Jefferson City—The State of
Missouri announced today that Tim Arbeiter would lead the state’s new
Broadband Development Office.
The office was established earlier this year as a partnership
between the Department of Economic Development and the Department of
Agriculture to build and strengthen partnerships between public and private
stakeholders, and align efforts statewide to improve broadband access.
“We’re excited to have
Tim on board,” Department Director Rob Dixon said. “He’s been a tremendous
leader for the Lee’s Summit and Cape Girardeau Chambers. He brings a wealth of
knowledge and skills to what is such a critical need for rural Missouri.”
The FCC Broadband Progress Report shows that 1.25 million
Missourians – or 20% -- don’t have access to high-speed Internet
(25mpbs/3mbps). The majority of those citizens reside in rural communities.
"Everywhere I go around the state, I hear about this
issue," Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. "It’s one thing
everyone agrees on, and it impacts a variety of people and industries. I know
Tim will do great work leading the charge to statewide broadband access."
Arbeiter previously served as President of the Lee's Summit
Chamber, which covers eastern Jackson County and has more than 1,000 members.
Prior to his time in Lee’s Summit, Arbeiter was the Vice President of Community
Development for the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and the Executive
Director for Old Town Cape.
“It’s an honor to be able to serve Missourians across our
state and help lead the effort in additional solutions for broadband
deployment,” Arbeiter said. “Broadband access will open up so many new
opportunities for farms, small businesses, health care providers, schools, and
consumers in rural areas. It truly has the potential to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Missourians.”
Arbeiter is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a
professional certification from the International Economic Development Council
(IEDC) and was re-certified in January 2017. He holds the Institute of
Organization Management (IOM) designation from the US Chamber of Commerce,
attained in 2010. Arbeiter attained his
Masters of Arts in Guidance and Counseling and a Bachelor’s of Science in
Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University.
Contact:
Maggie Kost, Director of Communications
Missouri Department of Economic Development
(573) 522-5058
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