ConnectKentucky Wins Excellence in Innovation Award from U.S. Department of Commerce | News | Congressman Ed Whitfield

News | Congressman Ed Whitfield | United States Representative

ConnectKentucky Wins Excellence in Innovation Award from U.S. Department of Commerce June 1, 2006 WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield on Thursday congratulated ConnectKentucky, a state-based technology alliance, for being named the winner of the 2006 Excellence in Economic Development Award by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The award recognizes ConnectKentuckys commitment to research-based, market driven economic development strategies to expand broadband deployment in Kentucky and for helping grow the Commonwealths economy.

Nominations for the annual award are evaluated by a special selection panel appointed by the Commerce Departments Assistant Secretary for Economic Development. Whitfield, who wrote the Commerce Department in support of ConnectKentuckys nomination, said that ConnectKentucky was a deserving recipient of the award.

"ConnectKentucky is helping close the digital divide in Kentucky, bringing good paying, high-tech jobs to the Commonwealth," said Whitfield. "As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, one of my priorities has been to expand advanced communications services in the rural communities that I represent. ConnectKentucky has been an active partner in achieving that goal, and I am confident their efforts will have a lasting, positive impact on Kentuckys economy."

According to ConnectKentucky, statewide broadband availability and usage have increased by 33% and 45% respectively since their broadband deployment initiative was launched in 2004. An estimated 300,000 previously unserved households can now access broadband as private sector investment in telecommunications infrastructure has reached an unprecedented level in Kentucky. Home computer ownership has grown by 17% and more than 100 counties are actively engaged in ConnectKentuckys eCommunity Leadership process to establish a technology growth plan for at the local level.

Based in Bowling Green, ConnectKentucky is a public-private partnership that bringing together technology and communications-based businesses, government agencies and universities in Kentucky. The mission of ConnectKentucky is to support the growth and economic development of technology in Kentucky. Additional information about ConnectKentucky and their efforts to expand technological growth in the State can be accessed at: www.connectkentucky.org.

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