Virtual Networking Service, formally a local Internet service provider and web-hosting business, announced the creation of a community portal, Maple Valley Online.

According to a press release from Larry Baumgart, president and CEO of Virtual Networking, the online business plans to develop a community broadband strategy.

Virtual Networking will be participating in Maple Valley Days at Lake Wilderness Park Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Baumgart is researching community interests in establishing a community development cooperative made up of Maple Valley residents, businesses, institutions and associations.

The community portal, www.maplevalleyonline.net, would become the cooperative’s initial step toward addressing Maple Valley’s broadband education, needs and direction.

This announcement follows the recent sale of Virtual Networking Services’ customer base to the Enumclaw-based Skynet.

According to Baumgart’s release, the sale allowed the business to concentrate on broadband business development in rural and remote communities.