Town Of Willington
Economic Development Commission Meeting
Meeting Minutes of
March 25, 2013
Attendees: Kim Kowalyshyn, Chairman Jackie Silverstein
Tom Treiber, Secretary
Opened Meeting at 6:08 PM
Approval of Minutes:
Kim moved to approve the meeting minutes from February 25, 2012. Jackie seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Old Business:
- Love’s Travel Center, Dunkin Donuts and Beni’s (old Teggiano’s) update – Love’s Travel Center is awaiting PZC approval for a zone change and a Special Permit (Public Hearing set for April 16, 2013). Dunkin Donuts is awaiting IWWC approval for a permit modification (Public Hearing pending). Re Beni’s, renovation work continues.
- Business Feature on Website and new email address –Tom reported that he is working on a new business profile. Kim said that an email had been received from a film company seeking an empty house set back from the road with a barn/outbuildings for a movie project. Kim will forward the e-mail to those who may be able to help identify such a property in Town
- EDC Finances – Kim and Tom presented the EDC 2013-2014 budget of $900 to the Board of Finance.
- Business Networking Meeting – The Business Networking Meeting held on March 19, 2013 in the Community Room of the Library was well attended considering the poor weather. Our thanks to Jackie and the Savings Institute for sponsoring the meeting and providing two excellent speakers who provided tips on marketing a business and obtaining bank financing. The sign in sheet survey regarding interest in forming a Willington Business Association was positive – 7 “yes”, 2 “no” and 3 “maybe”. Our next Business Networking Meeting will be held in October or November. A workshop on creating a business plan is being considered. Kim reported that she received more complaints from Phelps Crossing tenants about the unresponsiveness of the owner. Kim
plans to contact the owner’s representative (Wayne) and will also arrange for EDC members to meet with tenants and come up with an action plan for getting their concerns addressed. Our focus is not only to support our businesses, but also to work with the owner to get the vacant units filled with new businesses.
- Zombie Run – On February 26, 2013, Kim met with representatives of the BOS, PZC and Fire Department and a Zombie Run Executive to discuss logistics for a planned Zombie Run on July 29, 2013 at Wilderness Lake Campground. Kim indicated that 7000-10,000 runners would be expected to participate from 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Village Hill Road would be closed to non-residents. Buses would bring in participants from parking on Schofield Road. Live bands would perform and food and beverages would be sold. All activities would cease at 9:00 PM. Zombie Run officials will have to apply for and receive a special PZC permit for the event.
- Marketing & Promotion – Tabled for next meeting. Kim did discuss using The Willington Word to see if there was interest in starting a Willington Business Association and to find those who might take a leadership role in such an organization.
New Business:
- 2012-2013 Annual Report – Kim is in the process of drafting the report.
- Electronic Directory – Kim has completed and updated it, but it has not yet been posted to the EDC web site. This will facilitate keeping the business directory updated/current.
- Correspondence – Kim read a letter from First Selectman, Christina Mailhos, commending the EDC for our work on the Business Directory. Kim also read correspondence from CEDAS concerning membership. Kim will contact CEDAS regarding the benefits of membership and for answers to other questions raised. Jackie will also do some research on the organization.
Public Comment:
- Andy Marco, PZC Chair, Mary Huda, Assessor and Ralph Tulis were present and contributed to discussion. Ralph Tulis, a long-time PZC member, plans to offer his services as a consultant/coach to help prospective businesses through the regulatory process. He will provide the EDC with business cards and his resume.
Ongoing Activities:
- Commission Vacancies - We have a full seat and two alternate seats open.
Meeting adjourned at 7:39 PM. Next meeting to be held on Monday April 22, 2013 at
6:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Treiber
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