The Community Connection: How Fiber Impacts Economics and Opportunity

Sunday, June 1, 2025

3:45 PM - 4:25 PM CT

Location: Canal D

Moderator(s)

Jaimie Lenderman (she/her/hers)

Research Manager & Principal Analyst
Omdia
Livingston, Montana, United States

Panelist(s)

Robert Bridgham (he/him/his)

Executive Director
Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority
Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
Crystal Ivey (she/her/hers)

Manager, Government Relations
Knoxville Utilities Board, Tennessee, United States
Robert Wrighter, Jr. (he/him/his)

President
Hancock Fiber / Archtop
Hancock, New York, United States

As the fiber broadband industry moves to close the Digital Equity Gap, what does this mean for local stakeholders in terms of economic impact and opportunity? This panel will discuss the role fiber plays in improving GDP, creating job opportunities, and new business development. Additional insights will be provided on potential impact on education, community services and home prices, and how fiber presents the best catalyst for growth as local operators decide what technology to leverage within the communities each serves.