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The Center for Rural Development uses technology to promote economic development

By January 25, 2019No Comments

Since 1996 The Center for Rural Development has pursued a mission to stimulate innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life. Similarly, the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 1938 to serve as the voice of business with a core purpose to improve the overall business climate and quality of life for the area.

Technology is one of the keys that helps both organizations to reach those goals. High-speed, high-capacity internet access and connectivity help to position businesses at the top of today’s high-tech marketplace.

In order to promote the success of local businesses, the Chamber provides an outstanding website that fosters networking and offers valuable online resources. The Center’s Marketing One-Stop-Shop team designed and manages the website tailored to the Chamber’s specific needs.

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE), the society of chamber of commerce professional in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, recently presented the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce with the 2018 Excellence in Website award. Websites were judged on speed, content, creativity and design.

The Center’s Marketing One-Stop-Shop seeks to provide stellar websites not only to the Chamber, but also provides affordable marketing and advertising services to regional, small and startup businesses. The marketing services offered by the Marketing One-Stop-Shop include brand identity creation, graphic design, social media management, web design, marketing strategy consulting, event marketing and management, audio/radio/video production and a network operations center.

“Our goal is for each project to be as unique as our clients… helping them communicate who they are to their customers through customized and affordable marketing,” said Laura Glover, Managing Director of Marketing at The Center. “The Marketing One-Stop-Shop was born out of the desire to provide an all-encompassing marketing strategy which can turn any idea into results,” she added.

For more information or a pre-service consultation, contact Laura Glover at 606-677-6001 or lglover@centertech.com.

The Center is also committed to supporting the implementation of the statewide KentuckyWired fiber project, and is dedicated to helping communities explore ways to become “fiber ready” in order to further stimulate innovative and sustainable economic development solutions. They recently launched a new Technology Assistance Program (TAP) to help communities begin asset mapping, perform feasibility studies, and conduct pre-engineering analysis of community fiber projects or other activities that will extend the reach of the KentuckyWired fiber infrastructure. The initiative is funded by grant KY-18984-17 from the Appalachian Regional Commission and is administered by The Center for Rural Development.

The Center has additional information about local, state, and federal funds that support the initiative to bring broadband access to rural areas. Communities interested in broadband training opportunities are encouraged to contact The Center at broadbandinfo@centertech.com or 606-677-6000 or visit www.centertech.com.

Established in 1996 through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, (KY-05), and other leaders, The Center for Rural Development is a nonprofit organization fueled by a mission to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. In its 45-county primary service region, The Center provides innovative programs in leadership, public safety, technology, and arts and culture. The Center is committed to constantly expanding its capabilities in order to deliver a range of key services throughout Kentucky and the nation.