Halifax Community College is the e-Champion for both Halifax County and Northampton County in the e-NC initiative to connect all North Carolinians, particularly those in rural areas, to the Internet and a better future.

The first meeting to introduce the concept was held in Jackson to initiate the Northampton County steering committee last month. The first meeting of the Halifax County steering committee for e-Connectivity was held at the Halifax Community College campus on February 12. More than forty county officials and representatives from Halifax Community College were present.

The Rural Internet Access Authority is spearheading this major community effort in 85 rural counties in North Carolina. Both Halifax and Northampton Counties will benefit from two grants funded by the RIAA to access community technology needs and also to sponsor a technology forum.

e-NC grants have been awarded to each county which include funding for an "e – Engagement" and an e-Community stipend of $10,000 per county. The e-Engagement grant will pay for a big community event that will focus on the benefits and future trends of technology. The e-Community stipend will fund community assessments and plans to secure future funding for both counties.

The e-Engagement event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, in the Continuing Education Center at Halifax Community College. North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Beverly Perdue is scheduled to speak at 4:00 during the afternoon technology fair and reception that will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Special technology displays will be set up throughout the Continuing Education Center for the Technology Fair on the 13th, including hands-on exhibits in special interest areas of e-Government, e-Health, e-Commerce, e-Education and e-Fun. The Technology Fair will introduce the community to the vast array of technology uses and opportunities available for businesses and for private citizens.

Willa Dickens, Director of Business and Industry Services at HCC, explained the e-Community project and asked the steering committee members to help generate enthusiasm and support for this innovative undertaking. Each community will be involved later this spring in an assessment meeting to decide the technological needs and future direction of each community. Individual community plans will then be incorporated into a larger scope, and final plans will put Halifax and Northampton Counties in excellent position to apply for grants and funding.

Brenda Linton, an independent consultant, detailed her role in putting the plans together. She will be gathering data and visiting key people in both counties to formulate her report.

Halifax County Manager Matthew Delk and Deputy County Manager Mary Ann Hinshaw voiced their support and willingness to help in any way that can assure the project’s success.

Northampton County’s leadership has also embraced the project. Northampton County manager Wayne Jenkins and Chairman of County Commissioners - Virginia Spruill expressed their unqualified support for the Northampton initiative at their meeting.

The possibility of having high-speed access and broadband capabilities available for all citizens is now close to a reality in the Roanoke Valley. The lack of computer access to the general public could be a huge stumbling block in the area’s progress, and the e-NC initiative is designed to remove that barrier and pave the way to a glorious future for e-Connectivity.

HCC officials were very pleased with the response at both county meetings and felt that more has been accomplished already than had been anticipated. According to Willa Dickens, "It is obvious from the enthusiasm we have seen that this exciting partnership has all of the support it needs to be successful!"

Watch for more information about the e-NC Technology Fair and Beverly Perdue’s visit on March 13!