EDC's new business guide nears completion; database to underpin outreach

Commissioner Cheryl told the Economic Development Commission the town's new business guide is nearly complete and will include municipal finances, largest industries, business resources and land-use guidance. She said the guide will be available as a PDF on the town website and that photography funded by ARPA will be wrapped up by October.

"It's part of this. Why businesses choose Old Lyme, Old Lyme at a glance, municipal finances, our economy, our largest industries ... opportunities, the business districts," Cheryl said while describing the guide's contents. Commissioners plan to pair the guide with a database of commercial properties and a business visitation program to better understand vacancy reasons and support existing businesses.

Commissioners discussed embedding commercial listings (LoopNet) on the town site and relying on the tax assessor and realtor contacts to track vacancies. One commissioner offered to publish property availability on the town website once the database is ready.