HUGHESVILLE, Md. - January 13, 2005 - The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland has taken the next step in the process of identifying and developing a plan for obtaining affordable and reliable access to broadband for both businesses and residents. Lack of affordable broadband access poses a challenge for retention, attraction and diversification of business throughout the region. As such, the Council is moving forward with a feasibility study to look at this issue.
Through a RFP (request for proposal) bid process, Tri- County Council identified a feasibility study consultant; CCG Consulting, Inc. (CCG) headquartered in Riverdale, Maryland and has secured funding from Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) for approximately one-half of the consultant's fee. After formal requests from the Tri-County Council, all three Boards of County Commissioners unanimously approved resolutions to provide their individual share of the balance needed to finance the feasibility study.
A feasibility study kick-off meeting hosted by the Tri-County Council was held on January 13, 2005 in Hughesville. Those attending included representatives from county government, local economic development, chambers of commerce, public library and local IT business community. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the CCG Consulting, Inc. staff, learn about CCG Consulting, Inc. and their prior experience, learn about the Broadband Feasibility Study Request for Proposal (RFP) and estimated timelines and learn how local businesses and organizations can assist with the Feasibility Study.
Task one under the Feasibility Study will be a formal Needs Assessment. As a part of the Needs Assessment, CCG plans to conduct interviews with selected businesses throughout the Southern Maryland region over the next several weeks. CCG staff will work with the local county economic development offices as well as the local chambers of commerce to identify recommended businesses to participate in the interviews.
Additional tasks under the feasibility study include: Industry Analysis, Technical Analysis, Financial Analysis, Business Plan and Governance structure and Conceptual Master Plan and Implementation process. The Tri-County Council anticipates that the feasibility study will be completed and a final report will be issued by June 2005. It you are interested in finding out more about the Southern Maryland Broadband Feasibility Study, please feel free to contact the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland at 301-870-2520.
About CCG Consulting, Inc
CCG Consulting, Inc. has been in business since May 1997. Since then, CCG has provided services to over 300 clients nationwide. These clients run the gamut of telecommunications, including but not limited to municipalities, counties and other public entities, universities, incumbent and competitive local exchange companies, long distance providers, and Internet service providers.
CCG Consulting, Inc. services include assistance with strategic positioning, business plans, feasibility studies, engineering, marketing strategies, market assessment, IT and billing analysis, OSS implementation, training, regulatory support and advocacy and executive search and placement. CCG has also worked extensively with clients in applying for and obtaining approval of RUS loans and grants.
About the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland
Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (TCCSMD) was formed on December 6, 1964, as a cooperative planning and development agency to foster the social and economic development of the Southern Maryland Region.
The mission of the Tri-County Council is to serve as a forum for the discussion and resolution of issues affecting the Southern Maryland Region. The Council shall select, advocate and advance those activities, which will best serve the interests of all the people of Southern Maryland.
For more information about CCG Consulting Inc.call 301-699-5300 or visit their website at www.c-c-g.com. For more information about the Tri-County Council call 301-870-2520 or visit their website at www.tccsmd.org.