New broadband initiatives were launched in the Chisholm-Balkan area through the Iron Range Blandin Broadband Communities (BBC) program. A collaboration of community partners included: Balkan Township, City of Chisholm, Chisholm Economic Development Authority (CEDA), Chisholm Chamber of Commerce and Chisholm Independent School District #695. Each organization led one or more of the following projects: [list is abbreviated]
- A new website for Balkan Township that includes a community calendar, recycling and municipal services, township government news and automated reservations for the community center.
- Marketing videos to promote life in Chisholm.
- A new website for the city of Chisholm
- Public Wifi improvements at the Chisholm Public Library.
- 10 mobile internet hotspots available to check out
- A scavenger hunt app for Chisholm’s community events.
- Free digital marketing assistance to 10 Chisholm small businesses
- Public Wifi access on Chisholm ISD school buses.
- 100 mobile internet hotspots
- Improved public wifi at Minnesota Discovery Center
- A distance learning project by Minnesota Discovery Center