In the not-to-distant future, everything will be done over the internet. The world is moving toward wireless communication through our computers and cell phones. Even now, you can arrange home phone service using your high-speed internet connection. High-speed internet connections are available through your cell phone service and by satellite.

Land-line telephones are quickly becoming obsolete. Soon they will disappear completely. With the loss of traditional telephone service we will also see traditional information sources such as telephone directories disappearing, too. We won't likely be keeping a phone book in our cars or carrying one down the street. How will you get your information?  Online Directories!

For the most part, current online directories are set up like traditional telephone directories with white pages and yellow pages, and they're just as difficult to navigate. Their focus is national rather than regional. Where do we go when we only want to access local information - businesses, government agencies and services in our neighborhood? We need regional directories.

With the cost of gasoline so high, it makes sense to shop locally. Fuel costs may go down a bit, but they will never return to where they were five years ago. Getting in the car and driving 30 or 40 miles to shop at a large discount store makes less and less sense. Any perceived savings at the cash register are far out-weighed by the expense of getting there.

NEKB's goal is to create ONE web site to showcase all the businesses in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, including actual brick and mortar companies and internet-based companies - ONE place where people can go to seek out local businesses in an effort to keep their money within their community and support their neighbors.