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EAST HARTFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the East Hartford Economic Development Commission was called to order at 6:11 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 by EDC Commissioner Debbie Arrieta, Acting-Chair.
ROLL CALL
EAST HARTFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Present:
Debra Arrieta, Vice-Chair
Frank Collins
Jack Jacobs
Devorah Johnson
John Ryan
Absent:
Miguel Franco
Barbara-Ann Rossi
Others in Attendance:
John Choquette, Development Director
Aya Beckles, Economic Development Specialist
Alta Lash, United CT Action for Neighborhoods
- OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS COMMISSOIN ON AGENDA ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF EDC MINUTES
MOTION by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Jacobs to approve minutes
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
MOTION by Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Ryan to approve
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
- Alta Lash, Executive Director, United CT Action for Neighborhoods, reviewed the legislation regarding tax credits being made available to businesses that are not currently “C” Corps.
- CEDF will be giving $10,000 - $15,000 of their own money for Main Street improvements.
- Ms. Lash will be putting together a newsletter for Main Street business and property owners titled “Main Street Momentum” which will inform owners of what is being discussed regarding improvements along Main Street. This publication will be sent via email, snail mail, as well as hand-delivered.
- The legislature has earmarked $100 million for small business loans to businesses that have under 50 employees, are current with their taxes or have payment plans established, and that have been in business for more than 1 year.
- Tax credits will be given for companies hiring new employees and veterans.
- Grant program for business owners that will match dollar for dollar when personal monies are being invested.
- Ms. Lash will get all information to Ms. Beckles for future distribution to Commissioners.
- Ms. Arrieta asked for clarification on EDC’s role in the Main Street Improvement meetings
- Mr. Choquette suggested having an EDC Commissioner act as a liaison
- Ms. Beckles presented brochures for the Commissioners to review in order to get a sense of what type of marketing style to utilize prior to seeking out a particular vendor. She will continue to bring these until a style has been determined.
- Ms. Beckles welcomes any and all suggestions by Commissioners
MOTION by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Collins to table elections
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
- Main Street Improvement Meeting
- Mr. Choquette presented the items (trash receptacles, benches, bike racks) that are being proposed for purchasing and placing along Main Street.
MOTION by Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Ryan
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY AT 7:28 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Jeffrey A. Currey
Clerk
cc: Town Clerk
Mayor
Development Department
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