POMEROY — The benefits of broadband in a rural area, particularly benefits to the health care industry, were discussed at yesterday’s Meigs County Chamber of Commerce’s Business-Minded Luncheon.

Randy Drewyor from Horizon based out of Chillicothe, spoke about the company’s plans to develop the Southern Ohio Health Care Network, which includes Holzer Health Systems, O’Bleness Hospital and Adena Health Systems in Southeast Ohio. Horizon will provide fiber, broadband internet service to these health systems, making not only the facilities but the care of their patients, interconnected.

Horizon received the contract for the $16 million network which is being federally funded and requires a $2 million match from the hospitals involved. Drewyor also said Family Healthcare in Middleport will be eligible to connect to the network.

Drewyor described the network as a super highway with Horizon building on and off ramps to different health care systems. A benefit to building this network will also eventually include providing broadband internet service to local businesses and residents in Southeast Ohio.

Drewyor said the entire project should take 15 months to complete with work in Meigs County likely taking place six months after the project begins construction. Drewyor said the Southern Ohio Health Care Network will have an impact not only in health care but economic development because the network benefits health care facilities which are often large employers in rural areas.

In other Chamber news:

An open house will be held at Family Healthcare in Middleport from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday. The open house will introduce the clinic’s new addition Dr. Katie Able. Free popcorn and snow cones will be served.

The Foothills Blues & Arts Festival will be held from 4 p.m. to midnight on Aug. 28 and noon to midnight on Aug. 29 at the Sheets Farm in Harrisonville.

The Meigs County Chamber of Commerce’s “Sunset Cruise” will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 18. Tickets are $20 per person, includes appetizers and a cash bar will be available. The boat leaves from the Pomeroy levee.

Yesterday’s luncheon was held at the Pomeroy Library with Crow’s KFC/Long John Silvers restaurant providing lunch and the Pomeroy Flower Shop providing flowers.