Consolidated Electric Cooperative, SZD Whiteboard partner to win stimulus funding award

12/17/09

Mount Gilead, Ohio – The combined skills and experience of two Ohio teams were instrumental
in the successful award of broadband stimulus funding today. Consolidated Electric Cooperative
and SZD Whiteboard worked together to apply for funds through the Broadband Initiatives
Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service. The
partnership celebrates victory today as Consolidated Electric Cooperative’s $3.7 million project
was awarded $2.4 million, announced by Vice President Joe Biden in a stimulus funding speech
in Georgia.

The application process was challenging, requiring a unique approach from each applicant. SZD
Whiteboard was referred to Consolidated Electric Cooperative by Connect Ohio to assist in the
endeavor. Connect Ohio recognized SZD Whiteboard to be a good fit to assist Consolidated
Electric Cooperative with the application due to Whiteboard’s experience with other community
and regional broadband initiatives in counties in which Connect Ohio was familiar...