Close to 150 people divided into six groups to discuss business growth, tourism growth, retention and attraction of 18 to 30-year-olds, trails and recreation, revitalizing downtown, and developing and age-friendly community.
“We came down to the Jim Collins (business consultant, author of Good to Great) principal of figuring out what you’re best at before you go ahead with it,” said Evan Oxner, who talked about helping develop businesses in Cumberland County.
His group called it, ‘Creating a Clear Identity.’
“We decided our main project was to develop a central identity that we would put forward and advertise, and focus all our efforts on looking for businesses and developing businesses.”
Each of the six groups was asked to look at hurdles and how to overcome those hurdles.
“The hurdles will be coming up with a consensus on what the actual identity is, where we need to focus, and what we need to push forward and what we need to leave behind,” said Oxner.
Solutions to hurdles to attracting business include doing a survey, forming a committee and having all levels of government help.
He said his group needs to set goals and timelines to accomplish those goals.
Amherst Mayor Robert Small was part of the tourism group and, after everyone spoke, said he was very impressed with what they had all come up with.
“I was in the tourism group and I got to tell you, everybody in that room did an awesome job and brought forward great ideas,” said Small. “Now we’re going to do it.”
He said the town would be there to help.
“Roger MacIsaac (Community and Economic Development Director) will be the quarterback for the town of Amherst, so whenever you need help call Roger,” said Small.
He also encouraged people to call him.
“If anybody wonders about something, for the love of God call me. I won’t have an answer but I’ll find out what the answer is,” said Small. “I’m willing to work with anybody who wants to accomplish something.”
He also said meeting spaces will always be available for the various groups.
“Don’t anybody worry about having a meeting space to organize and do your stuff,” he said. “We’re going to make a commitment to make sure you have the space.”
Small said he was amazed at the number of people in attendance.
“You guys are the ones who stepped up and that’s the most important piece of this whole process. We’re all in this together.”
Close to 150 people divided into six groups to discuss business growth, tourism growth, retention and attraction of 18 to 30-year-olds, trails and recreation, revitalizing downtown, and developing and age-friendly community.
“We came down to the Jim Collins (business consultant, author of Good to Great) principal of figuring out what you’re best at before you go ahead with it,” said Evan Oxner, who talked about helping develop businesses in Cumberland County.
His group called it, ‘Creating a Clear Identity.’
“We decided our main project was to develop a central identity that we would put forward and advertise, and focus all our efforts on looking for businesses and developing businesses.”
Each of the six groups was asked to look at hurdles and how to overcome those hurdles.
“The hurdles will be coming up with a consensus on what the actual identity is, where we need to focus, and what we need to push forward and what we need to leave behind,” said Oxner.
Solutions to hurdles to attracting business include doing a survey, forming a committee and having all levels of government help.
He said his group needs to set goals and timelines to accomplish those goals.
Amherst Mayor Robert Small was part of the tourism group and, after everyone spoke, said he was very impressed with what they had all come up with.
“I was in the tourism group and I got to tell you, everybody in that room did an awesome job and brought forward great ideas,” said Small. “Now we’re going to do it.”
He said the town would be there to help.
“Roger MacIsaac (Community and Economic Development Director) will be the quarterback for the town of Amherst, so whenever you need help call Roger,” said Small.
He also encouraged people to call him.
“If anybody wonders about something, for the love of God call me. I won’t have an answer but I’ll find out what the answer is,” said Small. “I’m willing to work with anybody who wants to accomplish something.”
He also said meeting spaces will always be available for the various groups.
“Don’t anybody worry about having a meeting space to organize and do your stuff,” he said. “We’re going to make a commitment to make sure you have the space.”
Small said he was amazed at the number of people in attendance.
“You guys are the ones who stepped up and that’s the most important piece of this whole process. We’re all in this together.”
