By Dave Buchanan, Director of State Consultation

FirstNet representatives met with cabinet-level executives and the entire Minnesota FirstNet project team in a successful SPOC Engagement Kick-Off Meeting on February 25, 2016. The SPOC Engagement Kick-Off Meeting, the first of the planned 2016 Consultation activities, provides an opportunity for the State and FirstNet to connect on recent progress, issues, and activities. It also allows the group to talk through the targeted outreach strategy for the State, identifying key stakeholders and associations to reach in the coming months to prepare for the delivery of the State Plan and the State’s support of the Governor’s decision.

The Minnesota FirstNet project team attendees included, Mark Dunaski, Deputy Commissioner of Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) and SPOC Designee; Thomas Baden, Minnesota Chief Information Officer (MNIT); Ed Valencia, Minnesota Chief Technology Officer (MNIT); Mike Risvold, Chair of the Minnesota Interoperable Data (Wireless Broadband) Committee and Wayzata MN Police Chief; Melinda Miller, Minnesota FirstNet Program Manager (DPS); and Jackie Mines, Minnesota Director of Emergency Communication Networks (DPS), responsible for FirstNet consultation activities. This influential group worked closely with FirstNet to identify upcoming State and regional meetings and key stakeholders from various levels of government within Minnesota. This effort helps FirstNet as we move forward with 2016 Consultation activities.

The Minnesota team demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring FirstNet outreach is successful in the State by continuing outreach activities across the state with key public safety stakeholders and city and county elected officials.  These key decision makers know first-hand how data and the FirstNet network can be used by first responders in Minnesota. The team will continue to refine the State-specific FirstNet outreach strategy for Minnesota.    I am delighted that this meeting produced creative collaboration, and FirstNet looks forward to working with the team.

The efforts of the Minnesota FirstNet team in advance of the SPOC Engagement Kick-Off Meeting were invaluable because it allowed us to see that we are already in lock-step with regard to one key component of 2016 Consultation – the importance of statewide outreach.  The Minnesota team emphasized the need for an aligned outreach strategy that includes all regions of the state.  The metro area was mentioned as having strong public safety associations that will be influential in communicating the FirstNet message to end users.  Based on the team’s feedback, FirstNet will also engage the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board in our efforts this spring.

We appreciate Minnesota hosting the SPOC Engagement Kick-Off meeting, and we thank Jackie Mines for bringing her entire team together. We are excited to continue our solid partnership with this high-energy State team as we work with Minnesota to make FirstNet a reality.

Thanks,
Dave