Future growth, development

Last week, nearly 50 people gathered for a town meeting which was held in a Union County community.

The Cobden Community & Business Association, CCBA, sponsored the meeting, in cooperation with the Village of Cobden. Representatives of the Connect SI initiative attended the meeting. Also present were representatives of several businesses which would provide broadband Internet service.

CCBA and the Village of Cobden are to be commended for hosting the town meeting. CCBA is a relatively new organization in Union County. Members of the association have been working hard to promote growth and development in Cobden and the surrounding area.

The primary focus of last week's meeting involved discussion about high-speed Internet service in rural areas of Southern Illinois and, more specifically in this case, the Cobden area.

A wide range of information was shared at the meeting, which we expect will serve as a catalyst for continued discussion and development. As our region moves forward, having access to the best Internet service, and other technological developments, will be critical for continued economic growth and development.

We look forward to more positive work from the Cobden Community & Business Association and others in Union County who share a vision of growth for our entire region.