Farewell

Over the past 15 years, 3 Rivers Connect (3rc) has journeyed a great distance toward its mission of providing the nonprofit and public sectors in Southwestern PA with a trusted partner, resource, and technology visionary. With our destination in sight, we have recently undertaken a strategic assessment looking at 3rc’s future and its role in an ever-changing digital world.

Fifteen years ago, our founders understood that a ubiquitous and innovative technology infrastructure would enable individuals, organizations, institutions and communities to achieve great things. Over time, the divide between those who have information and those who need it has nearly closed. Today, access to valuable information is just a Google® search, Tweet, Smartphone App, or Siri® question away.

3RC has been a vital part of bringing the benefits of this technology evolution to our community. From our early days of building the Information Commons to our recent years providing data analysis services, 3rc has remained true to its vision. Through many successes and a few failures, we have never wavered from our commitment to bring new technology and thinking to the doorsteps of community organizations that could, in turn, positively impact the lives of those they serve.

There is no doubt that technology will continue to evolve and change our lives and our communities. However, the pace at which access to these new innovations occur outstrips the need to have one organization solely focused on providing a bridge across an arguably shrinking digital divide. Through this lens, and as responsible stewards of the hard work 3rc has done over the past 15 years, we have reached the difficult decision to close our doors on August 31, 2012.

The value, resources, and intellectual property of our 15 years of work will live on in the development of future innovative technology applications by those who once worked for, partnered with, and volunteered for 3rc.

As an organization, we are tremendously appreciative of those individuals and organizations that have come into our work over the past 15 years. Our success was only achievable with your support and the blood, sweat, and tears of our dedicated staff, Board, volunteers, and partners. We sincerely thank each and every one of you.

3rc Board of Directors