Arkansas Tech: From Foundation To Fruition

During the past two months, Talk Business has scored interviews with a number of technology leaders in Arkansas and interestingly there is a connection in all they are doing.

Starting with this interview with Connect Arkansas President Sam Walls, his group has identified attitudes among Arkansans regarding broadband availability and usage. Connect Arkansas wants to see more Arkansans using technology to jump-start local economic activity.

Clearly, one component of advancing broadband or high-speed Internet is to have more of it available. Jeff Gardner, CEO of LR-based Windstream Corp., leads a national company laying fiber in the ground for rural broadband, but his company is also taking a lead in wireless infrastructure development – a key to Arkansas’ and the nation’s future.

Finally, what are you going to do with that Internet speed and connection? Like in sports, it’s okay to have talent, but you’ve got to do something with it on the playing field. Emily Reeves, director of account research and management at Stone Ward Communications, hints at tech trends that are in use and on the way.