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

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

Consolidated is one of a select few nationwide recipients of economic stimulus dollars intended for broadband development throughout the nation. Over 2,000 applications were submitted totaling nearly $28 billion. The awarded funds will be used to enhance broadband capabilities to Delaware and Morrow counties in central Ohio, building a broadband network that will serve as the catalyst for economic development, job opportunities, education and overall improved telecommunications services to the large underserved population in these communities.

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...