Economic Development Commission Minutes

Meeting date: 
Friday, March 3, 2017

Special Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2017

Attendees:   Jason Bracich, Tom Buccino, Jackie Silverstein (Chairman)

Minutes Taken By:  Jackie Silverstein

J Silverstein opened the meeting at 9:18 AM. No one from the public was present for public comment.

Business Networking Meeting. T Buccino reported on his attendance at the Ashford Business Association (ABA) on March 2nd at the Midway Restaurant. They provided information regarding an event they are having on March 25th. The ABA is a grass roots organization with the majority of its efforts focused on Ashford since the membership is primarily from that town. However, their mission statement extends participation by the towns of Eastford and Willington and they are very interested in growing to include more Willington businesses. The Commission discussed extending an invitation to the ABA membership at our upcoming Business Social. We would prefer to call it a Business Social, instead of a Business Networking Meeting. T Buccino will extend the invitation.

Options & Opportunities. The EDC budget was discussed. T Buccino presented the draft budget and made a motion to approve for presentation to the Board of Finance in March. The motion was seconded by J Silverstein. Motion carried, all in favor.

Mission Statement. The Commission finalized and approved the new mission statement.

Market Study. The Commission discussed the need to review the recommendations made by Fairweather Consulting to see if they might align with the current initiatives of the Plan of Conservation. J Bracich will reach out to the consultant currently assigned and working on the Plan of Conservation and invite him to come to the next EDC meeting. The Commission also discussed the possibility of starting a sub-committee to include pertinent members of other commissions and boards to review the Market Study and discuss the recommendations. J Silverstein suggested J Bracich would be a good candidate to chair the sub-committee.

The meeting adjourned at 11:33 AM.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 10 at 9:00 AM.