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Economic Restructuring Committee
Last Updated: March 3,2008
Chair Person: Great committee looking for a chair person– could it be you?
Economic
Restructuring
Strengthening the district's existing economic base while finding ways
to expand it to meet new opportunities -- and challenges from outlying
development. Our plans call for major improvements in arts, culture,
waterfront recreation, tourism, and conference opportunities in the
Downtown. It also calls for the addition of new retail, service, and
restaurant opportunities in very specific markets (see below) to
support the vision of Downtown Gardiner as the place "where originality
matters".
Our market research shows huge potential
for:
• Restaurants – especially family, steak house, seafood and ethnic
• Home furnishings, paint, wallpaper, flooring and other home
improvement stores
• Book stores and news dealers
• Sporting goods
• Clothing Stores – men’s, women’s, children’s, and infants
• Shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, luggage
• Hobby, toys and game stores
• Department stores
• Gift, novelty, and souvenir stores
• Arts dealers
• Office supply
• Doctors, dentists, health professionals
• Banking, financial services, legal services
Current Projects
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Prepare final report for City-wide Business Survey done in conjunction with Maine Department of Labor
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Develop a business attraction package & target recipients
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Provide workshops to help existing businesses in the Downtown strengthen and grow
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Create a Business Retention team of local experts to help existing businesses strengthen their position and expand
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Assist property owners to create unique housing opportunities for people wishing to live downtown
Past Projects
The committee attended an
intensive workshop on Market
Analysis and then prepared a market analysis for the primary &
secondary
trade areas including sales leakage. This information has been used in
developing a recruitment strategy a well as assisting potential
businesses. It
has also offered expansion opportunities for existing businesses. A
series of business development workshops have been offered
with Women, Work & Community, CEI’s Women’s Business Center,
and retail guru Jon Schallert.
Monthly Updates
Notes and Updates from the recent Meeting Coming Soon.
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