Speak & Spark Luncheon Discussion
 
 Thursday, February 19, 2009
 12:00 PM-1:30 PM
 
 University of Southern California
 
 “Using Broadband to Spark Economic Development”
 
 Location: University of Southern California, Doheny Memorial Library, Room 240
 
 Participants: $25.00
 
http://www.marshall.usc.edu/ctm/networking/ctm-speak-spark-registration-page.htm 
 
 As the economy turns down, governments everywhere are searching for new ways to boost economic activity and increase their jurisdiction’s attractiveness for enterprises of all sizes. In this environment, broadband networks have gained new favor as an economic development tool. Indeed the deployment of such networks to rural areas has been singled out by President-elect Obama’s administration as one of the key parts of their economic stimulus program. But broadband networks have proven to be of as much if not more value at the local level as a method for revitalizing cities and improving service delivery. Policy makers and elected officials are discovering once again the importance of placing the deployment of modern communication technologies at the center of their own economic initiatives.
 
 CTM is fortunate to have one of the nation’s most successful mayors, Graham Richard, join us to talk about his experiences in implementing this approach in his own city of Fort Wayne, Indiana for our next Speak and Spark lunch.
 
 Some other issues that this Speak and Spark will discuss are:
 
 • How can a city “Go Green” with broadband?
 
 • What effect has being “wired and inspired” had on a city’s tax structure,
 crime rate and service delivery?
 
 • What is the benefit to K-12 education from a city’s investments in broadband
 technology?
 
 • Does high speed broadband deployment by a municipality improve its health
 care services for the uninsured?
 
 
 What is a Speak & Spark Discussion?
 
 
 Speak and Spark brings together CTM sponsors, USC faculty, and topical experts for an in-depth discussion around an issue of concern to the networked digital industry. The purpose of the session is to uncover critical issues and spark ideas for future inquiry.
 
 
 For industry participants, it provides an opportunity to air concerns and provide "wish lists" around the topic --- while listening to a variety of points of view from nationally-recognized experts. For the faculty, it provides an opportunity to hear the concerns of industry, and to provide new ways of thinking about the topical area.
 
 
 How is a Speak and Spark Discussion Conducted?
 
 
 A moderator will introduce the overall session topic. Our speaker will lead off the discussion and then we will go around the room and allow each attendee to speak and give their perspective on the topic. Lunch buffet will start to be served at 12:15 PM and will continue as we speak and spark each other with different perspectives on the topic of the day .
 
 
 We ask that you think through a 3-minute statement about your views on the ideas discussed above before the meeting so that you can fully participate in the discussion. 
 
 
 Please join us for a stimulating discussion over lunch. We hope you will be able to participate!
 
 If you are unable to attend, or have already registered, please feel free to recommend this event to others. Click here for a pdf flyer of the event.
 
 Participants Luncheon Discussion Fee: $25.00
 
 For information, registration and event updates go to www.marshall.usc.edu/ctm, email Ruth Cornejo at cornejo@marshall.usc.edu or call Ruth directly at 213 740 0980.
 
 For payments contact Sondra Collier directly at 213 740 0980 or email her at sondrac@marshall.usc.edu or click here to register.