U.S. Chamber Calls for Sound Broadband Policy

North Dakota Lt. Governor Dalrymple Highlights Economic Impact for State

FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the national non-profit Connected Nation, Inc. sponsored an event today in Fargo to promote broadband connectivity, and its benefits to education, healthcare, agriculture, business and the U.S. economy. This event was part of the Connect! tour, a series of regional events designed to promote the importance and benefits of broadband and related technologies.

"Sound broadband policies are critical for the economic success of American businesses," said William L. Kovacs, Vice President of Environment, Technology, and Regulatory Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Our goal is to make sure that lawmakers, businesses, and consumers are educated on ways to help expand broadband opportunities so that businesses can continue to thrive."

The Chamber event featured a keynote speech by Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple (R-ND) and a group of panelists that included the North Dakota Farm Bureau, North Dakota State University, Fargo Microsoft Campus, and other regional businesses and organizations. The discussion highlighted the impact of broadband on economic development, U.S. global competitiveness, telemedicine, and education.

With a modest increase in broadband deployment, North Dakota could realize a total direct economic impact of $264 million annually, including $186 million in wages from the nearly 6,000 new jobs, according to the Chamber.

For more information on the Connect! tour, please visit: www.connectednation.org/ or www.uschamber.com/connect.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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