At Ziply Fiber, we love finding ways to connect with our communities beyond providing fast, reliable fiber internet. For us, connection isn't just about speed or technology. It's about people. It's about helping communities grow stronger, more creative and more connected. One of our favorite examples of that is our ongoing partnership with the Gresham Center for the Arts, an organization dedicated to activating art in the community and making creativity accessible to everyone.
Our work with the Center began a few years ago when we partnered on Music Mondays, a summer concert series that brings local musicians and residents together for free live performances in the heart of downtown Gresham. The lineup features artists across every genre, from jazz and blues to rock and folk, turning the plaza into a lively gathering spot for families, friends and neighbors.
Kevin Guillen, our Community Development Manager in Gresham, says, "We've partnered for the last three years with the Center. It's been a great way to engage directly with the community and celebrate the incredible local talent we have here."
Sometimes the smallest ideas end up making the biggest difference. "We were at the Center for an event, and it was a really hot day, so we decided to set up water misters," Kevin recalls. "That led to the idea of creating a cooling zone for future events. It came out of a need, but it turned into something that helped everyone enjoy the day a little more comfortably. That's what I love about this partnership. It's about finding ways to add value and make the experience better for the people who show up."
The Center for the Arts is more than just a performance space. It's a creative hub for the entire community. In addition to hosting concerts, they support theatrical productions, collaborate with local nonprofits and offer programs that help young artists build skills in graphic design, photography and digital arts. Their work ensures that art isn't something you just watch; it's something you can participate in and grow through.
Over time, the connection between Ziply Fiber and the Center has deepened in unexpected ways. Many of the Center's board members, performers and partners have become Ziply Fiber customers, recognizing how fast, dependable fiber internet supports everything from digital creativity to day-to-day operations. These shared connections have helped strengthen the partnership and reinforce the idea that technology and art are complementary.
Technology has also helped the Center reach audiences beyond the plaza. "We installed broadband infrastructure into the Gresham Arts Plaza," Kevin says, "so they can livestream events to community members who aren't able to attend in person, whether that's due to age, mobility or other limitations. It's something really special. It means that everyone can be part of the experience, even from home."
That's the power of community partnerships. When local organizations and local businesses work together, they create something bigger than either could achieve alone. Whether it's through live events, ongoing support or helping the Center bring the arts to more people, Ziply Fiber is proud to play a role in keeping the creative spirit of Gresham alive and thriving.
As Kevin puts it, "At the end of the day, it's all about bringing people together. If we can help create more moments of connection, whether that's through technology or through the arts, that's what makes it all worthwhile."
Read more about our community involvement.
