East Central Reporter

The City of Salem and Wabash Communications have been recognized as a “Gig and Smart Rural Community,” an announcement made during a ceremony at Bryan Memorial Park on September 10. The event brought together local, business, school, and state officials to highlight the impact of advanced fiber optic infrastructure in the region.

“Congratulations to the City of Salem and Wabash Communications on being named a Gig and Smart Rural Community during a ceremony at Bryan Memorial Park on Wednesday, Sept. 10,” said Rep. Blaine Wilhour. “I look forward to new businesses like 618 Plastics building new facilities to help expand jobs at companies like North American Lighting (NAL) that currently has to send about half of their potential contract work out of the area. We need to keep that work here for economic opportunities for our families in Marion County.”

Salem Mayor Nic Farley served as master of ceremonies and spoke about how fiber optic cable service positions the city for future growth. “High-capacity fiber isn’t just about speed, it’s about economic resilience,” Farley said. “It’s the backbone that allows small businesses to thrive, entrepreneurs to launch new ventures, and existing companies to expand without being limited by outdated infrastructure. It’s this infrastructure that attracts new industries and remote workers, who now have the freedom to choose quality of life without sacrificing connectivity.”

Education leaders including Salem Grade School Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe and Salem High School Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering explained how gig internet service has enabled one-to-one computer usage programs in schools and supported special initiatives. Don Hall from 618 Plastics, which is preparing to open its plant in Salem, along with Josh Dice from Security Alarm, described how reliable high-speed internet helps them use modern technology in their operations.

Hillary Rains from the State Department of Commerce and Community Affairs congratulated Salem on its designation and emphasized its potential benefits for economic development.

Wabash Communications General Manager Barry Adair outlined ongoing improvements: “It’s been a great journey since we got into Salem eight years ago. We finally got where we want to be with our network,” Adair said. “We have a 100-gig capable network. We’re looking to grow to 400 here within the next several years. Bandwidth needs keep growing all the time within our communities, our businesses and our schools. Right now, we’ve got approximately 2200 customers in the Salem area, all with fiber to the home, all gig-capable.” He added that expansion will continue into rural areas so those residents can also access gig-capable service.

Rep. Wilhour is a Republican who was elected in 2023 to represent Illinois’ 110th House District after replacing Chris Miller.