Economic Development - MCCAdams Grant Task Force

Starburst Packaging

NOTES Subcommittee meeting 9/15/06

Meeting Room A, Town Hall

Present: Judy Cicero/Chamber, Michelle Jarusiewicz/Acting Asst Town Manager/Grant Administrator, Bill Schneider/Administrative Director of Tourism, Hunter O’Hanian/FAWC, Don Knuuttila/PBG, Lisa Bowden/Cultural Development Coordinator

Packaging: The group discussed developing a template to focus on the core businesses and use the town’s attractions [cultural assets] to lead to increased economic activity. Example, the cultural institutions often have difficulties providing housing and food to participants which results in unfilled capacity and reduced profit. FAWC experimented with developing partnerships with guest houses [guaranteed number of weeks or days in May or September] and restaurants [$20 coupon for all inclusive early-bird dinner] with some success. Need a mechanism to develop such partnerships. Who? Cultural Economic Development Coordinator can develop this – get shareholders together to ID needs; send a letter to businesses to invite participation [similar to letter that Administrative Director of Tourism sent for PR]. There is a need to educate businesses on the benefits.

Next steps: Staff will discuss further.

Next meeting: Friday, September 22, 2006, 9:30 am.