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These slides are from the session that was co-presented by the Vermont Digital Economy Project Director, Sharon Combes-Farr, called “Fiber Networks: New Opportunities for Downtowns and Village Centers.” Her remarks focused on the power of the Internet to change people’s lives for the better. She did that by relating compelling stories of how the Vermont Digital Economy Project has made a difference throughout Vermont, like how nonprofit advising with the director of a small historical society led to a 28% increase in event donations, how the process of putting in a downtown Wi-Fi zone in Bethel brought the business association, the local school, and the municipal government together, and how an Internet Intern at a local library helped an elderly woman communicate become better connected with her grandchildren. More info about the project can be found at: vtdigitaleconomy.org
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Fiber NetworksNew Opportunities for Downtowns & Village Centers
• Community Visits
• Summits & Convening
• Policy Councils
• e-Vermont
• Vermont Digital Economy Project
Made possible by a federal disaster relief grant, the Vermont Digital Economy Project is helping people, organizations, and communities -- particularly in Vermont towns most highly impacted by flooding in 2011 -- leverage the Internet to create economic development and foster resilience.
Municipal Websites• Inform & Engage the Community
• Create Efficiencies for Town Staff
• Increase Town Revenue
• Have Emergency Features
Downtown Wi-Fi Zones
• It Takes a Community to Do It Right
• Drives Local Economy
• Helps Kids Do Homework
• Develops Pride in the Downtown
Nonprofit Capacity• Create More Positive Outcomes
• Increase Donations
• Inform & Engage the Community
• Create Efficiencies for Staff
Small Business Capacity• Increase Revenue
• Increase Market Reach
• Create Efficiencies for Staff
• Reduce Marketing & Other Expenses
Digital Skill Building
• Interns at Local Libraries
• Bridge the Digital Divide
• Assist Unemployed & Seniors
• Digital Workforce Training
Front Porch Forum• Vermont-grown Community Social Network
• Now available in every Vermont community
• Uses Internet to Build Community
• Reinforces Face-to-Face Civility
• Moderated and not anonymous
• Features Integrated Community Calendar
