5-1-09

<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> <A HREF="id111.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="12309">1-23-09</A>   |   <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="3609">3-6-09</A>   |   <B>5-1-09</B>   |   <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>5-1-09</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= 1746 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>Minutes - Board of Directors</B></div> <div> Friday, May 1, 2009 - 8:00 am  </div> <div> Washington Town Hall, Washington, CT</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Attendance:</U></B> Doug Parker, JoAnn Ryan, Dan McGuinness, Tim Abbott, Chuck Conn, Carolle Jenkins, John Kiker, John Maxwell, Ted Murphy, Don Stein, Cindy Donaldson, Chris Vita, Arthur Bogen, Anthea Disney, Karen Paradis, Sal Galasso, Dan Sherr, Mark Waterhouse, Fran Keilty, George Krimsky, Christine Afiouni, Peter Aziz, Bob Whelan, Valerie Sedelnick, Kathy McGarry, Jack Coraggio, Susan Graham and Jim Graham</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Welcome to Washington, CT</U></B></div> <div> First Selectman, Mark Lyon welcomed everyone to Washington, CT.  He provided a quick overview of the town.  Washington is made up of five villages - Washington Depot, Washington Green, New Preston, Woodville and Marbledale.  The town has three different zip codes <I>(Washington Depot, New Preston/Marbledale and Washington).</I>  The population is about 3,700 with numerous part-time residents <I>(20-40% depending on the season).</I>  Home prices currently on the market range from $279,000 to $9,900,000.  Affordable workforce housing is an issue because of the high costs.  There are four Independent Schools <I>(Washington Montessori, Devereux-Glenholme, Rumsey Hall and the Gunnery)</I> which have a direct impact on the local economy.  The non-residential tax base is estimated to be lower than 10% with a residential tax base of 90% or higher.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Washington Business Association</U></B></div> <div> Fran Keilty, President of the Washington Business Association, provided an overview of local businesses.  Association members are represented throughout the five villages and include 35 retail stores, 12 professional offices <I>(doctors and lawyers),</I> 9 financial service offices, 11 restaurants/cafes, 8 home-based businesses and 9 non-profits.  Affordable housing is a major challenge for the workers in the predominately service sector local economy.  There are major efforts to maintain existing levels of farming and residential property through the acquisition of open space by the town and private non-profit organizations.</div> <bR> <div> Fran described the efforts of the Association to encourage shopping locally and a diversified town center.  The recent loss of a local pharmacy is one the more severe challenges to the local economy.  With the recent downturn in the economy, people are spending less which directly affects the local economy.  Hiring and retaining good employees is becoming increasingly challenging.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Bio-Fuel</U></B></div> <div> Peter Aziz, President of Bantam Fuel, provided an overview of the current trends in using alternate energy sources to supplement petroleum products.  Soy is a locally grown crop used as a an additive to enhance the efficiency of "bioheat" a type of biodiesel fuel used by Bantam Fuel.  Bioheat uses a 3% non-petroleum oil mixture.  <I>(Animal and/or vegetable oils can be used as a non-petroleum supplement.) </I> Peter recommended <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.biodiesel.org/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.biodiesel.org/">www.biodiesel.org</A></FONT> for additional information.  Steve and Nick Solley grow soy on their Washington farm, but were not able to attend the meeting.  With the continuing loss of dairy farms, there is great interest in exploring the economic viability of soy as a cash crop in the region.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Economic Impact of Independent Schools on Local Economies</U></B></div> <div> Susan Graham, Head of School at the Gunnery, described the relationship of the Gunnery with the local community.  The Gunnery has 300 students from 20 different states and 13 different countries.  There are 80 day students and 40 international students.  The school was established by Frederick William Gunn in 1850 and has been in continuous operation for 159 years.  40% of the students receive some type of financial aid.  With the current economic downturn, it has been very challenging to match budget projections.  The Gunnery employs over 100 people and produces $2.2 million for the local economy.  Affordable housing is one of the key challenges for the school.  The 59 faculty members seek local housing options, but often find it impossible to afford the high prices in the immediate area.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Mayflower Inn</U></B></div> <div> Christine Afiouni, Director of Sales, described the relationship of the Mayflower Inn with the local economy.  The Mayflower Inn is a major employer in the town of Washington.  It is a five star inn and attracts visitors from all over the world to the region.  The Independent schools have a close relationship with the inn and parents frequently use it for parent weekends and homecoming activities.  Christine offered a tour after the meeting. </div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Updates</U></B></div> <div> <B>Regional Brownfields Inventory</B></div> <div> Arthur Bogen, <I>NWCTEDC Brownfields Consultant</I>, completed the region's first brownfields inventory for NW CT.  The list includes a list of sites best suited for economic re-use.  The goal of NWETEDC is to assist current or potential owners of these properties in cleaning and reusing the sites for economic benefit.  Arthur will continue to advise NWCTEDC on brownfields issues.</div> <bR> <div> <B>NW CT Chamber Update</B></div> <div> JoAnn Ryan announced support for a new nursing program at Northwest CT Community College in Winsted.  Area hospitals are very supportive and are eager to have it located in NW CT.  The recent "Green" business expo at the Torrington Armory was a big success with over 45 vendors.  JoAnn reiterated the Chamber's commitment to supporting small businesses throughout the region.  Over 81% of the regional businesses employ 25 people or less.</div> <bR> <div> <B>CBI Institute</B></div> <div> Mark Waterhouse reminded everyone of the Community Builders Institute scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th <I>(4:30-9:00 pm)</I> at the Litchfield Community Center.  It is part one of a "Crash Course" in economic development strategies for local communities.  Planning for development in a responsible partnership with the community will be emphasized.  NWCTEDC members can receive a discount <I>($20 vs $35)</I> if they indicate NWCTEDC as the sponsoring company/organization.  </div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Next Meeting</U></B></div> <div> The next NWCTEDC BOD meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 10th at the Cornwall Consolidated School in Cornwall, CT at 8:00 am.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Adjourn</U></B> </div> <div> The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 am.</div> <bR> <div> Submitted by</div> <div> Doug Parker</div> <div> President/Executive Director</div> <div> www.nwctedc.com</div> <div> info@nwctedc.com </div> <div> (860) 567-2204</div> <bR> <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>