Chris Christensen named a Michigan Broadband Hero

Boyne City resident and county commissioner Chris Christensen has been named a Michigan Broadband Hero. The award was presented by Connect Michigan as more than 400 people attended the second annual Michigan Broadband Conference in Lansing. The award recognizes outstanding contributions individuals and organizations have made towards increasing broadband service in the state. In his capacity as a County Commissioner, Christensen was able to use his foresight, knowledge of current and future infrastructure and resources, and connections to put Charlevoix County in a strategic position for broadband expansion. Working with county departments including GIS specialists, he facilitated the mapping of primary routes that would serve all the critical entities in the county. When Merit Network announced they were to receive funding through the American Recovery Act Reach Program, Christensen approached them with the completed maps. Having this groundwork in place expedited and accelerated the expansion of broadband fiber throughout Charlevoix County.