Economic Development Committee adopts one‑sentence mission statement

Chair Ottenberg opened and led the committee through a review of proposed mission statements and asked members to select a single, short sentence the committee could use publicly.

The committee adopted an amended statement. Chair Ottenberg read the approved line aloud as the final text: “Supporting business growth to fund services, boost community, and preserve Wildwood’s character.”

The committee debated brevity and phrasing before voting. Jason Bacher, participating via Zoom, made the initial motion to propose the first of five draft one‑sentence options. Council member Kranz seconded that motion and discussion followed among committee members about the best verb choice. A committee member identified as Jim proposed changing “we support” to the gerund “supporting” to keep the sentence concise; that amendment was seconded and approved. Jim then moved to approve the mission statement as amended; a second was recorded and the committee carried the final motion.

The shorter mission replaces the prior multi‑sentence version that Chair Ottenberg read aloud from the record: the earlier text ran several lines and described leading “the development and implementation of the vision and processes” for sustainable economic development. Committee members said the older text was difficult to recall and that a one‑line mission would be easier to communicate in public outreach.

The committee did not attach additional policy changes or a formal implementation plan to the new mission text at the meeting; members indicated it will be the committee’s guiding phrase for future materials and outreach work.

Chair Ottenberg said the succinct mission will help committee members and staff answer the frequent question, “What are we trying to accomplish?”