1-23-09

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03e8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Board of Directors"><B>Board of Directors</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Meetings"><B>Meetings</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id122.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CEDS"><B>CEDS</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id66.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Scenario Planning"><B>Scenario Planning </B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id80.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Task Team"><B>Task Team</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id117.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Regional, State Federal Links Docs"><B>Regional Plans </B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id65.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Regional Links NW CT"><B>Links</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ByLaws"><B>By-Laws</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact"><B>Contact</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>CEDS Sponsors:</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Board of Directors"><I><U>Platinum Sponsor</U></I></A></div> <div> <B>Borghesi Building & Engineering</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><U>Silver Sponsors</U></I></div> <div> <B>Bicron Electronics</B></div> <div> <B>CEDAS</B></div> <div> <I>(CT Econ. 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Assoc.)</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><U>Bronze Sponsors</U></I></div> <div> <B>Parker Productions</B></div> <div> <B>Winvian</B></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 style=" border-bottom: 1px solid #999980;" BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Bangle" ><B>Northwest Connecticut Economic Development Corporation</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Bangle" ><B> </B></FONT><B>    </B><B>|</B><B>  </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Bangle" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Bangle" ><B> </B><B> </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Northwest Connecticut Economic Developme"><B>home</B></A></FONT></div> <div> <B>1-23-09</B>   |   <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="3609">3-6-09</A>   |   <A HREF="id115.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="5109">5-1-09</A>   |   <A HREF="id116.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="72409">7-24-09</A>   |   <A HREF="id118.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="91709">9-17-09</A>   |   <A HREF="id119.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="11609">11-6-09</A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 width="100%" colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>1-23-09</I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="727" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 3229 WIDTH="719"><div> <B><U>Northwest Connecticut Economic Development Corporation</U></B></div> <div> 333 Kennedy Drive, Torrington, CT 06790</div> <div> <U>860.567.2204 - www.nwctedc.com - info@nwctedc.com</U></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Board of Directors</U></B></div> <div> January 23, 2009 - 8:00 am</div> <div> <I>NW CT Chamber of Commerce</I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Attendance</U></B><B>:</B> Allan Borghesi, Doug Parker, JoAnn Ryan, Bob Axelrod, Lou Helt, David Dean, Rick Lynn, Dan McGuinness, Leo Paul, Rose Ponte, Pat Power, Tim Abbott, Bill Baxter, Frank Chiaramonte, Chuck Conn, Jeff Cugno, Fran Delaney, Celeste Echlin, Carolle Jenkins, John Kiker, Maura Martin, Michael McGuffie, Michael Menard, John Morici, Guy Rovezzi, Dwain Snow, Don Stein, Vance Taylor, Tim Wallace, Amy Wynn, Ryan Bingham, Cindy Donaldson, Chris Vita, Mark Waterhouse, Kevin Witkos, John McKenna, Anthea Disney and Vic Muschell</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Annual Meeting - Election of new Directors</U></B></div> <div> -  <B>Nine Nominees for BOD - three year term to expire December 2011</B></div> <div> -  Tim Abbott, North Canaan: involved with Litchfield Hills Green Print program, extensive experience with use land use planning and forest management, interested in intersection of green space and industries</div> <div> -  Chuck Conn, Northfield: manages Far Meadow Farms <I>(equestrian center)</I> with his partner Carol in Morris, retired IBM executive</div> <div> -  Fran Delaney, Winchester: owner of West State Mechanical, strong supporter of small businesses, Chair of Friends of Main Street in Winsted, teaches classes at Oliver Wolcott Tech</div> <div> -  John Kiker, Warren: extensive background in communications, public relations and marketing, with United Airlines for ten years, has firm in Warren </div> <div> -  Michael Menard, Torrington: Director of UConn-Torrington, forming new group "Litchfield County Compact" to increase possibilities of workforce development with higher education in area</div> <div> -  Don Stein Barkhamsted: First selectman of Barkhamsted, retired professional engineer from United Technologies, background in fuel cell energy</div> <div> -  Tim Wallace, Torrington: Studio 59 - Torrington, classical pianist, performing artist, extensive background networking with performing arts groups in Dallas.</div> <div> -  Dwain Snow, Winchester: Plant Operations Manager at Alcoa-Howmet in Winsted, vast experience in manufacturing </div> <div> -  Amy Wynn, Falls Village: Executive Director of the NW CT Arts Council; networks with region's art organizations, theatres and historical societies; publishes print and web cultural guides and calendars; wants to put arts and culture at the table for municipal planning</div> <div> -  Doug Parker nominated all of the nominees <I>(above)</I> as a slate.  Rose Ponte seconded the motion.  All of the nominees were unanimously elected to the NWCTEDC Board of Directors for a three year term.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Meeting Schedule for 2009</U></B></div> <div> -  Next BOD meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 6th at 8 am at Alcoa-Howmet in Winsted.  The focus of this meeting will be the manufacturing sector.  A tour of Alcoa-Howmet will be available after the meeting.  Local manufacturers will be invited to attend.</div> <div> -  BOD meetings and Executive Committee meetings will alternate.  There will only be one meeting per month, rather two as there were in 2008.  </div> <div> -  BOD will meet the first Friday in January, March, May, July, September and November.     </div> <div> -  Executive Committee will meet first Friday in February, April, June, August, October and December.</div> <div> -  Executive Committee will operate as a "Steering Committee."  Any decisions or recommendations will be brought back to the full BOD for approval.</div> <div> -  After discussing a later starting time for meetings <I>(8:30 or 9:00 am),</I> it was decided to keep the starting time at 8:00 am.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Goals for 2009 - review</U></B></div> <div> -  Doug suggests revisiting the long and short term goals each year.  This will be an agenda item for the Steering Committee in February.  Input was sought from all BOD members for possible changes.</div> <div> -  <B>Current Goals </B><I><B>(2008)</B></I><I>:</I></div> <div> <I><B><U>Long Term Goals </U></B></I></div> <div> -  Support existing businesses and industries in NW Connecticut</div> <div> -  Attract new businesses and industries to NW Connecticut</div> <div> -  Create employment opportunities throughout NW Connecticut</div> <div> -  Advertise and enhance quality of workforce</div> <div> <I><B><U>Short Term Goals</U></B></I></div> <div> -  Implement Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) Priority Goals</div> <div> -  Revise CEDS Priority Goals as needed</div> <div> -  Identify regional brownfields and available commercial properties</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Railroad Infrastructure Projects</U></B></div> <div> -  Doug recommended regional support for regional railroad infrastructure projects.  With renewed state and national efforts to improve the nation's infrastructure, he advised that we should support efforts by the two regional railroads to improve their track structure.</div> <div> -  There are two rail systems in Litchfield County:</div> <div> -  <B>Housatonic Railroad</B> - New Milford to Canaan, parallel to Route 7 and Housatonic River</div> <div> -  <B>Railroad Museum of New England</B> <I>(former branch of Naugatuck Railroad)</I> - Waterbury to Torrington, parallel to Route 8 and Naugatuck River</div> <div> -  Colin Pease, Vice President of the Housatonic Railroad, submitted a detailed request to the CT State Department of Transportation for an extensive upgrade of the rail system from New Milford to the CT border in Canaan.  He requested NWCTEDC support and endorsement for this regional infrastructure project.</div> <div> -  Doug motioned to support the efforts of both railroads to upgrade the track structure for the economic benefit of the entire region.  Fran Delaney seconded the motion.  It was approved unanimously.  </div> <div> -  Doug will write a letter of endorsement and support for these regional infrastructure projects.</div> <div>      </div> <div> <B><U>CEDS </U></B><I><B><U>(Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies)</U></B></I><B><U> Update</U></B></div> <div> -  JoAnn Ryan recommended an update of the CEDS to include all 21 municipalities in the region.  The original CEDS included 9 of 11 towns in the Litchfield Hills Council of Elected Officials, and one of the NW CT Council of Governments towns <I>(North Canaan).</I></div> <div> -  Mark Waterhouse has been advising NWCTEDC about this process.  He contacted Steve Grady at EDA <I>(Federal Economic Development Administration),</I> the federal agency overseeing the CEDS process.  Since many of towns were not included in the original CEDS document <I>(May 2004),</I> it will be necessary to start the process again with all 21 towns.</div> <div> -  Doug stated that this will be an agenda item at the Executive Committee meeting in February.  A recommendation will be brought to the BOD in March.</div> <div> -  Rick Lynn, Planning Director of the Litchfield Hills Council of Elected Officials, noted that some of the information from the original CEDS can be used as a reference, but a new CEDs should be created.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Torrington Development Corporation - Revitalization Plan</U></B></div> <div> -  Bill Baxter and Vic Muschell presented the newest plans for the redevelopment of downtown Torrington.  They provided a brief history of the efforts to revitalize the downtown area leading to the current plan.</div> <div> -  An EIE <I>(Environmental Impact Evaluation)</I> has been completed by the State of CT and it was determined that this revitalization would be beneficial for CT and the region.</div> <div> -  A MDP <I>(Municipal Development Plan)</I> is being developed with greater detail.  This will be submitted to the state for approval.</div> <div> -  Bill summarized previous regional discussions about the importance of revitalization to the city centers of Torrington and Winsted.   "If they don't thrive, the rest of the region suffers."  </div> <div> -  Next steps: Public information sessions about the plans will be conducted.  City council will need to approve and seek public approval before it becomes an ordinance of the City of Torrington.</div> <div> -  Components of the Plan:</div> <div> -  Make downtown more pedestrian friendly</div> <div> -  Direct traffic through the center more efficiently</div> <div> -  Redevelop the Franklin Street area to complement downtown revitalization</div> <div> -  Redesign the Torrington Plaza to integrate it with the downtown area.</div> <div> -  Create a greenway along the river to connect the areas</div> <div> -  Attract residents to live in the downtown area in condos or apartments</div> <div> -  Attract retail to match consumer demand</div> <div> -  Use Warner Theatre and Nutmeg Ballet as anchors to attract the arts</div> <div> -  Allow multi-use zoning for both commercial and residential use</div> <div> -  Bob Axelrod asked about costs and money sources.  </div> <div> -  Bill said all of this hasn't been nailed down, but we need to start planning now.  </div> <div> -  Rose said that there are a lot of sources for funds.  </div> <div> -  Bob wants to support, but can't without cost details.  </div> <div> -  Rose said that we need to do the homework to get the numbers first, before we can seek public or private financing.  </div> <div> -  Vic said they aren't asking for money now, just seeking local and regional support for the project to keep it moving forward.  </div> <div> -  Mark Waterhouse said project needs psychological commitment to proceed with financial plan.</div> <div> -  Bill and Vic welcome any additional comments or suggestions about the plan</div> <div> -  Allen Borghesi made a motion for NWCTEDC to support the efforts of the Torrington Development Corporation. JoAnn seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>NW CT Arts Council Regional Survey</U></B></div> <div> -  Amy Wynn - Executive Director of the NW CT Arts Council requested NWCTEDC endorsement for a grant request to survey NW CT about the impact of the arts and cultural activities on the regional economy.  </div> <div> -  She discussed the potential economic impact arts and cultural institutions have on the region. </div> <div> -  This is a cooperative grant working with UCONN <I>(Storrs)</I> and DECD to develop and implement a comprehensive survey.  The survey will cost $30K.  </div> <div> -  Survey results will help municipal leaders and local businesses understand the need for a supportive environment to attract and support local arts and culture.  </div> <div> -  She cited a similar survey in Pittsfield, MA which helped guide regional efforts.</div> <div> -  Jeff Cugno made a motion for NWCTEDC to support the Regional Survey by the NW CT Arts Council.  Don Stein seconded the motion.  It was unanimously approved.</div> <div>      </div> <div> <B><U>Updates </U></B></div> <div> -  Regional Brownfields Inventory - Arthur Bogen <I>(NWCTEDC Brownfields Consultant)</I> would like to remind all municipal leaders to submit an inventory of potential sites for consideration in regional inventory and prioritization process.</div> <div> -  CEBP <I>(Community Educators Business Partnership)</I> - Chris Vita reminded everyone of the CT Read Aloud Day on February 4th sponsored by CEBP and the Chamber</div> <div> -  Three schools <I>(Southwest, Torrington; Center School, Litchfield; and Colebrook Elementary)</I> are participating in Junior Achievement - "JA in a Day" programs.  This well-established program links the business community with the local schools.</div> <div> -  Welcome Center - JoAnn Ryan thanked Pat Power for all his assistance.  She discussed the challenges of working with DOT.  She displayed the architects' plans.  Progress is slow, but things are happening.  State funds from Commission on Culture & Tourism are guaranteed, after this phase is completed, project will be eligible for another grant.  Cookbook and brick fundraisers will help to raise money for the project.  This is one of only two remaining diners like it in the country.  David Dean suggested Skee be invited to the ribbon cutting.  JoAnn remains in contact with the Cisowski family regularly and she intends for them to be intimately involved during the whole process.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>New Business</U></B></div> <div> -  Kevin Witkos is introducing a bill to create a friendlier business climate by reducing unnecessary mandates.  He is requesting people send him recommendations for what he should include in the bill.</div> <div> -  Mark Waterhouse asked if NW CT would be interested in hosting a course for economic development and planning & zoning officials at the local level.  The "Community Builder's Institute" is sponsoring three workshops throughout CT.  Both Doug Parker and JoAnn Ryan said yes.  The location will be determined at a later date.</div> <div> -  JoAnn stated that a DECD meeting sponsored by the Governor will be held on February 17 at the Chamber from 9 am to 12 pm. </div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Adjourn</U></B> </div> <div> The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 am</div> <bR> <div> <I>Chris Vita, Recorder</I></div> <bR> <div> Respectfully submitted,</div> <div> Doug Parker</div> <div> President/Executive Director</div> <div> NW CT Economic Development Corporation</div> <div> www.nwctedc.com</div> <div> info@nwctedc.com</div> <div> (860) 567-2204</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="id100.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="NWCTEDC Minutes"><B>Back to Minutes</B></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>