American Recovery and Reinvestment

President-elect Barack Obama recently gave a speech, "American Recovery and Reinvestment," at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia talking about his economic plan to save or create three million jobs by doubling the production of alternative energy; weatherizing 75 percent of federal buildings and two million American homes; digitalizing the country's medical records; updating thousands of schools, community colleges, and public universities; expanding broadband; and investing in science, research, and technology. (Photo courtesy of New Rushmore Radio)

I support Mr. Obama's plan to invest in America's infrastructure, but I disagree with his proposal to cut taxes. If taxes are cut, how will the president-elect fund infrastructure investments? Increasing the public deficit is not sound fiscal responsibility. No one likes to pay taxes, but I think many of us will feel more comfortable if our hard-earned tax dollars are invested more wisely.

An economic stimulus plan should balance the need to invest in public infrastructure and reduce the budget deficit. According a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Analysis dated January 8, 2009, "The Treasury will report outlays of $1,032 billion through December 2008, CBO estimates, $319 billion more than in the same period last year." Furthermore, "The CBO estimates that the Treasury Department will report a federal budget deficit of $485 billion for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, $378 billion higher than in the same period last year." I understand that it may be necessary to increase the country's deficit in order to invest in public infrastructure, but we must also take necessary action to minimize our debt burden.

I have written in this blog about how the "New Economy" includes a focus on the renewable energy and green technology sectors, which should increase America's competitive edge in a global economy. The healthcare technology sector is emerging and electronic health records will become a commonly-used tool in the coming years. It is imperative that we invest in these essential sectors and public infrastructure projects such as modernizing schools, fixing the country's transportation sector including repairing bridges and roads, expanding rail lines, and updating the national air traffic control system. However, the government (federal, state, and local) must manage our investments well and take necessary, and often difficult, measures to stabilize our deficit.

Innovative Use of Broadband Technology

The Associated Press published an interesting article, "Broadband makes tiny town an English-teaching hub," about how Eleutian Technology, LLC, a Ten Sleep, Wyoming-based company is using broadband technology "to help students enhance their English level so that they can talk whenever and wherever with people from English speaking countries." Eleutian's SpeakENG e-Learning program is using Skype's software to communicate for free through voice and video calls as well as instant messages. According to the article, "The company has close to 300 teachers hooked up to more than 15,000 students in Korea, and CEO Kent Holiday said he's just getting started."

According to Eleutian's website, "The SpeakENG program is a special interactive e-Learning program and delivers the same effect as communicating with the American teachers in person, throughout the duration of the program." The company employs state-qualified teachers to teach English language skills to its students and the e-Learning system is promoted as a bridge to break down the barrier between English-speaking and non-speaking countries. This is just one example of how a company located in a remote region is incorporating broadband technology into its business model.

Another example of utilizing broadband technology and Skype's services is through a project I created for B'nai B'rith International (BBI), an international Jewish service organization based in Washington, D.C. One of the many challenges community service organizations like BBI face is increasing its participation or membership base. Incorporating alternative methods of communication with members or program participants is one way to provide an added-value service to a nonprofit organization's mission.

Specifically, I proposed using Skype or a web conferencing service such as WebEx to hold informational seminars on topics of interest to a younger demographic audience. With offices located in Jerusalem, Brussels, Geneva, Montevideo, Sydney and New York, BBI has access to real-time information that can be transmitted quickly to its members and financial supporters through online conferencing services. We live in a fast pace and constant changing global world and the value many nonprofit organizations provide may be quickly transmitting relevant information to its supporters. Using communication services through broadband technology is a free or low-cost option of outreaching and engaging an organization's supporters.

Another component of my BBI proposal is using web conferencing services to bring together members of the Board of Governors (Directors) and associated committees to discuss issues of importance to the organization. Given the increase costs of travel and the complexity of daily schedules, it is often difficult to travel long distances for meetings. Utilizing alternative communication methods will increase participation allowing people from different regions, within the United States and abroad, who offer a variety of innovative ideas to grow and sustain the organization. The private sector often utilize this technology in making important governance decisions and I am surprised and disappointed by the lack of foresight nonprofit organizations have in taking advantage of the same technology.

There are many innovative uses of broadband technology for business or organizational purposes and I invite you to share your experiences.

Aaron Rose is a board member, corporate advisor, and co-founder of great companies. He also serves as the editor of GT Perspectives, an online forum focused on turning perspective into opportunity.