Registration now closed for DRA Broadband Summit
DRA Live-Streaming Summit from Memphis
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MISSISSIPPI DELTA - On Tuesday, October 23, 2012, the Delta Regional Authority will host an eight-state summit focusing on broadband issues affecting the region. The Delta Regional Authority in partnership with Arkansas Capital Corporation announced it will live-stream Tuesday’s Summit for those that are unable to attend in person. This event is ideal for elected officials, economic developers, service providers, and interested citizens. The summit will review broadband public policy, its impact on jobs and education, and best practices from across the region.
“We know now more than ever that a more connected Delta region is a more productive Delta region. Broadband availability in our communities connects our people to increased educational and professional opportunities and creates jobs in the region,” said Chairman Masingill. “We continue to put the Delta first when we build a network of strong economies across this region."
Registration for the event is now closed, but those interested can still participate in the conference through live stream coverage on Tuesday the 23rd.
Go to www.DRA.gov to participate in the conference in real-time.
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Summit Agenda (as of 10/18)
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When |
What |
Who |
Where |
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Monday, October 22: |
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2:00 p.m. |
Craig Settles of “Gigabit Nation” webcasting live |
Craig Settles and Chris Masingill, Federal Co-Chairman, Delta Regional Authority |
Fed Ex Institute |
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5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m |
Networking Reception |
All summit attendees |
The Fogelman Executive Conference Center, Memphis, TN |
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Tuesday, October 23: |
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7:15 a.m. |
Registration, States Exhibits, Breakfast Buffet |
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FIT Lobby A/B/C |
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8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. |
Summit Opening and Welcome
Special Announcement with Zach Leverenz, CEO, Connect 2 Compete
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Chris Masingill, Federal Co-Chairman, Delta Regional Authority
Video welcome from Governor Jay Nixon of Missouri, Chair of the DRA Board of Directors
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The Zone, FedEx Institute of Technology, University of Memphis
356 Innovation Drive
Memphis, TN 38152 |
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9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
Panel 1 – Public Policy and Broadband |
Moderator: Chris Masingill
Panelists:
Ted Abernathy, Executive Director, Southern Growth Policies Board
Rich Usher, Assistant City Manager, City of Kansas City, MO
Zach Leverenz, CEO, C2C
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The Zone |
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10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
Panel 2 – DRA States’ Broadband Update |
Moderator: Craig Settles, Gigabit Nation
Panelists from:
Alabama – Jessica Dent;
Arkansas – Marie Bruno;
Illinois – Drew Clark;
Kentucky – Rene True |
The Zone |
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11:30 a.m. |
Lunch Buffet |
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FIT Lobby A/B/C |
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11:50 a.m. |
Luncheon Keynote |
Tony Wilhelm, Director, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce |
The Zone |
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12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. |
Panel 2 Continued: DRA States’ Broadband Update |
Moderator: Craig Settles, Gigabit Nation
Panelists from:
Louisiana, Brad Smith;
Mississippi, Dr. Dan Brook;
Missouri, Damon Porter;
Tennessee, Deanna Ward |
The Zone |
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2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Panel 3 – Broadband Impacts on Jobs and Education – Demonstrating the benefits of wholesale broadband adoption in Delta communities |
Moderator: Drew Clark, Partnership for a Connected Illinois
Panelists:
Kathy Lively, Executive Director, Connect SI Foundation
State Senator Linda Chesterfield, Co-Chair, Arkansas General Assembly Joint Committee on Advanced Communication and Information Technology, topic K-12
Michael Dumont, Vision Perry, Gibson County, TN
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The Zone |
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3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. |
Panel 4 – Broadband Funding sources for City/County projects – Show the policymakers where the money is. |
Moderator: Marie Bruno, Connect Arkansas
Panelists:
Mary Campanola, Special Projects Coordinator / Telecommunications Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service/Rural Development
Raquel Noriega, Chief Policy Counsel, Connected Nation
Jessica Dent, Executive Director, Connecting Alabama, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
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The Zone |
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4:15 p.m. |
Closing – Next steps – Potential for 2013 Broadband Summit/Meeting Opportunity |
Jessica Dent |
The Zone |
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