b'ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTBridging theBroadband GapWindstream and Colquitt EMC recentlyorganizations will accelerate KineticA-1 Roof Trussesannounced they will share responsibilitybroadband deployment to customers for expanding the Kinetic fiber-opticin many locations in Colquitts serviceBainbridge, Decatur County will be home broadband network to some of Georgiasterritory. for A-1 Roof Trusses new 150,000-square-most rural areas over the next severalfoot manufacturing facility. A leading years. The network expansion willBerkshire, says, the partnershipmanufacturer of pre-engineered wood give Colquitt EMC members accessrepresents an important step intrusses, the company plans to invest to Windstreams premium KineticWindstreams continuing effort to$17 million and create 130 jobs. The broadband service with internet speedsexpand broadband access in someBainbridge facility is the companys first up to 1Gig. of the most hard-to-reach areasfacility outside its headquarters in Fort of Georgia We look forward to aPierce, Florida. There have been a lot of discussionslong and productive relationship and expectations around the role ofwith the great folks at Colquitt EMCBainbridge and Decatur County are EMCs in broadband. I am proud that thethat will benefit all of our sharedthrilled to welcome A-1 Roof Trusses first partnership between an EMC andcommunities. to our community, says Keith Lyle, Windstream is right here in my homechairman of the Development Authority county of Colquitt, says State Rep.Once state law allowed EMCs toof Bainbridge and Decatur County. Sam Watson of Moultrie. Pairing theengage in the broadband effort,Their decision to locate and invest in resources of these two organizations willColquitt EMC recognized that aBainbridge and Decatur County is further provide first-rate broadband services topartnership is the best strategy, saysproof that our community remains an our county when they need them most. Danny Nicholls, general managerattractive location within to do business.of Colquitt EMC. We have enjoyed This is a great day for Windstream,a positive working relationship$17 Colquitt EMC and Colquitts members,with Windstream. Through ourMILLIONsays J Berkshire, president ofdiscussions, we have found aINVESTMENTWindstream Operations in Georgia.common goal, and we look forward130 NEW JOBSBy combining resources, our twoto impacting our members and Windstream customers.52 SG MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020'