FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melia Smith, CCNet Coordinator

Phone: 217-531-2969
Email: champaigncountynet@gmail.com

C-U Sustainability Organization Marks Six Months With Celebration

Champaign, IL—August 11, 2010—“CCNet”, which stands for Champaign County

Network, will celebrate six months of facilitating community-wide discussions about
sustainability topics that matter to residents with an event at Illinois Terminal on August
26, 2010.

“I’ve witnessed CCNet discussions that are proving effective in bringing change to our
community around effective protection of the environment and prudent use of natural
resources,” Chris Schroeder, local businessman and CCNet Advisory Board chair.

“In the first six months, the CCNet model has started conversations, and this event will
showcase our progress in addressing issues related to sustainability.”

The event will showcase the information gathered from each of the seven discussion
groups, plans for the direction of the organization, a video about CCNet’s mission, and
will unveil a new blog that will allow participants to share ideas online.

CCNet is a volunteer-led organization that hosts open discussions in the community. It is

designed to provide a forum where business leaders and citizens can learn about new
technology, ideas and business models associated with the emerging trend toward
sustainability. It is an organization that seeks to build local networks and to highlight
local talent, resources and innovations. It seeks to position our community as a leader in
sustainability while improving the quality of life for the citizens of Champaign County.

Steve Sonka, Vice Chancellor for Public Engagement at the University of Illinois at
Urban-Champaign and CCNet Advisory Board member said, “CCNet’s value is
unleashing local knowledge; it’s knowledge you can’t get from a phonebook or an
internet search. It’s bringing people together with similar goals but who have diverse
experiences and expertise.”

CCNet is modeled after an organization that was formed in 1993 to better enable rapid
adoption and innovation around emerging internet technology and broadband
connectivity.

The revival of the CCNet model originated at the University of Illinois in partnership with
the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and One Main Development as well as
several other members of the business and university community.

The organization is currently led by an advisory committee made up of members of the

community. Organizational support is provided by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for
Public Engagement at the University of Illinois and One Main Development.
The August 26th event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. It will
be held at Illinois Terminal from 5:30-7:30pm.

For more information about CCNet visit www.champaigncountynet.org/

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