So who is one of the first communities to jump onto the Google fiber train? Duluth!

I’ve seen the initiative promoted on the Perfect Duluth Day blog – but it has to start somewhere and comments on the blog seem encouraging. They are asking readers to nominate Duluth on the Google web site. And they point to a Facebook Group set up to promote the movement. Go Duluth go! And what a great idea that I hope other Minnesota communities will follow!)

Business North just ran an article (IT perseveres despite recession) highlightinf the benefits the IT industry has brough to the Arrowhead Region…

Drew Digby, regional labor analyst for the state agency, said the IT sector has helped keep the recessionary unemployment rate in Duluth/Superior below state and national levels. In December 2009, the unemployment rate was 7 percent, below the statewide 7.3 percent average. The IT industry also has a big economic impact. “They are well-paying jobs,” Digby said.

Many of us who attended the Blandin Broadband conference last fall learned more about Digby and the technology culture in Duluth at their pre-conference presentation.

Planning and infrastructure are cited in the Business North as driving forces behind the growing IT industry. Blandin gets a nod for both convening leaders and financial support in the area through its Broadband Initiative. St. Louis County is home to about 85 percent of all Arrowhead IT employment – although Cook and Lake Counties have certainly been planning and working to get infrastructure as well. As the article points out…

However, having broadband access has made an indirect impact, said Iron Range Resources Commissioner Sandy Layman. The state economic development agency she leads has helped with financing for 13 call centers on the Iron Range. “High speed connectivity helped move call centers to the Iron Range,” she said.

I found it interesting that the article seemed to express some concern with rural broadband having an adverse impact on the Duluth Technology Center. When it was built, the idea was that the Tech Center would be a draw for businesses looking to relocate or start up. It turns out that the labor force (good and inexpensive) in the area has been a greater draw – but I think that the Tech Center has provided at least indirect support for the labor force. Given the job rate in the area – something is going right, which really proves the importance of planning and infrastructure.

And once they get the Google deal, it’ll be green lights only for Duluth!