RISING STAR: Broadband guru Brian Mefford lauded for ConnectKentucky achievements

The November issue of The Lane Report has been out for a few weeks, but we thought we'd refocus attention on the magazine for folks who haven't seen it.

The subject of the cover story this month is the success of ConnectKentucky and its CEO, Brian Mefford.  The accomplishments have been remarkable: Kentucky is about to become the first state in the country to achieve broadband access to 100 percent of its residents.

Expanding broadband access was part of Gov. Ernie Fletcher's campaign platform in 2003.  From his Prescription for Kentucky (pages 12-13 if you're keeping score at home):

Expanding Broadband Statewide.

In the New Economy we are learning that the Information Superhighway is as important as interstate highways. As we invest in upgrading and maintaining our roads, we must also invest in information and communication technologies.

Currently, about 70 percent of Kentuckians have access to the Internet. About 44 percent of those access it through a broadband connection. However, Kentucky ranks 41st in the nation in the distribution of broadband technology. Only West Virginia is ranked lower among our surrounding states.

An estimated 16 percent of Kentucky’s cities do not have broadband access. Each of these towns and their citizens is missing out on a vital opportunity to participate in the New Economy. There may be reservoirs of untapped entrepreneurial potential that may need only a better connection to the networked world. We must create an environment in which entrepreneurs can thrive with businesses and create jobs.

Fletcher scored big when he passed a broadband bill (H.B. 627) during the 2004 General Assembly session - just months after taking office.  A promise made, a promise kept.

Mefford, who started in the Fletcher administration by working for Jim Host at the Commerce Cabinet, took over ConnectKentucky at its infancy.  And he ran with it.  The results of his hard work are obvious.  From The Lane Report article:

Here’s how Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson assessed the eminent achievement of ConnectKentucky’s goal:

“This is a huge accomplishment and it shows what we can do in Kentucky when we put our minds to it. Having full broadband access means that anyone can do business on top of any mountain or down in any valley in Kentucky, by way of the Internet. This will make Kentucky a great place for entrepreneurs to create new companies. Now anyone can start a business in the family garage or at the kitchen table and conduct commerce with almost anyone on the globe.”

Among other highlights: 18,000 new IT sector jobs in the Commonwealth since CK started.  And a dramatic increase in the quality of life for Kentucky residents.

Mefford is now president of Connected Nation Inc., a spinoff operation that is taking the CK model nationwide. 

A Centre grad with advanced degrees in tow, Mefford is a rising star - not just in Kentucky, but nationally.  We're proud of his efforts and thankful that he's getting some much deserved recognition. 

Comments

Corporate Welfare

While Connect Kentucky was one of the best programs I have ever seen (and I am a "D" ), it is far from connecting everyone in Kentucky. Fletcher wanted Everyone to have high speed internet by 2007. Now that the year is almost gone, a large percentage still have no access to high speed internet. The goal has also changed from having access to HSI from home to accessing it at your local library, school, etc...However, I do hope that this program will continue and provide all Kentuckians with access to high speed internet from the comfort of their own homes.

[highspeed]

yeah still not close in many rural areas so do not know where your coming from with the 100% soon thing statewide thats just bull.. and connectkentucky was actually behind the eightball with regard to progessive communities like monticello and wayne county who went out on there own against the wishes of the connectkentucky establishment and got federal funding to do a real state of the art fiber project instead of same ole phone company