Economic Development Council Meeting

Minutes:  July 11, 2007; 9:30 am

Judge Welsh Room

 

Present:

Members:  Chairman Steve Melamed, Alix Ritchie, Thanassi Kuliopulos, Michael Carroll, William Dougal, Bonnie Adams-Campbell

Staff:  Acting Assistant Town Manager/Grant Administrator Michelle Jarusiewicz, Acting Building Commissioner Matt Mulvey

Absent: Gabrielle Hanna excused, Astrid Berg excused, Todd Dever excused

Other:  Candace Collins-Bowden, Judy Cicero – Chamber of Commerce

 

Meeting called to order by Chairman Steve Melamed at 9:35 am

 

 

Motion made by Alix to approve 5/16/07 minutes

2nd by Thannasi

All vote to approve, 5-0-1 (Bill abstains)

 

Motion made by Alix to approve 6/20/07 minutes

2nd by Thannasi

All vote to approve, 6-0-0

 

 

Joint meeting with Board of Selectmen 7/23/07 scheduled at 5 pm.  BOS goal setting due to be discussed at 7/16 BOS meeting.  Is EDC goal to develop a diversified economy?  Visitor business only?

 

Discussion on availability of grants for Unwired Village (wireless community -- WiFi).  Desirability of making entire town WiFi-capable, rather than isolated nodes.  Chamber of Commerce is willing to partner/contribute.  What arrangements are to be made for businesses that are currently offering WiFi connections?   Funding source for maintenance fees for Unwired Village has yet to be determined (in Orleans Chamber of Commerce provided funding)  Chamber of Commerce was set to provide WiFi access for Lopes Square area and with advent of town-wide consideration they have waited and now are willing to participate in the Unwired Village project.  Best format would be to set up a Homepage with hotlinks to other town entities (PBG, Chamber, VSB, etc.).  As this is being provided as a public service, advertising is not needed or warranted. 

 

Motion to request the Chamber to host a trial Unwired Village connection made by Alix

2nd Thanassi

All vote to approve. 6-0-0

 

Motion to create a working group to facilitate town-wide Unwired Village. By Alix

2nd Thanassi

All vote to approve, 6-0-0

Kathey Hickey Fulham and Burt Parcels, Katherine Hickey Fulham, CPA presentation Marketing to Baby Boomers to view presentation go to KHF website www.KatheyFulhamCPA.com      

This presentation was co-sponsored by the EDC and The Banner.

 

Discussion following presentation.  Impact of web-based marketing.  Optimize Boomer marketing and then look to developing new generation marketing.  Importance of proactive marketing rather than reactive.

 

Recommendation of Douglas Fleener book on retailing.

 

Alix moves to adjourn

Bonnie 2nd

All vote in favor, 6-0-0

 

 

Meeting adjourned at 12: 26 pm.