Economic Development Commission Minutes 11/13/2014

Minutes of the Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting, November 13, 2014

Main Meeting Room

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 am.

Commissioners in attendance: Chairman Deming, Vice Chair Barnett, and Commissioners George, Balboni, Bligh and Raphael

Minutes from the October 2014 meeting were approved.

Reports from the Farmington Valley Visitors Association and Simsbury Main Street Partnership were received.

A brief presentation by Lisa Gray, Executive Director of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce was made. Ms. Gray stated that the Chamber currently has approximately 300 members. Not all the members are in Simsbury. Some are also located in Avon, Canton and Granby.

A discussion of the EDC website status was held. A meeting will be held with Virtual Town Hall on 11/18/14 at 5 pm to discuss possible changes to update the website.

The progress of the Economic Development Task Force subcommittees was discussed, including:

Programs Committee working on: Tax Abatement and Business Incentives Policy

Process Committee working on : Training/Certification, Commissioner Responsibilities

Marketing Committee working on: Website redesign and branding

Hiram Peck, Director of Planning and Community Development presented and discussed the draft Tax Abatement and Business Incentives Policy document. After discussion the Commission unanimously voted to support this effort. Mr. Peck indicated that further revisions would be made as comments were received from other individuals, groups, boards and commissions.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 am