IIA Members: The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and the National Grange

By IIA

The Internet Innovation Alliance has a special treat this week for our Featured Member… there are two! This week’s featured members are the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and the National Grange. Both IIA members participated in the recent “Broadband WORKS for Rural America” advocacy day in Washington, DC on October 4th, 2011. The event included 150 participants from more than 23 states including members of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and National Grange. While in Washington, participants attended a total of over 90 meetings with their Members of Congress and staff, during which they delivered the message that access to high-speed Internet is a critical component of job creation and economic development, and is necessary to ensuring a prosperous future for citizens living in remote or hard-to-reach communities.

At a press conference to kick-off the event Jess Peterson, executive vice president of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and IIA Ambassador said, “Regardless of location or occupation, the need for reliable, high-speed Internet, both wired and wireless, is something that everyone can agree on. In rural America in particular, there are acres of opportunity for economic growth, but greater access to next-generation technologies is key to capitalizing on these opportunities.” Peterson went on to say, “Right now, Americans need jobs, and we need to make sure that all Americans have the tools to create and sustain them. I believe we successfully delivered that message to policymakers this week.”

Ed Luttrell, President and Master of the National Grange, had this to say about his organizations involvement with the event: “The National Grange has been advocating for affordable access to broadband in rural America for a long time. Never before in our efforts have we seen so many diverse organizations, telecommunications companies, and advocacy groups at the same table with the same commitment and vision. I believe the drumbeat of increased access to broadband in rural America has been heard in our Nation’s capital this week.”

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association is membership organization dedicated to, and focused on, efforts in Washington, D.C. to further the interests of cattle producers on mandatory country of origin labeling, international trade, market competition, reform of the mandatory beef checkoff, animal health, welfare and identification, private property rights and other issues that affect the United States cattle industry.

The National Grange is a membership organization committed to the development of the potential in families, youth and adults of all ages. Through dynamic programs and experiences that educate, engage and enrich lives, the Grange sees to build stronger communities and states, as well as a stronger nation.

The Internet Innovation Alliance is honored to recognize the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and the National Grange as this week’s featured member and is privileged to be working with them towards expanded broadband access for all Americans.