On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, otherwise known as the stimulus package. That package contains $7.2 billion in appropriations for broadband infrastructure and billions more for broadband-related activities (such as telemedicine, education, intelligent transportation and smart electric grids). Join us for a practical discussion on how to participate in the funding opportunities available.

Everyone expects these funds to move quickly. Most in the industry are wasting no time in devising their business plans and application strategies, and if your organization is interested, neither should you. These applications will require much advanced planning. For example, your organization should: seek matching funds for any broadband-related proposals, interface with government officials to determine your state's broadband priorities, and explore the feasibility of public-private partnerships for any broadband-related proposal. This session is designed to help your organization get up-to-speed quickly, and it will cover broadband funding opportunities for the:

• Telecommunications,
• Education, and
• Health Care sectors.

Our speakers include: Judith L. Harris, a partner in Reed Smith's Washington, D.C. office and a member of the Global Regulatory Enforcement Group. Judy concentrates on telecommunications and antitrust/trade regulation matters before the Federal Communications Commission, the Justice Department, the Federal Trade Commission, in the courts, and on Capitol Hill, especially on behalf of companies in emerging technologies. Amy Mushahwar, an associate in the Washington, D.C. office, is a member of the Advertising Technology & Media Group. Amy concentrates on telecommunications and privacy matters before the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Association. Rob Jackson, who is also affiliated with the Washington, D.C. office, is a member of the Global Regulatory Enforcement Group. Rob is a government relations professional with broad experience addressing the legal and regulatory aspects of financial, technical and marketing issues associated with telecommunications, Internet and cable.

For more information, please view the invitation below.