Regional Broadband - Signed Letter of Support

A primary element of the Traverse Bay EDC Regional Broadband Initiative is the support from the surrounding communities.  The collaborative and coordinated efforts across public and private entities that is supported by those living and doing business within the four county region will enhance the proliferation and help ensure the enablement of broadband access to businesses and residents, along with core institutions such as education, health care, and public safety.

If your home, business, or civic organization resides in Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, or Kalkaska county and lacks adequate access to High-Speed Internet service, we encourage you to write a Signed Letter of Support for the initiative and the Traverse Bay EDC's endorsement of Service Providers seeking to bring broadband into your community, your county, and the region.

Writing Your Signed Letter of Support

A Signed Letter of Support can come from governmental bodies, libraries, media, schools, first responders, public safety, civic organizations, business organizations, individual business, elder care facilities, and individual residents.  Your Signed Letter of Support needs to be signed.  Multiple signatures are permitted for groups contributing a Signed Letter of Support. 

Your Signed Letter of Support should be as personal and specific as possible.  Use the following guidelines as you develop your letter:

• Identify the individual, business, or organization along with the address and county located
  
• Outline if you currently have access to broadband service to your home, office, or at your organization's facility
  
• Describe the level of performance and affordability of the broadband service you currently use
  
• Illustrate the benefits - what you would be able to do and what you are not currently able to do without broadband service
  
• Explain the specific economic impact of having broadband service.  Will it create new business services and/or jobs within your area?  How can it enhance existing business or organizational services?
  
• Provide specific statistics that you may have to substantiate the economic impact
  
• Remember to sign your Signed Letter of Support

ARRA Round 2 Application Submission Now in Progress! Broadband Service Providers will be submitting applications to seek federal funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Your personal Signed Letter of Support will aid their application.  Please use the following Saluation when creating your Signed Letter of Support:     Mr. David J. Vallano     Assistant Administrator Telecommunications Program     Rural Utilities Service     U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Submitting Your Signed Letter of Support

Once you have written and signed your Signed Letter of Support, you may submit it to the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation in one of the following three ways: