IMPACT 20/20 BROADBAND STUDY AND TRAINING

BEMIDJI, MN – February 3, 2014-- IMPACT 20/20 Taskforce for Broadband and Northwest Minnesota Foundation have just released a study on business broadband use within the northwest region of our state. Study findings clearly indicate that businesses which are using broadband tools in their business are increasing their customers, the scope of their market, their efficiency, and their profits.

As a result of what has been learned through the study, and in an effort to serve the needs of the business community, several broadband training opportunities are planned for 2014. Two kickoff events have been scheduled for February 18 – one in Crookston, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., and another in Bemidji, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. The kickoff events will focus on the basics of getting online, being found online, and understanding social media. Additional training will be delivered in the spring and fall of the year.

More information on the training, a downloadable copy of the study, and a series of YouTube videos featuring three of the business study participants can be found on the IMPACT 20/20 website: http://www.impact2020.org.

In promoting the trainings and sharing the results of the study, the hope of the IMPACT 20/20 Taskforce for Broadband is that individual businesses within the region will be inspired to try new methods that others have found to be effective and that policy makers will be reminded of the important role broadband plays in northwest Minnesota’s rural economy.

IMPACT 20/20 is an influential group of Northwest Minnesota Leaders representing diverse interests and working together for the region’s success.