Economic Development Commission

Mt Airy, MD Economic Development Commission – 23 September 2020 Pledge of Allegiance - 7:04 PM Roll Call In Attendance: Others In Attendance: - Josiah Timmerman - John Breeding (Town of Mt Airy) - Jimmy Linton - Melissa Thorn (Town of Mt Airy) - Dan McNeill - Tony Burke (Mt Airy Messenger) - Donnamarie Needle - Alice Settle-Raskin (MAMSA) - Pamela Reed - Mike Vansant Approval of Minutes (No minutes to approve this month) Town Council Update - Pamela Reed - Gas line project/MXD update Community Development updates - Historic Dist. Microgrant application period begins 24 Sep, through 08 Oct. Town is looking for more façade improvement grant applications. 68 banners were ordered for the Hometown Heroes Program. I (heart) Mt. Airy program will be streaming again on Sep 30. Partner Updates - Alice Settle-Raskin – Farmer’s Market , MAMSA updates - No Chamber of Commerce update this month Old Business - Donnamarie is working on business survey (around a busy schedule). Pamela Reed suggested using SurveyMonkey as an alternative to a mailing, however, marketing and ad money exists and can be used for that purpose. - Melissa updated on the Community Map project – Eric Hyne will visit Town Hall the first week of October to discuss artwork & use of drone shots of downtown. - Melissa updated on the Business Assistance Loan Program – details will be sent to the EDC members for comments tomorrow (careful to follow open meetings act rules) and the Town Council can weigh in on aspects of the proposal. New Business - Pamela Reed updated on a Brand Ambassador Program – ambassadors from various sectors would consult with businesses in order to bring forth issues, ideas, and information to the EDC. We will need to define a list of business sectors using input from stakeholders. Pam will reach out to businesses and work with Melissa. Public Comment - Nothing to note Discussion - Area commercial property vacancies, new businesses in town. Motion to adjourn, Seconded 7:52 PM. Next meeting is 28 October 2020 at 7:00PM via Zoom