INTRODUCTION
East Haddam offers visitors the opportunity to explore history, art, and nature in a scenic New England town. East Haddam also provides an opportunity for the small business owner to locate and offer products and services compatible with the visitor base and development vision of the town.

It is the function of the East Haddam Economic Development Commission (EDC) to promote and develop the economic resources of the town, while balancing the needs of our community and desire to keep growth compatible with our small town, rural environment. As evidenced by this website, this means targeting our business efforts to visitors and the tourism industry, and providing information for other small business entrepreneurs.

WEBSITE
The EDC launched this Tourism and Business Promotion website in 2001, and it has been fully revised several times, most recently in October, 2007. The site is constructed so that portions can be updated regularly by Commission members. The Business Directory and Calendar are updated as new information is received. Commission members can also retrieve website visitor reports and reviews them regularly to check the site's effectiveness. EDC's contact email is retrieved and answered frequently.

BUSINESS SUPPORT
The Commission would be happy to assist any businesses with information about data gathering, start-up, relocation, or expansion in our town. Contact us also to discuss any other request for help. The EDC maintains a business database of over 150 town businesses and uses it for municipal purpose informational mailings. It is also available for not-for-profit community group use. When notified of a new business by the owner, the EDC announces the business information of the quarterly town newsletter, The East Haddam Bulletin. Business Directories and Tourism promotion brochures have been produced after an agreement to participate authorization is granted by the business owner. The EDC also represents East Haddam business and economic development interests at various public meetings and in written communications.

EVENTS
The EDC supports festivals, events and other "destination" type activities by assisting with business tie-ins, advertising and seeking corporate sponsorships. Interested businesses should contact the festival committees or check with the EDC about who to contact regarding participation.

MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS
The EDC consists of seven volunteers, appointed to five-year terms by the Board of Selectmen. An application form can be obtained at the Town Office or contact the EDC.

The East Haddam Economic Development Commission meets at the River House at 7:00pm, on the first Thursday of every month. Our agenda is posted in the Town Clerk's office at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Business owners and the public are invited to contact us with your ideas and questions or join us at one of our meetings.