hard deadlines

Facilitator Phil Loscoe listens to workshop participant. Photo courtesy PEDC

The Portsmouth Economic Development Committee (PEDC) conducted a day-long "Planning for Portsmouth’s Economic Future" workshop yesterday which engaged a broad cross-section of residents and businesses in planning the town's economic future. According to the PEDC, the event drew more than 50 participants to the session at the Portsmouth Abbey School.

"I was really impressed by the exceptional discussion that was generated at the workshop," Rich Talipsky, Chair of the PEDC, said in a statement. "Our facilitator, Phil Loscoe, really kept the discussion moving and let everyone have time to voice their views even on some of the more controversial subjects."

Bob Andrews, Co-Chair of the PEDC Economic Strategic Planning Sub-Committee said, "We were really impressed at the amount of constructive information we gained from the workshop. This was so successful that we plan to have additional sessions like this."

The goal of the workshop — which was financed entirely through donations — was to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the Town’s economic well being and to develop priorities and potential actions to help facilitate a balanced budget in the long run. The format allowed for an open forum where citizens could voice their views on the drivers of the Town's economy and provide suggestions on how to maintain the Town’s character while balancing the budget.

The PEDC contracted facilitator Loscoe from RDW Group in Providence, to ensure an independent and balanced discussion of issues. In the course of two three-hour sessions with a break for lunch, the group brainstormed and debated issues that might affect Portsmouth’s economic well being. The basis for discussion was the PEDC’s "Economic Strategic Plan - Phase One" that was presented to the Town Council in May 2007.

At the end of the workshop the walls were filled with flipchart pages documenting the issues and ideas, which the PEDC plans to synthesize into an economic plan of action with milestones to provide the with positive economic direction. The PEDC videotaped the workshop and plans to produce a video for all those unable to attend.

In addition to the workshop, the PEDC is continuing to ask for input from citizens and businesses on steps to positive economic growth. An economic survey is available on the PEDC site where results of the workshop and links to key reference documents can also be found.

Editorial note: Yeah, this is rewritten from the PEDC press release. I had planned to attend, but yesterday was Jack's first karate tournament, and I'm afraid that sometimes family comes first. BTW, I have to say, we love Ernie's American Martial Arts. If you're looking for a karate school for your kids, I recommend them highly.