Oct. 8, 2005
 
Bluefield Leaders Ponder Promoting City’s High-Speed Internet Capabilities
 
By William Paine
Bluefield News Network Writer
 
Bluefield, WV (BNN) -- At the prompting of radio host and former Bluefield mayor Craig Hammond, the civic organization “Rethink Bluefield” held a meeting Wednesday evening, Oct. 5, 2005 at the News and Brew café.
 
Some of city’s intelligencia gathered to discuss ways of taking advantage of Bluefield’s unique high speed internet capabilities.
 
Gerry James of Bluefield State College speaks of the potential windfalls businesses could receive by fully utilizing the internet.
 
“If they set up their help desk, their accounts receivable, if they mine the internet for resources and advertise on the internet these businesses could save 60 percent in operating costs,” says James.
 
The group also spoke of renovations to the outside of the Bluefield Chamber of Commerce building and the impact of a proposed loitering ordinance. But high speed internet and its impact on revitalizing downtown Bluefield was the focal point of the meeting.