In July of 2000, an informal discussion was hosted in the public library by Sherrie Gibson Director of The Library of Graham to engage the thoughts and ideas of various community leaders representing both private and public sectors concerning the need for advanced high-speed telecommunications and technology access in Graham.

As a result of this gathering, the Graham Community Network Board was formed. A representative from health care, education, social services, recreation, youth services, senior organizations, and city and county government entities where asked to serve on the Board to ensure that the needs of all population groups were equally addressed through this project. Over the next two years board members focused on; creating a collaborative community network in which expensive Internet fees and high speed telecommunications costs could be distributed between partner sites; developing methods in which to improve the technical skill levels of the employable population base in Graham and Young County; understanding what types of services, information, and what content should or could be accessible on a web portal; and providing equitable public access to technology, resources, training, information, and services for all population groups.

After reaching a common understanding and agreement of the initial project activities the Board began outlining the project goals and establishing objectives and methods needed to bring Connect Graham to fruition. The Board also understood the need to identify the tasks, understand the risks, address sustainability issues, provide on going over-site management, and funding for support and equipment up-grades to ensure long-term project success. In June of 2002, The Graham Community Network Board under "Connect Graham" applied for and received a $250,000 non-competitive Community Network 3 (CN3) Grant though the Telecommunication Infrastructure Fund Board to implement the project.

The funding received through the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board has enabled Connect Graham to equip 2 public training facilities so that all county residents have the opportunity to participate in free technology training; establish 7 public access sites within local businesses, service organizations, and government entities throughout Graham; create a web site which serves as a community information portal for all Young County citizens; provide training for 5 community training mentors who will staff the public training centers and serve as community training mentors for other volunteers; and implement wireless technology links between collaborating sites to share connectivity costs, Internet fees, resources, information, services, and knowledge.

The Graham Community Network Board members are an example of what a handful of dedicated community minded citizens can do when they combine effort, time, and talent for the betterment of their neighbors. The original members include:

Sherrie Gibson, Director The Library of Graham; Greg Gibson, Superintendent Graham ISD; Cheryl Groves, Principal Shawnee Elementary; John Clary, GIA Executive Director; David Maddy, City Director of Finance; Jan Hammond, Young County Technology Department; Blake Kretz, Hospital Administrator; Tom Wright, Director Emergency Medical Services; Lisa McCool, Executive Director Graham Chamber of Commerce; and Donna Oliver, Director Graham Center of Higher Education