ConnectKentucky Success Spurs the Addition of New Staff and the Formation of a National Organization

    BOWLING GREEN, Ky., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since the launch
 of Kentucky's Prescription for Innovation in late 2004, ConnectKentucky has
 facilitated efforts garnering unprecedented success in broadband deployment
 and technology advancement. Utilizing what is becoming known as the
 Connected Nation model for technology expansion, ConnectKentucky has helped
 the Commonwealth become a national leader in technology adoption and
 planning with a #1 ranking for growth in broadband technology.
     America is watching Kentucky's success story and as a result, states
 are considering the possibility of replicating the Connected Nation model
 to close the digital divide that exists in communities across the nation.
 The digital divide refers to the gap that exists for communities without
 adequate technological resources or in some cases -- communities yet to be
 served with high-speed Internet. Additionally, the United States Congress
 has numerous efforts underway to establish a national initiative to
 replicate Kentucky's success that has resulted from ConnectKentucky's
 implementation of the Prescription for Innovation. The bipartisan Connect
 the Nation Act of 2007 has been filed by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois)
 to encourage the rapid deployment of affordable broadband Internet service,
 particularly in rural areas. The legislation supports a grant program that
 would enable states to implement an initiative similar to ConnectKentucky,
 a public-private partnership leading efforts to accelerate broadband
 availability and technology literacy throughout the Commonwealth.
     In response to the growing demand for technology planning in the
 Commonwealth and for increased requests for planning assistance from other
 states, the leadership of ConnectKentucky is adding senior level staff and
 has formed a national umbrella organization called Connected Nation.
 Connected Nation assists with statewide comprehensive technology expansion
 efforts across America that effectively enhance the supply of available
 broadband while dramatically increasing demand through state and local
 grassroots awareness/adoption campaigns. Connected Nation specializes in
 increasing technology access and literacy towards greater digital inclusion
 for all. This technology expansion improves economic development,
 healthcare, education and public safety, in addition to providing a better
 way of life for Americans.
     The Connected Nation model in Kentucky has been very successful.
 Currently, 94 percent of Kentucky households are able to subscribe to
 broadband compared to only 60 percent in 2001. At the end of the year,
 Kentucky will be the only state in the nation to have full broadband
 coverage -- meaning every citizen in the state will be able to subscribe to
 some form of high-speed Internet.
     High-speed Internet has quickly become the necessary foundation for
 economic development. With broadband Internet, Kentucky communities can
 engage the world with their goods and services. Industries reliant upon
 traditional manufacturing can use the Internet to expand their markets and
 make their operations even more efficient. Broadband brings educational
 opportunities, improved healthcare, more effective and efficient government
 services and ultimately a better quality of life for all Kentucky
 residents.
     The closing of the digital divide is already yielding dividends in the
 quality of life for Kentuckians. In the Commonwealth, computer literacy has
 increased, the growth rate of high-tech jobs is outpacing the national
 average and Kentucky communities are enjoying the return of their offspring
 as more students remain in Kentucky to begin their careers. At an
 increasing rate, companies are locating to Kentucky, entrepreneurs are
 developing businesses in Kentucky and jobs are increasing thanks to a rich
 technology infrastructure and an expanding technology-savvy workforce
 equipped to support business growth.
     The national interest the Connected Nation model has received spurred
 the creation of two senior leadership positions to explore and manage the
 implementation activities of Connected Nation and ConnectKentucky. Mark
 McElroy, Senior V.P., Operations and Communications for Connected Nation,
 recently announced the addition of Rene' True as Director of Operations for
 ConnectKentucky and Brent Legg as Director of State & Local Initiatives for
 Connected Nation.
     "The Prescription for Innovation initiative that began in Kentucky is
 creating an impression all over America. The ConnectKentucky partnership
 has provided for the rest of the nation a model of success that Connected
 Nation is happy to share. Great work attracts great people," McElroy said.
 "These two individuals will further complement our staff during this
 development and provide new insight into the overall mission of technology
 growth for interested states. Kentucky, as the clear leader in technology
 planning, will continue to lead the nation as we demonstrate what is
 possible when a state has 100% broadband availability."
     Rene' True joins ConnectKentucky as Director of Operations and will
 provide primary management for ConnectKentucky, while also demonstrating
 leadership and vision to accelerate the growth of technology in the
 Commonwealth.
     "It is an honor to work alongside individuals who are dedicated and
 passionate in regards to the mission of broadband development in the
 Commonwealth," True said. "I am eager to play a part in continuing the
 success of the Prescription for Innovation and positioning Kentucky as the
 foremost choice in which to call home."
     Prior to joining ConnectKentucky, True served as Executive Director of
 the Office of Research and Information Technology in the Kentucky Cabinet
 for Economic Development. In addition to managing a 20 person staff, his
 responsibilities included coordinating the agency's strategic planning
 efforts and overseeing the Cabinet's IT functions. Before joining the
 agency, Rene' served over three years as Deputy Secretary of the Kentucky
 Revenue Cabinet, where he helped develop and implement the Cabinet's first
 strategic plan. True holds a Master's of Business Administration from the
 University of Kentucky.
     Brent Legg serves as Director of State & Local Initiatives for
 Connected Nation. In this role, he provides primary management of Connected
 Nation's national (state-by-state) strategy coordinating the work of the
 organization as it expands its engagements in, and to, other states
 concentrating specifically on states lacking a statewide technology
 public-private partnership.
     "ConnectKentucky is now widely recognized as the nation's best model
 for enhancing broadband development at the state level," Legg said. "I am
 thrilled to have the opportunity to work for an organization that is truly
 pioneering these efforts nationwide."
     Immediately prior to joining Connected Nation, Legg served as Field
 Director for United States Congressman Geoff Davis (KY-4), where he oversaw
 the Congressman's four field offices and served as a liaison for
 constituents and local elected officials. Prior to that assignment, he
 acted as Senior Legislative Liaison for the Secretary of the Kentucky
 Education Cabinet and Assistant Policy Advisor for the Fletcher for
 Governor 2003 Campaign. Legg is a 2003 graduate of Transylvania University
 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
     True and Legg will be valuable additions to the Connected Nation team
 as the organization continues to answer the broadband needs of the nation
 by encouraging investment, driving technology adoption and empowering
 grassroots- led community development.
     About ConnectKentucky: As a non-profit technology-based economic
 development organization, ConnectKentucky is working to ensure that
 Kentucky remains the place of choice to live, work and raise a family. As a
 public- private partnership, ConnectKentucky partners with
 technology-minded businesses, government entities and universities to
 accelerate technology in the Commonwealth.
     About Connected Nation: Connected Nation, Inc. is a national non-profit
 organization known for its ability to close the digital divide. Through its
 partnerships, programs and policies Connected Nation makes technology work
 for previously underserved communities and markets, improving community
 life and economic development while enhancing markets for technology
 providers. Connected Nation's proven methodologies are delivering dramatic
 results that translate into more efficient public services and enhanced
 quality of life. Connected Nation's work in Kentucky, ConnectKentucky, has
 been identified as a national model for the expansion of broadband.
     For more information about ConnectKentucky visit
 http://www.connectkentucky.org
     For more information about Connected Nation visit
 http://www.connectednation.com
 
 

SOURCE ConnectKentucky