Economic Development Commission
Commission Members:
Edward M. Odell (D), Chairman
Debra M. Mathiasen (U)
Joe Albuquerque (U)
Robert R. Casner (D)
Pamela D. Rubenbauer (D)
Gerald Rucker (U)
A. Frederick Weissbach (R)
Alternates:
Ralph M. Parady (U)
1 vacancy
Part-time staff: Peter S. Simmons, Economic Development Coordinator
P.O. Box K, East Haddam, CT 06423
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00pm at the River House.
Business owners and the public are invited to contact us with your ideas and questions or join us at one of our meetings.
NOVEMBER 2012 NOTE: As discussed in the November 8th EDC meeting, the Town has decided to remove and store the Business Directory sign at the corner of Route 82 and Route 151 as it is in the way of construction of a driveway for a new business. The EDC will discuss relocation and other options for the sign at its Dec. meeting.
The East Haddam Economic Development Commission (EDC) was established in June 1987, in accordance with the provisions of the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut. Seven volunteer members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for five year terms. A part-time Economic Development Coordinator was added in September 2007, to work with the EDC and First Selectman on key development projects and as a business liaison.
The function of the East Haddam Economic Development Commission is to promote and develop the economic resources of the town, consistent with the town’s historic character, quality of life and natural environment. Promotion efforts focus on the tourism industry and visitor services to compliment East Haddam’s attractions and recreational opportunities. Development strategy focuses on East Haddam’s untapped tourism industry, maximizes its industrial zones, and capitalizes on the Town’s resident-driven market potential.
Major Projects:
During 2010, the EDC plans to research options for the infrastructure in the Moodus commercial area, propose revisions to the Business Signage regulations, outline a Tax Incentive system, prepare a detailed Guide for Doing Business in East Haddam and propose a Town Bidding Ordinance. Following efforts to support Goodspeed Actor Housing in East Haddam Village, the Commission is also interested in discussing options for a 2nd Goodspeed Theatre located in East Haddam. The EDC continues to work closely with the East Haddam Village Revitalization Committee charged with converting the current Town Office site property into a commercially viable area. The Commission monitors the Johnsonville and Banner Estates development projects and plans for the state-owned former Sunrise Resort.
Events:
The EDC and Coordinator coordinate the Business Showcase held during Project Safe Halloween, annual East Haddam Chowder Cook-off held in March, and semi-annual Townwide Business Night information and networking meetings. The EDC also supports festivals, merchant events and other "destination" type activities by assisting with business tie-ins and advertising.
Business Support:
The Commission is happy to assist any businesses with information about start-up, relocation, or expansion in our town. The Coordinator works individually with local businesses on a variety of issues. EDC Commissioners and the Coordinator attend Board and Commission meetings and meet with Town staff to advocate in support of individual and townwide business efforts.
East Haddam’s economic interests are represented at the regular meetings of the Central Regional Tourism District, Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, Middlesex County Revitalization Commission, and Midstate Regional Planning Agency.
The Economic Development Commission’s business database, on-line business directory, tourism brochure and roadside sign boards are regularly updated upon request to the Commission. New businesses are announced in the quarterly East Haddam Events magazine.
Website:
The EDC first launched its own Tourism and Business Promotion website in 2001. That website was combined with the new municipal website in May 2010 and Commission members will continue to maintain the Business Directory, business information and tourism features of the new site.