Connecting Arkansas Internet Conference Set for September 25-26

Connect Arkansas, a project of Arkansas Capital Corporation, is hosting the Connecting Arkansas Internet Conference September 25-26 at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Little Rock. The goal of this conference is to provide a thorough picture of high-speed Internet in Arkansas and how it is and will continue to impact all communities, no matter how large or small. Moving to a digital age and economy has not been without its challenges, and Arkansas is not alone in them, with around 30 percent of Arkansans not having high-speed Internet at home. National and state data are consistent when it comes to the reasons these respondents give for not using the Internet – they can’t afford a computer and/or the service, or they don’t believe it’s to their benefit to be connected. The Connecting Arkansas Internet Conference will look at the challenges of delivering high-speed Internet to all Arkansans and how local, regional, and state leaders from both the public and private sectors are working to address them. There will be opportunities to see how Arkansas can learn from other states – and what other state can learn from Arkansas. In addition to Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, this conference has a diverse lineup of national and local speakers and panelists and will focus on how high-speed Internet affects healthcare, education, government, agriculture, and economic development, among other sectors. “The Internet has become an integral part of life, and Arkansans deserve every opportunity to participate,” said Sam Walls III, senior vice president of Connect Arkansas. “This conference is a platform for both leaders and citizens around the state to discuss the impact of high-speed Internet on Arkansans.” The event is open to the public, but space is limited and there is a $25 per person registration fee that includes breakfast and lunch. The full conference agenda is available at connect-arkansas.org/internet-conference. Arkansas Capital Corporation Group (ACCG) is a privately held group dedicated to improving the lives of Arkansans. ACCG and its affiliate companies empower entrepreneurs by providing capital to businesses through its capital availability products and advocating for entrepreneurs through capital, educational and technological improvements. ACCG serves as the platform from which new opportunities are launched and today includes eight affiliates including Arkansas Capital Corporation, Six Bridges Capital Corporation, Arkansas Capital Relending Corporation, Arkansas Economic Acceleration Foundation, Diamond State Ventures, Heartland Renaissance Fund, Connect Arkansas, and Pine State Capital. To learn more, visit arcapital.com. Connect Arkansas, established in 2007, is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to increasing high-speed Internet subscription and improving and sustaining Internet adoption throughout Arkansas. The Connect Arkansas Broadband Act was signed into law by Gov. Mike Beebe on March 28, 2007, with the goal of improving personal lives and creating economic opportunity for Arkansans. ACT 604 of the 2007 Arkansas General Assembly states that Connect Arkansas’s mission is to “prepare the people and businesses of Arkansas to secure the economic, educational, health, social and other benefits available via broadband use.” Connect Arkansas seeks to advance that goal through community-based initiatives. To learn more, visit connect-arkansas.org.