The new economy is all about Internet access, and it's coming to Empire this summer. June 23 marked the celebration of a new wireless infrastructure provided by the Village of Empire.
Paul Skinner is the chair for the village's wi-fi planning commission and says the new network means only good things for its future.
"Access to global connectivity plays a critical role in the process of placemaking and attracting economic activity to the Village of Empire. The potential impacts to the village's sense of place, and benefits to the local economy through helping business operations and start-ups, as well as the increased connectivity for the tourism industry are very exciting," he says. "We can't put a figure on that revenue yet, but we will and we're certain it will bring the village very positive economic results for the long term."
It's been a cooperative effort between the village, Leelanau County and the Grand Vision, and part of the startup costs were provided by a $20,000 Community Growth Grant from the
Northwest Michigan Council of Goverments.
The new wi-fi service covers the commercial corridor of the village, including West Front Street, the area of Village Park, along Lake Michigan Drive, and part of Niagara Street.
It'll be billed as a village utility, available for $3 per day, $20 per week or $30 per month.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Paul Skinner, Empire Wi-Fi Planning Commission
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