NTIA’s BroadbandUSA joined with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Mississippi State University Extension, and the Mississippi Farm Bureau to host two Rural Broadband Workshops in Raymond, Miss., on October 21st and Verona, Miss., on October 22nd. The two events drew over 150 local stakeholders, including local Internet service providers (ISPs) and electric co-ops, city and county leaders, business leaders, state officials, and members of the public.

BroadbandUSA’s Don Williams and Karen Perry both spoke before attendees at the Raymond and Verona events. Williams gave a presentation on Planning and Funding Broadband Networks. Perry and USDA’s Gregory Dale discussed Using Broadband Data to Strengthen Local Project Plans. Brandon Presley, North District Mississippi Public Service Commissioner, addressed the Verona workshop attendees. He emphasized how valuable broadband Internet connection can be and how vital a project it is that everyone work together to expand connectivity. Both events were designed to highlight the importance of local input in creating a successful broadband plan, especially in rural communities.

For upcoming events, please visit the BroadbandUSA Events page.

(Photograph, left to right: Don Williams, BroadbandUSA; Nancy McKee, University of Mississippi Small Business Development Center; Brandon Presley, Northern District Mississippi Public Service Commissioner.)