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Business program is matter of connection
(by Sue Reid - March 31, 2010)
Business program is matter of connection
By SUE REID
The City of Solon is spreading the word about a new program to help businesses solve their issues with relation to voice and data communications.
The Get Connected program, sponsored by the city and created on a pilot basis last year, is ready to roll, said Peggy-Weil Dorfman, the city's economic development director. "We're getting the word out and looking for our first customer," she said. "The city would like to help find the voice and data communication services that a business may need."
The program provides consulting services to Solon businesses that have voice and data communication needs, targeting prospective tenants and property owners with available space for lease or for sale.
Ms. Weil-Dorfman, who created the program, said it stemmed from feedback she received from the business community. "They are needing some assistance in that area," she said.
She said the program can be used by a prospective new business or an existing business that has some particular voice and data communication needs.
An example may be the need for Internet service for a business that may not be familiar with all providers in the area, Ms. Weil-Dorfman said. Another scenario could be a property owner with a vacant building who wants to market it for an office user but does not have the Internet access that the tenant might need.
"The city would provide, at no cost, a consultant to evaluate one's business needs and provide independent, objective and current advice on major and alternative vendors that provide the desired services," Ms. Weil-Dorfman said.
With the program, the city would send out the consultant, who would evaluate the client's needs and then provide a report to the client, with a copy to the city, she said.
"The different providers of these services, particularly in this field, are sometimes difficult to identify," Ms. Weil-Dorfman said. "With the assistance of consultants, companies would not have to do the leg work themselves."
The consultants may cover any or all of the following: local and long-distance phone service; integrated voice and data service; Internet-data connectivity, such as DSL, cable or wireless; Web and e-mail hosting; premise wiring; and voice-data-video communications equipment.
Beyond the initial consultation, additional services are at the client's expense. The services are being provided by Commtrol, a private voice and data advocacy consulting firm out of Beachwood.
Robert Glassman, president of the firm, said, "Commtrol's sole mission is to present honest, objective and real goals for the Get Connected program.
"The program shows that the city is committed to providing an innovative method of supporting all sized businesses as technologies improve," Mr. Glassman said. "It is designed to support all Solon businesses, regardless of what voice and data equipment they are currently using."
Ms. Weil-Dorfman said Get Connected is one of several programs helping businesses in the city. Others include a job-creation grant program, the growth and revitalization incentive program and the enterprise zone program.
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