The Vermont League of Cities and Towns will be offering a seminar on "Local
Economic Development Strategies" on Wednesday, December 10, 2003.  The
seminar will be held at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier, Vermont.  An agenda
is below.

> To register online, go to www.vlct.org/calendar and click on "December".
> For more information or to register by phone,  contact Dominic Cloud at
> [log in to unmask] or call
> 1-800-649-7915.
>
>
> Local Economic Development Strategies
> Wednesday, December 10, 2003
> Capitol Plaza Hotel
> Montpelier, VT
>
> Agenda
>
> 9:00  Welcome and Overview of the Day
>       Dominic Cloud, Manager, VLCT Municipal Assistance Center
>
> 9:10  Creating the Conditions for Successful Economic Development
> Initiatives
>       This opening presentation will identify the key elements of
> successful economic development programs and offer suggestions for how to
> overcome common hurdles.
>       John Hall, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Housing and Community
> Affairs
>
> 9:45  Property Tax Incentives for Local Businesses
>       This workshop will focus on programs that can adjust a business'
> state education property tax liability or allow a municipality to utilize
> incremental state education property taxes to fund infrastructure that
> supports economic development.  Particular attention will be given to
> stabilization agreements, allocation of property tax receipts, tax
> increment financing districts, and brownfields exemptions.
> Fred Kenney, Executive Director, Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC)
>
> 10:45         Break
>
> 11:00 How to Access Funds from the Economic Development Administration
> (EDA)
>       The Economic Development Administration is a program of the U.S.
> Department of Commerce and provides grants for infrastructure development,
> local capacity building, and business development.  This workshop will
> focus on the application process and the requirement to complete a
> Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
>       Jamie Stewart, Executive Director, Addison County Economic
> Development Corp.
>
> 12:00 Lunch
>
> 1:00  Making it Work on the Local and Regional Level
>       This panel will discuss the use of revolving loan funds, tax
> stabilization agreements, and the role of local and regional development
> corporations in spurring and retaining economic growth.
>       Jeremy Ingpen, Randolph Area Community Development Corporation
> Lance Matteson, Executive Director, Bennington County Industrial
> Corporation
> Bill Colvin, Development Director, Town of Bennington
>
> 2:30  Business Creation, Expansion, and Technical Assistance
>       Municipal officials are often approached by local business people
> who are interested in expanding an existing business, creating a new one,
> or need help navigating the regulatory process.  This workshop will
> discuss what cities and towns can do to support local businesses and how
> the Vermont Small Business Development Center can help.
> Don Kelpinski, State Director, Vermont Small Business Development Center
> Cathy Herlihy, Marketing and Training Director, VSBC
>
> 3:30  Conclusion and Safe Trip Home
>
> Who Should Attend and Why
>
> This workshop is designed for municipal managers and administrators,
> members of local legislative bodies, planning commission members, and
> their public and private sector partners.
>
> Here is why local leaders continue to be concerned about economic
> development in their communities:
>
> *     In 2000, 4 out 10 jobs in Vermont paid less than $10 per hour.
> *     Low wages often creates an out-migration, especially of rural youth.
> *     A high cost of living and lack of access to capital can hinder
> entrepreneurs trying to develop businesses in Vermont.
>
> Source: Vermont Council on Rural Development.
>
> Come learn what you can do to stimulate the economy in your town!
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