Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
June 4, 2013 5:00pm
Room 215
Attendance: Jim Thibault, Tim Waldron, Rose Ponte, Greg Mele, Nancy Sieller, Lisa Soliani, Bill Battle, JoAnn Ryan, Evan Dobos
Meeting called to order at 5:10pm
Minutes of previous meeting were approved on a motion by JoAnn Ryan, seconded by Nancy Sieller. Meeting was opened to the public on a motion by JoAnn Ryan, seconded by Nancy Sieller.
Guest Evan Dobos of Picture This Web Design Center gave the EDC an orientation of the Its Happening Here website. Evan showed the group the many events that have already been uploaded to the site, as well as how to navigate the site. Evan explained there have been hundreds of events that have been added to the list from various businesses and groups throughout town. He said the website has a mailing list of approximately 300 people. Rose added that the website is not simply just for arts & culture events, the goal of the site is to get businesses on board as well to attract customers for their special events as well. Evan informed the group that the second phase of the website will include a map of local businesses that people will be able to search for in order to
find out what businesses are in town and how to get in touch with them.
Rose updated the EDC on the Main Street Marketplace. It will begin on July 11th and will run until August 29th. It will be in the original location until which time the sidewalk reconstruction project begins and then it will be moved to in front of the City Hall block for the remainder of the season.
The EDC discussed the business forums that will begin to be held in September. Discussion was held on the format of these. It was mutually decided that the most important aspect of these is that businesses are offered an opportunity to speak directly to the EDC about what is important to them.
Bill Battle asked Rose Ponte about the status of the Economic Corridor Zone, Rose said that interest is steady and that this program is used fairly often throughout the year.
Rose discussed with the group the many new businesses that have been opening lately. Many of these are small businesses from a variety of backgrounds.
Greg Mele made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by JoAnn Ryan. The meeting was adjourned at 6:05pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Tim Waldron
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