Last Tuesday I was elected Chairman of the Ansonia Economic Development Commission (EDC). I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, and to share some of the commission’s goals for the coming year.
My name is Patrick Henri. I was appointed to the EDC by the Board of Aldermen at their September meeting. I come to the Commission with a background that includes employment at a large company (Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation), service in the Navy Reserve and work with diverse volunteer organizations.
It is my hope that I can put these experiences to work for the benefit of the commission and our city.
Our commission has no small job to do.
Taxes, fees and unemployment are up. The business climate in Connecticut is tough and competitive. That being the case, Ansonia needs be tough and competitive. It is the commission’s goal to find fresh and innovative ways to attract new investors and serve our business community and residents.
Where the EDC is at now:
- One idea presently being discussed by the commission is a tax incentive package to catch the eye of prospective investors.
- The commission has also discussed the need to actively and aggressively solicit new businesses, rather than waiting for them to find us. This past September, the Connecticut Office of Film was invited by the commission to tour various locations in Ansonia, in an effort to assess Ansonia’s potential to draw film industry jobs. The Film Office has since placed photographs of Ansonia on file and online for future projects, thereby increasing the visibility of our city to potential investors. This is just the first example of the commission’s new proactive approach to courting business.
- We are in the process of preparing a city-wide business survey so that we can get a better idea of the needs of our business community. We also plan to visit as many businesses that we can in person, and hear their thoughts and ideas.
- Additionally, the commission has already worked toward expanding Ansonia’s official website to include a “Doing Business in Ansonia” section, which we hope will grow along with the commission. The goal is to make doing business in Ansonia as simple as possible.
- Finally, the Commission intends to work with both City officials and community leaders to foster positive changes throughout the city. Partnerships and networking are valuable tools. Only recently, the commission, Office of Economic Development and mayor’s office worked together to successfully apply for a $300,000 Connecticut Small Cities grant for housing repair and rehabilitation. It is the first time in a decade that Ansonia has successfully applied for this grant.
The board consists of nine everyday, ordinary citizens, who are exceptional, at least, for the fact that they have stepped up to help our city and its residents.
As far as I know, we have no financial geniuses or giants of industry at our table, but we do have the shared intent of conducting a successful mission and are willing to entertain any and all ideas.
If you are genius or a giant of anything, I want you at our meetings. Even if you are not, we value all interest, ideas and suggestions.
If you would like to help, please feel free to contact me, or any other member of our commission. I can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Editor’s note: The Valley Indy invited Mr. Henri to write this column. If you’re an elected official or a citizen of the Valley who wants to share views, e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Mr Henri-
I can save you some Leg-work as I already see the leaking faucet in this town at such a young age. It was just 2 years ago I graduated from collage studying 4 years of economics and the strategies need for this century are so obvious. The critical needs were captured in theory through the following main stream newspaper blog – comment-section- it was released as a story titled “Ansonia gains $300G for home rehab efforts” . The following is social reasoning behind public perception where individuals think business economics is equivalent to home beautification projects. I was taught business economics is more aggressive in nature and reflective of a towns economic profile. How one puts a dress shirt on their business is different from how one should reflect the appearance of the home they live in. The second comment below was intended to steer larger blight issues in the town rather then band-aid the small home tax payer. The debate in the comment section was here:
Novel Idea wrote on Sep 20, 2010 11:16 AM:
” Whether one likes it or not Mayor Dell has done an outstanding job for Ansonia. By the begining of his second term Main Steet was full with businesses. Unfortunately last 2 years the countries economic woes have hurt everyone. This is not the fault of the administration. He recognized the need for minor and major needs within the city infrastructure and has moved it along. Costing us money? Yes. He and others had difficult decisions to make. Our PD is aggressive with enforcing laws. One can just witness the action first hand. Officers are very visible. Public works has under taken many projects that would have cost us more had we had to subcontract the work. Example: This fine work done by the laborers at the nature center on the boardwalk. The streets and properties are much cleaner. Ansonia has taken down more dilapidated buildings than any other valley town. Last year the old farm house was raised without costing city any money. Clearly the city has been fiscally responsible. Roman was not built in a day. I am sure their are issues that possibly handle differently but overall the city has moved forward under his direction. I would be one to support him to succeed Senator Crisco when the time comes. I am sure he would do his best. ”
Response To_Novel Idea wrote on Sep 20, 2010 12:47 PM:
” Having confidence in others such as Ansonia’s Alderman, Mayor and Aldermanic President means trusting them to honor its people and vision, believing they will act appropriately in a given situation, and being certain they will act in a such a way that will encourage reliability. Having confidence in ourself means trusting our values and taking responsibility representing our decisions and words. Unfortunately, trust isn’t something that comes easy, not in others, nor in ourselves. Like respect, trust must be earned, and once earned, it must be maintained or it will be lost.
NOVEL IDEA your statements are confusing “???The streets and properties are much cleaner. Ansonia has taken down more dilapidated buildings than any other valley town???”” What is your definition of a building other than the ones that may have burned down and for safety needed to be raised? SOMEONE DROPPED THE BALL HERE when we see the obvious and largest dilapidated structures anchored at the gateway or front door of theTown Center. The Farrel and American Brass properties. Being young enough to have participated and dropped sweat and pain on the football field for this town of Ansonia, I feel I gave a leader a chance through my vote (Coach Dell) because I personally thought capability was there through his love for the team. I and teammates who are still here look around town and say, what has really changed since I was to young to vote and I am no longer in that position but now in a position to monitor his performance? Yeah, I guess some of you are right, time for a change. It really hurts to say that but this town needs some visual improvements or I am out of here as well. Please take a closer look on your assessment (Novel Idea) your younger population demands what we know is possible. Know one at the administration level is fixing what many refer to in these blogs as the ultimate industrial mess.
TAKE THE 300K AND PLACE IT INTO A BROWNSFIELD EFFORT TO CLEAN UP THE FACTORY MESS OR ADJUST THE NEW SEWER ASSESMENT INFURSTRUCTURE PAYMENTS MY WORKING PARENTS ARE SUFFERING WITH. ” Re-think your applications you are submitting for town funding. Fixing blight home ownership is child-play, fixing blighted industrial infrastructure is for the talented!!!
Mr. LegalMethod,
Call me some night and we’ll meet and do some brainstorming. Bring some friends along.
Thanks for showing an interest.
Pat Henri
734-1851