A very interesting op-ed in the Cincy paper about how the local government can better work with its primary college to keep more of its graduates in the region.

Roanoker Cameron Johnson is featured in this Washington Post story on the day of the final episode of Oprah’s Big Give. The story chronicles his accomplishments at an early age growing up in Roanoke to his current accolades as a 23-year-old.

The reason this blog is covering his story is because Cameron is the young professional from our area who is dedicated to our region, and is sincerely interested in helping the region, regardless of his numerous other professional opportunities. He has given back and will continue to do so. We must communicate Roanoke, Virginia is a place that enables this type of entrepreneurship and success for a young professional.  Let’s celebrate all of his accomplishments.   

The Corvin family in Roanoke, Virginia was recently featured on Oprah’s Big Give via the contestant Cameron Johnson. Today, the Roanoke Times provided a follow up story to Sunday night’s show.

Scarborough Research released this study showing the percentage of residents in the 120 DMAs, according to Nielsen, who have broadband access (defined as either cable modem or DSL). Roanoke-Lynchburg was last on the list measured of 79 DMAs with a 29% mark. Roanoke is the 67th largest DMA in the U.S.

What does this mean? It depends on how you look at it.

It could be more of a choice, people not wanting to invest in the broadband in their homes.

It could be access due to the mountainous terrain and wiring is less cost efficient by the companies.

It could be since the percentage of internet users are doing only email and light surfing, they may not need the speed and power of broadband for downloading music and video.

According to a former employee of Hughes Net – a satellite broadband provider – Roanoke is one of the strongest market units perhaps because of its geography constraints of traditional broadband, yet the desire to have access to broadband.

There is no doubt accessing the information highway today is like accessing the interstate highway from years back and certainly among a younger, web savvy audience broadband is an essential lifestyle amenity just like running water was in rural America several generations ago. We must acknowledge the importance of broadband and being connected in this fast and powerful way.

Roanoke, Virginia native Cameron Johnson is down to the final three in Oprah’s Big Give with the final episode this Sunday evening, April 20 at 8 pm on ABC.

A CNNMoney article recently examined how entrepreneurs, like Cameron, have an advantage on these TV reality shows.

More than having the advantage on reality shows, having more residents with an entrepreneurial spirit differentiates your regional economy and allows it to compete in the global economy. We must have more entrepreneurs working for themselves rather than working for someone else. Cameron is our poster child for the young professional/ young adult movement in Roanoke and entrepreneurial spirit needed in the 21st century.