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).
