Pittsfield Economic Development Committee
July 2, 2008

1. Meeting called to order at 5:35.

2. Attendees: Ed Vien (EV), Deb Jordan (DJ), James Hetu (JH), Lyn Roberts (LR), Helen Schiff (HS),
Susan Muensinger (SM), Ellen Barbasso (EB) and Matt Monahan (MM) representing CNHRPC.
Also attending Linda Small (LS) and Leon Kenison (LK).

3. Minutes from June 18, 2008 reviewed and approved.

4. Signage Update
A. Cost to put up a sign with symbols is $250, plus installation fee and cost of sign itself
B. Annual fee is $10.00 per year for every year that it remains.
C.Ask Globe if they can put “WI-Fi Downtown” on their sign
D. We could ask property owners if we can put up a sign. – Exit Realty and Dunkin Donuts
E. Materials for additional sign at “Historic Pittsfield” will be donated, letters to be purchased
F. Sign will be 2ft x 8ft., with letters about 8 inches high
G. Can ask Veronica at Wicked Wi-Fi how they advertize on roadways

5. Wi-Fi
A. Single Digits is ready to go, just waiting for Metrocast to put in broadband cable
B. Trying to get lower cost to install equipment – now $149 to install router and $99 per month

6. LDC – waiting to get permission from Pittsfield Development Corp to use EDCOP
(Economic Development Corp of Pittsfield)

7. Web Site
A. SM spoke to Matt Goodwin-can’t change set up of web page. All pages are linked
B. Can’t change to collapsing references-too confusing for users
C. Can’t change top picture-part of web site-can add one at center of our page (see FD site)
D. Other suggestions
1. Delete Mission Statement
2. List current projects
3. Change picture from time to time.
4. Have a title “Relocating to Pittsfield” – more inviting to businesses
5. Put an interactive spot in website-“Ask the EDC Questions”

8. Steve Heavener-CRDC
A. We would like to get a written progress report on a regular basis
B. What feedback has he gotten from businesses?
C. How is Pittsfield positioned compared to rest of the region?
D. Is there anything we can do to improve businesses getting started here?

9. Other
A. Select Board passed funding ($1,400) for the CNHRPC Rt 28 Study
B. EV and MM will go to a YMCA meeting next week
C. Do we want a visit from Sarah E. DiSano-Community Development Finance Authority? No

9. Next meeting Wednesday July 16, 2008 at 5:30 P.M.

10. Meeting closed at 6:40 P.M.

Submitted by ____________________________________
Ellen Barbasso, Secretary