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Otis subcommittee schedules Dec. 18 meeting with 1Berkshire to discuss tourism and business revitalization
Summary
The Otis Revitalization Business, Culture & Recreation Subcommittee agreed Dec. 3 to consult Ben Lamb of 1Berkshire about tourism, funding sources and planning a “Notice Otis” event. Members also flagged lack of properties, limited market-research funds and downtown appearance as barriers to new businesses and assigned an action to read the Berkshire Blueprint before the next meeting.
The Otis Revitalization Business, Culture & Recreation Subcommittee met by Zoom Dec. 3 and set the agenda for a Dec. 18 discussion with Ben Lamb, Vice President of Economic Development for 1Berkshire, focused on tourism opportunities and a proposed “Notice Otis” event.
Chair Glenn called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. and the group outlined topics they will raise with Lamb: how tourism might benefit Otis; what funding sources may be available to support initiatives; what factors attract businesses to a particular community; how to be sensitive to existing businesses when new ones arrive; and practical steps to plan and implement a successful Notice Otis event.
Committee members also spent part of the meeting identifying local barriers to business development. Members said there is a shortage of properties for sale with road frontage, limited funding available to conduct market research, and concern about the current appearance of the downtown area. As one practical step to improve visibility for existing firms, the group suggested consolidating a directory of local businesses on the Town of Otis website.
As an action item, subcommittee members agreed to read 1Berkshire’s Berkshire Blueprint prior to the Dec. 18 meeting with Ben Lamb. No formal vote was recorded; the assignment was entered as committee business. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Next steps: subcommittee members will review the Berkshire Blueprint and reconvene on Dec. 18 to meet with Ben Lamb by Zoom to discuss the issues above and potential funding pathways.
