01/31/2023 ECONOMIC DEV AND INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE Minutes

Home Browse Search

Chamber and the EDIC could collaborate. She previously sat on the board of the MCOC and worked at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. Mashpee Guide for Business: Julie said she can digitize it. The Chamber is creating an economic development page; this could go on that as well as other information, such as grants that are available to businesses. The new MCOC website will go live on 2/13. She also talked about connecting small businesses to resources. The Chamber can help with things like the Barn (which is "shovel ready" and which the EDIC talked about redeveloping), tourism, and marketing. The MCOC and the EDIC could (for example) work together to apply for bigger grants to redesign/improve building facades (such as the Barn). She also talked about industry roundtables—like minded businesses, for example, construction related industries in the meeting coming up in April. These roundtables will be way for the Chamber to learn more about the concerns these industries have and the challenges they face. Julie said that small businesses ask for help with marketing, finance, human resources, and housing (as it is challenging to hire if there is no housing employees can secure and afford). Housing-Mashpee Commons came up; Julie asked about the status of their housing and if the town was supportive of the Commons. Carol said the Planning and Zoning boards asked them to finish what they originally planned and then come back with their next project. Julie said that the Commons' retail spaces are filled and that they are now looking to fill office space. Julie and the committee members talked about ways to provide grants to small business owners or new entrepreneurs-the EDIC has funds, and Julie could help applicants with the process or vet the requests. The EDIC could award the grants. This would not be an incubator like E-for-All but more about getting resources to small businesses that need them. The Chamber is usually neutral but there may be some issues (such as housing) where Julie thinks it would be appropriate for them to voice their support. Carol suggested a letter in support of the housing proposed for across the Quashnet School. Comprehensive plan-Julie will likely be the liaison to learn about the comprehensive plan. 6. Chairman Updates: Carol would lie the EDIC to offer to pay for the title search for the Commercial Street lot. She will talk to Evan Lehrer about it before bringing it back to the committee for a vote. Next meeting: February 2, 2023 Meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM. Respectfully submitted by Pamela McCarthy