Village of Mount KiscoEconomic Development Council (EDC)

Board of Trustees Update

November 02, 2015

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Discussion Agenda

• EDC Charter, Objectives, and Structure• Economic Development Assessment• Initiatives and Current Status• Marketing and Branding campaign• Open Discussion

Discussion Agenda

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EDC Charter, Objectives, and Structure

CHARTEREDC role is to advise the Board of Trustees on appropriate policies, strategies, and issues related to economic development within the Village of Mount Kisco that will enhance private business investments and growth to spur job creation, enhance our neighborhoods, and contribute to a rich and vibrant social and economic community.

OBJECTIVES

Identify activities and initiatives to promote a vibrant and growing economy,

Recommend policies and actions that could achieve stable and diversified local economies,

Define key longer term programs that could enrich our social and community well-being, and

Promote collaboration among community and business organizations and resources.

COUNCIL STRUCTURE

Chair person (Larry Maisel)

Council members (5-7) serving staggered terms

Village Manager (Ed Brancati)

Trustee Liaison (Trustee Schleimer)

Advisors and Guest

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Economic Development Assessment

• Ranked #20 best small towns in America (tops in tri-state area)

• Ranked among Top 10 in Best places to start a new business in NY State

• Businesses – home to 30+ restaurants and over 300+ small businesses

• Education – Fox Lane HS ranked in the Top 50 High Schools in NYS

• Healthcare

– MKMG: home to over 170 award winning doctors and 400,000 patients

– NWH: US News & World Report listed it among the Best Hospitals as of 2014-2015

• Doctors ranked top 3%, Nurses ranked top 9%, ER ranked in the top 5%,

• Parks – Leonard Park: 120 acres, including tennis courts, playgrounds and ball fields. Includes Memorial Pool.

– Westmoreland Sanctuary: 640 acres

– Marsh Sanctuary: organic farming program

• Environmental Programs and Initiatives

• Diverse community

• Real Estate Residential, Commercial, and Open Space

• Transportation Hub

• Active community and civic organizations – Chamber of Commerce, Mt Kisco Public Library, Rotary, Arts Council, Boys and Girls Club of NW, etc.

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Initiatives and Current Status

Shorter Term• Develop Marketing and Branding campaign

• Implement a communications process for distributing important information and events to media sources

• Establish an EDC web site and social media links and leverage with other Community resources

• Thursday evening “After Work Party” at participating restaurants

• Weekend Art and Music festival in promenade

• Mt. Kisco CATV Channel: Spotlight on business and residents

• Define a more tailored and when appropriate a more expedited Planning Board review process

• Continue other “Look and Feel” projects (e.g. street flags, improved lighting, benches, etc.

Longer Term

• Transit-oriented Development: attract millennials, young professionals,

• Mt. Kisco Playhouse: Become the cultural hub of Northern Westchester

• The 1st Wi-Fi Village: Wi-Fi benches, charging benches

• Collaborate on significant events and celebrations (e.g. NWH Centennial)

• Education: apply for awards, focus on educational achievements

• Marketing Toolkit: partner with Chamber of Commerce to facilitate content, distribution, and revisions

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Mt. Kisco: The Heartbeat of Northern Westchester

• Subtitle: – Mt Kisco has IT

• Heart Pounding Reasons to Make Mt. Kisco Your Next Stop

Excellent RestaurantsHistory

Diversity

HealthEducationShopping

Entertainment

Parks andRecreation

Transportation Hub

Active community and civic organizations

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Open Discussion