Blandin on Broadband

According to the Marshall Independent, Forbes Publisher Rich Karlgaard spoke at the Premier Leadership Event at Southwest Minnesota State University on Monday. He said that rural areas will be THE place to be for new and emerging businesses over the next 30 years. The cost of living is more reasonable and it’s cheaper to start and run a business.

Karlgard pointed out that “Improvements in Internet and wireless communication technology mean cities in the heartland aren’t isolated”. What’s interesting is that he assumed that the Internet and technology were there.

He praised Southwest Minnesota for “strong educational system, the region’s closeness to Interstate 90, and the efforts of groups like SWIF to encourage entrepreneurship.” He encouraged funders and economic development support to promote entrepreneurship – building businesses from within, because often that is where the good jobs and loyal business start.

He warned communities not to be too conservative with loans. Small and growing businesses need money but it’s an investment that pays off. I might add that we can’t be stingy with infrastructure either. Hearing in the Senate Committee meeting yesterday about all of the cool things happening with broadband demonstrated how well the investments pays off. Also I’d emphasize the outlook for 30 years – not 3 years. We need to develop infrastructure and skills that meet our needs in the long term.