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EAST HARTFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
September 1, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the East Hartford Economic Development Commission was called to order at 6:03 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 by Commissioner Marilyn Pet, Chair.
ROLL CALL
EAST HARTFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Present:
Marilyn Pet, Chair
Debra Arrieta, Vice-Chair
Miguel Franco
Devorah Johnson (arrived during item 5a)
John Ryan
Barbara-Ann Rossi
Absent:
Susan Skowronek
Travis Simpson
Others in Attendance:
John Choquette, Development Director
Aya Beckles, Economic Development Specialist
Alta Lash, CEDF
Ron Pugliese, President, EH Chamber of Commerce
MOTION by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Ms. Rossi to approve minutes
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
MOTION by Ms. Rossi, seconded by Mr. Ryan
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
- Alta Lash reported that Ms. Pet and Ms. Arrieta performed a windshield survey, taking pictures of properties in need of cosmetic repairs and serious to major repairs. Ms. Lash will give the list to the Mayor’s office in order to follow the process for notifying residents of blighted areas. An updated Master Plan was presented for September through December 2010. Funding through CEDF has become available through $150,000 in tax credits for “C Corporations”. Mr. Choquette suggested, and Mr. Pugliese agreed, that the Chamber of Commerce would send a mass email asking if there were any “C Corps” interested in participating.
- Ms. Arrieta was concerned with the letters being sent out to property owners regarding blight, and the negative tone they may set. She requested that the letter be amended.
- Mr. Ryan asked about town inspectors verifying the properties being cited.
- Ms. Beckles reported that the directory is up and running. Businesses will need to submit their information for approval prior to being posted.
- Ms. Arrieta suggested sending the link to businesses on the Chamber’s email list.
- Mr. Pugliese asked if the Chamber would be allowed to add their link to the business directory.
- Podunk Bluegrass Festival
- Ms. Rossi reported that the festival was a success and attendance and profits were up from the previous year. The Reminder’s insert was a great success, the only problem being that there were no pictures of this year’s headlining act.
- Ms. Arrieta suggested that the Commission review this next year before it goes to print.
- Ms. Beckles will follow up with the businesses in the insert to see if they saw an increase in profits during the festival.
- Ms. Beckles reported that the crowd is always changing from month to month. She will email Commissioner’s with a destination for September’s luncheon.
- Ms. Beckles asked Mr. Pugliese if he would reach out to the brewery in the hopes that the Commission may set up a tour
- Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 5:30 p.m., 11 Bragg Street, East Hartford
- East Hartford Chamber of Commerce
- Mr. Pugliese, the newly appointed president of the Chamber, spoke to the Commission, outlining his goals for the future of the Chamber and that of the Town, saying that that “Town deserves and active Chamber of Commerce”. He will be dealing with enrollment while developing a database with all business in town.
- AT&T will be sponsoring a “breakfast series” with the Chamber. The first breakfast will be held on October 13, 2010, featuring guest speaking John Rowland. Visit the Chamber’s website for more information – www.ehcoc.biz
- Mr. Ryan, on behalf of Mr. Simpson, asked about a questionnaire mentioned at a previous meeting in regards to the dealings with the Town’s building department.
- Ms. Beckles presented a letter from Manchester Community College regarding discussions being led by MCC students on the topic of transportation matters.
MOTION by Ms. Arrieta, seconded by Ms. Rossi
APPROVED at 7:57 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jeffrey A. Currey
Clerk
cc: Town Clerk
Mayor
Development Department
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