• Additional Programs for Business – “Change or Become Obsolete”
• Complete the U of M Project – Roadside Marketing – now along with the Great River Road program
Living Connected in Benton County Web Site
www.BentonCountyConnected.Org