Anderson County Joins Connected Community Engagement Program

Last Tuesday, Anderson County and the city of Palestine, Texas hosted their Connected Community Engagement Program kickoff meeting at the Anderson County Courthouse with over 20 people in attendance.

In the kickoff meeting, attendees discussed the need for turbocharging existing businesses, integrating virtual workplaces, incorporating broadband and technology in government, public safety, and integrating technology in the classroom.

“Bringing broadband Internet to our community is vital. Technology will pave the way to a more robust job market and a brighter future for our region,” said Tammy Lightfoot, emergency management coordinator in Anderson County.

The challenge identified by the group is the need for access in rural pockets of Anderson County; and by bringing affordable Internet to the area for the people, not just big industries, connectivity for businesses and residents will be achieved.

Anderson County is one of 23 counties that are working with the East Texas Council of Governments and Connected Texas to develop and complete a comprehensive, regional broadband blueprint for the underserved and unserved areas of the 23-county region.

Photo: City of Palestine Emergency Medical Coordinator Schelby Wells, Anderson County Emergency Management Coordinator  Tammy Lightfoot, Connected Texas’ Ron Turner, and Anderson County’s Michael Cook at the conclusion of Tuesday’s Connected kickoff meeting at the Anderson County Courthouse.