COLUMBIA, Mo. – Communities that struggle with broadband connectivity are at a disadvantage. The University of Missouri System has resources such as the Digitally Connected Communities Guide to help areas in Missouri gain better broadband service.

The latest episode of “Show-Me MO Success,” the University of Missouri’s Business and Community Extension podcast, looks at how counties in northwestern Missouri have used the Digitally Connected Communities Guide and other resources to improve broadband service.

Host Luke Dietterle interviews Randa Doty, field specialist in community development with MU Extension, and Kim Mildward, economic and development planner with the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments, which involves Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway and Worth counties.

Those interested can find the Digitally Connected Communities Guide at mobroadband.org, says Doty. “They can contact the MU System Broadband team to find out more information on if it would fit their community.”

“Whether it is broadband or any other kind of planning effort, it is something that can be done locally in connection with your local RPC (regional planning commission/council) and your MU Extension staff,” Mildward says. “Don’t be afraid because you don’t know where to start or you don’t feel like you have the money to start. There are ways out there in which you can work through those pieces with those two organizations to make things happen.”

MU Extension has programs to benefit Missourians throughout the state. This podcast features faculty members and their clients discussing the impact of these programs on communities and businesses in Missouri. Podcast listeners will hear how to reach out to MU Extension to access resources.

“Show-Me MO Success” is available on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Scan the QR code below or go to linktr.ee/BusinessAndCommunity to listen to ways you can improve your business and community with the help of MU Extension.

Contact:
Sarah Rielley, Senior Coordinator
University of Missouri Extension–Business and Community
573-882-0380, edwardssar@missouri.edu

Help guide broadband development efforts in your community by completing a short, anonymous online survey for the Missouri Office of Broadband Development. The survey, conducted by University of Missouri Extension, is at http://muext.us/MissouriInternetSurvey.