Ottawa County is currently partnering with Connect Michigan to promote a County Broadband Survey. The results of the surveys will be used to develop a better understanding of the existing resources and capabilities of broadband technology in Ottawa County. And they will, from there, develop specific action plans to improve the County’s broadband environment for businesses and residents.
Your assistance to help promote the survey will be greatly appreciated! A Media Kit and Flyer (see attached) have been prepared for you to use to help promote the survey. Feel free to use for all social media outlets, newsletters, flyers, websites, etc.
The surveys are available at http://connectmycommunity.org/ottawa-county/ Paper copies of the survey are also acceptable and can be requested at the following email address: [email protected] but we would prefer to have the surveys completed online vs. mailing in the paper copy of the survey.
Through the leadership of the Ottawa County Planning Commission, our community is participating in Connect Michigan’s “Connected Community” program. This project will assess the current status of broadband access, adoption, and use in our area so we can develop a Broadband Technology Action Plan to improve the quality of life and economic potential across Ottawa County and the region.
Your answers to the following questions are critical and will be combined with others to identify the current need for improved Internet access and support in our community. This information will then be used to develop the most effective action plans with local broadband providers and other contributing organizations to improve technology and internet service and support in our community.
Several surveys have been developed that are designed to capture data from the many sectors of our community. Please examine the survey descriptions below and choose the survey that best fits your role in our community. You may find, however, that you fit the description of multiple surveys. For example, you are a resident and also operate a small business. Or, you are a resident and you are the IT director of a local elementary school. If you find yourself fitting more than one description, please complete the appropriate surveys from each of your perspectives. Please only complete those surveys that best fit your role(s) in the community.
For Residents
Residents Click Here: Any resident of Ottawa County aged 18 years or older representing a head or co-head of a household. One response per household please.
For Businesses
Agriculture Producers Click Here: Any agricultural production operation including crops, livestock, etc. Does not include value-added agriculture industries, farmers markets, and similar. Respondent should be the person most familiar with the operation’s use of technology. One response per operation.
Healthcare Facilities Click Here: Any healthcare facility including hospitals, doctor’s offices, urgent care facilities, rehabilitation centers, labs, assisted living, and similar. Respondent should be the person most familiar with the facility’s use of technology. One response per facility.
All Other Businesses Click Here: Any business establishment other than agriculture producers and healthcare facilities. Respondent should be the person most familiar with the business’ use of technology or the owner. One response per business establishment.
For Institutions and Organizations
Economic Development Organizations Click Here: Any organization or entity in the community with the mission of supporting community and economic development. This includes economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, downtown development authorities, corridor improvement districts, Main Street programs, and similar groups. Respondent should be the person most familiar with the organization’s connectivity, digital communication, and website. One response per organization.
Higher Education Click Here: Any post-secondary institution including community colleges, technical schools, traditional public and private colleges/universities, and similar. This survey asks for data on a wide array of topics including connectivity, online curriculum, and digital communications policies. Respondent should be the person at the institution with connections to relevant subject matter experts that can provide the necessary information. One response per institution.
Libraries and Community Organizations Click Here: All libraries (individual libraries within districts) and non-profit organizations focused on improving technology in the community. Respondent should be the person most familiar with the library or organization’s use of technology, connectivity, training, and digital communication. One response per library or organization.
Local Governments Click Here: Any local municipality located within Ottawa County, (i.e. cities, villages, towns, and the county itself). Respondent should be the person most familiar with the municipality’s use of technology, connectivity, website, and digital communication. One response per municipality.
K-12 Education Click Here: Any primary or secondary educational institution, private or public. Schools within a district should respond individually. This survey asks for data on a wide array of topics including connectivity, online curriculum, and digital communications policies. Respondent should be the person at the institution with connections to relevant subject matter experts that can provide the necessary information. One response per institution.
Public Safety Click Here: Any public safety agency in the community including law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency services, and similar. Respondent should be the person most familiar with the agency’s connectivity, digital communication, and website. One response per agency.
Tourism Organizations Click Here: Any organization or entity in the community with the mission of supporting the local travel and tourism industry. This includes convention and visitor’s bureaus, tourism business associations, and similar, (but not individual travel and tourism-oriented businesses). Respondent should be the person most familiar with the organization’s connectivity, digital communication, and website. One response per organization.
