The document outlines the 'Get Broadband Program' initiated by the Blandin Foundation and the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, aimed at enhancing broadband usage among local retailers to improve marketing and business growth. Goals include increasing broadband usage to 62%, establishing an online marketplace, and providing training for retailers. The initiative has seen increased community engagement through education classes and website development to better compete with larger retailers.

1. Broadband Grant, Blandin Foundation New Ulm Presented by Sheila Howk

2. Mission NUREDC will utilize the “Get Broadband Program” to increase the number of retailers who take advantage of broadband for marketing and expanding their business. As New Ulm is faced with big-box retailers entering the community, small businesses must position themselves to succeed.

3. Goals: Goal 1: Increase Broadband use from 57% to 62% in one year Goal 2: Increase retail businesses that have websites/sell on line Goal 3: Create an online NU Marketplace (remodel Chamber website) Goal 4: Reach 25 Retail Businesses with training and resources

4. Evolution of “Get Broadband” in New Ulm Intense first day planning session Created a name for the community to relate to “Broadband” to universal. Divided into subcommittees: Local-e-Website Local-e-Education Local-e-Marketing

5. Grant Budget Hardware/ Software: Digital Camera Printer/Scanner Adobe Full Reader Zip Drives 2 mo. Website hosting for 40 businesses. Retail Education: 101: Setting up a basic web site. 201 : Optimizing your Web site. 301: E-Commerce Chamber of Commerce Website: *Remodel of homepage *Interactive Shopping Guide *Virtual Mall – *Quicker Load time 1/3 1/3 1/3 $30,000

6. New Ulm Chamber website Current www.newulm.com

7. Current showcase of online shopping -

8. Draft of new website: Website being created by Brain Magnet – St. Cloud

9. Showcase New Ulm’s virtual mall At a time where e-commerce growing rapidly , local shops must increase their backdoor traffic to compete in this retail world --according to Rick Segel author of “ The Essential Online Solution”

10. Local-e-Education Tech Tuesdays: 101: Setting up a basic web site. 201: Optimizing your Web site. 301: E-Commerce Educator – Ann Treacy

11. Summary of Tech Tuesdays Due to the overwhelming response 6 classes were increased to 11 classes – we even had to have Tech Mondays and Tech Wednesdays. 50 attendees filled over 114 seats Featuring these websites that were created: www.antiquesplusnewulm.com www.oldworlddeli.com www.stainedglassandmore.com www.loandluluphotopraphy.com www.rivercreeknursery.com www.newulmeyecenter.com www.rothherzogcpa.net www.mangojuicenewulm.com www.nuaga.com

12. Examples of websites created:

13. During Tech Tuesdays - 101

14. Using templates from “Go Daddy”

15. Local-e-Marketing Monthly articles in the chamber newsletter Three articles in the local paper Well-attended introductory breakfast Last Step – coming this winter : Unveiling to the community: Compelling reasons to use “Broadband” Chamber – Local-e-Shop Local newspaper – cunujournal.com Hospital – MyChart School – parent portal Library

16. Going Forward New Ulm has created momentum and will need to look for a revenue source to maintain this project. Our “Get Broadband” partners will in the interim continue quarterly Tech Tuesday follow-up meetings and offer Technology Education as needed for retailers.

17. Thanks to our “Get Broadband” Partners Blandin Foundation New Ulm Retail Economic Development City of New Ulm New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce New Ulm Conventions and Visitors Bureau New Ulm Business & Retail Association Local broadband and website providers: NU Telecom, Comcast and Skillings Technology.

18. Local-e-Committees Education - Sheila Howk , Carissa Buegler, Dustan Cross, Kathy Lund, Mary Ellen Domeier, Shawn Jakes, and Larry Hildebrandt Publicity/Marketing – Jim Jensen , Ken Rockvam, Charlie Bornhoft, Sharon Weinkauf, Sheila Howk, Bruce Fenske, Shannon McKeeth, and Nancy Quam. Website – Sheila Howk , Ken Rockvam, Sharon Weinkauf, Jenny Eckstein, Kathy Austinson, Shannon Hillesheim, Toby Freier, Shannon McKeeth, and Jill Augustin Budget/Background – Sheila Howk , Mary Ellen Domeier, Brian Tohal, Anne Makepeace, Donna Lambrecht and Sharon Weinkauf.