Connect SIRex Duncan |
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Connect SI (www.connectsi.us) is an economic and community-development initiative for the 20 southernmost counties of Illinois. Built around the principles of collaborative behavior and the availability of affordable, productively used broadband access, the initiative has been likened to a “common market” approach to regional growth. Begun in 2003 as a three-county project, Connect SI has been fully operational through Southern Illinois University since early 2006. The current number of counties served are divided into four "Communities of Interest," or COIs. Two industries deemed critical to regional growth—network providers and health care—have also formed COIs. With continued university support, Connect SI is now housed under Man-Tra-Con Inc. in Marion, Illinois. Growth through Connect SI is linked to the creation of an economic climate amenable to increased entrepreneurial development, especially in knowledge-based enterprises. Southern Illinois hosts a vibrant system of community colleges with a major research university. Providing a climate for the retention and employment of a locally trained workforce will be essential to sustained growth. The availability of broadband Internet access is essential to regional growth. In early 2006, the regional perception of the value of broadband was underdeveloped. The take rate in the region—the number of households that have access to broadband and actually purchase the service—was estimated at 12%, half the national rate for rural areas (24%) and nearly a third of the national rate (33%). The region has set a goal based on the global best-practice take rate of 54%, which is found in Iceland and South Korea. After the first 18 months, the regional take rate has increased by to 16%. The 2004 report of the Illinois Poverty Summit demonstrated how essential regional collaboration is for growth to occur. In that report, southern Illinois was ranked first—worst—in terms of statewide poverty. Southern Illinois rated lowest in 14 of 17 indicators of poverty, making this region the poorest in the state. That report has truly become a rallying point for engagement in Connect SI and for constructive change. Project goals are related to economic activity, levels of employment, population increases and other indicators of prosperity over a five-year period. Goals have also been set for the health care and network provider COIs. Some of those goals are: Job Creation The job-creation goal for the region is 27,298 new jobs that pay $43,500 annually or better. The jobs targeted should include health-care benefits, a key metric for the regional health-care industry. Those jobs would in part be generated by the previously referenced growth in knowledge-based enterprises. Those jobs, plus the jobs generated by the additional economic activity, could generate as much as $2 billion in additional regional payroll. Broadband Internet Access By the end of 2012, broadband Internet access would be regionally universal with a global best-practice take rate of 54%. A marketing campaign will be in full swing to continue to increase adoption and usage. Networks will be in place to support remote teaching, international research, and healthcare connectivity. |
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Contact Information Rex Duncan Kathy Lively |
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