A Broadband Forum for Western Massachusetts

Schedule

In the very unlikely event that this Forum needs to be cancelled in anticipation of a major winter snowstorm, the cancellation decision will be made between noon and 5 pm on Friday, February 29th. In the event of less than extreme weather conditions, the program will proceed. However, the order of speaker is subject to change. All registrants will receive email notification of schedule changes. If you are unsure, please call the hotel for schedule changes at (413) 586-1211.

Time	Program
7:30 - 8:30 (60 min)	Registration, Networking & Exhibitor Hall Open
8:30 – 9:00 (30 min)	Welcome: Our Purpose Here Today Senator Stan Rosenberg Representative Stephen Kulik
9:00 - 10:15 (75 min)	Can Government Make A Difference In Western Massachusetts? Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Robert McDowell, Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Sharon Gillett, MA Department of Telecommunications and Cable Moderator: Donald Dubendorf, Berkshire Connect Inc. Time will be reserved for open exchange with the audience
10:15 – 10:30 (15 min)	Break	10:00 – 2:30 Exhibitor Room Open
10:30 – 12:00 (90 min)	Others Are Meeting This Challenge – What Can We Learn? Introduction: John Olver, Congressman, First Congressional District, Massachusetts Curtis M. Anderson, Rural Development Utilities Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Maureen Connolly, Economic Development Council of Northern VT Ben Scott, Free Press Moderator: Donna Baron, Five Colleges, Inc. Time will be reserved for open exchange with the audience
12:00– 1:15 (75 min)	Luncheon Keynote – Where Does the Responsibility Fall To Meet This Challenge Introduction and Remarks: Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray John Kerry, U.S. Senate Time will be reserved for open exchange with the audience
1:15– 2:00 (45 min)	The Elements of Success Exist Today In Western MA: Infrastructure & Mapping George Brodeur, Pioneer Valley Connect & Berkshire Connect Inc. Christian Jacqz, MassGIS Ben Dobbs, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development Moderator: Linda Dunlavy, Pioneer Valley Connect and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments Time will be reserved for open exchange with the audience
2:00– 2:15 (15 min)	Break
2:15– 3:00 (45 min)	An Open Exchange of Ideas: Discussion with Federal and State Officials. Representatives from previous panels engage in an open discussion with the audience on the Options & Opportunities for Western Massachusetts. Moderator: Robert Pura, Greenfield Community College
3:00 - 3:30 (30 min)	Closing Observations from the Western Massachusetts Delegation Senator Stan Rosenberg Representative Stephen Kulik

This schedule is subject to change prior to March 1st. Please check back here for the most up to date agenda for the day.