The Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development—in partnership with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission and University of Missouri Extension—invites you to join us for the Connecting All Missourians regional listening session for the Meramec Region.

The main purpose of the regional listening session is to hear updates from a diverse range of broadband stakeholders in the region and around the state. Stakeholder input is crucial to the work of the Office of Broadband Development as they continue to develop the state’s broadband plan. The goal of this upcoming meeting is to identify broadband challenges and barriers while identifying resources that can further our mission: Connecting All Missourians. Feedback received from stakeholders at the events will continue to guide the creation of a five-year infrastructure plan and Missouri’s Digital Equity Plan and will shape the development of broadband infrastructure in Missouri for the foreseeable future.

The meeting will be held in person, with a concurrent virtual option available for those who are unable to attend in-person. Here is the registration link to reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-all-missourians-regional-meeting-rolla-tickets-616113922327

The Connecting All Missourians programs – funded through the Federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act (DEA) – represent an unprecedented opportunity to connect unserved and underserved Missourians. These programs will fund lasting investments in broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion programs to make sure Missourians can make full use of the internet once they get it. Connecting All Missourians aims to ensure that every Missourian has access to the internet, an internet-capable device, and the knowledge/skills necessary to take full advantage of the opportunities that broadband provides.

Please share this invite with others who may be interested in attending this meeting. An agenda will be sent closer to the date of the meeting.

We would prefer that everyone register through the Eventbrite link, however, walk-ins are welcome. If you have issues with Eventbrite registration, please contact Linda Carroll at MRPC at lcarroll@meramecregion.org or call 573-265-2993. We hope to see you at The Centre on June 9^th.

WebEx Link: https://stateofmo.webex.com/stateofmo/j.php?MTID=m311b116d9dbb1838e76c431e1a078467