Bowling Green, KY – U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis (KY-02) will attend an award presentation, Wednesday, August 30th, 1:30pmCT on the lawn of the Warren County Courthouse, 429 East 10th Ave, Bowling Green. Lewis will make brief remarks congratulating ConnectKentucky for their receipt of the 2006 Excellence in Innovation Award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Sandy Baruah will formally present the award.
“ConnectKentucky is an outstanding example of a public-private partnership working to serve the interests of the Commonwealth,” said Lewis. “This prestigious award acknowledges the hard work, commitment, and vision of all those associated with this remarkable organization.”
ConnectKentucky has led an initiative to identify regional technology needs and increase broadband deployment throughout the state. Working with over 40 other organizations, ConnectKentucky has increased broadband availability by 28 percent in just one year. They are presently on track to offer blanket coverage for the entire state by 2007. Currently 82% of Kentucky homes have access to high speed internet.
The Excellence in Innovation Award recognizes ConnectKentucky as a national leader in innovative strategies for economic development. Lewis submitted a letter of support to Assistant Secretary Baruah earlier this year.
“Broadband deployment plays a critical role in linking small communities with the global marketplace,” said Lewis. “Universal access could add thousands of new jobs across the state. ConnectKentucky is providing the critical technology to spur this investment.”
Over five hundred million dollars of private investment has been placed in Kentucky for the development of telecommunications throughout the past two years. Several other regional economic partnerships, including One Knox, were also nominated for this year’s award. Team Taylor County was selected to receive the award in 2004.
Lewis will be joined Wednesday by numerous public officials including Assistant Secretary of Commerce Sandy Baruah, Warren County Judge Executive Mike Buchanan, Executive Secretary Robbie Rudolph, Senator Brett Guthrie, Speaker Jody Richards, Rep. Jim DeCesare, Rep. Rob Wilkey and others.
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