Belmont County Small Business Finds Great Success with GMN Wireless Broadband

Gaining access to high-speed Internet access can be a game changer for small business. This situation is true for Jerry Smith, owner of Anvils and Ink Studios in Belmont County, where he hand crafts fine art and jewelry, metal sculptures, leather goods, and other custom pieces.

“Shortly before Smith became a customer of GMN, Connect Ohio worked in training GMN wireless on how to use radio propagation software and how to create its own coverage maps,” said Bart Winegar, technical outreach manager for Connect Ohio. “This helped it to increase efficiency and to serve some customers who otherwise may have been deemed unreachable.”

Smith previously had a satellite, dial-up Internet service, with speeds that were not fast enough for a business. After looking into his options, Smith found that he could get GMN broadband Internet.

Smith was able to benefit from using broadband by increasing his sales after he decided to upgrade to a high-speed connection. Before having a broadband connection, Smith was selling around $150,000 in products each year. After taking his business online, Smith now sells more than 3 million dollars in products each year. 

Anvils and Ink Studios now has a company website and display some of its products online. Being online makes interactions with customers and turn over time much faster. Smith can e-mail pictures back and forth, rather than having to meet face to face, for order confirmation.

Internet access has connected Smith to clients he would have never been able to reach before. Smith places orders internationally and now has clients in India and Pakistan. Not only has being online increased local clientele, but also gained Smith some new clients globally. “Finding new markets, which used to take weeks or months, now only takes moments,” said Smith. “I can easily research what people are wanting.”

The Internet has allowed for Smith’s business to grow to a level which was unsurpassable without having a high speed Internet connection. Connect Ohio continues to work with GMN Wireless to help them reach more un-served households.

For more information on GMN Wireless, visit http://www.gmn4u.com/ 

View the 2010 Broadband Business Survey http://connectoh.org/_documents/OH_BizWhitePaper_FINAL.pdf

Senior Series: Part 2, The Tech Savvy Senior

The assumption that many people have about senior citizens being technologically disconnected would be incorrect. The percentage of senior citizens, 65 or older, who are online in Ohio may seem low with only 37% subscribing to home broadband Internet service, but this number is continuing to grow at a steady pace. Since 2008, this number has increased by over 10% and only continues to progressively increase.

So what exactly are seniors doing online? The number one online activity performed by 88.6% of seniors was checking personal e-mail, according to a 2009 blog on nielson.com. The other top 5 online activities include: viewing maps, checking the weather, viewing and paying bills, and viewing or posting photos.

The top five destinations visited by seniors online are the following:

• Google Search
• Windows Media Player
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Amazon

One activity that may come as a surprise to many people is social media. According to an article from online marketing-trends.com, 11% of people on Facebook are senior citizens. The number of female seniors on Facebook is 63%, which is much greater than the 37% of male seniors.

There are a few predominant reasons for seniors wanting to get on Facebook. Most (40%) are turning to this social networking site to connect with family and old friends. The other two most popular reasons are to share pictures, at 30%, and social gaming, at 20%.

For seniors looking to get online, or learn basic computer skills, check out addition information on our Every Citizen Online program through Connect Ohio.

Broadband Inquiry Success Story

After being fed up with limited Internet provider options, Kevin King stumbled upon the Connect Ohio website where he found information about the Broadband Inquiry process. The options of having dial up internet, or service through a 3G cellular service provider were available, but King was looking to get high-speed wireless broadband service.

King searched his home address in Connect Ohio’s BroadbandStat interactive mapping tool and the results showed broadband provider options King was already aware of, as well as an option for broadband service unfamiliar to him. According to the results, King was able to get Country Connections for his broadband needs.

After looking into this broadband service option, he found that they had a broadcasting tower less than 10 miles from his home with a strong signal, so Kevin signed up. Right after installation King saw a huge improvement over his previous options.

King says, having high-speed broadband service at home “has opened up a whole new world” for him.

Now, it is possible for him to watch YouTube videos, download music, and connect to work. King’s family is also utilizing their improved Internet connection. His son is able to access to his online college account and the rest of the family is able to e-mail, pay bills online, and shop.

“Surfing became a relatively simple task, instead of a frustrating, time--consuming activity,” shared Kevin. “Overall, it just frees up so much time and has removed so much aggravation that it is almost unbelievable.” 

Exploring broadband coverage is easy to do through the Connect Ohio website and our interactive mapping tool, BroadbandStat. The interactive map takes your address and can find a list of providers claiming to have broadband service for your location. Check out our BroadbandStat at http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/interactive_map.php

FCC Announces ‘Connect to Compete’, Focusing on Training & Digital Literacy

Today, the FCC announced a major national public-private broadband adoption initiative called “Connect to Compete” aimed at boosting digital literacy, skills training, and job creation.

The program, which includes a dozen private and nonprofit partners and includes Connect Ohio’s parent organization Connected Nation, was announced today by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.

Components of the program include a national “digital literacy corps” working to close the broadband adoption gap, and initiatives by private sector firms that are donating training opportunities, software, and creating digital content that will help job seekers. The Connect to Compete nonprofit initiative will oversee the effort.

Microsoft, Geek Squad, the Boys and Girls Club, Goodwill, One Economy, and the National Urban League are some of the other organizations aligned with Connect to Compete.

Connected Nation’s research shows that nearly 32 million rural Americans do not have broadband at home. In Ohio, 42% of rural households do not have broadband service.

Connect Ohio has been a leader in promoting broadband adoption through its Every Citizen Online program, generating demand for broadband services and helping thousands cross the digital adoption gap in Ohio. More than 11,000 Ohio adults have received free basic computer and Internet training. Of those trained, 88 % indicate they would like to subscribe to broadband within the next year. The Connect to Compete initiative will expand adoption efforts on a national level and help thousands more get connected.

Smart Phone and Laptop Usage on the Rise

It seems that everyone today uses a cell phone as their main means of transportable communication. So it does not come as a surprise that the Connect Ohio Residential Technology Assessment finds that 80% of Ohio Residents own a cellular phone. Now with the adaptation of smart phones, these devices can be used for much more than just making a phone call.

Wireless capabilities available on smart phones are producing an increase in users who are adopting this technology as their primary means of accessing the Internet. According to a recent article from The Washington Post, “A quarter of Americans with smartphones use the devices as their main way to get onto the Internet.” Smart phones are an alternative for buying computers and paying an additional monthly bill – something especially attractive for people with lower incomes. In Ohio, the number of residents who access the Internet through a subscription to mobile broadband service is now at 31%, a significant increase from 2008 when only 13% subscribed.

The convenience of having a portable device, according to the Connect Ohio Residential Technology Assessment, is also seen in the rise of Ohio laptop computer ownership, now at 45% while desktop ownership is down 2% from 2010. Although mobile subscriptions are on the rise, the number of Ohioans who subscribe to broadband from home is still the preferred method, with 66% of Ohio residents currently having home broadband.

Every Citizen Online All-Star Facility Award Presented to Wadsworth Public Library

Connect Ohio has named Wadsworth Public Library an Every Citizen Online (ECO) All-Star Facility.

Mohamed Ragheb, WPL, and Jeff Beebe, Connect Ohio

The ECO All-Star Facility award was presented to Mohamed Ragheb, technology manager and ECO program coordinator for the library, during Connect Ohio’s quarterly Technology Association Meeting breakout lunch session held in Columbus September 30, 2011.

Connect Ohio ECO staff, including state operations managers and the executive director, choose the ECO All-Star Facility awardee based on meeting various program ‘hallmarks of excellence’. These include, but are not limited to, the number of adults taking ECO training at the facility’s locations, ECO program survey completion rate, creative promotional and community partnerships assisting in awareness and local success of the program, and the level of engagement of facility coordinators in the ECO program.

Wadsworth Public Library has trained more than 115 adults on the basics of computer and Internet use through their ECO class offerings.

Congratulations Wadsworth Public Library!

Connect Ohio Awards 12 Laptops to Every Citizen Online Computer Giveaway Winners

Throughout the month of July, Connect Ohio staff was busy coordinating computer distribution events throughout the state following the Every Citizen Online (ECO) computer giveaway. The giveaway entry period was between April 5 and June 20, 2011. ECO participants who completed an online survey following the free basic computer and Internet training were entered into a random drawing for one of 12 new laptop computers.

A media-friendly event was coordinated for each of the 12 winners at the location the ECO training was completed and included Connect Ohio staff, ECO location staff, and ECO coordinators and instructors. The winners had great stories to share regarding their experience with the free computer training and how the new knowledge and comfort with computers is already helping them.

“I loved the (ECO) training and the instructor was one in a million,” said Cathy McComis, winner and ECO participant at Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library. “I don’t have a computer, so now I can go get Internet at home. I’m so excited!”

“It will be so nice to have a portable computer,” said Roseanna Wenig, winner and ECO participant at the Marion Public Library.

“I was just ready to buy a new desktop computer because mine is old,” said Louise Beldon, winner and ECO participant at Northwest State Community College. “I like to use the Internet to read e-mail, play computer games, and look up recipes. I want to learn Facebook and other websites.”

“I loved the training,” said Sharon Kiener, winner and ECO participant at OSU South Central Region Extension Office. “I needed the basics of the Internet and I’m looking forward to learning new things, like selling antiques on eBay and editing photos. I didn’t have a computer at a home (before winning the laptop). I would love to get the Internet now.”

“It’s not every day things like winning a new laptop happen to me,” said Brandy Archer, winner and ECO participant at Community Action Council of Portage County. “Being without a job since August of 2010, I was given the opportunity to take classes at CTLC for my MOS certifications, as well as the Every Citizen Online (ECO) classes. I am hopeful winning the laptop will get me one step closer to achieving my return to the workforce.”

Congratulations to the computer winners!

A full list of computer winners and the location in which training was completed are listed below:

·       Archer, Brandy – Community Action Council of Portage County

·       Beldon, Louise – Northwest State Community College

·       Buchanan, Doris – Kate Love Simpson-Morgan County Library

·       Griebling, Sharon – Pioneer Career and Technology Center, Bucyrus location

·       Hawkins, Elaine – Shaker Heights Public Library

·       Kiener, Sharon – Ohio State University South Central Extension, Learning Center East

·       McComis, Cathy – Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library

·       O’Connor, Patricia – University of Dayton

·       O’Brien, Becky – Kate Love Simpson-Morgan County Library

·       Summit, Jerry – Columbus Metropolitan Library

·       Wenig, Roseanna – Marion Public Library

Young, Thelma – Forest-Jackson Public Library

Low Number of Ohio Small Businesses Online, Google Offering Help

Today, a main source for finding information about a business is to search for their website or online presence. It is shocking to think that many businesses are still not online. According to Google, 97 percent of Americans go to the Internet to look for local products and services. Connect Ohio’s 2011 Broadband and Business Assessment reveals two-thirds of Ohio businesses do not use broadband and do not have an online presence. 

Google is offering to help Ohio businesses get online with the “Ohio Get Your Business Online” program. The program is designed to help businesses create and maintain a website. It begins today in Columbus and continues through next week with stops in other major Ohio cities.

Helping small businesses get online can increase their annual revenue, which in turn can generate more jobs and economic productivity.

Other upcoming Google event stops include:
• Lima, September 29
• Bowling Green, September 30
• Dayton, October 4
• Cincinnati, October 5

Having a company website not only makes the company more easily accessible, but helps provide an over-all convenience. The Broadband and Business Assessment found that Ohio businesses with-out broadband have an annual revenue of $300,000, while Ohio businesses with broadband and a website have a median revenue of $800,000.

Additional key statistics from the assessment include:
• Statewide, 67% of all Ohio businesses subscribe to broadband
• Ohio businesses pay a median monthly price of $67.36 for their broadband service

The assessment found that existing barriers for small businesses being online is that they don’t see a need for it, expense, or being uninformed of the benefits to being online. Programs such as Google’s can be very helpful in over-coming some of these barriers.

For more information on the Ohio Get Your Business Online program, visit http://www.ohiogetonline.com/

Agreement Will Provide Broadband Access to 1200+ Households in Southern Ohio

A recent lease agreement between JB Nets and Gallia County officials for the use of three county-owned towers will provide high-speed Internet access to more than a thousand homes in rural parts of the county.

JB Nets presented a broadband expansion business plan, which included Google Earth mapping of propagation studies and a business case analysis template designed by Connect Ohio, to Gallia County officials just over a week ago. According to Jake Kline, owner of JB Nets, the plan includes high-speed Internet coverage to 80% of the county within the next three years and the creation of at least two, but possibly three, full-time jobs.

“These three initial towers should be able to expand (Internet coverage) to 450-500 households,” said Kline. “However, our proposal also included 30 additional secondary towers to fill in gaps. We estimate approximately 1,200-1,400 total additional households that could receive service from us with all 33 towers constructed.”

Gallia County officials accepted the proposal and have signed lease agreements with JB Nets for the use of the three 911 communications towers, located in Gallipolis Township, Harrison Township, and Ohio Township.

“It is exciting to see community leaders cooperating with a local broadband provider to offer high-speed Internet to residents who otherwise would be left behind,” said Bart Winegar, technical outreach manager for Connect Ohio.

“The information Connect Ohio provided us was very useful in putting together our business plan/proposal,” said Kline.

According to Connect Ohio’s 2011 Residential Technology Assessment for Gallia County, only 42% of households receive broadband service to the home, significantly less than the state average of 66%.

Other Gallia County technology figures:

• Sixty-seven percent of Gallia County residents own a computer, which is less than the state average of 80% 
• Of the 33% of residents who do not own a computer, 71% claim they do not need a computer, 21% say computers are too complicated, and 20% say computers are too expensive 
• Seventy-five percent of residents access the Internet from home or some other location 
• The average monthly cost for home broadband service in Gallia County is $50.83, above the state average of $43.41 

For more information on JB Nets, visit http://jbnets.net.

Additional Gallia County technology research can be found at http://connectohio.org/_documents/Technology_Assessment_Gallia_County_2011.pdf.

Connect Ohio Staff Takes Part in Community Care Day

On Tuesday, Connect Ohio staff participated in United Way of Central Ohio’s 2011 Community Care Day by assisting in yard work and landscape beautification at Alvis House’s Administration Office. Alvis House provides programs and services for individuals transitioning from being involved in the criminal justice system to re-entering the community. Alvis House also works with the families of those individuals and with those who may be at risk of entering into criminal behavior. In addition, the organization operates supported living and residential programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Nine Connect Ohio employees worked alongside Alvis House maintenance personnel clearing overgrown brush, leaves, and trash, as well as weeding and hedge trimming the landscape surrounding the building.


Community Care Day is the largest one-day volunteer outreach in central Ohio and is an opportunity for teams of employees from companies throughout Columbus to volunteer. This year’s event included 3,000 volunteers from 150 companies involved in nearly 200 projects.

Pictured left to right: Dave Matusoff, Benj Foor, Brad Fuller, Katie Beaumont, Bart Winegar, Amanda Murphy, Nicole Smolic, Jeff Beebe, and Heather Delany

See additional photos on the Connect Ohio Facebook page, http://facebook.com/connectohio, as well as the Alvis House Facebook page. 

Two Connect Ohio Employees Support Local United Way Through Music

Photo by Coshocton Tribune

For the second year, the musical duo Point Blank Range, comprised of Connect Ohio’s Bart Winegar and Brad Fuller, provided the entertainment for Coshocton’s United Way kick-off event, Taste of Coshocton County, Thursday evening.

The event draws a crowd of 500 anticipating delicious food tastings from local restaurants and caterers while raising money for local charities. Attendees receive 10 tastes for $10, and then vote on their favorite food establishment involved in the event.

Winegar and Fuller shared their musical talents with attendees, offering an eclectic mix of pop, classic rock, and blues for the two-hour event.

“We both have been involved with the local United Way in one form or another for decades because it supports many critical local programs,” said Winegar, technical outreach manager for Connect Ohio. “We are very pleased to volunteer our time and talents for such an important and far-reaching cause.”

“The United Way serves 21 organizations in Coshocton County,” said Fuller, state operations manager for Connect Ohio. “I have always believed that it is important to give back to the community that gave so much to me as I was growing up. The United Way is a perfect way to do that.”

To view more photos and a news article about the event from the Coshocton Tribune, click here.

Crystal Broadband Project to Connect Village Residents in Monroe County

Earlier this week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced more than $100 million in Community Connect grant funds were being awarded for 23 broadband projects throughout the country. The Community Connect program provides funding for broadband access to residents in remote areas and low-income communities. Crystal Broadband Networks, Inc., a broadband provider based in Chicago, was awarded $570, 800 of the $100 million for a project in rural Stafford, Ohio.

Stafford is a village located in Monroe County with a population of less than 100 people, according to 2010 census information. Connect Ohio’s residential technology assessment research reveals 74% of Monroe County residents have access to the Internet and just 53% subscribe to home broadband service. Both statistics are below current statewide averages, but a significant increase from 2008 reports.

According to Jennifer Stephens, administrative manager for Crystal Broadband Networks, Inc., the Stafford project will provide residents with a local community center fully equipped with computers and high-speed wireless Internet for free use for at least two years. This will also include basic computer and Internet training classes, as interest demands, and detailed instruction on how to sign up for and use Wi-Fi. Schools and some government buildings will also be receiving free Wi-Fi access.

A 140-foot tower will be constructed within Stafford’s city limits to house the wireless Internet signal, which can then be shared with homes interested in paying for Internet service within a 6- to 15-mile radius. The construction of a tower is significant not only for Wi-Fi access to local residents, but because it can be used to improve emergency communications, cell phone coverage, and more throughout the Stafford and Monroe County area.

Stephens said the project is expected to create 11 full-time jobs, as well as some part-time contracting jobs.

Crystal Broadband Networks, Inc. was also granted funding for projects in Heidelberg, Kentucky, Yellow Rock, Kentucky, and Panther, West Virginia.

Additional information on the Community Connect awardees can be found at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2011/08/0375.xml.

Connect Ohio Shares Broadband Insight with Congressman Latta's Staff

Connect Ohio staff had the opportunity to discuss broadband in Ohio with Bethany Peck, senior legislative assistant for Congressman Robert Latta (5th District, Ohio), Tuesday.

Congressman Latta is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Peck handles telecommunication policy for Congressman Latta and came to Connect Ohio exploring first-hand perspectives on broadband availability throughout the state, existing barriers to expansion, and what the National Broadband Plan can mean for Ohio and beyond.

Connect Ohio Technical Outreach Manager Bart Winegar gave Peck an overview of Connect Ohio’s interactive resource BroadbandStat, which shows by address what households have broadband access and those that are still unserved (according to data gathered from more than 100 broadband providers throughout Ohio). Existing barriers to broadband service in rural areas and approaches to overcoming those barriers were discussed, as well as Connect Ohio’s customized propagation studies and business case analyses available to Ohio communities engaged in finding last-mile broadband connectivity.

“I’m extremely impressed to find Connect Ohio going to every effort to help ensure broadband expansion throughout the state,” said Peck. “The organization’s reporting, county profiles, and online resources are very helpful to us.”

High-speed Internet availability’s affect on economic development was also a key topic of the meeting. Peck was happy to hear of the Every Citizen Online free basic computer and Internet training for Ohio adults and how the program is complementing broadband expansion efforts.

“I really enjoyed meeting with Bethany (Peck) and am happy she found Connect Ohio’s programs beneficial to not only Ohioans, but to Congressman Latta’s staff and possibly the communications and technology subcommittee,” said Winegar.

For information on Congressman Latta, visit http://latta.house.gov/.
To find out more about the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Communications and Technology, visit http://republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/subcomms/subcommittees.shtml.

Every Citizen Online All-Star Facility Award Presented to Putnam County ESC

Connect Ohio awarded the first Every Citizen Online (ECO) All-Star Facility Award to Putnam County Educational Service Center (ESC). The award was presented to Putnam County ESC employee and ECO instructor Gary Herman during Connect Ohio’s quarterly Technology Association Meeting ECO breakout lunch session held in Columbus June 24, 2011.

Left to right: Putnam County ESC and ECO instructor Gary Herman, Connect Ohio executive director Don Shirley, Connect Ohio state operation's manager Heather Delany

Connect Ohio ECO staff, including state operations managers and the executive director, choose the ECO All-Star Facility awardee based on meeting various program ‘hallmarks of excellence’. These include, but are not limited to, the number of adults taking ECO training at the facility’s locations, ECO program survey completion rate, creative promotional and community partnerships assisting in awareness and local success of the program, and the level of engagement of facility coordinators in the ECO program.

Congratulations Putnam County Educational Service Center!

Click here to view photos from an ECO training class at Putnam County ESC.

Shopping for Jobs, Groceries and Staying Connected Now Easier for Many in Knox County Thanks to Every Citizen Online

Every Citizen Online (ECO) instructor Jessica Horlacher has been training Knox County adults on the basics of the computer and using the Internet since the program’s launch at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County. More than 125 first-time computer users have participated in the training program through the library thus far and Horlacher says although the majority seem to be between the ages of 60 and 90, there is a wide range in overall demographics and reasons for taking the training.

Horlacher’s July 26 class had 6 attendees, which included four senior citizens and Teresa and James Shuler, a couple in their 40s. The Shulers are both currently looking for a job and say they need to know more about the Internet in order to apply for positions. They just received a new laptop computer and use it to connect at a family member’s home and the local library. Both have dabbled on Facebook and have set up an e-mail account prior to the Every Citizen Online training.

“I read about (the training class) in the newspaper and signed us up,” said Teresa Shuler. “I’ve enjoyed learning how to use toolbars, the browser, and just how to use the computer in general.”

The Shulers are also utilizing their new connectivity to help the family save time and money.

“Now, we can look up Carnival’s weekly (grocery) ad before driving 30 miles to the Newark store in hopes of sales,” shared Shuler. “That’s a big help.”

William Vernon, a senior in the class, wants to catch up to his brother’s online communication knowledge.

“I already e-mail and want to learn to cut and paste and to add attachments to my e-mails,” said Vernon. “I’m a retired plant worker and like to e-mail former co-workers, other retirees, and family. My brother in Oklahoma City is an expert at this stuff and I need to catch up with him.”

Another senior participant, Melodee Hitchcock, is also seeking Internet knowledge to increase family bonding.

“My grandson loves to play RuneScape online and I want to be able to play along with him,” said Hitchcock.

Hitchcock has a computer and Internet at home and says the ECO training has helped her feel more comfortable using it.

“‘I’m a little more confident that I won’t mess up,” said Hitchcock. “Before, I was afraid I would freeze my computer during searches when no one was home to help me or that I wouldn’t know how to get out of something. Now, I don’t feel scared about that.”

All class participants said they felt they were leaving the class with a lot of useful information and new skills. Though the information can be overwhelming, the ECO classes prove to be a perfect first step toward computer and Internet adoption for many Ohio adults.

View additional photos from this training class on Connect Ohio's Facebook page.

Franklin County Every Citizen Online Participant Wins Laptop Computer

On Wednesday, July 27, Connect Ohio presented Mr. Summit of Columbus with a new laptop computer during a short event at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Karl Road branch. Summit is the twelfth winner to receive the new computer after being selected in a random drawing following participation in the Every Citizen Online (ECO) program, a free statewide basic computer and Internet training program.

Mr. Summit says he often frequented the library to use their computers and Internet access before taking the ECO training.

“I really liked the training,” said Summit. “We now have a computer and Internet at home.”

“As soon as I heard the winner’s name, I remembered Mr. Summit from class,” said Stephen Kennedy, librarian and ECO instructor. “It’s great to see the knowledge all of the students gain from class one to class three, including Mr. Summit.”

Ohio adults who completed the Every Citizen Online free basic computer-training program between April 5 and June 20, 2011 and completed an online survey following the training were entered into the random drawing giveaway.

“We’ve had over 700 adults take the Every Citizen Online training through the Columbus Metropolitan Library thus far,” said Steve Hipes, Columbus Metropolitan Library team leader and ECO program manager. “The program’s been going really well.”

Connect Ohio has partnered with more than 200 libraries, community colleges, education and career centers across the state to offer the Every Citizen Online training. More than 8,000 adults have already taken advantage of the training since it launched in late December 2010. Connect Ohio plans to train a total of 200,000 Ohioans by program completion in December 2012.

For more information on Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Every Citizen Online training classes, call 614-645-2275. Classes are currently offered at the following branches:

• Main branch

• Gahanna

• Hilltop

• Karl Road

• Linden

• Northern Lights

• Reynoldsburg

Other Franklin County training locations include:
• Columbus State Community College
Center for Workforce Development
Registration: 614-287-5858

• Grandview Heights Public Library
Registration: 614-287-5858

• Ohio State University Learning Center
Godman Guild and Columbus Urban League
Registration: 614-292-7196

Pictured left to right:
Heather Delany, Connect Ohio state operations manager, Tony Howard, Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) service area manager, Mr. Summit, computer winner, Stephen Kennedy, CML librarian and ECO instructor, Steve Hipes, CML team leader and ECO program manager

Additional training locations can be found by calling 1-855-NOW-I-CAN (669-42260) or by visiting http://connectoh.org/consumer_training/training_facilities.php.

Sinclair Workforce Development Expanding Free Computer Training Sites & Sessions

Dayton, Ohio -- Sinclair Workforce Development is adding three new sites to its Summer schedule of free Connect Ohio classes. In addition to its original training site at Miami Valley Research Park (MVRP) in Kettering, sites at Sinclair Learning Centers in Englewood and Huber Heights in Montgomery County and Eaton in Preble County have been added to the lineup.

Connect Ohio offers free computer training sessions at public libraries and community colleges throughout Ohio to introduce new users to a wide range of communication, education, and health care tools available online. Interested adults throughout Ohio are eligible to participate in the program, which is geared toward first-time computer and broadband users.

Sinclair’s Connect Ohio classes consist of two 3-hour sessions total, or one 6-hour session with a 30-60-minute lunch break, depending on the site.

For more information or to immediately register for Connect Ohio classes, go online to www.sinclair.edu/facilities/wfd/seminars/ or call (937) 252-9787.

Englewood Learning Center, 1200 W. National Road, Clayton (45315), Room 104
Classes offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00-4:00 pm and Fridays, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (includes one-hour lunch break), beginning early August.

Huber Heights Learning Center, 7301 Shull Road, Huber Heights (45424), Room 117
Classes offered on Fridays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (includes one-hour lunch break) beginning early August.

MVRP, 1900 Founders Drive, Kettering (45420), Room 119
Classes offered on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (includes 30-minute lunch break) and on Mondays & Wednesdays from 6:00-9:00 pm beginning early August.

Preble County Learning Center, 450 Washington-Jackson Road, Eaton (45320), Room 108
Classes on Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm beginning early August.

# # #

(*A press release from Sinclair Workforce Development)

Ohio School Helps Extend Technology Beyond School Walls

By Amanda Murphy, Public Relations Specialist, Connect Ohio

As part of our back to school series, Connected Nation is showcasing a school in Ohio that is arming its students with the power of technology.

Foxfire Center for Student Success is a public community school within the Maysville School District located in Zanesville, Ohio. The school recently received federal funding from the government’s E-Rate program to extend its classrooms beyond school walls and into the homes of students.

Foxfire will be receiving about 350 netbook computers with Wi-Fi capabilities. According to Lewis Sidwell of the Maysville Local School District, the intermediate school’s 350 fifth through 12th graders will each be equipped with one of the netbook computers.

“We’re hoping the netbooks will allow for online learning, research, homework, and a chance to enhance the students’ learning experience,” said Sidwell. “Many of these students do not have Internet access at home.”

According to Connect Ohio’s 2011 report detailing broadband adoption and technology habits for Muskingum County, which includes the Zanesville area, 62% of residents subscribe to home broadband service. This leaves 38% of residents in the county without access to Internet in their home. Those surveyed indicate the top reasons for not having Internet at home is they do not own a computer (59%), they do not see a need for the Internet (38%), and Internet service is too expensive (27%).

The school has partnered with Sprint to allow for home wireless Internet access for the students through Sprint’s 3G mobile coverage. The devices will also be secured with proper Web filtering functions to block any inappropriate searches or sites.

Having the netbooks and Internet access within the students’ homes allows for greater learning opportunities for not only the students, but their parents and others living in the home.

“I think it will open up a lot of possibilities,” said Sidwell. “We’re hoping this program will allow us to connect with the students, as well as their families.”

Foxfire’s school year begins in early September. Sidwell says he is looking forward to the rollout of this new program and anticipates it will be successful.

Hardin County and Montgomery County ECO Participants Receive New Laptop Computers

On Tuesday, July 26, Connect Ohio presented Thelma Young of Kenton and Patricia O’Connor of Centerville with new laptop computers during a short event at Forest-Jackson Public Library and the University of Dayton. Young and O'Connor were selected as winners in a random drawing following their participation in the Every Citizen Online (ECO) program, a free statewide basic computer and Internet training program.

Karen Moore, Thelma Young, and Heather Delany

“The training helped me out a lot,” said Young. “I have a desktop computer at home, but I didn’t really know what all could be done on the computer and the Internet.”

“We’re very excited to have one of our students win a computer,” said Karen Moore, library director. “The ECO program has been very well received within our community. We are continuing to schedule free computer classes and have openings in our next class scheduled for Monday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 10.”

The next Every Citizen Online training class at Forest-Jackson Public Library, located at 102 W. Lima Street, Forest, is scheduled for August 8 and 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information and to register for classes, call the library at 419-273-2400.

“The (training) program was great,” said O’Connor. “I didn’t get online much before the training. I learned some things I had never known. My husband also took the training and is online a lot since. We even told our friends about it, who also took the training and loved it too!”

Don Shirley, Patricia O'Connor, MaryJo Borrows, and David Wright

"The University of Dayton is proud to be one of the sites for the free computer training as part of the Every Citizen Online program," said David Wright, University of Dayton director of curriculum innovation and e-learning. "Awarding a free laptop to one of the participants in the Every Citizen Online program is a great way to showcase how important it is that everyone in the State develop familiarity with modern computers and the Internet. This will help drive greater citizen participation online and the growth of our economy."

For more information on Every Citizen Online training classes at the University of Dayton or to register, call 937-229-2347.

Additional training locations can be found by calling 1-855-NOW-I-CAN (669-42260) or by visiting http://connectoh.org/consumer_training/training_facilities.php.

Connect Ohio Awards Computer to Fulton County Participant of Free Statewide Internet Training Program

Pictured left to right: Ben Armstrong, NWSCC library supervisor, Louise Beldon, computer winner, and Heather Delany, Connect Ohio state operations manager

On Thursday, July 21, Connect Ohio presented Louise Beldon of Archbold with a new laptop computer at Northwest State Community College (NWSCC). Beldon was the ninth of twelve winners to receive a new computer after being chosen in a random drawing following her participation in the Every Citizen Online (ECO) program.

“I was just ready to buy a new desktop computer because mine is old,” said Beldon, when notified that she had won a new computer. “I enjoyed the (training) class. I like to use the Internet to read e-mail, play computer games, and look up recipes. I want to learn Facebook and other websites.”

"Louise was a very good student,” said Clint Parry, community computer skills instructor with NWSCC. “She had used computers a little before taking the class. Now, she’ll be able to keep practicing at home with a brand new one!"


“It’s great to see how taking an ECO class can make a big difference for a student like Louise, and seeing her win a computer has made us even more exited about the classes that we continue to offer,” said Ben Armstrong, NWSCC library supervisor.


For more information on Northwest State Community College’s Every Citizen Online training classes, call 419-267-1274. Classes are currently offered at the following locations:

• Northwest State Community College
22600 State Route 34, Archbold

• Fulton County OneStop
604 South Shoop Avenue, Suite 110, Wauseon

• Evergreen Community Library
253 Maple Street, Metamora

• Swanton Local School District Public Library
305 Chestnut Street, Swanton