The Edge of the Wilderness Community and the City of Bigfork are E-Commerce Certified.

For more information on E-Commerce Certification, read Press Release below Get Broadband information and/or click on MN DEED Link.

Local internet Service Providers:

Peoples Telephone

WildBlue Satellite

Communications Office · Web site: www.deed.state.mn.us ·

June 21, 2005                        Contact:                        John Fisher

For Immediate Release                                                                                       651-282-6791

The Edge of the Wilderness Community

Earns “E-Commerce Readiness” Certification

St. Paul – The Northern Itasca Joint Powers Board, known as the Edge of the Wilderness Community, will receive a Certificate of E-Commerce Readiness at a reception tomorrow in the community center in Marcell. This community consists of Bigfork, Town of Bigfork, Town of Marcell, Effie and the Town of Stokes. The E-Commerce designation, presented by Gerry Wenner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), recognizes the Edge of the Wilderness Community for building and using technology infrastructure as a key part of their long-range economic development plans. 

“E-Commerce is more than technology.  It’s about making things work more efficiently and effectively, and this certification process is intended to help create healthy communities using telecommunications to encourage development, especially in rural parts of the state,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Kramer.

The Edge of the Wilderness Community formed partnerships with school districts, local telecommunication providers, the local electric cooperative, government units, the business community, and the local hospital, and together they developed a communication technology strategy to qualify for certification. 

 “A community-wide focus on E-Commerce and telecommunications is such an essential component in business and economic development,” said Tim Johnson, Rural Community Coordinator for the Edge of the Wilderness Community. “E-Commerce helps us to compete regionally, nationally, and in a global marketplace. It’s also important to attract and retain desirable businesses.” 

Communities wishing to receive E-Commerce certification are evaluated on a scale demonstrating their technical compliance with e-commerce standards.  Those communities achieving the necessary standards will receive a certificate and E-Commerce logo that can be displayed on their websites as well as other city publications and marketing materials.  Questions on E-Commerce designations may be directed to Gerry Wenner at 651-297-1844 or via e-mail at Gerry.wenner@state.mn.us

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