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07/24/2019 09:05 AMAs part of ongoing efforts to improve economic viability in Clinton, a representative from the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) will be in the land use office once a week to aid development efforts.
As of July 1, Kevin Bielmeier from CERC will be in the Land Use Office on Tuesdays for about eight hours a day.
“The town had been looking at models for providing business retention resources from small to large businesses. We were also working closely with the State of Connecticut resources to make our town more attractive to new businesses,” said First Selectmen Christine Goupil. “CERC was the logical organization to partners with when you look at their successes in other communities.”
Bielmeier said that his time spent in Clinton thus far has been spent familiarizing himself with the town, and by traveling around the town to see the physical layout of the town.
“Primarily my role is to work for and interact with the first selectmen and the Economic Development Commission,” Bielmeier said.
The role will last until at least the end of the fiscal year, which ends in June 2020.
Goupil said that CERC has worked with the town in the past, and has assisted with development initiatives that benefited the town. Last year the town was able to hold a business forum, tourism forum, and manufacturer forum as a way to engage people in those industries. The town added additional money to the operating budget to pay for the increased services.
“CERC also provided support for marketing, website and brand development, business outreach, and development opportunities. This will be our second year working with CERC and we’ve layered in on-site support in response to requests. Kevin’s location in the Land Use Office allows for cross pollination of ideas and sharing of best practices from other municipalities,” said Goupil.
Bielmeier said that his efforts will be focused not only in recruiting new businesses to Clinton, but in helping those already in town.
“We’re going to reach out and take a pulse of how things are going and play a proactive and positive role if new developer come in,” Bielmeier said.
Goupil lauded Bielmeier’s expertise, stating, “CERC brings over 25 years of experience advancing economic development in the State of Connecticut. Kevin’s unique professional experience ranges from municipal economic development, grant-writing, sales and marketing, public presentation, video production, tourism and events management. “
Bielmeier noted that while there is work to be done, Clinton has several opportunities for development.
“There is a lot going on in Clinton. It’s a positive place to be,” he said.
Bielmeier pointed to the strengthening relationship between the Clinton Crossings Outlets and the town, the newly formed Arts District, the shoreline, the upgrades to the train station, and the Unilever as evidence of that opportunity.
Bielmeier also singled out the new and free to ride Clinton Trolley as a creative way to engage people in the town.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea and I think it’s what the town should be doing,” Bielmeier said.