Bennington County Economic Development Efforts June 14, 2012
1. Foster regional relationships Create/Enhance Connections Overcome geo-political hurdles EDA-DR Grant – Windham/Bennington Submitted June 11 Goals: Build Capacity for Recovery (Business Resource Centers) Enhance Southern VT Branding and Marketing Support for Downtowns and Village Centers Commercial Kitchen Example
2. Generate enthusiasm for development of a Bennington Regional Economic Development Strategy Berkshire and Windham are great examples Last Bennington County Plan
Peru Village Center Economic Development Plan Bennington Bennington Economic Development Strategy BCRC & Mullin Associates
Communication and Coordination Group Participants Town, Chamber, Downtown Organization, RDC, RPC, WIB, Young Professionals, Local Legislators Monthly Group Meeting + Sub-Committees Marketing & Promotion Tools & Resources Legislative/Government Special Initiatives Workforce & Education Housing Employer Retention & Recruitment
Where do we go from here? Future Meeting Date? Include Franklin County? General Q&A