NWCT Economic Development Summit 2019

Join us for the 4th annual Northwest Connecticut Economic Development Summit! Last year was a terrific success with over 140 attendees. Doors open at 6pm, program starts at 6:30pm. Folks from NWCT SCORE, CT Small Business Development Center, NWCT Entrepreneurial Center, Northwest ConneCT, Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, CivicLift, and CERC will be there at 6pm to talk with attendees and share resources.

This year the Summit will be held in Norfolk's historic 300 seat music hall. While there you'll have a chance to check out the Norfolk Hub (a co-working and community gathering space), walk by the Town Center housing recently renovated by the Foundation for Norfolk Living, and see the City Meadow project, all within a quick 5 minute walk from each other (see "pre-event activities" below).

We're excited to announce that we have an inspiring keynote speaker this year, Matt Dunne, Executive Director of the Center on Rural Innovation, who will share stories of how small towns are creating jobs and competing successfully for young residents. You'll also hear updates on the economic development initiatives supported by our region's new Comprehensive Economic Development Straetegy (CEDS) including rural broadband, DiscoverLitchfieldHills, the NWCT Regional Food Hub, and Five Points' plans for the UConn Torrington campus. Learn more about how your town or organization can partner in these efforts and share in the benefits.

Who should attend: Members of local economic development committees, chambers, and business groups, land use commission members, and municipal leaders in Northwest Connecticut. There is no cost to attend.

Food: We will have dessert and coffee available at the Summit. There will also be a cash bar. If you arrive in Norfolk prior to the Summit hungry for something more substantial- try the Berkshire Country Store, or the Wood Creek Bar & Grill just steps away from Infinity Hall.

Pre-event activties: Norfolk Hub Open House (Join us at the Norfolk Hub for an Open House prior to the start of the Summit. Learn about the uses and benefits of this collaborative co-working space. Stop by for a few minutes or stay for the whole time - it’s up to you.)