History

In the summer of 1997, an Organizing Committee - composed of leaders from the high technology, education, philanthropic, and civic communities - responded to a call for the creation of a neutral, project-oriented group to provide broad, visionary leadership in the development of Western Pennsylvania's information infrastructure. 3 Rivers Connect (3rc) was launched in January of 1998.

The once basic mission of 3rc evolved into the sophisticated role of helping to coordinate the development of the region's information infrastructure by creating an Information Commons. In practice the process facilitated the effortless flow of useful information between the public, civic, educational and economic development agencies throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. This included outreach, standards, and rational decision-making on technology, public policy, and collaboration.

3 Rivers Connect addressed the region's information infrastructure needs through initiating and coordinating both short- and long-term information technology initiatives within the region. These intiatives included endeavors in five different areas: E-vangelism, Infrastructure, Technology, Portals and Education.

Today with technology infrastructure in place, 3rc's mission has evolved once again to not only continue to provide greater access to information, but also to impart relevant insight from data that can lead to greater understanding and clarity that may ultimately provide an opportunity for action.