CHARLESTON, W.VA. – Technology barriers like Internet access are nothing new in some parts of West Virginia, but one Braxton County man made it his mission to overcome those barriers in Gilmer and Braxton counties.
George “Lee” Fisher will be honored with a Governor’s Service Award on Wednesday, July 16 by Governor Joe Manchin at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center.
Presented annually since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors youth, young adults, adults, seniors, families, organizations and businesses who exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. Fisher will receive an award in the senior category.
In today’s world, economic development, telehealth services and distance-learning opportunities are largely supported by broadband Internet access. When it became clear that much of the Gilmer-Braxton area could not be economically served by traditional telephone and cable Internet carriers due to its low population density, Fisher became instrumental in finding an alternative.
“Lee exemplifies the innovative spirit that is the hallmark of West Virginians,” Ed Ward, of the Gilmer Braxton Technology Institute, said. “He saw a need in the community and was instrumental in developing ‘outside the box’ solutions.”
Fisher oversaw an initial market survey that demonstrated a lack of broadband access and quantified the market demand for broadband access in those counties. When it became clear that the cost of tower space would be an obstacle, he convinced local tower owners to donate transmitter space and worked with state agencies to secure access permission for public towers.
As a result of his research, the Gilmer Braxton Technology Institute is now in the final stages of implementing the first installation of wireless broadband to underserved areas of Gilmer and Braxton counties through a partnership with a West Virginia-based company. The Institute has also secured funding for necessary equipment.
“Technology and communications are paramount in overcoming isolation,” John Whitehill of the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg, said. “Lee Fisher took the step in making sure the community had a stake in solving its own problems. He gave them ownership.”
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service to honor outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses solving community problems through volunteer service. A panel of volunteer judges, including past awardees, choose the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.
Other recipients of the 2008 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:
- Lifetime Achievement: Harold “Kitty” Wilson, Calhoun County; William “Sarge” McGhee, Wyoming County; John “Bill” Dillon, Summers County
- Youth: Emily Boggs of Charleston
- Adult: Karen Haynes, Putnam County
- Senior: Laura Sevy, Fayette County
- Organization: Jonathon Powell Hope Foundation, Mercer County
- Business: Verizon, statewide; INSITE, Kanawha County
For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by e-mail at Moya.Doneghy@wv.gov.
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