Town of East Windsor
Economic Development Commission
11 Rye Street, P.O. Box 389
Broad Brook, CT 06016
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 19, 2006
Chairman Moffett called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. at the Town Hall Annex, 25 School Street, Warehouse Point, CT.
I. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Members Present: Eric F. Moffett, Jim Richards, Richard Covill, Matt Crossen,
Josh Kapelner
Members unable Sharon Aprea
to attend:
It was noted that Sharon Aprea called the Planning Office, explaining that she’d be unable to attend meetings until September.
Also in attendance was Laurie Whitten, Director of Planning & Development
II. GENERAL DISCUSSION
— Economic Development Issues
Hand-out/Flyer for 10-26-06 Event - Chairman Eric Moffett acknowledged the advertising flyer for the Landscape Beautification Contest, which will be included as part of the “Meet Your Business Neighbors” event that will be held on October 26th, 2006. The event is for new and expanded businesses, along with businesses that want to be recognized for landscape beautification. Jim Richards explained that the Flyer would go out to the 143 members of the Chamber of Commerce. Other business owners would encounter it through networking, press releases, the website and newsletter.
Mr. Richards also suggested promoting the town further through the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, in addition to enhancing the EDC Website. He explained the upcoming Community Seminar, A Home Buying Session, and a potential mini-product event at the Scout Hall in the fall.
MOTION: To accept and promote the “Save-the-Date Flyer” for the Beautification Contest and Business Dinner event, sponsored by the East Windsor Economic Development Commission and Chamber of Commerce. Covill/Kapelner- Unanimous
Discussion proceeded regarding the wording details for the advertisement/press release, specifically noting that the beautification contest would include landscaping, the building or the grounds. The wording will include timeframes for submittal of photos. The consensus of the board was to put a deadline of September 10, 2006 for the submission of landscaping photos. This will allow the Commission members to review the submissions at their September meeting. The photos can either be emailed or sent by regular mail to the Planning Office. Mr. Richards commented on a similar event held previously that recognized/awarded 3 large and 3 small businesses. Chairman Moffett noted that to include more businesses for the beautification award, the timeframe allowed should be June 1, 2005
to September 1, 2006. Business owners can send in any photos that were taken within that time period. Town Planner Laurie Whitten suggested having the award dinner filmed by public television. Jim Richards will contact Scott from Cox Cable and also talk to Betsy Burns in Human Services regarding the taping of the business dinner. The advertising flyer will be enhanced with the Seals from the Town and the Chamber. There will also be a follow-up press release to announce the recognition awards.
Town Promotional Brochure/Website – Chairman Moffett has revised the promotional brochure and made it a PDF file—he questioned whether it could be placed on the main page of the town’s website and on the EDC’s webpage. Town Planner Whitten is in the process of finding out the protocol to having things inserted on the website. Chairman Moffett also cited the value of having a quick button/link=”Discover East Windsor” on the Town’s home page that will link to the EDC webpage. Another new link proposed by the EDC will connect to “The Top Reasons to Move to, or Locate Your Business in East Windsor”. Jim Richards suggested promoting the “Top Reasons…” to the realtors, along with a possible link to the CERC Website, which would provide demographics information (CERC: Connecticut Economic Resource Center). After some discussion for changes to the list of top reasons, the final list to be put on the website will read as:
Reasons to move to or locate your business in East Windsor
· Close proximity to Bradley International Airport, Hartford and Springfield, as well as Boston and New York City.
· Easy highway access to commercial center.
· Small town atmosphere.
· Skilled labor pool.
· Proximity to customers and clients/major markets
· Excellent business opportunities.
· Meeting, convention and banquet facilities, with over 300 hotel rooms in the town.
· Shopping, theatres, fine dining and culture venues.
Educational Forum – Chairman Moffett reiterated the topic discussed at the last meeting – a roundtable discussion with the Board of Education to provide information to the citizens of the Town. Richard Covill relayed his discussion with Board of Ed member John Pica. The school board members are enthusiastic to combine thoughts and ideas to educate the town residents. Rich Covill will find out if the Board of Ed meets during the summer months. The first joint meeting will be preliminary, to sit down and discuss the Board of Ed’s concerns. A new superintendent of schools will be on board soon and can participate in the joint meeting. A more formal meeting will follow for the purpose of educating the residents.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the regular meeting minutes of May 15, 2006.
Richards/Covill-Unanimous
IV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m. Kapelner/Crossen/-Unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy J. Rudek,
Recording Secretary
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