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BalsamWest FiberNET builds information super highway

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BalsamWest FiberNET, a fiber optic broadband company owned by Drake Enterprises and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has buried a super highway in the mountains of southwestern North Carolina. The company’s wholesale broadband project is so audacious that it has been misunderstood by some and disbelieved by others –– a 300-mile fiber optic ring that has the capacity to enable download speeds of 1 TB/s one day and connects directly to the national telecommunications carrier hotel in Atlanta.

1/25/2011 2:12 PM

BalsamWest FiberNET builds information super highway

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Dr. Cecil Groves showing off BalsamWest's fiber optic hardware. The network’s implications for the region it serves are mind-boggling. Towns like Andrews, Robbinsville, Franklin, Cherokee and Sylva now have access to the same type of broadband infrastructure a company like Google would need for its operations. The trouble is that too few retail consumers are using the BalsamWest network. In order to understand why we have a monument to the future of broadband running underneath our highways, train tracks, and back roads and what it would take to make it the linchpin of the region’s economy, it helps to know why it was created in the first place. What is BalsamWest? In 1997 Cecil Groves came to Southwestern Community College to serve as its president. Groves brought with him vast experience in using community colleges to create economic development by focusing on technology, a formula he had used successfully in Austin, Tex. and Colorado Springs, Co. At the time, SCC was using an ITV television system, funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission, to connect the public schools in its three-county area in a distance learning network anchored at 12 remote sites. In 1999 SCC was told they had to move their ITV from an analog to a digital network. Groves said the telecommunications companies offered quotes of $55,000 per month for access to a digital network, a price point he called “absolutely impossible” for the college. “How could we even begin to afford it? Or do we just shut it down? There really weren’t any alternatives given to us,” Groves said. Groves helped the school get a $1.7 million grant in 1999 to study its options. At about the same time, Governor Jim Hunt appointed a commission, chaired by UNC President Erskine Bowles, to study rural prosperity in NC. Groves was on it. “What we found out,” Groves said. “Was that the lack of broadband access in rural areas was a primary inhibitor of long-term and short-term economic development.” As a result of that finding, Gov. Hunt appointed the Rural Internet Access Authority, a precursor to e-NC, to figure out how to reach rural parts of the state with broadband. “What we found out,” Groves said. “Was that the lack of broadband access in rural areas was a primary inhibitor of long-term and short-term economic development.” Groves served on the authority, which he said came face to face with a stark reality. “It became apparent to us that what was missing was a middle mile. No one really told us that. We came to a self-discovery through the process of the study,” Groves said. “And the problem of not having the interconnecting middle mile was the telcos saying there wasn’t enough demand out here for them to spend the money. It was the old issue of demand vs. supply and how you make that work for broadband delivery.”

1/25/2011 2:12 PM

BalsamWest FiberNET builds information super highway

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http://www.tuckreader.com/balsamwest-creates-fiber-network/

Groves was still looking for a solution to SCC’s problem of moving its distance learning model, which was still focused on ITV, over to a digital network, because the telecommunications companies wanted back their analog bandwidth. Along with a group of interested parties, Groves began approaching national companies he thought could help, but there weren’t any takers. The group tried encouraging the counties to self-fund the project, but Groves said there was neither the money nor the will to make it happen. Then, in 2003, two major shutdowns of the region’s telecommunications network generated a sense of urgency around the problem, at least for some of the stakeholders. For one 18-hour period, even the 911 network was down. Groves approached Drake Enterprises, a family-owned tax preparation software company based in Franklin, with the idea of building a shared network. Drake was running a national business from a rural town, and the market wouldn’t tolerate shut-downs of any kind. The company, which “relies on Biblical principles to guide its decision-making,” has been committed to developing the job market in and around its headquarters in Franklin. Without a secure network, Drake would have to move jobs out. “If they had not figured something out they were going to have to re-locate some of their operations to another area,” Groves said. Meanwhile, SCC was opening a brand new Macon County campus that needed high-speed Internet, and the college was also looking at ways it could maintain connection with its classrooms in Cherokee. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Leon Jones was on board of trustees at SCC and current Principal Chief Michell Hicks, an SCC grad, was the tribe’s chief financial officer. Meanwhile, SCC was opening a brand new Macon County campus that needed high-speed Internet, and the college was also looking at ways it could maintain connection with its classrooms in Cherokee. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Leon Jones was on board of trustees at SCC and current Principal Chief Michell Hicks, an SCC grad, was the tribe’s chief financial officer. According to Groves, the tribe wanted remote telecommunications access to its far-flung communities, like Snowbird, and they saw the fiber network as a way to invest in the region’s economic development. Drake wanted network redundancy and a way into Cherokee County. Eventually, the conversation led to commitments, and Phil Drake and newly-elected Principal Chief Michell Hicks signed on the dotted line to form a new company. Between 2003 and 2007, BalsamWest FiberNET spent around $20 million to construct and light a 300-mile ring of broadband fiber optic cable at around $20 per foot. The ring travels through the region’s governmental seats and stretches into North Georgia and East Tennessee, where it’s anchored to national carrier networks. Groves retired as SCC president last year and moved back to Waco, Texas with his wife, intent on becoming a grandfather. But when BalsamWest’s former CEO David Hubbs announced in October he was stepping down for personal reasons, Groves came out of retirement to run the company he helped create.

BalsamWest's broadband fiber optic ring. A Cadillac in a woodshed According to Groves, BalsamWest was designed to recuperate its investment and function as an engine of

1/25/2011 2:12 PM

BalsamWest FiberNET builds information super highway

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economic development in the region. “It’s demand/supply. If you look at the business model, you couldn’t have done this without the beneficence of Drake and the Cherokee,” Groves said. It’s a privately owned business with a public agenda that owes its existence to a Christian business’s commitment to the development of the region and the Eastern Band’s desire to become a leader in a regional economy. “You’re not into this for a lucrative business. It’s to recover itself, but it’s because it’s important to grow the region in the right way,” Groves said. “We want to grow existing businesses and bring in new ones. The only way you’re going get jobs in here that pay what people deserve and give opportunities for people here to stay and make a living is you’re going to have to bring in information-intensive businesses that don’t compromise the integrity of the landscape.” From an economic development standpoint, building a broadband fiber network was the only option. “Fiber is the gold-standard. There is nothing faster than fiber. Bandwidth is the king. Who has the most bandwidth wins,” Groves said. As a business, BalsamWest faced a crucial crossroads in its infancy. The barrier presented by fiber is its installation cost, which in the mountains can skyrocket because of the prevalence of rock. In the eastern part of the state fiber optic lines can be plowed into furrows, but in the mountains they are drawn into channels using a method that employs suction. You can build fiber above-ground but you’re network will be subject to breakages in the line caused by weather, humans or vehicles. So the network would be expensive if the business wanted to sell bandwidth on a protected circuit. Why not build it to last? If the local experience with copper networks could be used as a data point, fiber networks would be around for another 100 years. “Right now no one knows the life of fiber. We don’t know if it’s 25 years or 125 years,” Groves said. “There is no definitional group that says how long this will last. It will certainly last longer than copper and there’s some copper around here that’s been in the ground 70 years.” “Right now no one knows the life of fiber. We don’t know if it’s 25 years or 125 years,” Groves said. “There is no definitional group that says how long this will last. It will certainly last longer than copper and there’s some copper around here that’s been in the ground 70 years.” So the company went big in its build, using top of the line Cisco electronics on a 144-strand fiber cable that will accommodate next generation DWDM technologies and could bring its practical bandwidth into the Terrabyte range. With only two strands of the fiber lit up, the company can already provide 10GB/sec download times. Jim Campbell, BalsamWest’s chief technology officer who also worked to build the ITV network at SCC, said he has a hard time communicating to people the potential of the fiber network now lying in the mountains. “We’ve got capacity in this region comparable if not exceeding what they have in major POP areas like Atlanta, Chicago and New York,” Campbell said. Campbell is a local engineer with a regional mindset. He said the BalsamWest fiber network’s capacity is limited only by the speed at which the electronics in the industry evolve. The company has installed 300 miles of 144-strand fiber in the ground, secured inside a plastic duct with a tracer wire that detects breakages and anchored at electronic collocations that are secure, climate-controlled, and fed by backup power sources. “If you own the fiber, you can do just about anything. There’s no ceiling to the bandwidth,” Campbell. Groves is proud of what BalsamWest has built, and you can hear his role as one of its founding partners in the way he talks about the network’s commercial potential. “What we did is to reverse-engineer what the telco’s did. And we did it very quietly in a very detailed way, and there’s still some people who don’t believe we could have put all these pieces together,” Groves said. “The point is we have built at the insistence of Cherokee and Drake, the very finest network that we know of… it’s designed for the future, and the electronics are the very best.” Read the second half of this story tomorrow on TuckReader.com!

1/25/2011 2:12 PM

BalsamWest FiberNET builds information super highway

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Editor’s note: This story is the fourth in a multi-part series on broadband access in the mountains of Western North Carolina. To read the first story, click here.

Other stories you might like: TECHNOLOGY: MCNC announces high-speed connectivity for NC charter schools Cherokee artist, activist to speak at WCU Tuesday EVENTS: UN rep to visit Cherokee, investigate violence against women First Look: Verizon to release iPhone 4 in February First Look: Indian Trust Fund settlement heads to President’s desk Tagged as: BalsamWest FiberNET, broadband access, Cecil Groves, Drake Enterprises, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, fiber optic broadband, high-speed Internet, Western North Carolina { 2 comments… read them below or add one }

John Burtner January 25, 2011 at 11:30 am I hope the second part of this article addresses the ‘last mile’. I’ve about had it with Hughesnet. Reply

John B January 25, 2011 at 11:48 am I am really excited to read this story. This is a subject I have followed a bit for our region. I am thankful to the entities which enabled this network. I have, however, a concern about Drake’s historic insistence that he must impose his Christian beliefs on users of the internet he provides. Phil Drake’s business has been rumored to censor the internet including deleted emails and blocked web site access for those not consistent with his limited worldview. Once the region is dependent upon him; the industries, the internet cafes, the libraries and universities, are there safeguards in place to stop his private institution from limiting access? This is what I would like to know. Reply Leave a Comment Name * E-mail * Website

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Articles in this series The longest mile: the quest for broadband access in WNC Meet the Middleman: The quest for broadband in WNC Q&A with MCNC engineer Tommy Jacobson A monument to the future: the quest for broadband access in Western North Carolina

1/25/2011 2:12 PM

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MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative http://www.breitbart.com/print.php?id=xprnw.20110128.DC38183&sho...

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MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative Jan 28 08:00 AM US/Eastern

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MCNC announced today that it has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction and Splicing of the fiber optic middle-mile project related to the expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). MCNC is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide construction and splicing for those routes funded by MCNC's second federal Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) award, received in August 2010, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's BTOP staff. The project requires the appropriate vendor(s) to construct a new fiber cable network that connects universities, community colleges, schools, health and safety facilities, libraries, county offices, and other community anchor institutions to a statewide fiber optic network. The construction encompasses seven routes in North Carolina and divided into these identified segments: - Total North Central segments: Approximately 203.9 route miles - Total Northeast segments: Approximately 282.8 route miles - Total Outer Banks segments: Approximately 243.3 route miles - Total South Central segments: Approximately 238.7 route miles - Total Central segments: Approximately 113.5 route miles - Total Graham segments: Approximately 18 route miles - Total Northwest segments: Approximately 50 miles

Respondents may submit proposals for one or more segments. The priorities for segment completion will vary with some segments requiring streamlined construction timelines due to their location and potential impact. At MCNC's sole discretion, each segment may be awarded separately or not at all. Proposals will be accepted in electronic format only. Proposals should be submitted to pmoody@mcnc.org. Bid bonds also are due by the proposal due date and may be submitted to: Patricia Moody, MCNC Chief Financial Officer, P.O. Box 12889, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709. The firm deadline for submission is Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. EST. Late proposals will not be accepted or reviewed. The GLRBI must be completed in accordance to federal guidelines. All construction must be finished by Jan. 31, 2013 to allow MCNC to equip and place the fiber optic into service on or before July 31, 2013. Interested parties also can register to view the RFP, Construction Agreement, and Baseline Route Maps at www.mcnc.org/btop. The GLRBI will be constructed in mainly rural regions of North Carolina and involves construction in 69 counties. The project will build a fiber optic, broadband delivery infrastructure that serves community anchor institutions statewide. Also, through partnerships with private-sector service providers, the project has the potential to deliver affordable broadband service to many rural areas of the state that today lack this service. In evaluating the responses to this RFP, MCNC will work with the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development (NCIMED) in Durham to reach N.C. companies who qualify as small, disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses. NCIMED has been advising MCNC on BTOP-related opportunities for several months and will continue to work with MCNC to make businesses throughout the state aware of BTOP-related opportunities. The NCIMED, through their Minority Business Enterprise Center, has with partners like the Self Help Credit Union, created loan programs targeted for small, minority, and local businesses who desire to bid on ARRA opportunities such as this RFP that are part of MCNC's BTOP Round 2 award. Respondents interested in learning more about these loan programs should contact Kaye Gantt at the Minority Business Enterprise Center via e-mail at kgantt@ncimed.com or phone at (919) 956.8889. MCNC reserves the right to modify or change any information presented in this RFP as more information becomes available.

1/28/2011 1:55 PM

MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative http://www.breitbart.com/print.php?id=xprnw.20110128.DC38183&sho...

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Editorial Contacts MCNC Communications Hotline: (919) 248.4105 Noah Garrett, NGC Communications, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org

About MCNC MCNC is an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research and collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System, Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit www.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non-profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers the NCREN network, technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts in North Carolina, the NCREN user-community now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 24 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non-Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About MCNC's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Awards MCNC currently is working on a $146 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network expected to be complete by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation, $8 million from the MCNC Endowment, $4 million from private-sector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated $6.55 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are a part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of the Governor, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e-NC Authority to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with private-sector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. MCNC/BTOP Central Webspace For more information regarding all of MCNC's BTOP activities, visit MCNC's BTOP Central Web Space online. About Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,017 grants worth over $477 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development The NCIMED is a statewide nonprofit organization representing the interest of underdeveloped

1/28/2011 1:55 PM

MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative http://www.breitbart.com/print.php?id=xprnw.20110128.DC38183&sho...

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and underutilized sectors of the state's economic base. The Institute's working philosophy is that information and business development are critical to wealth creation and to building the asset base among low-wealth sectors of the population. Balanced information affords the state and its communities an opportunity to make responsive decisions. Information is the key to sound public policies and private-sector practices. It builds understanding and strengthens the quality of life for all citizens. Business development initiatives are based within the three M's of Money, Markets and Management. The Institute's business development team works to assist historically underutilized businesses in accessing affordable capital, expanded market opportunities, and stable internal management and control systems. Through direct one-on-one technical assistance and small group education and training, businesses are positioned for growth and expansion. The Institute's work is grounded within the state's goal of achieving widely-shared prosperity. SOURCE MCNC Copyright 2011 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.

1/28/2011 1:55 PM

MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative http://www2.bizjournals.com/charlotte/prnewswire/press_releases/nation...

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MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative PROPOSALS WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL FEB. 28 AT 5 P.M. EST

PR Newswire RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MCNC announced today that it has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction and Splicing of the fiber optic middle-mile project related to the expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). MCNC is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide construction and splicing for those routes funded by MCNC's second federal Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) award, received in August 2010, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's BTOP staff. The project requires the appropriate vendor(s) to construct a new fiber cable network that connects universities, community colleges, schools, health and safety facilities, libraries, county offices, and other community anchor institutions to a statewide fiber optic network.

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The construction encompasses seven routes in North Carolina and divided into these identified segments: - Total North Central segments: Approximately 203.9 route miles - Total Northeast segments:

Approximately 282.8 route miles

- Total Outer Banks segments: Approximately 243.3 route miles - Total South Central segments: Approximately 238.7 route miles - Total Central segments:

Approximately 113.5 route miles

- Total Graham segments:

Approximately 18 route miles

- Total Northwest segments:

Approximately 50 miles

1/28/2011 1:53 PM

MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative http://www2.bizjournals.com/charlotte/prnewswire/press_releases/nation...

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MCNC reserves the right to modify or change any information presented in this RFP as more information becomes available. Editorial Contacts MCNC Communications Hotline: (919) 248.4105 Noah Garrett, NGC Communications, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org

About MCNC MCNC is an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research and collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System, Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit www.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non-profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers the NCREN network, technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts in North Carolina, the NCREN user-community now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 24 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non-Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About MCNC's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Awards MCNC currently is working on a $146 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network expected to be complete by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation, $8 million from the MCNC Endowment, $4 million from private-sector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated $6.55 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are a part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of the Governor, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e-NC Authority to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with private-sector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. MCNC/BTOP Central Webspace For more information regarding all of MCNC's BTOP activities, visit MCNC's BTOP Central Web Space online. About Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobaccodependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,017 grants worth over $477 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development The NCIMED is a statewide nonprofit organization representing the interest of underdeveloped and underutilized sectors of the state's economic base. The Institute's working philosophy is that information and business development are critical to wealth creation and to building the asset base among low-wealth sectors of the population. Balanced information affords the state and its communities an opportunity to make responsive decisions. Information is the key to sound public policies and private-sector practices. It builds understanding and strengthens the quality of life for all citizens. Business development initiatives are based within the three M's of Money, Markets and Management. The Institute's business development team works to assist historically underutilized businesses in accessing affordable capital, expanded market opportunities, and stable internal management and control systems. Through direct one-on-one technical assistance and small group education and training, businesses are positioned for growth and expansion. The Institute's work is grounded within the state's goal of achieving widely-shared prosperity. 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1/28/2011 1:53 PM

MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative http://www2.bizjournals.com/charlotte/prnewswire/press_releases/nation...

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1/28/2011 1:53 PM

ECT News Network: Press Release

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http://www.technewsworld.com/prnewswire/?prnewsid=201101280700...

TechNewsWorld > Press Release

January 28, 2011 01:56:59 PM

Please note that this material is copyright protected. It is illegal to display or reproduce this article without permission for any commercial purpose, including use as marketing or public relations literature. To obtain reprints of this article for authorized use, please call a sales representative at (818) 461-9700 or visit http://www.ectnews.com/about/reprints/.

MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative Proposals will be received until Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. EST RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MCNC announced today that it has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction and Splicing of the fiber optic middle-mile project related to the expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). MCNC is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide construction and splicing for those routes funded by MCNC's second federal Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) award, received in August 2010, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's BTOP staff. The project requires the appropriate vendor(s) to construct a new fiber cable network that connects universities, community colleges, schools, health and safety facilities, libraries, county offices, and other community anchor institutions to a statewide fiber optic network. The construction encompasses seven routes in North Carolina and divided into these identified segments: - Total North Central segments: Approximately 203.9 route miles - Total Northeast segments: Approximately 282.8 route miles - Total Outer Banks segments: Approximately 243.3 route miles - Total South Central segments: Approximately 238.7 route miles - Total Central segments: Approximately 113.5 route miles - Total Graham segments: Approximately 18 route miles - Total Northwest segments: Approximately 50 miles

1/28/2011 1:57 PM

ECT News Network: Press Release

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http://www.technewsworld.com/prnewswire/?prnewsid=201101280700...

The NCIMED, through their Minority Business Enterprise Center, has with partners like the Self Help Credit Union, created loan programs targeted for small, minority, and local businesses who desire to bid on ARRA opportunities such as this RFP that are part of MCNC's BTOP Round 2 award. Respondents interested in learning more about these loan programs should contact Kaye Gantt at the Minority Business Enterprise Center via e-mail at kgantt@ncimed.com or phone at (919) 956.8889. MCNC reserves the right to modify or change any information presented in this RFP as more information becomes available. Editorial Contacts MCNC Communications Hotline: (919) 248.4105 Noah Garrett, NGC Communications, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org

1/28/2011 1:57 PM

ECT News Network: Press Release

http://www.technewsworld.com/prnewswire/?prnewsid=201101280700...

Web Space online. About Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,017 grants worth over $477 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development The NCIMED is a statewide nonprofit organization representing the interest of underdeveloped and underutilized sectors of the state's economic base. The Institute's working philosophy is that information and business development are critical to wealth creation and to building the asset base among low-wealth sectors of the population. Balanced information affords the state and its communities an opportunity to make responsive decisions. Information is the key to sound public policies and private-sector practices. It builds understanding and strengthens the quality of life for all citizens. Business development initiatives are based within the three M's of Money, Markets and Management. The Institute's business development team works to assist historically underutilized businesses in accessing affordable capital, expanded market opportunities, and stable internal management and control systems. Through direct one-on-one technical assistance and small group education and training, businesses are positioned for growth and expansion. The Institute's work is grounded within the state's goal of achieving widely-shared prosperity. SOURCE MCNC Copyright 2011 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved ÂŤ back | next release: eServGlobal Partners With Xtract to Bring Advanced Analytics Powered by Social Intelligence for... Âť Copyright 1998-2011 ECT News Network, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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1/28/2011 1:57 PM

Everything Outer Banks Dot Org

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Outer Banks Organizations - News - Alerts - Updates Home Contact About Outer Banks Websites Outer Banks Events Privacy Policy Registration If you are a non profit or not for profit organization and you would like to Post on this site please Register. After you Register please use our contact form to let us know you would like to Post to this website. We will contact you and upgrade your log in access. We will even grant you access so you can Post by sending us an email. Register / Log In Register Log in Entries RSS Outer Banks News Enjoy the Off Season on the Outer Banks with Super Bowl and Valentine's ... - PR Web (press release) January 28, 2011 Enjoy the Off Season on the Outer Banks with Super Bowl and Valentine's ...PR Web (press release)Seaside Vacations, a leading vacation rental company located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, welcomes groups to the Outer Banks with its Super Bowl ...and more » […] MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative - IT News Online January 28, 2011 MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband InitiativeIT News OnlineThe construction encompasses seven routes in North Carolina and divided into these identified segments: -Total North Central segments: Approximately 203.9 ...and more » […] County joins efforts opposed to insurance hike - Jacksonville Daily News January 28, 2011 County joins efforts opposed to insurance hikeJacksonville Daily NewsCarteret County has joined in efforts to hold off a proposed insurance rate hike that opponents say is unfair to North Carolina's coastal counties. ...and more » […] Coastal sister shar es seafood recipes - Hometown Focus January 28, 2011 Coastal sister shar es seafood recipesHometown FocusMy sister Liz and her husband Paul live in North Carolina, on Albemarle Sound – a stone's throw (er, very short boat ride) to the Outer Banks and Cape ...and more » […] Subscribe to SMS First Name Last Name Your Mobile Number Your Mobile Carrier

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1/28/2011 2:14 PM

Everything Outer Banks Dot Org

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January 28, 2011 |

Author OBX Admin

Dwelling Increase Click Link above for details. Permanent link to this post (8 words, estimated 2 secs reading time) Posted in Alerts | No Comments »

January 28, 2011 |

Author Outer Banks Chamber

Area youth enrolled in middle or high school are invited to One Sick Event, 9-11 pm, January 28, 2011 at the Dare County Airport Pavilion on Roanoke Island. Skateboarding, Just Dance, a Raffle and Pizza. $3 Raffle Ticket at the door becomes your admission ticket. Sponsored by the Dare County Youth Council, 4 H, Dare County Parks & Recreation, and 158 Surf and Skate. ************************************************ ********************************************************** ********************************************************* How to Register and Protect Your Business Name Program Set for February 16th This is a preview of “Community Happenings, Reminders…”. Read the full post (839 words, 3 images, estimated 3:21 mins reading time) Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Kill Devil Hills, One Sick Event, outer banks, Raffle Ticket | No Comments »

January 26, 2011 |

Author Outer Banks Chamber

My most sincere apologies for the late notice on this announcement but the opportunity has just become available. Presenter is from Raleigh and is offering this program as a free addition to compliment the program we held earlier this morning. ************************************ http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1689325086638&set=a.1491251974934.61 793.1643044932#> FREE bonus training. If you’ve ever wondered about http://www.inside252.com/ www.inside252.com (a new local business networking site), please come to the Comfort Inn, Kill Devil Hills at 7 pm tonight (Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011). Martin Brossman will be providing an overview of the site and show you how to list your business on this site. This is a preview of “FREE class tonight”. Read the full post (124 words, estimated 30 secs reading time) Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Angie Brady Daniels Outer Banks Chamber, Comfort Inn, FREE, Kill Devil Hills | 1 Comment »

January 25, 2011 |

Author Outer Banks Chamber

1/28/2011 2:14 PM

Everything Outer Banks Dot Org

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http://everythingouterbanks.org/

There will be Chamber Ribbon Cutting and Open House, 4-7 pm, TODAY (Tuesday, January 25, 2011) at Salon Swank & Co, 5230 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk (across from the Hilton Garden Inn on the Beach Road). Stop by to say hello to new owner Olivia Stonesifer who would like to showcase her new salon and makeup. ************************************************************** SCORE Business Counselors will be at the Chamber office 11 am – 2 pm today (Tuesday). Stop by for free help or advice with your business plan, marketing, financial statements, etc. No appointment needed. Take Colington Road in Kill Devil Hills….3rd building on the left …. or call in your questions during those hours at . This is a preview of “Reminders and Invites”. Read the full post (1197 words, 4 images, estimated 4:47 mins reading time) Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Comfort Inn Oceanfront, Course Outline Adding, Kill Devil Hills, outer banks | 1 Comment »

January 24, 2011 |

Author Outer Banks Chamber

Would You Like To Serve on a Chamber Committee? Committees are the working force of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce. It is in the committees that the real work of the Chamber is accomplished. The Board can direct and propose action to be taken, but without a functioning committee, the directives of the Board of Directors cannot be implemented. This is a preview of “Volunteers Sought”. Read the full post (1034 words, estimated 4:08 mins reading time) Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Guest Relations Committee Chair Mike Pringle, outer banks, Sue Carroll | 1 Comment »

January 24, 2011 |

Author Outer Banks Chamber

January 20, 2011 |

Author Outer Banks Chamber

This just in….please help spread the word… David Allan Coe who was to be in concert at Kellys Restaurant Friday night is stuck in Cincinnati and has had to postpone the show. New showtime will be Wednesday, February 9th. If you can attend that night, your ticket can be used that night with no changes. If you cannot attend and need a refund, please call Kellys at (252)441-4116. ************************************* Angie Brady-Daniels Outer Banks Chamber of http://www.outerbankschamber.com/ Commerce P.O. Box 1757 Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 (252)441-8144, ext. 229 angiebd@outer-banks.com Follow Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/obxchamber Permanent link to this post (95 words, estimated 23 secs reading time)

1/28/2011 2:14 PM

Everything Outer Banks Dot Org

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http://everythingouterbanks.org/

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Angie Brady Daniels Outer Banks Chamber, David Allan Coe, Kellys Restaurant Friday, NC | 1 Comment »

January 20, 2011 |

Author Outer Banks Chamber

Service for Carson “Buddy” Davis, Jr. will be Monday January 24th @ 4PM at the Mt. Olivet Church, 300 Ananias Dare Street- Manteo Trade Only.jpg Noted sportfishing boat designer remembered Posted on January 20, 2011 012011_Davis Carson R. Davis Jr. Carson R. “Buddy” Davis Jr., who designed and built Carolina-style sportfishing boats from 28 to 78 feet, died Monday at his home in Marathon, Fla., after a lengthy illness, his wife, Barbara, said. He was 62. A native of Manteo, N.C., Davis was the son of Carson Ralph Davis and “Nonnie” Etheridge Davis, and the sister of Anne Davis Creef. This is a preview of “Buddy Davis remembered”. Read the full post (479 words, 2 images, estimated 1:55 mins reading time) Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Amber Davis, Barbara Davis, Carson Wade Davis, Dean Travis Clarke | No Comments »

January 20, 2011 |

Author Outer Banks Chamber

Chamber members who advertise in OBX Wild (producted by the Outer Banks Sentinel) will receive 20 percent off of ads in Outer Banks, the Perfect Place. Rate sheet is attached. For questions or to reserve space, please contact the Outer Banks Sentinel at 480-2234 or e-mail editor@obsentinel.com ************************************ GENETIC TESTING: IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER MEDICAL TESTS? Cecile Skrzynia, MS, an assistant professor in the departments of medicine and genetics in the UNC School of Medicine, will conduct a Lunch & Learn workshop on “Genetic Testing: Is it Different From Other Medical Tests” at noon on Friday, February 18th in the Cancer Resource Center at The Outer Banks Hospital. Pre-registration is encouraged and may be made by calling 252-449-9184. A complimentary light lunch will be served. This is a preview of “News and Information”. Read the full post (1566 words, 1 image, estimated 6:16 mins reading time) Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Alcohol Beverage Control, North Carolina, NWDB, Whitecap Linen | No Comments »

January 18, 2011 |

Author Outer Banks Chamber

The http://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication?i=58827 January edition of Chamber News is now available. http://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication?i=58827 http://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication?i=58827 http://www.mydigitalpublication.com /publication?i=58827

1/28/2011 2:14 PM

Everything Outer Banks Dot Org

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http://everythingouterbanks.org/

For those who prefer a traditional Adobe Acrobat Reader file, visit http://www.outerbankschamber.com /news/Jan2011.pdf *************************************** Angie Brady-Daniels Outer Banks Chamber of http://www.outerbankschamber.com/ Commerce P.O. Box 1757 Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 (252)441-8144, ext. 229 angiebd@outer-banks.com Follow Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/obxchamber

Permanent link to this post (52 words, 1 image, estimated 12 secs reading time) Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Chamber News, Kill Devil Hills, NC | Comments » « Older Entries

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1/28/2011 2:14 PM

Everything Outer Banks Dot Org

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Buddy Davis remembered News and Information January Edition of Chamber News Archives January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 Categories Alerts Benefits Chamber Events Outer Banks Outer Banks Events Uncategorized Bed and Breakfasts Colington Creek Inn Bed and Breakfast Outer Banks Bed and Breakfast Restaurants - Food Outer Banks Bagels Outer Banks Catering Designed by Mike Kelly.

1/28/2011 2:14 PM

e-Government: MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural ...

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http://itbriefing.net/print.php?sid=144460

ITbriefing.NET

MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative Internet & business IT / IT Briefings

Date: Jan 28, 2011 - 12:50 PM

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 28, 2011 -- MCNC announced today that it has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction and Splicing of the fiber optic middle-mile project related to the expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI).

MCNC is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide construction and splicing for those routes funded by MCNC's second federal Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) award, received in August 2010, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's BTOP staff. The project requires the appropriate vendor(s) to construct a new fiber cable network that connects universities, community colleges, schools, health and safety facilities, libraries, county offices, and other community anchor institutions to a statewide fiber optic network. The construction encompasses seven routes in North Carolina and divided into these identified segments:

- Total North Central segments:Approximately 203.9 route miles - Total Northeast segments: Approximately 282.8 route miles - Total Outer Banks segments: Approximately 243.3 route miles - Total South Central segments: Approximately 238.7 route miles - Total Central segments: Approximately 113.5 route miles - Total Graham segments: Approximately 18 route miles - Total Northwest segments: Approximately 50 miles Respondents may submit proposals for one or more segments. The priorities for segment completion will vary with some segments requiring streamlined construction timelines due to their location and potential impact. At MCNC's sole discretion, each segment may be awarded separately or not at all. Proposals will be accepted in electronic format only. Proposals should be submitted to pmoody@mcnc.org. Bid bonds also are due by the proposal due date and may be submitted to: Patricia Moody, MCNC Chief Financial Officer, P.O. Box 12889, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709. The firm deadline for submission is Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. EST. Late proposals will not be accepted or reviewed. The GLRBI must be completed in accordance to federal guidelines. All construction must be finished by Jan. 31, 2013 to allow MCNC to equip and place the fiber optic into service on or before July 31, 2013. Interested parties also can register to view the RFP, Construction Agreement, and Baseline Route Maps at www.mcnc.org/btop. The GLRBI will be constructed in mainly rural regions of North Carolina and involves construction in 69 counties. The project will build a fiber optic, broadband delivery infrastructure that serves community anchor institutions statewide. Also, through partnerships with private-sector service providers, the project has the potential to deliver affordable broadband service to many rural areas of the state that today lack this service. In evaluating the responses to this RFP, MCNC will work with the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development (NCIMED) in Durham to reach N.C. companies who qualify as small, disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses. NCIMED has been advising MCNC on BTOP-related opportunities for several months and will continue to work with MCNC to make businesses throughout the state aware of BTOP-related opportunities. The NCIMED, through their Minority Business Enterprise Center, has with partners like the Self Help Credit Union, created loan programs targeted for small, minority, and local businesses who desire to bid on ARRA opportunities such as this RFP that are part of MCNC's BTOP Round 2 award. Respondents interested in learning more about these loan programs should contact Kaye Gantt at the Minority Business Enterprise Center via e-mail at kgantt@ncimed.com or phone at (919) 956.8889. MCNC reserves the right to modify or change any information presented in this RFP as more information becomes available.

Editorial Contacts MCNC Communications Hotline: (919) 248.4105 Noah Garrett, NGC Communications, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org About MCNC

1/28/2011 10:36 AM

e-Government: MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural ...

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http://itbriefing.net/print.php?sid=144460

MCNC is an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research and collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System, Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit www.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non-profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers the NCREN network, technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts in North Carolina, the NCREN user-community now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 24 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non-Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About MCNC's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Awards MCNC currently is working on a $146 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network expected to be complete by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation, $8 million from the MCNC Endowment, $4 million from private-sector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated $6.55 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are a part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of the Governor, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e-NC Authority to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with privatesector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. MCNC/BTOP Central Webspace For more information regarding all of MCNC's BTOP activities, visit MCNC's BTOP Central Web Space online. About Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,017 grants worth over $477 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development The NCIMED is a statewide nonprofit organization representing the interest of underdeveloped and underutilized sectors of the state's economic base. The Institute's working philosophy is that information and business development are critical to wealth creation and to building the asset base among low-wealth sectors of the population. Balanced information affords the state and its communities an opportunity to make responsive decisions. Information is the key to sound public policies and private-sector practices. It builds understanding and strengthens the quality of life for all citizens. Business development initiatives are based within the three M's of Money, Markets and Management. The Institute's business development team works to assist historically underutilized businesses in accessing affordable capital, expanded market opportunities, and stable internal management and control systems. Through direct one-on-one technical assistance and small group education and training, businesses are positioned for growth and expansion. The Institute's work is grounded within the state's goal of achieving widely-shared prosperity.

Copyright of this item rests with the firm originating this news release, or the firms within the news release. This article comes from ITbriefing http://itbriefing.net/ The URL for this story is:

1/28/2011 10:36 AM

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1/28/2011 10:36 AM

MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative

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MCNC Opens Construction Bids for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative