Serving the communities of: Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Reading, Springfield, Weathersfield, Windsor and West Windsor
Tonka Trucks & Building Blocks By Bob Flint Executive Director
Even though my father and oldest brother were carpenters (Barry still is), I never really had much interest in playing with toy trucks or plastic hammers. Sure, I had them and enjoyed pushing them around the dogs and cats, but it never felt like my destiny.
I thought of that a couple of weeks ago when I was standing with Doug Gurney (and you know he surely had the best toy trucks!) behind J & L Plant 1. We were there to check out the work that the EPA Removals program was completing, removing the “grinding swarf” behind the building. It was pretty impressive – Doug figured it was 450 tons of material. Yet, both of us realized it was just another step (albeit a good sized one) in the seemingly never-ending journey of J & L. Yes, the equipment was a bit larger than the toys of yesteryear!
Across the street, we’re working to put the former Bryants building together, piece by piece. We hope to have space at both ends of the property available for cold storage for this winter (roof and interior work will be taking place in a bit) and we’re working to determine what stays/goes of the existing building.
In Windsor, SRDC is working with Distinctly Windsor/Windsor Improvement Corporation to assume operations of the former Goodyear property. SRDC will also have a regional Revolving Loan Fund to build upon the good work that CRDC has done for many years, assisting small businesses in Southern Windsor County.
Next door to the former Goodyear site is the Jarvis Street area of Windsor. Distinctly Windsor/Windsor Improvement Corporation is taking the bold step of “lifting” one of the small houses that has been in disrepair for many years. The elevation solves a flood zone issue, which has precluded this (and other homes in that area) from accessing the funding to put it back in shape. We have been providing oversight for this project which, along with Goodyear, are significant puzzle pieces for the revitalization of downtown Windsor.
We’re also involved with efforts in downtown Springfield, working with old friend Matt Dunne on a potentially exciting project centered around the former Park Street School. It’s early in the process, but we’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll have some interesting things to announce in the coming weeks and months. The project is built upon the remarkable gigabit (and more) connectivity we have because of the vision and investment that VTel has made in the region.
I still have my father’s yellow Connecticut Valley Construction hat kicking around. I’m not sure he ever entirely understood whatever it is I do at SRDC, but he knew it had something to do with “building”. In some ways, I guess, I’m swinging a metaphorical hammer each and every day!
East Central Vermont Economic Development District
SRDC is working on a project for the ECVEDD to create a easy-to-use form that businesses can have as a reference to try to think proactively about how to stay in business in the aftermath of a natural (or other) disaster. We will be incorporating this in our business visits going forward and will also make sure this is available through our partners in the region.
It wasn’t that long ago that we, here, were picking up the pieces after Irene. We learned many lessons from that and now, we’re trying to help the businesses in the region be as prepared as possible for any future event.
Over the past few months, we have seen the southern part of the US deal with the damage caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. And, now, we’re a witness to the struggles in Puerto Rico from Maria.
As always, please let us know if you have any questions about the ECVEDD! Please email Bob at bobf@springfielddevelopment.og or go to ecvedd.org
SAVE THE DATE!
SRDC'S 25th
ANNUAL MEETING Monday, 10/30/17 4 pm
Details Coming Soon!
The Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) would like to announce an upcoming workshop for those thinking about starting theirown business. This workshop, titled ‘Starting Your Own Business,’ is aimed at helping future entrepreneurs turn their passions into a full-fledged business venture. The workshop will be held Thursday, October 19^th at Springfield Regional Development Corporation office
on Clinton Street in Springfield from 9am to 1 pm.
Starting a business can be challenging. The workshop, conducted by an experienced business advisor, is designed as a guide for the first-time business owner. Participants receive a comprehensive start-up workbook, handouts and resources in marketing, financing, management and operations. By the end the workshop they will be well-informed about the tools and resources available to them and the ‘next steps involved in launching a successful business. The price of the workshop is $129 to attend and you can register online at www.vtsbdc.org <http://www.vtsbdc.org>under the training tab.
A few workshop highlights include how to:
·Use the “Business Model Canvas” to evaluate whether there is a viablebusiness in their good idea
·Identify target customers and “unique selling proposition(s)”
·Register their business and apply for tax numbers
·Consider start-up costs, sales, expenses and financing options
Winston Prouty Center, Holton Hall training center, Brattleboro, VT
Vermont PTAC
Counselor: Ed Williams
Springfield: Mon., Tues., Fri.,
802-885-3061
Brattleboro: Wed., Thurs.
802-257-7731
News from Senior Project Manager Paul Kowalski
SRDC has been assisting with Windsor Improvement Corporation’s (WIC) Riverfront Neighborhood Project. An entire neighborhood of homes, adjacent to the Downtown (between the railroad tracks and the Connecticut River), is located within the flood plain. These circumstances present challenges to residents and homeowners in obtaining affordable flood insurance and in making basic improvements to the properties.
WIC purchased two of the homes in the neighborhood last year, and undertook the project of using available funds to raise both houses above base flood elevation and to renovate one of them completely. A major goal of the project is to provide an example of how the +/- 30 other similar homes in the neighborhood can affordably be raised above flood level. As of September 26, the property at 38 Jarvis Street has been raised up, now sitting on flood-resilient foundation walls that will allow floodwaters to pass beneath.
SRDC Staff
Bob Flint,
Executive Director
Heather Hartford
Assistant Director
Paul Kowalski,
Project Manager
Sandy Clifford,
Office Manager
Cynthia Porter,
Finance Manager
SRDC Board of Directors
Doug Gurney
Patti Putnam
Mark Tanny
Barbara LeMire
Dale Williamson
Bob Kendall
Jason Thom
John Tansey
Sam Coleman
Ex-Officio Board Members
Tom Kennedy
Caitlin Christiana
Kristi Morris
Main Supporters
Town of Springfield
Town of Chester
Town of Windsor
Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Members
Acrylic Design
ADS
All Seasons Constr.
Berkshire Bank
Bibens Home Center
Black River Produce
Drew's Organic
Dufresne Group
Efficiency Vermont
Graham & Graham, PC CPA
Gravity Renewables
Green Mountain Power
Gurney Bros. Constr.
HB Energy Solutions
IVEK
JELD - WEN
Kelley Sales & Service
Lawrence & Lober Electric Services
Lamb & McNaughton, PC
Lawrence & Wheeler
Lovejoy Tool
Mascoma Savings Bank
Merchants Bank
NewsBank
Okemo Mountain Resort
Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce
One Credit Union
Peoples United Bank
Image - Tek Mfg.
Prudent Living
River Valley Credit Union
Springfield Automart
Springfield Hospital
Springfield Printing
Springfield Realty
Town of Cavendish
Vermont Packing House
Vermont Timber Works
Von Bargen's Jewelry
VTel
WIC
Winstanley Enterprises, LLC
Wright Construction
Vermont Packinghouse
The Vermont Packinghouse in North Springfield, VT has been permitted to expand their existing meat processing and food packaging facility, allowing them to increase processing power and serve an expanding customer base. The footprint of the existing facility by 1,700 square feet via additions in the back, which will double the cooling space at the plant. The project is expected to reach completion by the end of the construction season. "We are growing very quickly. We have been on a rapid trajectory ," said general manager Arion Thiboumery. "Not only are we getting more customers, but our customers are growing and to keep up we need more space."
The Great Hall is underwritten by Springfield Regional Development Corporation
Great Hall Upcoming Exhibit
The 10 artists in Wildlands share a deep love of the land and capture the breadth and feel of open spaces in their landscapes. Please do join our artists and friends on October 12 at 5:30 in the Great Hall. There will be a delicious catered reception. A wonderful opportunity to ask the artists about their inspiration, techniques and travels.
