Networking, informal discussion and refreshments

Welcome, introductions and check-in by local hosts/attendees

Meeting purpose ~ Bernadine

Community presentation

Blandin response

The future

Adjourn

Aitkin County Iron Range Broadband Community (IRBC)

Review and Discussion of Round I & II projects

PC’s for People Distribution

Thank You Blandin Foundation and IRRRB

Denise Rodgers, AEOA

Kari Paulsen, Aitkin Workforce Center

Lisa Kruse, McGregor Community Education

Hill City Community Education under Construction, Aitkin and McGregor are done.

$13,067.03 grant per site, $6,689.00 match.

14 units for checkout at Aitkin and McGregor Libraries and East Central Regional Library (ECRL) Outreach locations in Aitkin County.

IRBC grant $4,530.00 match $1,250.00

Rachel Howell, ECRL

4 portable units moved among busses that travel farthest, sporting and other events or longest daily bus ride.

IRBC grant $4,987.00 local match $1,950.00.

Eliminate Wifi dead spots throughout Campus.

Increase bandwidth, issue wasn’t equipment.

IRBC Grant $2,496.00 match $624.00.

“We are all hooked up with Exede, and it has been working great! Thank you both for all your efforts and hard work!”

Continuation of previous project to provide WiFi in Palisade, Berglund Park was not in coverage range.

IRBC Grant $4,600.00 match $1,320.00.

First grant award for Palisade and Hill City, $8,887.00 match of $2,963.00.

Darrell with update, need to work on Hill City.

IRBC grant of $1,000.00

Used for programming/workshops that can utilize the Conference Centers.

IRBC Grant $6,000.00 match was $2,000.00

82 computers distributed Aitkin County HHS 10

Aitkin County C.A.R.E. 12

McGregor ANGELS 6

Aitkin Co Habitat for Humanity 1

City of Palisade reading room 2

McGregor Community Ed and Community 15

A.A.D.A. 6

Hill City Community Ed 5

Jaques Art Center 2

Aitkin County D.A.C. 2

McGregor Kids Plus 1

McGregor Historical Society 1

Individuals 19

Community Listening Session February 2017

Attendees from all of Aitkin County came and gave input.

Overwhelmingly asked for more access to broadband.

Total projects $101,874.09, IRBC grants $76,845.09, local matches $25,029.00.