After months of work, Rutherford County leaders have devised a technology plan designed to improve the county’s economy and quality of life.
“High-speed Internet access is extremely important, especially if we are going to progress and create jobs and continued opportunities for the citizens of Rutherford County,” Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess said. “We are extremely excited about the Connected Tennessee effort and the collaboration it has engendered among the different agencies throughout the county.”
The “Connected Rutherford County Strategic Technology Plan” makes recommendations for technology-based improvements in nine sectors of the community: business and industry, health care, libraries, K-12 education, higher education, community-based organizations, government, agriculture and tourism, and recreation and parks.
The report identifies the top priorities for the next two years:
• Implement County Technology Awareness & Training Program
• Complete Broadband Availability & Demand Inventory
• Establish a Program that Provides Computers to Senior Citizens
The report also includes dozens of recommendations for future steps, such as implementing RHIO’s statewide for better exchange of patient health care data, seeking state resources to support the integration of technology into instruction, research and public service and installing wireless connections within every school in the county.
A team of local volunteers completed the “road map” for technology-based growth and development during a months-long meeting process.
The Rutherford County eCommunity Leadership Team built the plan with guidance from Connected Tennessee, a nonprofit group that is working to accelerate the availability and use of technology throughout the state toward creating a better business environment, more effective community and economic development, improved healthcare, enhanced education and more efficient government.
The meetings are part of Tennessee’s “Trail to Innovation”, a plan created to ensure that every Tennessee household has affordable access to high-speed Internet. The plan ultimately aims to increase the number of high-tech companies and jobs in Tennessee.
Broadband technology can help Tennesseans take advantage of world-class opportunities without having to leave home.
For example, small business owners can set up shop in a rural area while serving customers around the world, students can study with experts in their fields with the click of a button and libraries can offer the latest electronic books with no waiting list.
Connected Tennessee’s Middle Tennessee Project Manager, Larry Raybon, will continue to work with local volunteers as they implement the plan.
For more information or to participate in future meetings, contact Larry at 615-310-0888 or lraybon@connectedtn.org. |
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