Hammond looks for committee members

By AMANDA PURCELL
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

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HAMMOND — Community members are looking to form an economic development council to streamline business growth and promote the town’s community plan.

The Business and Economic Development Group asked Town Council members on Tuesday to form a committee that would serve as a liaison between businesses and government to help promote the goals of the town’s community plan.

Erica C. Demick and Michael Stock founded the Business Development Group to promote business recognition, growth and development in the Hammond and Chippewa Bay areas.

Earlier this year, the group compiled an online registry and database of businesses in the area. They raised about $1,700 from businesses. Approximately $500 went to website design and the remaining $1,200 will be placed in a fund to be managed by the new committee, Ms. Demick said.

The money will be used to market Hammond and Chippewa Bay and possibly replace the existing entrance sign in Chippewa Bay, Ms. Demick said.

“There’s been some discussion on hiring someone,” Ms. Demick said. “But we think we can get enough volunteers to start. We’d like to have seven members: one person from the Planning Board, one person from the council and several members of the community involved.”

The committee would meet once a month.

“This is not set in stone,” Ms. Demick said. “This can change based on the committee’s input.”

According to St. Lawrence County Planning Office officials, the community plan will be put in final draft form in mid-October. Hammond residents can view the plan and still make changes before next month. The plan is posted online at www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/Departments/Plan ning/.

Town Council members said they will decide whether to endorse the committee at their next meeting.