EDC updates: MapHub analytics, successful job fair, restaurant outreach and dredging funding work

EDC staff told the committee they have activated a MapHub account to analyze website visitor behavior and will use that data to refine tourism and business outreach. The committee also heard a string of operational updates: a successful April job fair, outreach to marketing partners on seafood and county branding, work on a restaurant vacancy pick list for entrepreneurs, and continued efforts to secure funding for dredging and jetty infrastructure.

Staff reported the April 9 job fair was well received by students and businesses and that questionnaires will be sent to participating employers and students to quantify interviews and hires. "We had great participation from the businesses," the presenter said, noting follow‑up will produce metrics to demonstrate the fair’s value.

Other operational items: the Northern Egg mobile museum is not available in 2026 because the vendor requires 24‑hour lighting, law‑enforcement site checks and pavement able to bear heavy display trailers; staff said they will pursue the opportunity for 2027 and explore grant options to improve infrastructure. A committee member (Drew) said a regional marketing group is preparing materials to assess branding and partnership opportunities for the county; materials are expected later this year.

On infrastructure, staff reported ongoing valuation and Q&A work with BMRC and the Army Corps on a local dredging project and outreach to the regional planning district commission and federal/state delegations to identify funding for the project’s jetties.

Staff also said a 25‑question online community growth survey is being prepared; publication and training will proceed as the budget cycle allows, and the survey will be used over time to track resident priorities.

No formal votes were taken on these items. Committee members asked staff for concise slide material and deadlines so work can be scheduled alongside the Poor House tract effort.