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!