Lonnie Lawson
Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development, has been tapped to chair the Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) Broadband Working Group that will identify long-term broadband strategies for Eastern Kentucky.
The committee will specifically address opportunities for deploying improved and expanded broadband and Internet services, so-called ‘middle-mile’ core fiber optic cable, and public ‘last mile’ networks to provide Eastern Kentucky homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and governments world-class access for a globally competitive future.
The announcement of a diverse group of Eastern Kentucky citizens that will form the executive leadership structure of the SOAR initiative was made this week by Congressman Hal Rogers and Gov. Steve Beshear
“I am pleased to be a part of the SOAR efforts to explore broadband opportunities for Eastern Kentucky,” said Lawson. “High speed broadband, and technology infrastructure has enormous implications for business opportunities, employment, education and healthcare. It can level the playing field for Eastern Kentucky, and create long-term competitive advantages and growth for a region that has been struggling. ”
Bob Mitchell of Corbin, a member of The Center for Rural Development’s board of directors and retired chief of staff for Congressman Hal Rogers, was named to the SOAR executive committee.
Read the entire press release.
