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"There should be an emphasis on the marriage of nature and culture, and a strategy to produce more of these assets moving forward"

What is GrowSMART?

GrowSMART is a regional economic growth strategy for the RiverCOG region. Beginning in June 2015, and wrapping up by December, the project will define what is desirable and feasible for each town and the collective region.  

It is our belief that a regional collaboration is stronger than seventeen separate initiatives. The purpose of this project is not to duplicate efforts of municipal Economic Development Commissions and Chambers of Commerce, or eliminate the unique identity of each community. Rather, we are attempting to capitalize on existing distinctive assets and develop a regional vision for future growth.

We want to develop a “bird’s-eye view” of capabilities and deficiencies throughout the region, that when put together, provide a stronger framework for growth:
  • Where the supply of workforce meets the market’s demand for talent; and
  • Limitations in infrastructure do not diminish hopes for future redevelopment; and
  • The emphasis is not on “growing the grand list”, rather, the retention and growth of existing firms

WHY?

The region has a strong asset base and unrealized potential that could be unlocked through a deliberate, inclusive, and in-depth visioning process. With numerous and diverse geographic characteristics, businesses and industry, tourism destinations, educational institutions, and a world-class workforce, we felt it was time to develop a sustainable template for economic growth and prosperity. 

HOW?

GrowSMART is comprised of three components: research, strategy development, and implementation.

RESEARCH: The first component will involve data collection, discussion groups, workshops, and visits to regional employers. This phase will identify priorities and assist in crafting a vision for future growth.

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT: Priorities identified in the research phase will help develop a "strawman" strategy for use in the second phase. Workshops will be held to gather feedback on the proposed strategy, as well as identify key themes and action steps for a growth plan.

IMPLEMENTATION: By December 2015, the region will have a template for sustainable economic growth. This phase of the project is not funded by CT OPM, and will rely upon RiverCOG and municipalities to implement the regional strategy after the project has wrapped up.

WHO?

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The GrowSMART project encompasses all 17 towns in the RiverCOG region including Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

GrowSMART is led by the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG) as well as project consultants Ninigret Partners (NP) and Fitzgerald and Halliday (FHI). NP and FHI will assist with research and analysis, hosting focus group sessions and workshops, and developing an implementable approach to economic growth. 

RiverCOG will also rely on a steering committee, the RiverCOG Economic Growth Strategy Committee (REGSC) for guidance throughout the project. The Committee is made up of 17 members collectively representing area businesses, chambers of commerce, workforce, universities, and municipalities. 

REGS Committee

Floresia Allen
Middletown Business Owner

Pat Bandzes
Eversource Energy

Susie Beckman
Old Saybrook EDC Coordinator

Kip Bergstrom
CT OPM Tourism

Darlene Briggs
Business Owner

Rosa Browne
NAACP Middlesex Chapter

Fred Carstensen
Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis

Joe Comerford
Estuary Transit District

Trevor Davis

Commercial Realtor


Kevin Dodd
Valley Railroad

John Guskowski
Clinton & Essex Town Planner

Cathy Lezon

Eversource Energy


Tom Marano
Middletown EDC Specialist

Laura Martino
Middlesex Hospital

Cathy Lechowicz

Wesleyan University

Susan Malan

Essex EDC Coordinator

Jeff Pugliese

Middlesex Chamber



RiverCOG Board Liasons

Susan Bransfield
First Selectwoman, Portland

Laura Francis

First Selectwoman, Durham

Bonnie Reemsnyder

First Selectwoman, Old Lyme

RiverCOG Project Staff

Jean Davies
Project Manager

Erin Bogan
Project Staff

Jeremy DeCarli
Project Staff

Janice Ehle/Meyer
Agriculture & Housing Planner

Margot Burns
Environmental Planner

Torrance Downes
Senior Planner

Sam Gold
Executive Director

SITE MAINTAINED BY RIVERCOG

To learn more about RiverCOG, visit our website at http://www.rivercog.org

2015