13:36The most notable development discussed at the meeting was the introduction of “Discover Dighton,” a program designed to spotlight local businesses and services on Dighton TV Channel 9. The initiative is aimed at increasing community awareness and engagement with local enterprises. The program will be hosted by Tammy Melow, who brings experience as a retired police officer and work with the ASPCA. Melow is expected to conduct interviews with representatives from various departments, helping residents understand their roles and contributions to the community. Additionally, the show will feature segments on rescue animals needing homes, which is anticipated to broaden its appeal.

The committee emphasized the importance of this program in fostering a sense of community and promoting local businesses that might otherwise not receive significant exposure.

0:04In tandem with this initiative, the committee discussed their recent rebranding from the Dighton Development and Industrial Committee to the Economic Development Committee. They reviewed their ongoing marketing efforts, which include developing a new web URL and website, updating pamphlets, and enhancing communication channels through emails and social media. The committee acknowledged that outreach has been limited since the rebranding but proposed a strategy to ramp up efforts following their February meeting. Plans include distributing handouts in planning and conservation offices, as well as local banks, to maximize visibility.

A draft marketing plan was presented, featuring testimonials from local businesses that have collaborated with the committee in the past. One committee member mentioned Gotham Greens, a company interested in expanding.

The committee also addressed the challenge of improving the town’s online business guide, which has been criticized for being difficult to navigate. A suggestion was made to condense the most critical information into a user-friendly handout, modeled after one from the town of Westford, as a preliminary step before undertaking a comprehensive rewrite. This approach aims to make it easier for local businesses to access necessary information and resources.

13:36In other discussions, the committee noted the arrival of three new businesses in town: Simon Softwash, a pressure washing service; The Body Shop, offering wellness massages and fitness services; and Company H, about which little is currently known. The committee expressed enthusiasm for these additions, recognizing their potential contribution to the local economy. They discussed promoting these businesses through their online directory and social media platforms to ensure they receive adequate exposure.

Budget considerations were also on the agenda, with the committee proposing a $900 budget for the upcoming year. Of this, $150 is allocated for printing costs, while the remainder is earmarked for creating a marketing video using stock footage captured by a drone operator. The committee discussed the necessity of securing a contract with a vendor to use these funds and considered reaching out to local colleges for marketing interns to assist with the project.

The meeting also briefly touched on infrastructure issues, particularly the rising costs of sewer construction. The committee underscored the importance of securing grant funding to support these essential projects and noted the ongoing necessity for collaboration among town committees, especially where there are overlapping responsibilities and shared goals. A discussion about potential state grant opportunities for small businesses and agriculture was highlighted, emphasizing the need for proactive efforts in acquiring available funding to support local initiatives.