Recent Press ReleasesCONNECTKENTUCKY ISSUES REQUEST FOR PROPSOAL FOR 'COAL TO BROADBAND' PROJECT March 8, 2010 RFP Seeks Plans from All Types of Providers in Order to Bring Broadband Service to Breathitt, Estill, Lee and Powell Counties Frankfort, KY— ConnectKentucky has issued a request for proposal for the build-out of a four-county broadband network in Eastern Kentucky, with the ultimate goal of providing high-speed Internet service to 7,000 unserved households. In November 2009, Governor Steve Beshear joined with Department for Local Government Commissioner Tony Wilder, the Breathitt, Estill, Lee and Powell Regional Technology Authority Chairman Joe Crawford, and ConnectKentucky Executive Director René True to announce the launch of the “Coal to Broadband: Making the Transition, Making the Connection,” program, which will help bring broadband service to Breathitt, Estill, Lee, and Powell counties. ConnectKentucky is serving as technical adviser on the project, working with the newly formed nonprofit, the Breathitt, Estill, Lee and Powell Regional Technology Authority (RTA). All four of the grant’s impacted counties are in the bottom 25 counties in Kentucky for broadband availability. Breathitt and Lee counties are the two lowest served counties in the state, both with below 50 percent availability of broadband to the home. The RFP covers the infrastructure portion of the broadband project, with the ultimate goal of providing service to approximately 7,000 households in the four-county eastern Kentucky region without access to high-speed Internet. The network design is based on using fixed-wireless technology; however, ConnectKentucky and the RTA encourage providers of all technology platforms to review the request for proposal and submit their best solution. In addition, responses that include the combination of the construction phase of the project with a proposal for the operations phase from one company or a partnership of companies may provide the best solution and will receive favorable consideration in the review process. “In the upcoming weeks, the RTA is looking forward to reviewing a variety of broadband project proposals. We appreciate ConnectKentucky’s technical assistance and guidance during this request for proposal process,” said Crawford. “The ultimate goal of the ‘Coal to Broadband’ project is to reach four of Kentucky’s lowest served counties with high-speed Internet. I strongly encourage providers of all types to submit their plans for completing this worthwhile effort.” The deadline for responding to the RFP is April 5, 2010, and should be submitted to René True, c/o BELP, 311 West Main Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 or e-mail at rtrue@connectky.org. The announcement of the winning RFP response will occur around May 7, 2010, with construction slated to start soon thereafter. It is estimated the entire construction build-out will take between 5-7 months. As technical advisor, ConnectKentucky guided the preparation of the RFP and will assist the RTA in understanding the technical aspects of the RFP responses. However, the selection of a provider from the RFP responses is the ultimate responsibility of the RTA and the evaluation team appointed by the RTA. “ConnectKentucky is proud to be part of the ‘Coal to Broadband’ project and helping to facilitate this request for proposal. This project is going to bring high-speed Internet service to families and businesses in four counties where it is desperately needed and will play an important role in diversifying the region’s economy,” said True. “We look forward to working with the RTA and the successful RFP respondent to provide broadband to the region.” For a complete copy of the RFP and additional project information, please check the website at http://www.connectbelp.org/. CONNECTKENTUCKY HOSTS SUCCESSFUL 2010 TECH DAY IN KENTUCKY February 23, 2010 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky Features CyberSafeKY Training, Technology Roundtables, and Donations from AT&T and Lexmark FRANKFORT, Ky. — More than 120 students, parents, community members, and technology advocates participated in the 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky, held Thursday, February 18 in Frankfort. In the opening events, 80 students at Hearn Elementary School, along with their parents, participated in a cybersafety training. The cybersafety training class is part of an ongoing partnership among ConnectKentucky, the Kentucky Attorney General's Office, and the Kentucky Department of Education. Called CyberSafeKY, the training provided children with a basic understanding of the safe use of social network sites and what parents need to monitor with their children’s use of the Internet. Since CyberSafeKY began in 2009, more than 25,000 parents and children have participated in 100 different training awareness classes. Topics covered during the session included cyberbullying, cyberpredators, responsible use of social networking sites, and more. Along with the CyberSafeKY training, Franklin County Schools received a donation of 150 printers from Lexmark. This printer donation was facilitated through ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids (C4K) initiative, which provides computers and enhanced technology tools to low-income households, schools, community centers, libraries, and nonprofit organizations that provide after-school educational programs to underprivileged children. In addition, the AT&T Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to ConnectKentucky. The grant from the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., will benefit ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids. Previously, the AT&T Foundation awarded C4K $150,000 to distribute computers to more than 20 nonprofits in Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Washington, and Boyle counties. Following morning events at Hearn Elementary School, Tech Day events continued in Frankfort, with a proclamation reading, the announcement of ConnectKentucky’s Technology Awards, and technology-related roundtable discussions. The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) received the Corporate Citizenship Technology Award, which is given to a company, organization, or foundation that has successfully shaped its mission and business strategy to promote broadband technology adoption in the Commonwealth. The GRADD received the award for the public-private partnership known as ConnectGRADD, which is bring broadband to the rural areas of Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster counties. ConnectGRADD is currently providing service to over 1,500 residents of the region with a goal to double subscription. “ConnectGRADD is opening many doors that were previously closed to citizens in rural communities.It offers them unprecedented access to economic development, entrepreneurship, education, and entertainment opportunities — just to name a few,” said Jiten Shah, executive director of GRADD. “ConnectGRADD, Inc. is honored to receive this prestigious award. We pledge to continue our strong partnership with ConnectKentucky to accomplish our shared vision of bringing broadband Internet availability to residents across the Commonwealth.” ConnectKentucky also hosted two roundtable discussions about technology applications, benefits, and use in education delivery and eGovernment in Kentucky. Over 35 people participated in the panel discussions. The technology education roundtable was moderated by Allen Lind, chief information officer for the Council on Postsecondary Education, and featured a group of Kentucky’s educational technology leaders including representatives from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, the Kentucky Department of Education, and Eastern Kentucky University. Participants discussed how technology is impacting Kentucky’s educational delivery system, recent technological innovations, and future applications. The eGovernment roundtable was moderated by Allen Eskridge, CIO and Assistant Secretary of State and featured panelists from the Commonwealth Office of Technology, Cisco Systems, Officescape, and Dataseam. This discussion focused on how government can use technology to better serve citizens, recent technology improvements in Kentucky state government, and how technology can be leveraged to improve government and lower costs. “I was very pleased with the number of new ideas that emerged from the workshop. The panels stimulated a great deal of discussion regarding information innovation strategies and next-generation infrastructure needs,” said Dan O’Hair, Dean and professor at the College of Communications and Information Studies at the University of Kentucky. “Having nonprofit, government, for-profit, and educational representatives interact as part of the discussion added to the value of the workshop.” This is the fourth time ConnectKentucky has held the day-long Tech Day in Kentucky. For additional information, visit the ConnectKentucky website at www.connectkentucky.org. CONNECTKENTUCKY'S COMPUTERS 4 KIDS RECEIVES $15K FROM AT&T FOUNDATION February 18, 2010 AT&T Foundation Awards ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids $15,000 During 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky Frankfort, KY—Today, the AT&T Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to ConnectKentucky as part of the 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky festivities. The grant from the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., will benefit ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids (C4K), an initiative that provides computers and enhanced technology tools to children and organizations that provide after-school educational programs to underprivileged communities. Previously, the AT&T Foundation has awarded C4K $150,000 to distribute computers to more than 20 nonprofits in Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, and Boyle counties. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation are committed to advancing education, strengthening communities, and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs. “We applaud ConnectKentucky for the work they do helping kids leverage technology to learn,” said Mary Pat Regan, president of AT&T Kentucky. “When we give students more of the tools they need to succeed in the classroom, we are ultimately helping them get ready to compete for good jobs.” Since its inception in 2006, ConnectKentucky’s C4K has donated more than 3,000 computers to community organizations, schools, and nonprofits throughout Kentucky. “Computer 4 Kids continues to transform the lives of Kentucky’s families and communities,” said Rene True, executive director of ConnectKentucky. “Through the generous contribution of the AT&T Foundation, the support of our corporate partners and working with local community leaders, ConnectKentucky is closing the digital divide.” Organizations interested in supporting Computers 4 Kids can submit requests to C4K@connectky.org. To learn more about ConnectKentucky and Computers 4 Kids, visit www.connectkentucky.org. CONNECTKENTUKCY TO HOST CYBERSAFEKY SESSION AT 2010 TECH DAY January 22, 2010 FRANKFORT, KY – Engaging technology leaders from across the Commonwealth, ConnectKentucky will host the 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky on February 18 in Frankfort. Events will begin at 10 a.m. (EST). This is the fourth time ConnectKentucky has held the day-long event. This year’s Tech Day in Kentucky will feature a cybersafety training class for parents and children as part of an ongoing partnership among ConnectKentucky, the Kentucky Attorney General's Office, and the Kentucky Department of Education. Called CyberSafeKY, the training will provide children with a basic understanding of the safe use of social network sites and what parents need to monitor their children’s use of the Internet. “The Internet is a wonderful tool, but it can also be a tool for crime,” said Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway. “From cyberpredators to cyberbullying, the dangers that exist online are real. Through our CyberSafeKY partnership, we’re educating both students and parents across Kentucky about these dangers and how to keep kids safe in today’s virtual world.” Topics covered during the session will include cyberbullying, cyberpredators, responsible use of social networking sites, and more. A Lexmark printer distribution for the Franklin County Public Schools will open the event. Also, 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky will host two roundtable discussions about technology applications, benefits, and use in education delivery and eGovernment in Kentucky. The technology education roundtable at 1:30 p.m. will feature a group of Kentucky’s educational technology leaders including representatives from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, the Kentucky Department of Education, and Eastern Kentucky University. Participants will learn about the successes of educational technology investments in the Commonwealth, the impact technology is having on educational delivery systems, and the challenges faced in tight budgetary times. The eGovernment roundtable at 3 p.m. will feature panelists from the Commonwealth Office of Technology, Cisco Systems, Officescape, and Dataseam. This discussion will focus on what it means to incorporate “eGovernment” solutions into government operations and employ Web 2.0 and beyond applications. In addition to the roundtable events and cybersafety training, ConnectKentucky will announce the winners of the ConnectKentucky Technology Awards at 12:30 p.m. ConnectKentucky is currently soliciting nominations for the four awards, including:
ConnectKentucky encourages nominations from local leaders, schools, non-profits, businesses, and private citizens. Nominations will be taken until January 30. A downloadable version of the nomination form is available at http://www.connectkentucky.org. Mail or e-mail your nomination to: ConnectKentucky Attn: Donna C. Drury 311 West Main Street Frankfort, KY 40601 Other events include an opening reception beginning at 10 a.m. at Hearn Elementary School, 300 Copperleaf Boulevard in Frankfort. The CyberSafeKY training will also be held at Hearn Elementary School. The ConnectKentucky Technology Awards presentation, the roundtable discussions, and the closing reception will be held at the Capital Plaza Hotel, 405 Wilkinson Boulevard in Frankfort. To attend the events, please RSVP by February 1 to: Donna C. Drury ddrury@connectky.org (502) 875-7501 (office) (502) 594-8083 (mobile) In 2009, over 150 people attended the day-long event, which featured roundtables addressing the value of technology in the areas of education, healthcare, telework, and digital citizenship, while highlighting Kentucky’s status as a leading broadband state. PARKLAND SENIOR CITIZENS RECEIVE COMPUTER CLASS COMPLETION CERTIFICATES AT COMMUNITY CENTER December 15, 2009
Local Residents of All Ages Gain Valuable High-Technology Skills at Oasis Center Louisville, KY--At the Oasis Living in Freedom and Excellence Center in the Parkland neighborhood of Louisville, the center’s first senior computer classes recently ended. The five students spent several weeks learning about computers and their applications. For some of the participants, the courses were their first time using a computer, while others were able to fine tune their current skills. Despite their different skill-levels, the participants praised the course and lamented its end. “I hate to see the class end,” participant Larry Gordon said following the recent end-of-class certificate ceremony and luncheon. “It was very enlightening.” Thanks to a donation from ConnectKentucky and its partners, the Oasis Life Center has been able to provide community residents—both young and old--with access to a free computer lab outfitted with computers and printers. The lab also has laptop computers for use at the center or on loan. The center was formed in 2003 by Elim Baptist Church members to house a program to help young people learn more about the technical side of the music business. Since then, the center has become a nonprofit agency and offers afterschool tutoring, parent workshops and outreach for people dealing with HIV-AIDS, along with the senior computer training classes. Michelle Patrick, the center's executive director and a retired teacher, said she has seen the need for such a lab for years. “I remember when I taught at Meyzeek [Middle School], so often kids had projects but no access to computers at home to work on those projects,” she said. “That always stuck with me.” Along with all of its current activities, the Center will add GED preparation classes starting in January 2010. Also, the Center has plans to offer online college preparatory and foreign-language courses and video editing for teenagers, Patrick said. "I like to tell people we're small, but we have lofty goals,” she said. Related Information: Press Release: Nine Louisville-area Non-profits Receive More than $40K Worth of Computers, Printers KENTUCKIAN INVITED TO SERVE TWO-YEAR TERM ON MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER'S INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY PANEL November 10, 2009 Connected Nation chief executive officer Brian Mefford Outlined ConnectKentucky’s Program Success at International Conference Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- This week, Connected Nation’s chief executive officer, Brian Mefford, was appointed to a two-year term on the MSC Malaysia International Advisory Panel (IAP). Chaired by the Malaysian Prime Minister, the IAP provides advice and counsel to the Malaysian Government to set and prepare the agenda for the way forward in the development and growth of the MSC Malaysia and the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry in Malaysia. In addition, Mefford was a featured panelist at the 12th annual IAP meeting, outlining the success of ConnectKentucky’s public-private partnership model for increased broadband deployment and adoption, particularity the organization’s grassroots-level work to bridge the “digital divide” in the state. It was the hope of the conference that ConnectKentucky can serve as a model for possible similar programs in Malaysia. “At ConnectKentucky, we believe that states, communities, families and individuals can realize the tremendous economic and social advantage of widespread broadband deployment and adoption,” Mefford said. “Our public-private partnership model has not only seen success in Kentucky, but in other states around the country. We are confident that we can translate this success to Malaysia and help grow the country’s new, high-technology economy.” The IAP brings together the “meeting of the minds” of some of the world’s most renowned industry luminaries and thought leaders in the global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. This year’s IAP meeting, Innovation Economy: Paving the Path to Prosperity, was held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), near Kuala Lumpur, on Nov. 8-10. The meeting included discussions on how to keep “the MSC Malaysia at the forefront of assisting Malaysia’s economic recovery and creating future prosperity via an innovation-based economy,” according to an article in The Malaysia Star. Related Links: Article: IAP Meeting to Be Smaller But More Focused (The Malaysia Star, 11/3/09) Article: IAP to Set Tone For MSC Malaysia In Sync With New Economic Model (Bernama, 11/2/09) Article: IT Experts to Share Views on Enhancing the Role of MSC Malaysia, (The Star Online, 11/07/09) Article: Broadband: Kentucky Style (Malaysian Life, 11/10/09) Article: Kentucky News Review (Lexington Herald-Leader, 11/10/2009) Article: Malaysia seeks Kentucky Expertise to Wire Nation (Business Lexington, 11/10/09) Article: Broadband Lessons From Kentucky (The Malaysia Star, 11/10/09) Video: MDeC: Innovation-based Economy (The Star Online TV) GOVERNOR BESHEAR ANNOUNCES GRANT TO PROVIDE BROADBAND ACCESS TO EASTERN KENTUCKY REGION November 3, 2009
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear presents a check to Chip Spann, René True and Mark Messer of ConnectKentucky during the “Coal to Broadband” launch on Tuesday. BEATTYVILLE, Ky.--Governor Steve Beshear joined with Department for Local Government Commissioner Tony Wilder and ConnectKentucky Executive Director René True today to announce the launch of the “Coal to Broadband: Making the Transition, Making the Connection,” program, which will help bring broadband service to Breathitt, Estill, Lee and Powell counties. “Through the work of Internet providers statewide and the Department for Local Government, Kentucky serves as a national model of how Internet access can enhance the quality of life for individuals, businesspeople and entire communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “However, we still have room for improvement, especially in our rural areas. Through the launch of the ‘Coal to Broadband’ program, the Commonwealth is moving one step closer toward ensuring that every Kentuckian has readily available online access.” ConnectKentucky will serve as technical adviser on the project, working with the newly formed nonprofit, the Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Powell Regional Technology Authority (RTA). “ConnectKentucky is proud to be joining Governor Beshear and the Department for Local Government in the announcement of the ‘Coal to Broadband’ project. This project is going to help bring high-speed Internet service to families and businesses in four counties where it is desperately needed and will play an important role in diversifying the region’s economy,” said René True, Executive Director of ConnectKentucky. “Providing the tools and resources necessary for all Kentuckians to succeed in this global economy is an utmost priority,” said Commissioner Tony Wilder. “With the enhanced Internet access from the ‘Coal to Broadband’ program, we will not only be providing economic possibilities, but a whole new means by which people can achieve personal growth through increased educational opportunities.” All four of the grant’s impacted counties are in the bottom 25 counties in Kentucky for broadband availability. Breathitt and Lee counties are the two lowest served counties in the state, both with below 50 percent availability of broadband to the home. What’s more, nearly 7,000 homes in Breathitt, Estill, Lee and Powell counties do not have high-speed Internet available at home. “Coal to Broadband” will help ensure that these counties move toward more accessible and widespread broadband connections. The program will use multi-county coal severance dollars along with Appalachian Regional Commission funds for an economic development project to bring broadband access to the four county Eastern Kentucky region.
THREE Community groups receive aT&t-sponsored COMPUTERS THROUGH cONNECTKENTUCKY PROGRAMOctober 5, 2009 |
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Larry Gordon, a participant at the Oasis Center’s senior computer class, shows off the certificate he earned for completing the class. 
GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE HONORS PRESTONSBURG WIRELESS NETWORK