Connect with the World Conference on October 9 in Mount Vernon to Focus on the Benefits of Publicly Owned Broadband Infrastructure

    MOUNT VERNON, WA, August 08, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- How are affordable, high speed broadband networks making current businesses stronger, increasing business startups and serving as a business recruitment tool? What are the latest and greatest trends in technology and how is this industry driving Washington's economy? How can investments in community broadband improve student education and the delivery of healthcare? What are some examples of how public investments in broadband networks are helping local government be more effective in delivering services?

Those are just some of the questions that will be addressed at the innovative Connect with the World Conference, which will be held in Mount Vernon from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, at McIntyre Hall, Skagit Valley College, 2501 East College Way.

Mount Vernon is hosting the Conference because "we have seen how an investment in fiber infrastructure has produced local economic growth and directly benefited our businesses," said Mayor Jill Boudreau. "This Conference will be tremendous opportunity to learn from state and national leaders about how communities can foster and grow a robust technology industry environment."

Conference speakers include:

- Mark Anderson selected by FORTUNE as one of the "100 Smartest People We Know," Mark is a frequently sought after speaker around the world. His long-running weekly newsletter, Strategic News Service (SNS), counts a stellar readership, including the likes of Michael Dell, Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.

- Susannah Malarkey, Executive Director of the Technology Alliance, a statewide organization of leaders from technology businesses and research institutions dedicated to Washington's long-term economic success.

- Christopher Mitchell, Director of the Community Broadband Networks Initiative with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and publisher of MuniNetworks.org.

- Craig Settles, a broadband and industry analyst and consultant who helps communities develop effective broadband strategies, and he also hosts the Gigabit Nation radio talk show.

"Through case studies and presentations by industry leaders, the Conference will provide participants with the opportunity to learn how to promote a great life, attract family wage jobs, and position a community for success," Mayor Boudreau said.

Mayor Boudreau said the event is targeted to community leaders, technology businesses and research institutions, the healthcare industry, and government agencies, such as cities, counties and port districts.

Tickets are $80 if you register prior to September 19 and $100 after that date or at the door. Tickets can be purchased at http://mcintyrehall.org/scheduled_event.asp?sid=1303.

The Conference is sponsored by the City of Mount Vernon, the Economic Development Association of Skagit County, the Technology Alliance Group of Northwest Washington and Skagit County NextTech.

About the Connect with the World Conference
Connect with the World - The Benefits of Publicly Owned Broadband Infrastructure - is sponsored by the City of Mount Vernon, the Economic Development Association of Skagit County, the Technology Alliance Group of Northwest Washington and Skagit County NextTech.

For additional information, contact Jana Hanson, Mount Vernon Director of Community and Economic Development, at [email protected] or (360) 336-6214.

# # #