NTIA’s BroadbandUSA team has joined with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Rural Development staff to offer rural broadband workshops throughout the Northwest. The agencies are working with entities in Oregon and Washington to organize the workshops in a selection of cities.

The one-day workshops are designed for civic leaders, businesses, and community leaders who are working to improve economic opportunities in rural areas. The sessions will include panels on digital applications and broadband solutions, and provide information on federal and state grant and loan programs. Facilitators will instruct participants in how to build broadband action teams, access and analyze data, inventory assets, and create local plans.

Speakers will discuss current trends in education and online learning, telehealth, and precision agriculture, using a variety of technologies and business models.

Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
Location: Independence, Ore.
Title: Oregon ReConnect Broadband Workshop in Independence   
Register:     https://broadband-workshop1.eventbrite.com 

Date: Thursday, August 29, 2019
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PDT
Location: Madras, Ore.
Title: Oregon ReConnect Broadband Workshop in Madras
Register:      https://broadband-workshop2.eventbrite.com

Date: Monday, September 16, 2019 
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PDT
Location: Olympia, Wash.
Title: Washington Rural Broadband Workshop in Olympia                     
Register:     https://www.eventbrite.com/e/washington-rural-broadband-workshop-olympia-registration-65958949995

Date: Thursday, September 19, 2019
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PDT
Location: Davenport, Wash.
Title: Washington Rural Broadband Workshop in Davenport
Register:          https://www.eventbrite.com/e/washington-rural-broadband-workshop-davenport-tickets-67330476267