EDC meeting - speaker Cathy MCCollum

Please join us for the next Indian Head EDC meeting on Nov 17 at 7pm. Our speaker will be Cathy McCollom of McCollum Development Strategies in Confluence, PA. Cathy helped with a Trail Town mini-assessment of Indian Head several months ago and was very much impressed by the engagement of the public officials here and the opportunities in the town.

She has over 20 years of experience in urban and rural community and economic development and support an approach to community revitalization based on capitalizing on the assets of a community; whether they are historic buildings, a rich heritage, unique nearby attractions or resorts or access to outdoor recreational opportunities.

Cathy launched and directed the Trail Town Program, a regional community and economic development initiative in Pennsylvania and Maryland in nine communities bordering the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail.

Please join us as we explore strategic planning options for Indian Head.

September 15 meeting -guest presenter Aaron Arnett

We meet next on Sep 15 at the Pavilion at 7pm. Our guest presenter will be Aaron Arnett of Arnett Muldrow & Associates.

Aaron Arnett is a graduate of Clemson University with a background in design and a Masters Degree in City and Regional Planning. Aaron served for five years as the Historic Preservation Planner for the City of Salisbury, North Carolina.

Aaron is a skilled presenter having addressed various community interest groups and organizations. Aaron is equally adept at facilitating steering committees and neighborhood groups. Aaron has authored many planning documents and is proficient in GIS analysis and mapping.

Aaron has made presentations on Neighborhood Livability at the NC Institute of Government's Summer Planning Institute and on Historic Preservation Incentives and Local Historic Districts at the Preservation Commission Workshop sponsored by the NC State Historic Preservation Office. Aaron also serves as a commissioner for the City of Greenville's Design and Preservation Commission.

From Arnett Muldrow's web site... "We are currently working in 18 states across the US and have worked in over 150 communities. We are focused on using Community Branding, Market Data, and thoughtful design to create vibrant and viable communities."

Join us for this open meeting.

EDC Meeting August 18

This week we'll have an update on the Trail project and an update on the Theatre renovations. The meeting is at the Pavilion at 7pm. See you there!

Next meeting - July 21 7pm at the Pavilion

(republished)
The meetings are open to all.

EDC members are required to attend or notify Peggy Palmer that they cannot attend.

Discussion at the meeting in July will revolve around Economic Devleopment Strategic Planning.

suggested reading:
http://www.ci.cambridge.md.us/index.php/economic-development/opportunities/strategic-plan

https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1794/4007/Philomath_Strategicplan.pdf?sequence=1


http://www.ci.lakeville.mn.us/departments/departmentspdf/CEDStrategicPlan.pdf


Print these out and grab a cup of coffee! By reading these prior to our next meeting you help us move forward giant steps.

Thanks,
Peggy Palmer
Chair
pegpalmer47@hotmail.com

Next Meeting is June 16 for the Indian Head EDC

The next meeting for the Economic Development Commission for the Town of Indian Head is Wednesday, June 16, 2010.

We welcome all at monthly meetings which meet the third Wednesday of every month at 7pm at the Village Green Pavilion in Indian Head. For up-to-date information about upcoming meetings and events sign up as a "follower" of the blog at http://ihedc.blogspot.com/ .

The 10 person commission seeks to implement plans from the 2005 Town Plan which describes Indian Head as a family friendly place with a sense of community built around small town pride and waterfront assets.

Current projects include: branding and marketing the town, Indian Head Rail Trail marketing development, seeking new businesses and development projects for Indian Head, capital funding for the Black Box Theatre, and establishing a business association for Indian Head, among others.

Indian Head is designated a “priority funding area” for Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development. As such the town qualifies for special consideration from state and federal government for funding of Economic and Community Development projects. The EDC is seeking to identify projects that can help the town reverse any negative perceptions people may have about it.

Many of the projects spawned by the Commission rely on volunteers. There are many ways to contribute including: grant writing, community organizing, event planning, writing, graphic design, making phone calls, posting content and meeting dates to the blog, conducting needs assessments (surveys), and a myriad of other fun volunteer community activities. The EDC can spin off projects led by interested volunteers thereby leading residents in grass roots projects that stimulate town pride and a sense of place.

Change of Venue for Wednesday April 21

Please note that we will be meeting at the Village Green Pavilion...not Java Scripts.
7pm

EDC Meeting at Java Scripts Cafe on April 21 - 7pm

Please arrive by 6:30pm if you want to order from the menu at this wonderful coffee shop!

I am thrilled to announce that we will have the good fortune of having 2 speakers this Wednesday on the subject of branding. As we look to communicate our message about Indian Head as a prime place to locate a business, we need to position our "brand" in such a way that inspires people to want to live and work in our town.

Our speakers are:
Peter Roth – VP, Managing Director, Brunner DC
Peter leads the strategic direction for client engagements, always encouraging his team to ask the tough questions, challenge themselves, and not settle for old ideas or the status quo. His experience encompasses multiple verticals, including technology, associations/non-profits, financial services, education, healthcare, telecommunications and real estate. Peter has led branding and marketing exercises for clients including Sunday River Ski Resort and real estate clients Monument Realty, JBG and Donetelli, among others.

Heather Knight – Associate Creative Director
Heather has significant experience on both the agency and client sides of marketing communications, having worked for two design and marketing firms and a national nonprofit association prior to joining Brunner. Her editorial strength lies in her ability to craft persuasive copy that suits the specific needs of her clients and their target audiences. Most recently, Heather has led the creative team on rebranding initiatives for the National Association of Broadcasters, Prevent Cancer and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Please join us!

Indian Head Businesses

Two ideas for Indian Head Businesses:
1. The Town is updating its web site and needs a link to your business here Email Awilda Hernandez at the Town of Indian Head your link to have it added. awilda@townofindianhead.org
2. There is a new organization for all Indian Head businesses or those who are thinking of starting a business. For more info, contact Kay Cotton kay2clog@aol.com or Pam Hundley dalessmokehouse@verizon.net Meetings are at Dales Smoke House the 2nd Wednesday at 8:30am

And remember, sign up as a "follower" of our blog, if you aren't already and you'll get an email of all posts.

March Meeting is Mar 17 at Java Scripts

Please join us at the EDC meeting at Java Scripts instead of the Pavilion on March 17. And if you can make it, support the Trail initiative on March 10 at the Community Action Committee meeting on Mar 10 at the Pavilion.

Beth Porter from National Park Service to present at next EDC meeting

I am happy to say that Beth Porter will be at our meeting at Java Scripts on Feb 17. She will begin to help us explore the Economic Development benefits and potentials of the Trail for the Town of Indian Head. She will share info from other Trail Towns and the success they have had in spurring retail and other businesses like BnB's. The Trail gives us a unique marketing advantage as a Town that can:

• help us create a unique marketing/branding plan for Indian Head
• help create a sense of place for residents who say "there's nothing to do"
• increase tourism and create a destination at the "beginning of the trail"
• improve quality of life
• create partnerships between recreational and entertainment venues
• among other advantages

These are just a few ideas off the top of my head. I am excited about the Trail Economic Development technical assistance that the NPS is providing to the Town. We earned this assistance in a competitive grant designed to help small towns.

Let's all show our enthusiasum for the future of Indian Head as a quiet "off the beaten track" destination with thriving businesses.

Come to the meeting on the 17th.

If you want coffee or food, come at 6:30 to order, since the staff is going home after our meeting starts.

Thanks,

Peggy Palmer

Feb meeting is at JAVA SCRIPTS, not the Pavilion

Important!
The EDC is meeting at Java Scripts, the coffe shop formerly known as the Brew House, at 7pm on the 17th. If you want to order food or coffee, come by 6:30pm as the staff goes home after our meeting starts.

RSVP----Kindly give me a shout to let me know you got this. email pegpalmer47@hotmail.com or call me at 301-848-8267
Thanks,
Peggy

Jan 20 is next meeting

Mark your calendar for the next Indian Head EDC meeting at the Indian Head Pavilion at 7pm on Jan 20.