Northwood Economic Development Committee
Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2010
7:00 p.m.

I. Call to Order and attendance

Vice chair Dave Tousignant called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.

Present: Kristen Kiernan, Chair (arrived later), Chair; David Tousignant, Vice-chair;
Kevin Ash; Judy Burke; Hal Kreider; Ken Rick; and Town Administrator David Stack.

Absent: Herb Johnson; Selectman Scott Bryer

II. Public Comment - none

III. Unfinished Business

1. Committee operating procedures and code of conduct

Hal Kreider had sent out the draft for review and was seeking comments/input from the members. Some members reported that they had not received the e-mail containing the draft. Hal went over some of the comments that he had received from members. He will make the changes that he has received so far and will re-distribute the draft to Committee members for review and input. This item will be placed of the August agenda for action.

2. Economic Revitalization Zones (ERZ)

David Stack reported that Kristen Kiernan had met with the Board of Selectmen on 6/8/10 to discuss ERZs and the Committee’s desire to create one in the Town. The Board asked the Committee to continue to work on the project and develop a more concrete plan for review by the Board. A sub-committee was set up to work on the project and Ken Rick, Hal Kreider and Kristen Kiernan were designated to serve on the sub-committee.

3. Business After Hours status report

The Committee discussed the program that was just held at Lake Shore Farm. The Committee discussed some methods to possibly boost attendance and will discuss this further at the August meeting. Ideas were discussed to further improve the event, including asking each business to give a brief overview of their business, what they do, etc. The Committee also discussed the possibility of offering a more formal program at the event; possibly a program on small business assistance and resources. .

4. MicroCredit NH program

Kristen Kiernan reported that she was not able to attend the recent MicroCredit NH
informational session at the Chesley Library.  Hal Kreider mentioned that Babette Morrill had possibly attended. Kristen Kiernan will follow up with Babette to see if she had attended and how it went.

5. Antique Alley and outdoor sale location

Judy Burke reported that she had spoken with Rick Emond of East Coast Containers and he is open to having an antique show weekly at his building. The Committee agreed that it was best to have Rich Bojko contact Rich Emond to discuss the details.

David Stack suggested that the Committee look at working with the Antique Alley group to set up and promote an Antique Alley weekend event.  Other businesses and Town organizations could be asked to participate in a variety of ways; a classis car show at Northwood Diner or a similar location, encouraging residents located on Rte. 4 to hold yard sales, shop hops, Antique Alley weekend restaurant specials, etc. The weekend event could be held in the fall during foliage season or at any other time that would work best. Kevin Ash will contact Colleen Pingree of R.S. Butlers Trading Company, to discuss the idea and get her input.

6. Business Expo/Fair

The Committee discussed possibly holding a business expo/fair event to allow Northwood businesses to promote what they have to offer. This will be discussed further at the August meeting.

IV. New Business

1. Acceptance of minutes - 6/2/10

Hal Kreider moved to accept the minutes of 6/2/10. Ken Rick seconded. Motion passed.

2. Committee publicity report

Kevin Ash reported that the press release for the Business After Hours program had been picked up in the Sun, Fosters and the Forum. It was suggested that Becky Rule may be interested in filming her show at the next After Hours program.

3. New and expanded business news

Rhoda Sommer has leased space at 262 First NH Turnpike, next to the Northwood Garage, for her new business, Anytime Fitness. Anytime Fitness will be a co-ed fitness club. Renovation of the space is underway. 

A commercial property located on Rte. 4, next to Johnson’s dairy bar, is currently on the market. Plans are to subdivide a two acre parcel from a larger parcel once a buyer is found.

4. Committee membership

David Stack reported on the status of filling the open Budget Committee representative slot on the Committee. He has contacted the chair of the Budget Committee asking the Committee to name a replacement for Babette Morrill. Kevin Ash and Ken Rick both volunteered to fill the slot which would open up a spot for a regular member.

5. Three phase power - Piece Time Puzzles

David Stack reported that he had spoken with PSNH customer service representatives
about the extension of three phase power. They were going to take a look at what was in place and discuss further with him. The Committee asked David Stack to contact the owner of Piece Time Puzzles to let him know where this is at.

V. Adjournment

Action: Hal Kreider moved to adjourn. Kevin Ash seconded. Motion passed
and the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.