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Message from the
Executive Director

Rene_True_HeadshotNearly three years ago, ConnectKentucky was asked to spearhead the Prescription for Innovation initiative. Today, the results of that work are unprecedented. The model used by ConnectKentucky for broadband deployment and technology growth has garnered national recognition time and again leading to national legislation, new leaders, innovative programs and a new outlook for the future.  With the onset of 2008, ConnectKentucky highlights the progress that has been made and answers the question, “What’s next?” 

As a result of the work of ConnectKentucky and its partners, the following successes have been accomplished:

  • Broadband availability has increased from 60 percent to 95 percent which represents about 546,000 new households;

  • Home computer ownership has increased to 72 percent from 58 percent;

  • All Kentucky counties have technology plans or programs and 120 counties have local government websites;

  • Kentucky graduates who chose to remain in Kentucky to live and work is up to 86 percent;

  • 18,400 new Kentucky IT jobs have been created;

  • 119,000,000 positive media impressions were made in 2007; and

  • Kentucky is recognized as the national leader in technology acceleration and repeatedly acknowledged as the national model for states.

Now that the Commonwealth has become an example for the nation in increasing broadband access, ConnectKentucky’s focus in the coming years will shift to increasing demand for broadband and technology use through awareness, applications and adoption. Utilizing the state’s strong technology foundation and broadband infrastructure, ConnectKentucky is now in the unique position to make certain Kentuckians take advantage of technology in life changing ways.  With available technology, unforeseen opportunities are within reach, such as: better and less expensive healthcare; an education that prepares Kentucky’s children to prosper in a globally networked world; residing in one of Kentucky’s rural communities and succeeding in a career that formerly required moving to a major metropolitan area; and developing a competitive economic advantage for attracting today’s high-tech jobs to replace the decline of traditional low skilled jobs. 

We look forward to continuing to ensure Kentucky remains a national leader in technology deployment and adoption.

Rene F. True
Executive Director
ConnectKentucky