The recently organized Roaring Fork Valley Broadband Initiative (RFVB), a collective created to improve Internet reliability, connection speeds, and accessibility, is hosting a civil discourse on Friday, June 10, 2016 at the Mountain Chalet from 7:30 – 9:00am.
RFVB is asking for input from all Internet user stakeholders - businesses, professionals, health and community service providers, educators, government officials, citizens, and legislative representatives - to ensure comprehensive Internet development. This event is free to attend and open to anyone who wants to help frame the future of high-speed Internet access from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. Attendees can RSVP online at rfvbroadband.com.
This event will begin with an introduction to a small panel of experts and stakeholders in the field of Internet services. Dave Mayer from Aspen Entrepreneurs & Investors Network (AEIN) will moderate the discussion and then open the floor to questions from the audience. Coffee and a light breakfast will be provided by AEIN.
The premise of this gathering is to have representatives from both the public and private sector present all the known facts pertaining to the present-day and potential future state of the Internet for citizens, entrepreneurs, and organizations in the Roaring Fork Valley. Attendees are encouraged to contribute to the discussion with thoughtful questions, concerns, and an open mind. The ultimate goal is to learn as much as possible and to then create a community plan of action to improve Internet reliability, speed, and accessibility.
Confirmed panel members include:
· Katie King, lead counsel for EPB (a municipal broadband provider in Chattanooga, TN ~ Gig City)
· Jerry Murdock, co-Founder of Insight Venture Partners
· Lynn Folkersen, Enterprise Director at Comcast
· Rachel Richards, Chair, Board of Pitkin County Commissioners
"Broadband is fundamentally changing our lives and the way we operate -- from where and how we work, to where we live and whether we as a community thrive economically and socially. Pitkin County understands that access to affordable, redundant and abundant broadband is quickly becoming the most critical infrastructure of our time and is committed to finding innovative solutions to meet the needs of homeowners and businesses throughout the region." - Patti Clapper, County Commissioner, Pitkin County
About the Roaring Fork Valley Broadband Initiative
RFVB is currently comprised of Jess Ewart from Aspen Entrepreneurs & Investors Network (AEIN), Kara Silbernagel of the Pitkin County Commission, Dave Mayer, Founding Partner of AEIN, and Mike Jahn of Create Mentorship Aspen. This small collective has combined their research, connections, and aspirations to culminate in this upcoming community meeting. RFVB will host similar gatherings up and down the Roaring Fork Valley to catalyze the expansion and improvement of high-speed Internet service.
Contact: Kara Silbernagel 429-2815