Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation presents annual awards

Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) Vice Chairman Kai Schnitker honored the recipients of JREDC’s two annual awards during the organization’s investor appreciation event held at Twisted Tree Music Hall in Jacksonville on Oct 4. 

Since 1990, JREDC’s Existing Industry Committee has presented the Industry of the Year Award to a company exhibiting outstanding business development and activity that enhances regional economic viability. In recognition of two companies’ work in strengthening critical infrastructure in the Jacksonville region, the 2022 Harold Cox Industries of the Year are Cass Communications and i3 Broadband. 

Long before the term COVID-19 was a household name, JREDC identified the need to develop high speed broadband as a priority in its regional plan. Cass Communications (CASSCOMM) was already building a broadband infrastructure in many rural communities in the Jacksonville region. The Virginia, Illinois-based company began installing fiber-in-the-home in 2018 and has completed 80% of the project, with 30 communities upgraded to high-speed broadband internet service. 

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