The SRC Program empowers local providers by recognizing and supporting their efforts to deliver high-speed broadband. Make sure that you are taking full advantage of the ways in which being a Smart Rural Provider can help you to build credibility, attract partnerships and strengthen your role as a driver of rural innovation and development in your community.
Bethany Leiter, Community Relations Manager, Highline (Escanaba, Mich.), works across several states to engage communities and governments on behalf of Highline. Watch Bethany explain how she utilizes Smart Rural Community assets to give Highline’s communities visibility. She recommends the following steps:
- Plan and budget for SRC activities at the start of the year, including:
- Order road signs in bulk.
- Designate one “SRC Day” each month and mark it through celebrations and social media engagement.
- Each month:
- Identify eligible communities, potentially by county or township zones; engage the township and county boards.
- Schedule meetings to inform communities of their SRC eligibility.
- Invite the public to attend the meeting.
- For each meeting:
- Provide a folder of materials, including marketing assets.
- Present the road sign to the board (be sure to capture photos and video!).
- After the meeting, post on social media and send out a press release.
It only takes about two hours of planning each month. Celebrate your community’s broadband achievements — big or small. Please let SRC know when you have your monthly #SRCDay, and we will amplify your efforts! Need ideas? Reach out via the Listserv!