Discussion Held Between

EDC And Business Owners

By Eliza Hallabeck

The Newtown Economic Development Commission held a strategic planning session on Thursday, October 23, to determine areas that can be improved or used as attractions for businesses in Newtown.

“Now we all know Newtown,” said EDC Chairman Chet Hopper during the opening for the meeting, “and many of us have lived here for many years.”

EDC member Catherine Adsitt facilitated the event, and lead residents present at the meeting through a method of answering questions on note cards and lists. The evening was open to Newtown business owners to answer questions about their business and offer insight on what a strategic plan for the town should look like.

Ms Adsitt presented seven questions to the Newtown business owners to respond on the note cards they were given. After each question was read and responded to, Ms Adsitt asked the Newtown business owners to respond openly for the group.

The questions were designed to allow the EDC to go back and interpret how Newtown is good for businesses, where improvements can be made, where growth is possible, and what types of businesses can be brought to town.

“What types of businesses are most likely to find Newtown desirable?” Ms Adsitt asked as the first question of the night.

Deedee Morloch, a participant at the event, said businesses that focus on sports, children, and outdoor activities are likely to find Newtown desirable. Other participants mentioned businesses like restaurants, hair and nail spas, and landscaping companies.

While participants answered the seven questions, each of their responses were written on large white paper and posted around the room.

After each question was discussed, participants were asked to mark the answer on the papers they felt were the most important to be addressed.

Ms Adsitt said the information provided by the participants will be used in wording a strategic plan that will outline Newtown’s future for developing businesses.