This episode of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby is a rally cry for rural revival. Caleb and Josh Etheridge are joined by Mayor Friday Ellis and Monroe Chamber President Roy Heatherly to unpack what it really takes to transform a city—not just with fiber and funding, but with vision, collaboration, and a whole lot of conviction.

- How Monroe went from overlooked to unstoppable—with 28 new economic development leads in just two months.

- The power of community buy-in: Why vision-setting works better when your residents help write the plan.

- Broadband as a utility (not a luxury): Why connectivity is now as critical as water and sewer in Monroe’s growth strategy.

- From drainage ditches to data centers—how infrastructure laid the foundation for $120M+ in federal investment.

- Discussing the “Why not Monroe?” mindset shift that’s contagious across the I-20 corridor.

This is practical, hands-on leadership focused on infrastructure, connectivity, and proving that rural communities can compete at the highest level. You’ll hear about lawnmower telehealth, pie-in-the-sky dreams that are now policy, and the very real economic firepower brewing in northeast Louisiana.

Whether you’re a city official, a contractor, or an entrepreneur with big ideas in a small town, this episode is proof that the future belongs to the bold.

#WeAreEPC #LouisianaJobs #TalkFiberToMe #EconomicGrowth