These slides are from the session that was co-presented by the Vermont Digital Economy Project Director, Sharon Combes-Farr, called “Fiber Networks: New Opportunities for Downtowns and Village Centers.” Her remarks focused on the power of the Internet to change people’s lives for the better. She did that by relating compelling stories of how the Vermont Digital Economy Project has made a difference throughout Vermont, like how nonprofit advising with the director of a small historical society led to a 28% increase in event donations, how the process of putting in a downtown Wi-Fi zone in Bethel brought the business association, the local school, and the municipal government together, and how an Internet Intern at a local library helped an elderly woman communicate become better connected with her grandchildren. More info about the project can be found at: vtdigitaleconomy.org