As originally posted in Blandin on Broadband eNews…

Good planning, collaboration and action!  Seems to be the recipe for success.

Over the past couple weeks, our Blandin team has seen the fruits of the harvest of our MIRC communities and new seeds planted in our new BBC communities.  In addition, we have seen what a small group, ad hoc in nature, can do with a little facilitation and assistance.

I was part of a group that toured central and northern Minnesota with federal evaluators. In each location, our MIRC coordinators and their teams talked about success through collaboration, new partnerships and sustainable efforts.  Project leaders beamed with pride about new activities and new ways of doing old things.

Over the past several weeks, Karl Samp and I have helped launch nine new community teams in our BBC communities.  It was fun to meet so many great people who are interested in benefiting their communities and organizations.  They have plenty of ideas and lots of energy.  They are hoping to repeat the success of the MIRC communities and by utilizing the lessons learned through MIRC, Karl and I are determined to help them do just that.

Finally, the Blandin team was energized and amazed by the attendees at the East Central Broadband Summit in Hinckley.  About 80 people attended and heard presentations from Bernadine Joselyn, telecom providers, community members and Margaret Anderson Kelliher.  Then the attendees got to work and discussed ways to work together, within and across sector and geographic boundaries.  Thanks to the planning team and the participating telecom providers for a very active discussion!

We will be anxious to support the continuing work and recognize accomplishments. With four BBC communities operating within the five counties, this will be a new opportunity for significant broadband related activities on improved services, access and use.

Makes it fun to go to work!