Community internet group meets for strategy
Published by Jeff December 7th, 2006 in News.Derril Pierce, executive director of the Monticello Economic Development Commission, said, "It is common knowledge that those seeking location for a new enterprise turn first to the internet for basic information on a given community. Therefore, development of a comprehensive website has to become a priority for community leaders and the institutions they represent."
Mayor-elect Joe Rogers and Monticello city treasurer Cindy Fakouri were present, as was county judge Damon Lampkin. Others in attendance included Beau Weaver, Workforce Training Coordinator; Ann Goade, MEDC Assistant; Jeff Noble from MonticelloLive, Nita McDaniel from the Arkansas Department of Economic Development, and JoAnne Smith from Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition.
The intention of the meeting was to help create a catalyst to get the different organizations thinking "outside the box" about internet presence and strategy for the community and its organizations. Hoyle helped to provide much-needed education about the possibilities of a community internet server in which non-profits could have a website designed by UAM students as part of their curriculum.
McDaniel noted that entities like the city of Monticello and other organizations need to consider establishing a strong, creative internet presence as a means of promoting the community, increasing literacy, and assisting with attracting businesses and families to move to the area.
The meeting also served as a brainstorming session and included ideas about making WIFI (wireless) internet available to the community for free as an attraction and benefit to its citizens and those considering relocating to Monticello.
Noting that websites help to communicate and "tell our story" to people outside of the area, Pierce said, "The best method of telling that story to the community, region, state and nation is through an effective internet presence. That won’t happen overnight, but we are on the right track to develop a powerful marketing tool."
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5 Responses to “Community internet group meets for strategy”
- 1 Trackback on Dec 8th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
Lately all we see is posts concerning UAM. Is this their website now? Let’s focus on the community more and UAM less!
Actually I’m enjoying all of the news coming out of the university. It would be incredible if more of our community would focus more on the university. Then we would be known as a college town, and not just a town with a college.
Great job ML…keep up the good work.
I agree with you Jim. I like hearing news from the college and the schools. ML gives me a look into areas I would never seek out on my own but have an interest in. Thx Jeff for all of the good information. Keep it coming.
Anonymous, I want to thank you for your comment. You have given an excellent example of the attitude that is literally killing our southeast Arkansas communities! You believe that UAM is not part of the community, and therefore you choose to ignore it!
We should all be interested, not only in our K-12 schools, but in UAM and its two technical schools. If we, due to our attitude, do not instill in our children a value for higher education, we are failing to give them the ability to grow and adapt in a world that is becoming increasingly competitive and demanding!
By the way, I am speaking of “Global Competition”, not competing with our neighbors up the road at Friday night football games!