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Itasca area bbc wrapup presentation v13
- 1. Itasca Area Blandin Broadband Community (IABBC) Project Summary 1
- 2. Agenda • Welcome and Introductions • Meeting purpose – Bernadine Joseyln • Community Presentation – everyone • Blandin response • The future
- 3. Introductions In 30 seconds or less, Please introduce yourself and your connection to the BBC Program
- 4. Is my organization in the 21st century? Phone book
- 5. 20112010 201420132012 MIRC Project Itasca Area BBC • Senior e-literacy training • Grand Rapids library computer equipment • YMCA Wi-fi project • PCs for People with broadband access • Streaming of local government meetings Storming Forming Norming Performing Steering Committee formed MIRC close-out Final project report 5
- 6. Itasca Area BBC Steering Committee Business, tech based Business, lower tech Business, global K-12 Education Higher Education Economic Development Chamber of Commerce Tourism Healthcare Government Technology service providers Under-represented populations Trent Janezich Matt Grose Shawn Gillen Need to replace Rusty Eichorn Bud Stone Steve Wilson Garage Doors and Awnings Jim Woehrle Megan Christianson Jean MacDonell (Grand Itasca) Lorrie Yeschick Todd Jaronson (Lonza) Cory Jackson (Rennix, ITE) Kathy Kooda IEDC leads the effort Curt Walczak (SBDC) Sustainable Community Initiatives 6
- 7. 20112010 201420132012 MIRC Project Itasca Area BBC Storming Forming Norming Performing Steering Committee formed Accepted into BBC program Brainstorming ideas Community meeting MIRC close-out Final project report • Senior e-literacy training • Grand Rapids library computer equipment • YMCA Wi-fi project • PCs for People with broadband access • Streaming of local government meetings 7
- 9. Purpose Leverage key partners and resources within our community: plan, organize and execute multiple sustainable projects focused on the “use” of technology that result in business growth, economic vitality, and improved quality of life. 9
- 10. Goals for our Community 10 Make technology more mainstream for BUSINESSES in Itasca County Support sustainable & measureable projects Improve web presence and online marketing Leverage or create partnerships to maximize results Increase social media knowledge and use
- 11. 20112010 201420132012 MIRC Project Itasca Area BBC Storming Forming Norming Performing Steering Committee formed Accepted into BBC program Brainstorming ideas Community meeting Finalized project ideas 3 grants approved (IEDC-2, CMT-1) MIRC close-out Final project report Knowledge Worker Grant (IEDC) • Social Media Breakfasts • I.T. Professionals network • Social media training • Enhance Itasca Technology Exchange Innovation Grant (IEDC) • Technology Assessments • Loan • Claim Google Places Community Portal Grant (CMT) • Community Portal • Senior e-literacy training • Grand Rapids library computer equipment • YMCA Wi-fi project • PCs for People with broadband access • Streaming of local government meetings 11
- 12. Initiatives build upon each other to maximize value for businesses Expanding the USE of broadband technology for Itasca County business Social Media Breakfasts (Discover Social Media) I.T. Professionals Network (connecting I.T. resources) Community Portal (Community engagement) Business Technology Assessments & Loan Program (transform your web presence) Social Media training (improve knowledge and use) 12
- 13. 20112010 201420132012 MIRC Project Itasca Area BBC Storming Forming Norming Performing Steering Committee formed Accepted into BBC program Brainstorming ideas Community meeting Finalized project ideas 3 grants approved (IEDC-2, CMT-1) First Social Media breakfast First training offered MIRC close-out Final project report First I.T. Professionals meeting First business technology assessment Community Portal launched Itasca Technology Exchange enhancements Google places - interns Today Knowledge Worker Grant (IEDC) • Social Media Breakfasts • I.T. Professionals network • Social media training • Enhance Itasca Technology Exchange Innovation Grant (IEDC) • Technology Assessments • Loan • Claim Google Places Community Portal Grant (CMT) • Community Portal • Senior e-literacy training • Grand Rapids library computer equipment • YMCA Wi-fi project • PCs for People with broadband access • Streaming of local government meetings 13
- 14. Remer Hill City Deer River Cohasset Grand Rapids LaPrairie Coleraine Marcell Bigfork Bovey Pengilly Nashwauk
- 15. 15 New IEDC Organizational Dashboard Item Goal Actual % of Goal Outcome - Overall BBC program success rate Yes Yes Yes Outcome - Social media breakfasts completed 15 13 87% Outcome - Business technology assessments completed 36 30 83% a.) Businesses receiving $600 grant N/A 9 N/A Outcome - Business representatives trained 120 120 100% Outcome - Business claiming or enhancing their Google Places 100 15 15% Outcome - I.T. Professional Network meetings 6 5 83% Outcome - Programs being managed by community stakeholders Yes Yes Yes Outcome - 2015 / 2016 grant applied for and accepted Yes Yes Yes Impact - Increase the culture of use and business knowledge for web marketing and social media technologies Yes Yes Yes Business technology initiatives - includes Blandin Broadband Community (BBC)
- 16. It takes a village – thank you! 16
- 17. Technology Assessments Goal: Improve the use of broadband technology in the business community
- 18. By the Numbers • 30 businesses • 8 received matching grants • 1 received a loan • 12 attended social media training or Social Media Breakfasts Initial Impact • 50% of respondents made recommended website changes to better meet their business goals. • 50% grew their online audience • Most said it was too early to tell, but… • 80% of survey respondents said they developed a better marketing strategy • 100% would recommend the program to another local business Technology Assessments 18
- 19. 19
- 20. What businesses are saying… “We have a more organized approach to improve our online and social media marketing.” “Fabulous input – very helpful. They understand the small business challenges of implementing effective Social Media advertising.” Nice to have hands-on help for social media “crisis management.” If we have a glitch, it’s nice to know you’re there. “Through this process, I was encouraged to think about my logo and how it might be limiting my growth.” “Nice to have an objective look at our strategies and tools. It’s hard to evaluate something effectively when you look at it every day.” 20
- 21. Lessons Learned • To move forward, strategy is key • In-person is always best • One-on-one time is greatly needed • Stress the importance of ongoing communication to see & spur success • Program alignment is vital • Always meet people where they’re at 21
- 22. Social Media Breakfasts 22 Lead organizations Computer Enterprises Art Unlimited Arrowhead Promotion & Fulfillment White Ivy Torrent Technologies Supported by IEDC
- 23. Social Media Breakfasts (SMB: Last Tuesday of every month) • Experienced speakers • Interactive and engaging • Attendance ranging from 20-45 per meeting, even when it’s 30 below!
- 24. Outcomes Local businesses have increased their understanding of • Facebook • Twitter • Youtube & online videos • Pinterest • Social Media strategies • Mashup • Blogging • Email marketing • SEO strategies
- 25. Social Media Breakfasts Looking forward … • Keep engaging local businesses • Good sharing & always very educational • Continue bringing in experienced social media speakers • Starting to see more local business using social media as a form of advertising and having them share
- 26. Social Media/Online Marketing Training for Itasca Area Businesses 26 Lead organizations IASC Community Education Art Unlimited Supported by IEDC
- 27. • 100+ Total Attendees • Attendees ranged from small businesses to bigger companies across a variety of industries Social Media/Online Marketing Training Goal: To bring a deeper level of Social Media education and hands on training to Itasca Area businesses.
- 28. The Classes We offered 12 classes including: • Facebook Basics for Business • Marketing with Twitter • Understanding Google Analytics • Advanced Facebook • Social Media Strategy • Blogging for Business • Making Money Online Provided eBook, video and worksheet resources
- 29. • Marketing the Program • Initial Surveys for Needs • Qualified Instructors needed • Registration through www.getlearning.org with fee • Social Media is changing rapidly • Surveys – Pre-Class and Post Class 1. Online vs. Hard Copy 2. Requests for longer classes – 1.5 hr. – Requested by 75% 3. Requests for other topics–YouTube, Adv. Photo, Word Press 4. Provide handouts in class with follow-up eBooks & emails 5. Small class size w/ knowledgeable instructors & time to share is key 6. Increased participants’ knowledge & use of topics in their business Lessons Learned… “Great hands-on training & discussion; local GR; learning from each other; good instructor; discovering Hootsuite!”
- 30. • Continue to offer more classes – repeat most of them and develop more from survey feedback & requests • Find additional qualified instructors • Be more flexible and nimble in scheduling classes and topics • Greater participation wanted Social Media/Online Marketing Training Looking forward …
- 31. I.T. Professionals Network 31 Lead organization Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital Supported by IEDC
- 32. I.T. Professionals Network PURPOSE: To provide an organized resource and structure for IT professionals in Itasca County for • Networking • Education • Training • Knowledge Sharing • Community Benefit 32
- 33. I.T. Professionals Network • Leadership team created – To plan and organize meetings – To ensure purpose of group is followed • Invitations out to I.T. Community – Membership is open to IT professionals in Itasca County • Goals – Meet quarterly – Provide meaningful networking and speakers 33
- 34. I.T. Professionals Network • Overview of meetings held – December 2013: Virtualization – March 2014: Back-up Strategies – July 2014: Internet Security Risk Management – October 2014: On-line Tools for Connecting with Customers – December 2014: CISCO Collaboration Technology 34
- 35. I.T. Professionals Network • Representatives from businesses and organizations – Itasca County – City of Grand Rapids – Magnetation – ICC – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital – MNSTAR – Blandin Foundation – Essar Steel – Lake Country Power – Bigfork Valley Hospital – MCIS – And more … 35
- 36. I.T. Professionals Network Looking forward … • Meet at least quarterly • Increase the number of participating organizations • Future topics / ideas – Security – Treating I.T. as an investment versus an expense – VDI – Virtual Switching – Future of Storage – Mobile trends – how does I.T. support it – Collaboration opportunities – Disaster Recovery Systems 36
- 37. Google Places – Student Interns 37 Lead organizations Itasca Economic Development Corporation Melissa Flatley – Intern, ICC Max Chamberlain – Intern, UMD
- 38. • Traveled to 122 small businesses in the surrounding towns • Visited businesses in Bovey (3), Bigfork (8), Cohasset (4), Coleraine (9), Deer River (11), Grand Rapids (67), Hill City (3), Marcell (3), Nashwauk (5), Pengilly (1), and Remer (8) across Itasca County • Helped 15 of these businesses set up their Google Place, and 8 businesses completed the Technology Assessment 38 Google Places – Outcomes
- 39. • Face to Face contact proved to be the best • Positive feedback from businesses • Prompted numerous businesses to apply for the technology assessment • Great experience for the interns 39 Google Places – Lessons Learned
- 40. Community Portal • Hosted by Itasca Community Marketing Taskforce • Launched February 2014 Supported by IEDC
- 41. 36 Blogs 89 Local Businesses Shared Calendar of Events 15 Itasca Communities 13,720 have visited the site www.minnesotasnature.com 41
- 42. Future for Community Portal • Stronger Marketing Collaborative for Itasca Communities • Create NEW Digital Marketing Strategies • Continued Engagement to Itasca Communities • Continued Brand Marketing…”It’s in Minnesota’s nature” • Securing Sustainability www.minnesotasnature.com 42
- 43. Itasca Technology Exchange 43 Lead organization Rennix Supported by IEDC
- 45. Business Success Stories • Link to video 45
- 46. The Future Evaluate and continue sustainable initiatives 2015 & 2016 grant cycle with Blandin Foundation 46
- 47. Reflection 47 If we knew what we know now? How could the Blandin team have been more helpful? What community-wide impacts are you observing or expecting?
- 49. Thank you everyone for helping make these initiatives successful for our business community! 49
- 50. Appendix 50
- 51. 20112010 201420132012 MIRC Project Itasca Area BBC Storming Forming Norming Performing Steering Committee formed Accepted into BBC program Brainstorming ideas Community meeting Finalized project ideas 3 grants approved (IEDC-2, CMT-1) First Social Media breakfast First training offered MIRC close-out Final project report First I.T. Professionals meeting First business technology assessment Community Portal launched Itasca Technology Exchange enhancements Google places - interns Today Knowledge Worker Grant (IEDC) • Social Media Breakfasts • I.T. Professionals network • Social media training • Enhance Itasca Technology Exchange Innovation Grant (IEDC) • Technology Assessments • Loan • Claim Google Places Community Portal Grant (CMT) • Community Portal • Senior e-literacy training • Grand Rapids library computer equipment • YMCA Wi-fi project • PCs for People with broadband access • Streaming of local government meetings 51
- 52. 52 Common messages across all 3 grants Expanding culture of use with technology Improve the use of broadband technology in the business community Improve knowledge, skills, and connections for use of broadband technology Engage, collaborate, and share pertinent resident and tourist info Technology assessment and plan Increase # of businesses that can be found on the web Low interest loan program Provide central forum in ITE for technology sharing Social Media Breakfasts Quarterly I.T. meetings Partner with IASC Publicize benefits and results to generate a buzz Use what we learn Create training (IASC) to meet business technology challenges Use what we learn Use what we learn Innovation Grant Community Portal Grant Knowledge Worker Grant Build a culture of technology awareness and use
- 53. Expanding the use of broadband technology for your business Discover Social Media Transform Your Web Presence Stay Informed Social Media Breakfast Quarterly IT Meetings Business Technology Assessments Low Interest Loan Program One stop shop for all your community information Customized training to meet all of your business technology needs (IASC Community Education) Scholarships available Maximize Knowledge 53
- 54. Goals for our Community • Make technology more mainstream in the Itasca Area • Support sustainable and measurable projects that use and apply technology, rather than the extension of infrastructure • Make Itasca Area businesses and resources more visible and connected • Provide technology education opportunities for our community • Leverage or create partnerships through collaboration to maximize results • Build upon other existing community technology projects, where it makes sense • Have fun 54
- 55. It takes a village – thank you to all Blandin Foundation 55 Rennix Alie McInerney Center for Economic Development – Duluth SBDC Chamber of Commerce Art Unlimited White Ivy Visit Grand Rapids Grand Itasca Hospital & Clinic Itasca County Computer Enterprises Kootasca ICTV Community Technology Advisors Community Marketing Task Force IASC Community EducationItasca Community College Arrowhead Promotion & Fulfillment Torrent Technologies Rapid Garage Door & Awning Lonza IASC Northeast Higher Education District Layman Consulting Itasca Economic Development Corporation
- 56. Discover Social Media (WHAT) Transform Your Web Presence Community Engagement Social Media Breakfasts Business Technology Assessments Low Interest Loan Program Community Portal Social Media training 56 Expanding the USE of broadband technology for Itasca County business Understand how to use Social Media (HOW) Information Technology networking I.T. Professionals network
- 57. Reflection 57 If we knew what we know now? How could the Blandin team have been more helpful? What community-wide impacts are you observing or expecting? Cover in each initiative under lessons learned Overall iedc / cmt comments – lessons learned (grant process, 15 months versus 2 years; etc.)