WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Broadband for America (BfA), a coalition of more than 190 member companies and organizations, which share the goal of bringing broadband Internet to every home and business in the nation, announces the formation of its South Carolina Advisory Board.

Broadband for America’s South Carolina Advisory Board will focus on developing programs that deliver the message that broadband is creating jobs, fostering the growth of small businesses, and enhancing the lives of every citizen in the state.      

Ike McLeese, President & CEO of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce said, “Increasing broadband access in South Carolina will result in faster economic growth and job creation, which will pay real dividends for generations to come.  By making sure every home and employer is online, our small businesses and education centers will not only better equip and train today’s workforce, but also tomorrow’s.” 

“Just a few months ago, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn chaired her first field hearing on the need for broadband access right here in her home state of South Carolina,” said Larry Holman, President and CEO of the South Carolina Black Chamber of Commerce.  “What she heard was that without broadband access to the Internet, South Carolina’s minority, elderly, students, and physically-challenged communities are at a huge disadvantage.” 

The broadband and information technology sectors created nearly half of all new jobs in 2008 and contribute nearly $1 trillion to the nation’s economy annually.  The major network providers have invested $100 billion in the past two years in their networks, so at a time when most industrial centers have been reducing their workforces, the broadband industry has been growing.  

In addition to announcing the South Carolina Advisory Board, Broadband for America is launching a new page on its website, which details the benefits of broadband Internet in The Palmetto State, and profiles members of the coalition.   

To view Broadband for America’s South Carolina-specific webpage, click here. 

The members of the Broadband for America (BfA) South Carolina State Advisory Board are: 

Farmers Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce

South Carolina Black Chamber of Commerce

South Carolina Cable Television Association

South Carolina Farm Bureau

South Carolina Hospital Association

South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance 

Broadband for America (BfA) is a growing coalition of over 190 members ranging from independent consumer advocacy groups, to content and application providers, to the companies which build and maintain the Internet. The complete BfA membership list is available at: http://www.broadbandforamerica.com/about/members  

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