Cannon County Leaders Launch Technology Plan



After months of work, Cannon County leaders have devised a technology plan designed to improve the county’s economy and quality of life.

The Connected Cannon County Strategic Technology Plan makes recommendations for technology-based improvements in nine sectors of the community: business and industry, healthcare, libraries, K-12 education, higher education, community-based organizations, government, agriculture and tourism, recreation and parks.

The report identifies the top priorities for the next two years:

· Implement County Technology Awareness & Training Program

· Enhance Government Websites

· Encourage Technology Integration in the Classroom

The report also includes dozens of recommendations for future steps, such as providing technology education to agricultural producers, implementing a joint project between the Chamber of Commerce and city/county governments to bring basic services online and creating a Lions Club chapter website.

A team of local volunteers completed the “road map” for technology-based growth and development during a months-long meeting process. The Cannon County eCommunity Leadership Team built the plan with guidance from Connected Tennessee, a non-profit group that is working to accelerate the availability and use of technology throughout the state toward creating a better business environment, more effective community and economic development, improved healthcare, enhanced education and more efficient government.

The meetings are part of Tennessee’s Trail to Innovation, a plan created to ensure that every Tennessee household has affordable access to high-speed Internet. The plan ultimately aims to increase the number of high-tech companies and jobs in Tennessee.

“The Woodbury/Cannon County Industrial Board needs help getting customers for our empty buildings,” explained Chairman of the Cannon County Industrial Board, Jackie Francis. “The opportunity to advertise what we have to offer to potential customers through a Cannon County or Chamber of Commerce website would help immensely.”

Broadband technology can help Tennesseans take advantage of world-class opportunities without having to leave home. For example, small business owners can set up shop in a rural area while serving customers around the world, students can study with experts in their fields with the click of a button and libraries can offer the latest electronic books with no waiting list.

Connected Tennessee’s Middle Tennessee Project Manager, Larry Raybon, will continue to work with local volunteers as they implement the plan.

For more information, or to participate in future meetings, please contact Larry at 615-310-0888 or lraybon@connectedtn.org.