It's the April Community of Communities webinar with Rachel Smolinski.

Rachel Smolinski, the executive director of Harbor Area Regional Board of Resources, Inc.(HARBOR Inc.). HARBOR, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) that brings together representatives from a broad range of interests and serves property owners and residents of the greater Harbor Springs, Michigan area.

During the webinar, Smolinski shared:
• A brief overview of HARBOR, Inc.: its history, purpose, and accomplishments
• Previous broadband planning efforts and challenges
• Their experience in working with Connect MI and the Connected Community Engagement Program
• Current HARBOR, Inc. projects
• Next steps for how they plan to keep the community engaged and moving forward with plan implementation

In summer 2012, Charlevoix County became the first certified “Connected”community nationally.

Staff from Connect Michigan led Charlevoix leaders through the steps of Connected Nation's Connected community engagement program that offers a comprehensive and localized way for communities to bridge the digital divide impacting many communities. The Connected community engagement program entails building a comprehensive action plan for developing a technology-ready community by reviewing the technology landscape, developing regional partnerships, establishing local teams, and conducting a thorough community assessment.

The Charlevoix Action Plan includes projects to expand digital literacy, build awareness for the benefits of broadband, and assist businesses with websites and social media, and improving the online presence of local governments, among others. Connected certification affords a community an avenue to discuss its success and pursue opportunities as a recognized, technologically advanced community.