Something Big is Happening in Topeka

Here’s a blog post by Greg Hill in the CJOnline Blogs.

Something big is happening here in Topeka and it could drastically change our community and the perception people have about us.

Google is looking for communities to test ultra-high speed broadband networks across the country.  The network would deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today, over 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home/business connections.

A local effort, called Think Big Topeka, is working tirelessly to make this a reality.

Imagine, high tech companies calling Topeka, Kansas home, creating a Midwestern Silicon Valley with new businesses, improved schools, greater access to healthcare, and a quality of life that people across this country look at as a model of prosperity.

Nearly 7500 people have joined the effort on Facebook.  Letters of support are being written across the community.  Individuals are creating personalized videos supporting Think Big Topeka.  This is a community effort, lead by people who are passionate about our community and seeing a different and prosperous future for our community.

Thursday evening, organizers and supporters will gather to show support of this effort.  More than three hundred have responded that they will attend.

So what can you do to help?  Think Big Topeka suggests several ways:

1. Submit a nomination form here.

2. Join the Facebook Group here.

3. Record a video testimonial with WIBW (dates and locations to be announced).

4. Email your City Council person or County Commissioner urging them to submit a government nomination here.

5. Tell your friends — post it, blog it, tweet it, email it, YouTube it, say it — do whatever you can to help us get the word out!

I commend the strong effort in Topeka and those working to make this a reality.  This could be big.  Check that.  This could be really, really big.