U.S. Chief Technology Officer Addresses One Economy's National Technology Adoption Advisory Council

Coalition of Elected Officials Convene to Address Broadband Adoption Solutions

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States' first Chief Technology Officer, Aneesh Chopra, gave the keynote address today at the inaugural strategy session of One Economy's National Technology Adoption Advisory Council (NTAAC). The bi-partisan leadership forum of more than 80 elected municipal and state officials was formed last month to address solutions and funding initiatives for expanding technology adoption in underserved communities across the United States.

"One Economy and the National Technology Adoption Advisory Council want to thank Aneesh Chopra for his leadership and innovation in expanding broadband opportunities in the United States," said BMaynard Scarborough, Vice President of Government Affairs, One Economy Corporation. "There is a general consensus that crosses political party lines — this country cannot have a strong economy without sustainable broadband adoption initiatives. These elected officials reflect that consensus and are committed to working together to provide measurable solutions."

One Economy's Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder, Rey Ramsey, opened today's session and laid the groundwork for NTAAC's work. FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn introduced keynote speaker Chopra. Additional speakers included Councilmember Tommy Wells, DC Ward 6; and Ginnie Cooper, Chief Librarian, DC Public Library System.

NTAAC Co-Chairs, Birmingham City Councilor Johnathan F. Austin (District 5), and Michigan State Representative Maureen Stapleton (District 4-Detroit), presided over the event.

"NTAAC is a solutions and action driven council that will be creating a blueprint resulting in measurable broadband milestones," said NTAAC Co-Chair and Birmingham City Councilor Johnathan F. Austin (District 5).  "Today we are going to roll up our sleeves, strategize and begin the hard work of building a national sustainable broadband adoption program."

The mission of the NTAAC is to convene, support and empower local and state governments in their effort to leverage broadband to improve their communities and the lives of their constituents.  The Council represents the interests of their constituents as it relates to policy, legislative and administrative developments on the national level, and together they will generate a blueprint on how local elected officials can utilize various broadband technologies to drive workforce development, education improvement, and economic growth.

NTAAC is a bi-partisan council with upwards of 80 elected officials from across the United States including Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.  A full list of NTAAC members can be found at One Economy's website: http://www.one-economy.com/sites/all/files/NTAAC_Founding_Member_Roster.pdf.

"The work at the city and state level is integral to building a solid broadband adoption foundation," said Michigan State Representative, Maureen L. Stapleton (District 4-Detroit), Co-Chair of the NTAAC.  "Connected communities will combine to create a strong country and a strong economy."

ABOUT ONE ECONOMY

One Economy is a global non-profit that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people.  More than 19 million people have used One Economy's online tools and resources on its Public Internet Channel www.pic.tv to build better lives.  To date, One Economy has launched on the ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

SOURCE One Economy