The Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation (PMEDC) announced today the development of Enosis – The Broadband Facilitators, a new working entity whose mission is to aggregate demand and facilitate business and scholastic use of broadband Internet services in Monroe County.
Enosis – a name drawn from the Greek word referring to union between communities – was developed as a result of Pennsylvania Act 183, the Broadband Outreach and Aggregation Fund (BOAF) and E-Fund Implementation. Under the guidelines provided by the act, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)’s Technology Investment Office provided the funds to initiate local programs concerning the benefits, use and acquisition of broadband services and aggregating – or combining – customer demand.
A 2005 study by the Affinity Group asserted that Monroe County had “ubiquitous” residential broadband access, so Enosis will focus primarily on aggregating business broadband demand and assisting a school district in taking full advantage of the region’s broadband capabilities.
“Monroe County is fortunate because most of our residents already have access to broadband Internet service,” said PMEDC Marketing Director Michelle Bisbing, who is in charge of overseeing Enosis’ efforts.
“Other communities’ BOAF programs are forced to focus first on aggregating consumer access. We’re able to get ahead of the curve and concentrate our efforts on the business and educational community. With projects like the Penn Regional Business Center in our near future, that focus is especially important.”
Bisbing says that Enosis is already far along in negotiations on its first large business aggregation project. She expects an announcement within the next few weeks.
“The lion’s share of PMEDC’s work is devoted to expanding and retaining existing business,” says Bisbing. “Through Enosis, the PMEDC has an exciting opportunity to fulfill that mission by encouraging the continued development of the broadband infrastructure our businesses, schools, and residents need to remain competitive in the future.”
PMEDC engaged Dellicker Strategies of Kutztown, PA as a project consultant to facilitate the entire process. Dellicker Strategies is focused on helping educational and economic development clients improve their capacity to use technology. Its consultants and partners offer a track record of success in completing ambitious regional projects. Its specialty is leveraging community cooperation to help clients get more for less.
In 2007, Dellicker Strategies facilitated $23 million in new telecommunications contracts for 130 schools, hospitals and businesses.
The Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation is non-profit economic development corporation dedicated to creating jobs for Monroe County residents, expanding the county’s tax base and attracting new investment with the direct support of the Monroe County Commissioners. More information on economic development in Monroe County can be found at www.www.pmedc.com. More information regarding broadband and telecom services in Monroe County can be found at EnosisBroadband.com.