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Minutes May 3, 2011
City of Torrington Economic Development Commission
Members Present: TJ Zappulla, Jim Thibault, Greg Mele, Nancy Sieller, Bill Battles,
Members Absent: JoAnn Ryan, Cindy Donaldson, George Noujaim, Dawn Gutowski,
- Commissioner Mele made the motion to open the meeting to the public and Commissioner Battle seconded the motion. Motion carried
- Commissioner Zappulla made the motion to approve the minutes of April 5, 2011, with a spelling correction to his last name and Commissioner Sieller seconded the motion. Motion carried
- ST Main Street Awards, ACT – update
- CT Main Street will be hosting their annual awards in Torrington on June 6th. This year Torrington will receive four awards. This is a true testament to the growth the downtown is experiencing. The awardees are Brazen Bettie, Bender Plumbing, Torrington Downtown Partners, and Main ST. Marketplace . All commissioners are invited to attend.
- Mural Project: After some delays due to weather and lead paint on the existing building the mural project is finally underway. The mural will probably be finished by the end of June, and a formal unveiling will take place.
- ARTSPACE: A collaboration between ACT commission and the Torrington Downtown Partners will allow artists to exhibit their pieces for three months rent free. Goals for this project are to increase visitors to the downtown area, support local artists, and increased investment opportunities for the downtown property owners.
- MSMP: Planning is well underway for MSMP, at this time the group is focusing on sponsorships.
- CT Economic Development Fund
- A representative from the Economic Development met with Rose and outlined different educational programs they will be offering in collaboration with Chamber of Commerce. There are four classes being offered, accounting, cash management, taxes and Quick Books. Interested businesses may contact the Chamber for additional information.
- On June 30th we will be hosting Brownfield developer’s day, marketing materials, as well as a tour of available Brownfields site will be showcased. We invited 30 developers and are awaiting their response.
- Bill Pratt, chairman of the Winchester EDC, contacted Rose to discuss areas where the two towns can collaborate. Rose invited them to attend the June EDC meeting. Areas of collaboration can include the Enterprise Corridor Zone, and Brownfields.
- New Business: Commissioner Battle invited everyone to dine outside on Friday May 6th for breakfast at La Monica’s to illustrate the importance of sidewalk dining. Commissioner Battle has been in contact with Marty Connor concerning Planning &Zoning ordinances that can address sidewalk dining offerings.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:50 PM.
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