WCCED's 2011 Work Program

 

 

The work program being carried out by WCCED's Board of Directors with the support of staff is designed to help retain and create jobs in the community, encourage investment and growth of the tax base, bring about balanced growth and economic diversity, and advance a clear, coordinated approach to community and economic development in Webster. The 2011 work program includes the following activities:

 

2011 WORK PROGRAM

 

WCCED Mission Statement

 

The mission of the WCCED is to speak with one voice for balanced revitalization and development in Webster and to carry out a clear coordinated approach to economic development through comprehensive community input.

 

 

Ø Business Development

 

New business recruitment, prospect development, and industry target marketing.

 

·        Continue to develop WCCED website and other communication tools to assist in communications between WCCED investors, business leaders, Webster residents, other economic development agencies, and those interested in Webster as a location for business.

 

·        Prepare a Target Industry Study that reflects current conditions in the Webster area. Develop a pro-active outreach/marketing strategy and new business recruitment program with focus on selected target industry clusters and development of Phillips-Salt-Basket Road areas. Also encourage spin-off development driven by stadium project.

 

·        Complete a Webster Area community profile that will provide the base data required by investors, businesspeople, and site location consultants.

 

·        Inventory available sites and buildings / post on Web site.

 

 

·        Continue to network with and collaborate with State, regional, and local organizations that can help advance Webster's economic development agenda Corporation.

 

·        Provide assistance to both public and private sectors with grant and loan programs or other business development tools.

 

·        Serve as a principal point of contact for businesses, developers, investors and others considering Webster as a business location.

 

·        Work with Chamber, BID, GRE, ESD and other groups to promote the area as a location for business and commerce.

 

 

Ø Business Retention / Expansion

 

Implement an area-wide business retention program, focusing on assisting the retention and expansion of existing companies in the community's business portfolio.

 

·        Make regular visitations to local businesses to help identify and target problems facing these businesses (early warning system). Initiate dialogue with local commercial building landlords in regard to renovation and building appearance.

 

·        Provide direct assistance and/or referral to other agencies as needed to help with business issues. Provide aid as needed in accessing grant and loan programs or technical assistance.

 

·        Work with Chamber and other groups to arrange for business development seminars for local entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and expanding businesses. Involve local bankers, accountants, SBA, SCORE, others.

 

·        Develop and sustain relationships with local banks, accountants, lawyers, code enforcement personnel, planning boards, and others who can promote business in the community.

 

 

Ø Community Development

 

Provide assistance to Town and Village of Webster and, where appropriate, private developers in various community development initiatives ranging from studies and plans to program development and preparation of grant applications.

 

·        Facilitate efforts to advance timing of and assure proper scope for Rt. 404 reconstruction project.

 

·        Complete development of downtown revitalization development plan for Webster Village that includes extensive community participation.

 

·        Serve as a community resource for Town and Village officials, the Chamber of Commerce and its members, the BID, local businesses and private developers with interest in the Webster area.

 

·        Monitor Federal/State/Foundation and other funding resources that be used to address community development and revitalization needs in Webster / Convey such information to Town and Village on a regular basis. Seek out funding that can be utilized directly by WCCED for project and program support.

 

·        Work with realtors, utilities, Empire State Development, COMIDA and others to more aggressively market existing underutilized commercial and industrial buildings.

 

 

Ø Membership / Investor & Community Relations

 

·        Design and implement on-going investor relations / new investor recruitment program / investor events to maintain program revenue.

 

·        Investor Retention Program: Retain multi-year and annual investor pledges. Host events showcasing the benefits of being a WCCED investor. Present work program and results on a regular basis to WCCED investors.

 

·        New Investor Recruitment program: Recruit new investors to broaden the support base to adequately fund the expansion of WCCED programs. Host new investor "eye-opener" breakfast events.

 

·        Investors Communication Program: Maintain regular communications with WCCED investors through WCCED web site, e-newsletters, and special project announcements.

 

·        Develop and maintain Investors' Panel

 

·        Prepare and make presentation on WCCED and its activities to investors, service groups, community groups, others throughout the Webster community.

 

·        Schedule and carryout community forums on economic development to engage the public and secure input on community desires.

 

·        Utilize WCCED's powers as a Local Development Corporation to undertake economic development activities as a source of fees that can be used to sustain the organization.