TOWN OF VOLUNTOWN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
September 21, 2017

The meeting was called to order at 6:30.  In attendance were J. Wesa, T. Hanson, M. Papenfoth, N. Soto and Pam Delaney (6:55).

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  June 15, 2017 -- A MOTION was made (Wesa, Hanson) to accept the minutes with one correction; ALL IN FAVOR.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:  None

GUESTS:  Three members and their leader of Girl Scout Troop 63022 were present.  They are working on their Silver Award.  Fun in the Forest events are being planned with games and hikes.  They are going to interview local businesses about the state shutting down parts of the forest and how it affects their businesses.  Mr. Wesa requested feedback to be able to contact legislators.  They were given a copy of the business directory to use for business contacts.

REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE:  Available for Commissioners’ perusal:
	--Planning and Zoning minutes were reviewed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Tourism – Ms. Delaney suggested having a gingerbread house decorating contest and a punkin chunkin event.  The Recreation Commission is also considering a similar event.  There was general discussion as to how they would be planned.

Business Directory — With final check done, it is going to the printer.

Farmers Market – The Historical Society will be doing pumpkin painting and pumpkin bowling on October 1.  The fire department will do activities for the start of Fire Prevention Week on October 8.  Vendors are being recruited for the 2018 season.  The vendors want the time changed to 10:00 or 10:30 start and 1:00 or 2:00 closing.  An end-of-the-season evaluation should be done; one for vendors and maybe one for patrons on Facebook.  How do people find out about our market?  Radio?  Rack cards?  Other?

Website/Facebook – No report

Historical Update — Janet Cool has resigned so Mr. Wesa gave a brief report.  Greg Farmer from the Connecticut Trust was at a selectmen’s meeting.  Mr. Wesa spoke with him for recommendations.

Business Development — Just what is being done at the farmers market.

Trails Brochure — 2500 copies of the brochure are available and being distributed, mostly out of town.  The cost worked out to $2 each.

BUDGET — Reviewed

OLD BUSINESS — None

NEW BUSINESS — Officer Elections:  Mr. Wesa was requested to remain as chair one more year; he accepted.

SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT MEETING — Town branding strategy

The meeting adjourned at 8:23.

Respectfully submitted, 
Diana M. Ingraham, Clerk		

Approved for distribution___________________________________________________Date_____________________