Being removed from my work desk, away from my home and halfway around the world from Conneautville for two weeks made me appreciate computers and internet access in a new light. During that time, I was able to communicate with my workplace about a lock needing replaced, check the balance in my checking account because I was unsure about the exchange rate of the dollar vs. the euro and I sent photographs to be developed to my Walmart account.

We planned our days with weather.com and looked at decorations back-ordered for Jazz Night coming up in March. All of this occurred without expensive long distance phone calls.

The good news for business owners around the world is our ability to shop for their products while sitting at our own computers in Conneautville or Germany. This good news has caught the entrepreneurial imagination of Maureen McBride, owner of Indy Pen Dance, LLC. Maureen has built a new merchant website for Conneaut Valley businesses who realise their next growth opportunity to people outside the Valley is found via the Internet. The Valley Shops - http://thevalleyshops.com/- is a Conneautville Borough Council initiative to help our local merchants capitalise on this imperative phase of industry utilized globally by successful businesses. If you haven't visited the site, go there now and you will see six local merchants and an obituary section about to be set up. Each business owner is able to work on their site, add advertising and updated information on their own time. If you would like to learn more, Maureen has set up a merchant training session at the Conneaut Valley High School technology classroom for March 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Even if you don't own a business, you have your own website as a resident of Conneaut Valley. I have written about Valley Views and News in my column in the past, but wanted to mention it once again as there will be a second training session on March 1 at the CVHS technology classroom from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. You will find the Valley Views and News website at http://valleyviewsandnews.ning.com/. Maureen McBride will conduct this workshop as well and guarantees you will enjoy the training experience.

As any newspaper outlet can tell you, the cost and time involved in printing news is high. Yes, for some of us, our preference is to hold a newspaper or printed news journal in our hands while we take in information. However, there is a generation following that is looking for immediate information. They are texting their conversations and utilizing wireless Internet access for just about any and all information they are seeking – all with a small handheld computer. When I began my college education in 1996, I debated with the younger students on the likelihood of individuals shopping for their home furnishings on the Internet. I wrote papers defending my position and I realize thirteen years later, I was only half right. We will shop "online" to find a location for our purchase, then drive to that location to touch, feel and sit – but the search will begin with a Google, a click and an online map showing how to get there. I applaud our local merchants who realize change is in the air and have decided they want to participate!