Williamstown, VT - Economic Development Committee

Minutes Meeting of August 14, 2006

Present: Winston Chambers, Scott Hulbert, Terry Knight,

Broadband

Rama set up a presentation meeting with some broadband representatives. This meeting was held Monday, July 24, 2006.

Al and Laura Duey from Rural Vermont broadband project presented information on broadband. Several things came out of the meeting.

We need to find out how much interest there is in getting broadband in the area. We should be looking for 100 + subscribers.
Terry Knight will supply names and addresses for mailing. Mailing will be paid for by the broadband project.
Rama Schneider will draft the letter to be sent out.
If there is enough interest the economic will look into getting a service provider.
Broadband would supply fast wireless Internet service to the users at all times.
Broadband would make it more feasible for people to work out of their homes in rural areas.
Several other towns in Vermont are working on and implementing similar projects.
There may be some funding available which the economic development committee will look into.

8-14-06 - Rama has drafted a survey letter.

Terry has furnished grand list and check list data along with a guess on how far DSL extends.

Farmers Market.

Jean Barberi reported only three vendors were on site last week.
Jean would like it noted that she is the volunteer running the Farmer's Market so she is covered under the Town Liability Insurance.

Jean will hold the money collected until the committee decides what to do with it. Jean is having vendors sign liability waivers.

The farmers market is continuing and appears to be going well. The pump and Pantry sponsored an ad for the paper. Thanks to Marie Frohlich for arranging this.

8-14-06 - No update from Jean but Terry said last Friday there was a good turn out.

Business Directory

Roberta MacDonald prepared a proof of the booklet. Terry Knight sent the proof out for review and will have some changes implemented. Paul suggested more information be added to home businesses to tell what they do.

8-14-06 - We reviewed this at this meeting and made comments. Some changes will be made.

Educational Series

Rama suggested we implement an educational series for the local businesses to present what might be available to them for promotions, loans etc.

8-14-06 - this will probably develop further this winter.

Next meeting
The next meeting will be held Monday, August 28, 2006 at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall. There will be a presentation of broadband options.

These meeting minutes were written and distributed by Winston H. Chambers, Chair. If anyone has a differing opinion of what transpired at the above meeting please notify the writer at the next scheduled meeting.