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About MIRC
In eighteen Minnesota communities, Extension is helping businesses work together to use the Internet for marketing, sales, customer communication, and customer support. When local businesses adopt technology, community economies benefit. The MIRC initiative offers communities workshops, strategy discussions, and consultation to guide planning through the end of 2012.
MIRC is funded through a federal grant provided to the Blandin Foundation of Grand Rapids, Extension is one of the largest partners in the MIRC program.
Contact Us:
Hans Muessig, Program Director
Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities
Extension Center for Community Vitality
763-360-0993
hmuessig@umn.edu
1420 Eckles Ave, 431c Coffey Hall
St. Paul, MN 55108
Extension > Community > Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities Initiative
Assessing the Digital Presence of Rural Minnesota Businesses: Basic Methods & Findings
Download the report (755 KB PDF)
Extension's MIRC Workshops
Extension Workshops help businesses learn how to be "visible" on the Internet so new and existing customers can find you. Learn more about the full range of offerings.
Contact your educator for more information on workshops available in your community.
MIRC in the News 
- 11/29 Business owners learn value of blogging
West Central Tribune, Willmar, Minnesota, November 29, 2011
- 5/31 Building broadband infrastructure for jobs in Greater Minnesota
Twin Cities Daily Planet, May 24, 2011
- 5/20 Getting rural businesses to see Internet value
Ground Level, Minnesota Public Radio, April 28, 2011
- 3/27 Navigate the blog fog
Morris Sun Tribune, March 25, 2011
- 3/3 Dan Olsen (Windom) Packs the House, Twice - talks about business broadband
cookcountybroadband.com, February 23, 2011
New from MIRC
Related programs and resources
- Southern Rural Development Center
E-commerce resources for entrepreneurs, small business owners, Extension educators, community development professionals, and group leaders. - Retail Analysis and Development
Local retail sector data helps retailers reach customers. - Roadside Advertising in a Digital Age
Workshops help get businesses, services and gathering spots on the map. - The University of Minnesota Tourism Center
Education, research and consultation helps communities know and grow their tourism economy. - Blandin on Broadband
News and information on broadband use, policy and trends from the Blandin Foundation
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