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JANESVILLE – Forward Janesville has named Shar Hermanson its next president and CEO.

For years, Eckert said, the only reliable internet connection she’s had is through her cell phone. She's used it as a Wi-Fi hot spot to operate every facet of her business that requires internet -- including all of her point-of-sale, card-swipe transactions. That’s a different world from nearby Janesville, where business owners typically take fast and reliable internet for granted.

The final product could likely be at least a year off, but a developer plans to spend $1 million to turn a vacant set of storefronts on downtown Janesville’s main drag into spacious upper apartments with commercial suites on the street level.