Lily Pad - Hop On. Free Wireless

What Is It:
Project Lily Pad is part of an effort to improve our ability to attract the creative class and raise national awareness that the Cincinnati USA region is a tech-savvy region. Attracting creative people to the region is critical, as it will promote economic growth, facilitate research efforts at our regional universities and businesses, and improve educational opportunities to under-represented communities.

Project Lily Pad is a 100% volunteer driven initiative spearheaded by Give Back Cincinnati to bring free wireless internet access to public spots, business districts and common areas throughout the Cincinnati Region. The goal of the project is to enhance public spots and make them more inviting by allowing residents, visitors and business people to have instant access to information at no cost. At the same time, Project Lily Pad is looking to position Cincinnati USA as a progressive location they can create and implement exciting new ideas.

What Is It Not:
This is not a downtown Cincinnati project. Expect to see Lily Pads from Mason to Florence and from Lawrenceburg to Eastgate. Lily Pad is not a pay for service project, it is a sponsorship based model that brings 100% free wireless access to Cincinnati. You will see other hot spots around town offering subscription or pay as you go pricing models, Lily Pad is strictly a free service for users. Lily Pad is not a government funded project. We do not receive money from city, state or federal government.

Who Is It:
Project Lily Pad is currently made up of a leadership team of volunteers:

• Dan Haight
• Joe Hansbauer
• Teresa Hoelle
• Jodi McIntosh
• Karl Preissner
• Ryan Rybolt
• Dacia Snider
• Rob Thornton
• Craig Wilding

How Can I Get Involved:
If you are interested in helping out simply send an email to Joe Hansbauer (joe@lilypadusa.org).  You need not be a tech guru, assistance is needed from marketing to sponsorship to client relationship to grant writing.  If you think this is an exciting initiative and would like to be part of the leadership team we can find a role for you! 

Where Can I Hop On:
Lily Pads can currently be found at Hyde Park Square, Fountain Square, Findlay Market, Main St (Liberty to Central) and Longworth Hall.  Many more to come online soon.  Find current locations here.