HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/14/2015
SCOTT A. RUSSELL
Town Hall, 53095 Route 25
SUPERVISOR
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971-0959
Fax (631) 765-1823
Telephone (631) 765-1889
OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
Economic Development Committee (EDC) Meeting Minutes
September 14, 2015
Present:
Steve Latham, John McLane, Sara Garretson, Donielle Cardinale, Rona Smith, John
Stype, Tony Cocheo, Councilman Bill Ruland and Phillip Beltz. Excused: Carolyn Fahey and
Supervisor Scott Russell. Meeting began at 2:00 p.m.
Karen Karp of Karp Resources:
Ms. Karp discussed importance of understanding our local
food industry and strategies to assist economic development-her business model works to
collect data and promote collaborations. Some ideas from her discussion for further EDC
consideration:
Need to identify the local food chain via food cluster analysis: categorize types of food
businesses
Quantify every enterprise—who grows, sells, processes, distributes, etc.
In an effort to develop marketing strategies connect producers to buyers
Identify the major local businesses (schools, government, Peconic Landing, ELIH) and
consider development of local procurement strategy to enable businesses to purchase
local foods—this would have significant impact to generate employment.
After listening to Ms. Karp’s ideas, EDC agreed that it would be beneficial to have some time to
process this information. The Southold Agriculture Committee should also become involved in
implementation of some of these ideas. Discussion regarding “How to Cultivate Your Food
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Business” Workshopwas tabled. EDC will consider possibility of hosting a meeting with food
industry in winter months to informally discuss their needs and assess range of resources that
are needed to assist their efforts. Consideration to hold focus groups with assistance of Ms.
Karp and also assess if attendees will need help with marketing, branding, legal, etc. for a future
workshop.
Follow-up Southold Opera Company:
On behalf of the Supervisor, Phillip sent letter to
Deputy Commissioner of SC Economic Development and Planning requesting SC assistance in
amending their ICIP plan to include revision of Southold ICIP plan to include the Opera
Company to enable them to receive significant tax abatements.
The Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild:
Rona and John McLane continue to meet with them to
assist with the development of a one year strategic plan.
Follow-up Cultural Arts Consortium:
Phillip spoke with Pat Snyder of East End Arts who
indicated that the Town of East Hampton formed a committee for the arts and culture. She also
stated that East End Arts could be pivotal in the development of a cultural arts consortium in
Southold and should be considered as a partner to make this happen in the future.
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Planning 375 Anniversary Event for Businesses:
of
SubcommitteeCarolyn, Sara and
Phillip have met weekly with Abigail Field and Joan Bischoff of North Fork Promotion Council. A
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meeting with local businesses and heritage organizations is scheduled for September 24at 6
p.m. in the Town Hall meeting roomed to discuss small business Saturday initiative on
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November 28 to encourage visitors to “shop, eat and enjoy the local hamlets.” Sara is
developing a “fact sheet” that can be used as an invitation—EDC should encourage local
businesses to participate. Targeted areas include Love Lane, Greenport Village, Cutchogue
hamlet and Southold hamlet.
Invitation to Bruce Ferguson:
Rona and Steve suggested inviting Bruce Ferguson,
consultant for Southold’s Local Development Corporation, to attend a future meeting to
discuss the LDC’s mission and how it can benefit economic development. He will be
asked to attend the October meeting if available.
Other:
Phillip reported that all Town committees were asked by the Supervisor to meet
with the Town Board to discuss goals and objectives, etc. With many initiatives being
planned for the future, he suggested that EDC meet with Town Board at work session
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on October 20 to discuss many of the aforementioned topics. John McLane suggested
inviting Patricia Snyder of the East End Arts to a future meeting—agreement to invite
her to the November meeting.
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Next Meeting
: Friday,October 16 at 2 p.m. in the Supervisor’s Conference room at
Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Phillip Beltz