Local officials seeking information on how to proactively secure economic viability in their communities will soon have the opportunity.
On June 19th, the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency (JCIDA), with sponsorship from National Grid USA, is offering the Crash Course in Economic Development from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Watertown Hilton Garden Inn. Registration cost is $25 per person and includes dinner.
David J. Zembiec, JCIDA Deputy CEO, noted that the agenda is structured to appeal to all local officials while addressing two key goals. One is to provide them with a basic understanding of economic development process and the factors affecting the site selection process and business investment in a community. The second is to empower them with the knowledge of what they can do to make their communities more economically viable.
“Economic development really starts at the local level. Despite whatever assistance or incentives we might offer a company to locate or expand here, the truth is that it must first be a community where they want to be,” said Mr. Zembiec. “I’m fortunate to have heard all of our presenters and know they’ll put on a good program for our attendees.”
Mark D. Waterhouse will kick off the evening with a session on the “Principles of Economic Development”. Mr. Waterhouse, a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) is the president of Garnet Consulting Services. He has served as Chair of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), is a recipient of IEDC’s Edward deLuca Lifetime Achievement Award, and frequently conducts economic development workshops throughout the Northeast.
The second presentation of the evening, also conducted by Mr. Waterhouse, will be “Incorporating Economic Development Strategies into Local Land-Use Planning”. Proper land-use planning and zoning, noted Mr. Zembiec, is essential to guiding development that is appropriate and beneficial to the community.
Wade Beltramo, General Counsel for the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials (NYCOM) will then present “The Local Government Toolbox – What Local Governments Can do to Foster Economic Development”. Mr. Beltramo’s session will highlight strategies within the legal authority of municipal officials that can enhance the economic potential of their communities.
The last presentation, by R. Michael N’dolo, will cover “Impacts of Economic Development on Local Economies and Taxing Jurisdictions”. This session is intended to help better understand the fiscal implications of economic development activities. Mr. N’dolo, also a Certified Economic Developer, is the Vice President of Camoin Associates, Inc. Camoin Associates is currently working with Jefferson County on its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
Registration information and other information is available on the JCIDA’s website at www.jcida.net under “News”.
