VisionGreenwood takes action on wider broadband access

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Greenwood County has kicked off an effort to make broadband service more widely available in the community.

VisionGreenwood, an old organization with a new name, recently launched Closing the Gap speed test to collect real-time internet speed data over the next few weeks. It is a crowd-sourced internet speed test created by the consulting group GEO Partners LLC to maps use in areas by telephone, cable and broadband companies. When that data is collected, VisionGreenwood can apply for state and federal grants to help fund internet infrastructure improvements, according to a news release.

Kay Self, executive director for VisionGreenwood, said the initiative was developed by the nonprofit through a public-private collaboration after the pandemic highlighted a need for widespread internet access.

“High-speed internet is no longer optional,” she said in a news release. “It is critical for expanding educational and economic opportunities, especially for those in remote locations. By ensuring every Greenwood resident and business has access to broadband, we are positioning our community for success.”

VisionGreenwood evolved from the Foundation for a Greater Greenwood County Inc., which was created more than 20 years ago to support the former Greenwood Partnership Alliance’s charitable operations with a focus on community and workforce development. Since its inception, the nonprofit has invested more than $2.9 million into the community by supporting initiatives designed to provide economic prosperity and enhance the growth and success of Greenwood, the news release said. 

“For more than a year now, we’ve seen first-hand just how important broadband internet is to our students, to remote work, and to telemedicine availability,” VisionGreenwood Board Chairman Jim Pfeiffer, Self Regional Healthcare president and CEO, said in a news release. “In response, VisionGreenwood developed a broadband task force to make sure Greenwood stays ahead of the curve in this area. The goal is to expand broadband internet connectivity throughout the entire county.”

A broadband task force should have the necessary data to pinpoint areas that are in most need of reliable, affordable access to broadband service by mid-August, he said.

“After thoughtful consideration, we decided to rebrand the foundation in 2021 to better reflect our purpose,” Self said in the release. “Everything we do is grounded in our strategic long-term vision. By intent and design, VisionGreenwood continues to be a community partner that is focused on Greenwood’s future and its economic growth and development. We are now more determined than ever to see that Greenwood emerges as one of the top living and working communities in South Carolina.”

To carry out its mission, VisionGreenwood’s board has identified core areas of focus for development of the Greenwood community: technology and innovation, education, city and retail development, life sciences and biotechnology, and a medical innovation district. 

In addition to the expansion of broadband coverage, another initiative launched this year is “The Brew,” described by Self as an ecosystem for locals to find resources and gain support for their businesses and trades.

“The Brew is really where VisionGreenwood sees Greenwood’s collective creativity and its community collaborations collide,” Self said in the release.

Part of a larger Upstate program developed to promote job growth through entrepreneurism, The Brew provides a venue for entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, and craftsmen to get community feedback about their business plans, challenges and accomplishments. VisionGreenwood started the Greenwood chapter of The Brew in collaboration with Uptown Greenwood and the Greenwood Area Small Business Development Center.

“It takes a concerted effort to sustain new business ideas, so we explored effective programs in place throughout the state. We are pleased to be a part of the regional Brew program that successfully brings economic successes to communities in Anderson, Greenville, Greer and Spartanburg, and now Greenwood,” Self said in the release.