Contact: Brandon Hofstedt, Community Economic Development Program Manager, brandon.hofstedt@wisc.edu, (715)-928-0888
Virtual summit brings together experts and true stories of broadband success
Experts, researchers, and local advocates will come together on Nov. 16, 2021 for the Wisconsin Broadband Summit, a virtual event that will explore challenges and opportunities for improving broadband across the state.
Access to broadband is critical for Wisconsin communities in the 21st century. Broadband is connected to better business performance, entrepreneurship, higher home values, better educational outcomes, improved health outcomes, and higher worker productivity. The growth of remote work in the past two years has made the availability of broadband even more important.
“Every day we see the value of broadband across the state, from work to health,” said Brandon Hofstedt, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Community Economic Development Program Manager. “But improving access is complex and expensive. The Wisconsin Broadband Summit will bring together the people we need to understand the issue and move forward.”
The Wisconsin Broadband Summit will be held virtually on Nov. 16, 2021 from 9 am – 12 pm (CST). Registration is required. Register at https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/economicdevelopment/2021/10/10/wisconsin-broadband-summit/
Economists from the UW-Madison Division of Extension will discuss the ways broadband can spur economic growth. Panelists will tackle issues including digital equity, mapping, leadership development and funding sources. Participants will also hear from communities around the state that have successfully expanded broadband to their residents.
The Wisconsin Broadband Summit is co-sponsored by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and the UW-Madison Division of Extension. This summit is made possible, in part, by a grant from the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration in support of the Economic Development Administration University Center at the Division of Extension, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
