The transformative broadband fiber deployment project in Whiteside County and Northwest Illinois has reached a significant milestone. JCE Co-op announced its 7,000th fiber member with the connection of Garden Plain Township building.To commemorate this achievement, representatives from JCE Co-op, Whiteside County and Garden Plain Township gathered for the ceremonial ‘lighting up’ of the fiber connection, marking another step toward bridging the digital divide in the region.
The event, held at the Garden Plain Township Office/Garage, was highlighted by Whiteside County Board Chair Marty Koster's presentation of a $1 million check to JCE Co-op President and CEO Mike Casper. The check represents the county’s second payment as part of its local grant-matching commitment to broadband expansion.
“This investment in fiber broadband is an investment in the county’s future,” said Koster. “The benefits of broadband connectivity will level the playing field for businesses, education, healthcare and agriculture while enhancing the overall quality of life and economic vitality of Whiteside County and the Northwest Illinois region. I am thrilled to see this project making such remarkable progress.”
JCE Co-op’s fiber deployment is part of a larger initiative that secured $69 million in Round 3 Connect Illinois Grants from the Illinois Office of Broadband. Combined with $30 million in local matching funds, the total $100 million investment will result in approximately 1,200 miles of fiber infrastructure potentially connecting nearly 10,000 premises, businesses and organizations.
“This collaboration between Whiteside County, JCE Co-op and our partners is a testament to the power of regional cooperation,” said Casper. “We are impacting the region's digital future by working with Morrison Tech, Carroll and Jo Daviess Counties, BEST, Inc. and other stakeholders. The completion of this fiber network will provide crucial benefits to every aspect of our economy and community.”
Broadband as a Transformative Economic Driver
Whiteside County Economic Development Director Gary Camarano emphasized broadband access's profound economic impact on rural communities. Citing research from the Center on Rural Innovation, he highlighted key statistics for rural communities that have already embraced broadband fiber:
- 213% higher business growth rates
- 10% higher self-employment growth rates
- 18% higher per capita income growth
- 44% higher GDP growth
Conversely, rural counties with low broadband utilization often experience economic stagnation, population decline and business closures.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
One of the significant workforce development initiatives tied to broadband expansion in Northwest Illinois is Morrison Tech's Broadband Fiber Technician Apprenticeship Program. This program, recognized by the Illinois Department of Employment Security, is a testament to the region’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce. Morrison Tech is also developing an Automation Process Control Apprenticeship Program to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in high-tech industries.
A Bold Vision for a Digitally Inclusive Future
Whiteside County, JCE Co-op, and Morrison Tech are also spearheading a broadband deployment and utilization initiative to ensure the region fully embraces digital transformation. This effort aims to develop a human-centered, digitally inclusive and technology-ready ecosystem that supports businesses, education, and innovation.
“Our goal is to make Whiteside County and Northwest Illinois a model for rural broadband success,” said Camarano. “By leveraging this infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and enhanced quality of life.”
With a commitment to connectivity, innovation and workforce development, Whiteside County and its partners are leading the way in securing a prosperous and digitally connected future for the region.
Pictured above, back row, left to right: Scott Reynolds, Garden Plain township trustee; LaVerne Sterenberg, Garden Plain township supervisor, Greg Pessman, Garden Plain township trustee; Rollie Vander Eide, Garden Plain township highway commissioner; Mike Casper, president and CEO of JCE Co-op; Martin Koster, Whiteside County board chair & labor management committee chair; Amy Robbins, Whiteside County administrator, Tim Berogan. Whiteside County information technology director, Gary Camarano, Whiteside County economic development director and enterprise zone administrator; Jesse Shekleton, director and general manager of broadband at JCE Co-op.
Front row, left to right: Steve Boll, Garden Plain township trustee, Larry Carroll, JCE Co-op board of director; Perry Titze, supervisor of outside plant contractors; Katie Herrig, broadband sales representative; Scott Honerbaum, broadband sales representative; Derek Bradt, broadband marketing and sales manager.