The March 6 Star Partner Awards Luncheon will feature an in-depth look at Google’s work to bring ultra-high speed Internet to the Kansas City area.

Rachel Hack, named in September as leader of Google’s Kansas City fiber optic project, will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon. Created by the Northland Business and Education Alliance, the event will also feature presentation of the fourth annual Star Partner awards, which honor businesses that support local schools and workforce development.

Hack most recently served as president of the Software and Information Technology Association of Kansas (SITAKS), a membership group designed to support software, information technology, telecommunications and other high-tech companies, as well as companies with large information technology departments. She previously served as executive director of the American Advertising Federation of Kansas City. Hack earned a bachelor’s degree in communications science from Truman State University in Kirksville.

Google announced in March that it had chosen Kansas City, Kan. from more than 1,100 applicant cities to receive its one-gigabit fiber network. Fiber service is up to 100 times faster than the high-speed broadband available in most U.S. homes. In May, Google revealed plans to expand that coverage to Kansas City, Mo.

Sponsored by Citizens Bank & Trust, the Star Partner Awards honor companies and community organizations that have expanded educational opportunities and workforce development in the region. An affiliate of the Clay County Economic Development Council, NEBA recognizes the value of education and training to the area’s quality of life and economic development.

The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harrah North Kansas City, 1 Riverboat Drive, North Kansas City. The cost is $30 per individual and $220 for a table of eight. You may sign up online here.