Economic alliance launches program to improve internet for businesses, homes.

Economic alliance launches program to improve internet for businesses, homes.

Oceana County residents are asked to take 10-minute survey at https://myconnectedcommunity.org/oceana-county/.

OCEANA COUNTY  – The Oceana County Economic Alliance (OCEA), in partnership with Connected Nation Michigan (CN Michigan), has launched a Connected Community Engagement for the county. 

The program will leverage data provided by residents, businesses, community organizations, and others to identify problem areas and solutions for expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access across the county.

“Every local household, business, and community organization has a role in bringing the benefits of this work to our area,” said OCEA Board Chair, Gayle Forner. “Addressing the challenges of poor, or even zero, internet connection has never been more critical. OCEA recognizes and prioritizes broadband infrastructure as a critical component of rural economic development as tele-medicine, online learning, remote work, and virtual ‘connectedness’ are increasingly a key part of the foundation of a healthy and prosperous future.”

All of Oceana County is asked to do their part in launching this program by taking a 10-minute survey at https://myconnectedcommunity.org/oceana-county/. Those unable to access the online survey are encouraged to visit any Oceana County library to take the survey online or to get a printed copy that can be completed and returned to OCEA, 844 S. Griswold St. Hart MI 49420.

Data from the survey will be used to create an Oceana County Technology Action Plan. “It’s critically important for as many families, businesses, and community organizations as possible to take part in this survey because the more information we get, the better our plan will be, and the more data we will have to work with as we try to bring more funding and service options to our county,” said Jodi Nichols, business development coordinator for Oceana County Economic Alliance.

The Connected Community Program and Connected Nation Michigan has been leveraged by more than 350 communities across the country to develop community-specific Technology Action Plans which include immediate and long-term steps for improving broadband access. To learn more about the Connected program, visit https://connectednation.org/connect-my-community/.

The Oceana County Economic Alliance is a non-profit entity led by local community volunteers dedicated to creating a diverse economic environment by strengthening talent, leveraging resources, and supporting the retention, expansion, attraction, and creation of Oceana County businesses. It provides no-cost business retention, expansion and attraction services to local employers and communities through a partnership with The Right Place. For more information visit www.rightplace.org/oceana or contact Jodi Nichols at 231-742-3328 or nicholsj@rightplace.org.

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