Economic Development Commission
Commission Members:
Robert R. Casner (D), Chairman
Michael Robidoux (R), Vice Chairman
William J. McEnery (U)
David W. Merrick (R)
Ralph M. Parady (U)
Jessica M. Stone (U)
Vacancy
Alternates:
Ryan T. Davis (R)
Vacancy
Part-time staff: Lauren A. Pszczolkowski, Economic Development Administrator
edcadmin@easthaddam.org
1 Plains Road
P.O. Box 385
Moodus, CT 06469
860-891-8503 office
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00pm in the Municipal Office Complex. Business owners and the public are invited to contact us with your ideas and questions or join us at one of our meetings.
The East Haddam Economic Development Commission (EDC) was established in June 1987, in accordance with the provisions of the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut. Seven volunteer members were appointed by the Board of Selectmen for five year terms and two alternate five year term positions were added at Town Meeting in May 2010. We also have a part-time Economic Development Administrator to work with the EDC and First Selectman on key development projects and as a business liaison.
The function of the East Haddam Economic Development Commission is to promote and develop the economic resources of the town, consistent with the town’s historic character, quality of life and natural environment. Promotion efforts focus on the tourism industry and visitor services to compliment East Haddam’s attractions and recreational opportunities. Development strategy focuses on East Haddam’s untapped tourism industry, maximizes its industrial zones, and capitalizes on the Town’s resident-driven market potential. Download the
New Business Guide to East Haddam - July 2020.pdf
2019-2020 Fiscal Year:
2019- 2020 was a strong year for the East Haddam Economic Development Commission.
Released EDC’s vision for the updated Plan of Conservation and Development. Assisting individual businesses as an advocate for expansion. With a strong eye to developing tourism along the lower Connecticut River, the EDC has been meeting with the towns of Haddam, Chester, Deep River and Essex to work in collaboration on maximizing opportunities we share by being a Connecticut River town. East Haddam is listed as a point of interest with ExploreCTshoreline.com.
This year saw the EDC updating and providing the businesses and tourist spots; both in town and surrounding with a comprehensive East Haddam Visitors Guide.
The EDC and the East Haddam Business Association (EHBA) continued its alliance, meeting several times over the year, hosting work sessions on ways to partner in key areas where we share the common goal of driving commerce and economic development. The Business of the Month is one program developed out of these meetings with a different nominated business receiving this honor monthly. The criteria being that the nominated business be a driving force in our community through either revitalization, community commitment or assisting in multiple business development.
The EDC along with the EHBA sponsored the annual Celebrate East Haddam Fall Fest. Always held the weekend before Columbus Day weekend, this past year it tripled in size with 12 individual signature events and 34 supporting businesses. By all reports the town saw significant increases in tourism and commerce. The goal is to continue to develop this festival every year to be even more inclusive of all businesses who want to participate and further drive tourism commerce for East Haddam.
With an eye to continued commitment for our existing businesses and growth of new businesses for the town of East Haddam the EDC will be working on areas to improve and educate. Areas of work include reviewing options for improvement in our health department, zoning issues; making some areas more business compatible and participating in the EHBA Business Expo to provide education and information on the processes of becoming a local business. With an ever present goal to increase commerce while keeping the unique rural quality of East Haddam the EDC is looking forward to continuing its work for the community.