Good morning, everyone! Thank you all for being here. I'm Mackenzie Wicker, Communications Manager & Program Specialist with Foothills Regional Commission. Please introduce yourself in the chat!

Kristin Dunn, Thrive

Madalyn Gaito, Connect McDowell

John Thomson, Project Manager at Out Of The Ashes, representing Pat Chamberlain, Executive Director

https://foothillsregion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Agenda-Digital-Inclusion-Plan-Kick-Off-Meeting-04-28-22.pdf

I am having trouble with my audio, cannot hear. Let me see what I can figure out

Thanks. They just installed a new computer this morning so IT is coming to the rescue

A recording of the kick-off will be available, so you'll be able to catch up on any audio you miss later!

Can you share how much has been awarded out of the ARP to fund this exciting and necessary initiative? Thanks for this presentation. John.

The numbers of those in McDowell must have been FCC numbers, our survey and the state survey say they are way off

Thank you! John.

Now that StarLink is in beta in this area, is this being considered as a potential alternative?

https://www.ncbroadband.gov/assistance/digital-inclusion-template-guide

We have funding for competitive grants for low-orbit satellite offerings like Starlink intended to address the cost of the home connection. Satellite can definitely help fill in the gaps.

My email address is nate.denny@nc.gov. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions and I can point you to the real experts.

In case you missed it! https://www.ncbroadband.gov/assistance/digital-inclusion-template-guide

My email: mjwoods2@ncsu.edu

Ya'll have been great participants!

Keith Buchanan / APlusNetworking and Connect McDowell 501(c)3 : keith@aplusnetworking.com

Thanks Maggie- Happy to help close the digital divide in WNC!

Excellent points. Internet literacy (for al ages) is critical. There's a lot to learn - and it can be very intimidating to the uninitiated. What existing government (or other) resources can assist in this one-on-one learning requirement? Our libraries? Our schools after-hours?

Connect McDowell https://www.connectmcdowell.org

At Out Of The Ashes in Forest City, part of our campus was originally a TV station, complete with fiber optics and a presentation stage. This could become a community resource providing training to residents, staff and members of the local community. To implement, we would need funding to purchase equipment, licenses and training staff. Just putting this out there for follow up later. Thanks. John.,

Really great point, Craig

Thanks to everyone for the support and your participation. Together we can make this happen!