Conference attendees got into groups to tackle topics. I’ve taken notes on the summaries each group gave.

Multi-Community Networks
It’s helpful to have players that are already interested in partnering. You need a champion in each community. Now can be a time to think about who can be your partners/providers?

Digital Inclusion
How can you affect the seniors? The MN Board on Aging has Senior Linkage. PCs for People is another tool. You need to find a champion in the community to focus on inclusion.

Wi-fi areas
All rest areas have wi-fis. It would be great to have a directory of all of the public wi-fis would be nice. It’s not nice to steal wi-fi from the neighbors.

Regional Edu & Healthcare Networks
Both edu and healthcare get some subsidies. We have a good edu system locally. We have the potential to leverage those networks. Maybe the next MN BB Task Force could talk about ways that the State could leverage that network.

Broadband-based Economic Development
That means everything from attracting businesses to attracting tourists. And the focus is no longer on recruiting IT – all businesses need broadband. Broadband is a tool. Investment is the issue. Broadband is necessary, but not sufficient for success.

Making the case for broadband with decision makers
We need a consistent message. This is the third wave of development: electricity -> telephone -> broadband. Helping leaders use broadband helps. You have to do it yourself – but you can’t do it alone.

Telework
What action can communities take to encourage telework? Know who hires teleworkers. Creating support such as co-working facilities.

How do we tap into Middle Mile
Middle mile networks ties communities together; they leverage economies of scale and are designed to connect ISPs.