electronic village of abingdon

The scheduled meeting of the 91st Day Subcommittee held in the Town of Abingdon Municipal Building was opened by Chairman F. H. Moore, Jr. There were fifteen members present. These included:

F. H. Moore, Jr., Chairman	Becky Coleman
Jay Cox, Vice President	Steve Galyean
Al Bradley, Secretary	Charlotte P. Lewis
Bill Chaffin	Ralph Marbury
Jeff Peatross	Jack Nieman
Daveena Sexton	Pat Shrader
Ray Millsap	Burt Bassham
David Taverner

Dr. Moore welcomed everyone, especially those attending for the first time. New members included Ralph Marbury, Jack Nieman and Pat Shrader.

Dr. Moore reported that the Town Council at their 6 January 1997 meeting had approved $2,000 for the purpose of upgrading the Town’s home page. Active uses of this facility were discussed including making applications for building permits and business licenses, and to include issuance of Town vehicle decals. The Town’s proposed GIS system was explained and it was hoped that the GIS information would eventually be made available also.

Jay Cox reported that PBS television crews had been in Abingdon to film a segment on a local business; that of the Internet telephone service offered by Turner Hunt. He further noted that a psychiatrist’s data center had been located in Abingdon over Bristol and Kingsport based upon the progress being made here. Also, Damascus Pneumatics, a manufacturer of coal mining equipment, is now selling equipment in Russia because of its availability to the Internet. Several businesses are setting up web sites including the Mahaffey Real Estate Agency and local Chamber of Commerce.

Jack Nieman stated that the Washington County Historical Society was considering making its database of more than 200,000 entries available, but that they had some security concerns.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was discussed and it was decided that this would have to feature Congressman Boucher so that it would have to be planned around his schedule. Becky Coleman will check and advise us about this scheduling.

The written offer to extend the Electronic Village made by Highlands Union Bank was disclosed and discussed further. Dr. Moore advised that Central Fidelity Bank was interested in a further extension and others were, also. Bill Chaffin stated that Highlands Union Bank was interested in encouraging other businesses to take a more active role and not to wait on government to do so.

There was discussion of the need for two committees to be formed. One of these committees is for marketing and one is for content. Congressman Boucher’s letter to Al Bradley and others dated 8 January 1997 was available to all those present. This letter urged the group to venture further into more high-speed content items. There was some discussion of what these items might include. A few of the suggestions concerned an on-line law library, a "jukebox" of CD type materials and others. A new Contents Committee was authorized consisting of Jeff Peatross, Jackie Stevenson, Ray Millsap and Steve Galyean.

It was also felt that Jay Cox and Al Bradley could use help with marketing of the existing service to homes and businesses, but that some education of these people would be required in order for them to assess what equipment and other facilities would be required for each, depending upon what levels of service were desired by the individuals. It was noted by David Taverner and Jay Cox that an educational session with the technical people who were selling equipment might also be a good idea and they will work on this. A marketing Committee consisting of Sue Ray King, Randy Boyd and Jay Cox was appointed.

Jay Cox said that he had hoped to find some help with coordinating our efforts through an employee of the Community College in Wytheville. Jay will invite Diane Coe to our next meeting.

The next possible extension of the EVA Project was also discussed. Several areas were mentioned including the Remsburg Drive - Cummings Street areas already mentioned by Dr. Moore, the North side of Valley Street and the South side of Main Street. This subject was left open for the time being.