Aero hosts annual computing and tech gala

Business, government and school leaders took over the Freeport Country Club Friday, attending the fifth annual Aero Computing Technology Gala and the official launch of the new WorkKeys initiative.

Crowd of 150 people to the event

More than 80 businesses brought a crowd of 150 people to the event, which was highlighted with the latest information on the always-developing technology industry.

“Our primary business began with the delivery of broadband Internet and from that we have continued to expand in areas that are consistent with being able to provide faster service and more capacity,” Matt Heinrich said.

Fiber-optic network that serves downtown Freeport

Aero maintains a fiber-optic network that serves downtown Freeport, offering the highest data transmission service available in Northwest Illinois. The use of that “fiber ring” has continued to grow among area businesses, and a second, larger ring is currently being constructed by the company.

Fiber-optic speed data transmission has opened the door to additional services at Aero, including off-site information storage, VOIP and IP telephone services, and security systems.

The systems allow remote monitoring of inventory

Troy Heinrich said the systems allow remote monitoring of inventory, business operations, or other facilities. Aero installed the system last year at a local school, and a tape of students who entered the building after hours helped authorities identify the culprits involved.

More than 60 business, government and school officials attended the official launch of the WorkKeys program, held in a downstairs conference room at the country club Friday morning.

Schools in Stephenson County have already embraced the CoE, and a local business leader, Steve Kneubuehl, has been aggressive in promoting and utilizing the initiative at his local company, Berner Foods.