The 6th annual Northwoods Research Summit will be held Thursday, March 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UW-Stevens Point Treehaven campus in Tomahawk.

This year’s summit is titled “Broadband: A Look into the Future.” The day-long workshop will focus on the need for high-speed Internet services in rural areas.

The keynote presentation will feature San Francisco-based Craig Settles, a broadband business strategist, marketing expert, author and internationally renowned speaker. Mr. Settles helps organizations use broadband technologies to improve government and stakeholders’operating efficiency.

Joe Hagge, executive director of Grow North, a northern Wisconsin regional economic development corporation, said, “We were fortunate to obtain Mr. Settles as our primary speaker, as he has the expertise to assist our northern Wisconsin communities in obtaining the level of broadband services we need for economic development and tourism.”

Other workshops will feature representatives of area Internet service providers, a UW-Extension Specialist from the Center for Community Technology Solutions, and a panel of elected officials, policy makers and non-governmental agencies.
Dan Kuzlik, one of the summit planning committee members said “Broadband services are the 21st century highway to community and economic development, so this workshop should appeal to all segments of our Northern Wisconsin population.”

The cost of the day-long workshop, materials, breakfast and lunch is $25. For meal planning purposes, pre-registration is required. To register and to receive directions to Treehaven, call (715) 453-4106.