Getting Rural Virginia Connected: Louisa Electronic Village (LEV) An Initiative of the Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) Prepared by: Connie S. Laws, Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension Contributing content: Alinda Uzel and Jon Johnson

What is the TOP project? b b Funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce b b Joint project of Virginia Tech, Blacksburg Electronic Village, County of Louisa and Virginia Cooperative Extension b b Helps rural communities in Virginia develop capacities needed to move ahead in the Information Age Economy

What’s the role of technology in Louisa County? b Serves as a communication tool among community members b Supports local government decision- making b Enhances personal, civic and business relationships b Strengthens and connects communities through the use of technology

Questions to consider... What are community networks? Why get Louisa connected ?

Community networks... b b Provide leaders and citizens with tools to help their community be a vibrant and desirable place to live, work and play b b Build capacities in communities to take control of and use technology effectively b b Improve local economic conditions while including citizens in the decision-making process

Getting Louisa connected means... b b b b Web hosting and design assistance b b List servs b b Resident, business, civic and art directories b b Online discussion board b b Community calendar b b Virtual business incubator

Getting Louisa connected means… (cont.) b b Telecommuting and distance learning opportunities b b Residents and businesses can be linked and communicate across the county b b People all over the world can discover the uniqueness of and opportunities in Louisa County

Possible Community Outcomes b b Community develops capacities to prosper b b Creates a trained workforce b b A “wired” community is more attractive to all business as technology becomes more prevalent b People feel more connected to one another b More citizen participation in community and civic activities

Why use Louisa Electronic Village (LEV) ? b Grassroots initiative b Unbiased, objective, non-commercial, citizen- designed and volunteer-led venture b Promotes community pride, citizenship and computer literacy b Incorporates educational workshops and other on-going training b Prepares community for future grant opportunities

How can YOU get involved? b Tell a friend! b Join the Technology Leadership Team (TLT) b Fill out a survey b Participate in Community Readiness Workshops b Utilize the public computers at VCE b Utilize the virtual business incubator for your micro business

Find out more! Louisa County Extension Office: Connie Laws, Extension Agent, Sarah Cooper, Extension Agent, Jon F. Johnson, Area Specialist,

Louisa Electronic Village (LEV) Home Page