Northwest Connecticut
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Guidelines for Focus Groups
Focus Group Topic:
Purpose of the Focus Groups: Focus Groups are an essential part of the process of creating a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest Connecticut. They serve to broaden the participation by many individuals from the region and should maximize the number of good ideas in the CEDS for improving our region’s future economy.
End Product of the Focus Group Process: By the time your group finishes its deliberations, we would like you to provide the oversight CEDS Committee and our consultants with three
(more is OK) recommendations of specific programs that should be created, projects that should be undertaken, or initiatives that should be started related to your focus group topic.
These recommendations should be made because your focus group believes the program, project or initiative will significantly improve our regional economy in the future. Later on in the process we will provide you with a simple, standardized format for providing information on each recommendation.
Timeframe for Discussions: Our Focus Group process needs to allow adequate time for discussion, but have a deadline for all groups making their recommendations. Each Focus Group will work at its own pace, meet as often as the group believes necessary, and establish their own communications process.
Step 1: Please address questions 1 – 6 by April 30, 2012. Have someone from your group fill in your responses to the questions on this form and send the results to Mark
Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by April 30 th . To comply with requirements of
Step 2: Once you have done that, please begin to address questions
We believe a sixty (60) day period should be adequate to develop your recommendations, which should be submitted to Mark Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by June 1, 2012.
Cross-cutting Issue to be considered by all Focus Groups: How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Instructions specific to this Focus Group: None at this time.
Focus Group Membership: Maximizing the value of your Focus Group will be dependent on having the a significant number of the “right” people involved – that is, people from the region who are knowledgeable about and interested in your topic and can contribute to the idea generation process. So far, your Focus Group includes the following individuals:
Tim
Leonard
Abbott
Assard tim.abbott@hvatoday.org ptmeadows@aol.com

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Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
Kay
Jim
Michael T.
Jean C.
Ellen
Richard
Barbara
Carroll
Gooch
Keilty
King
Wilson
Meinert
Putnam kaycarroll@aol.com jgooch@gmail.com michael.keilty@uconn.edu jeancking@gmail.com monk51@optonline.net richard.meinert@uconn.edu bdputnam@alum.mit.edu
Who else should be invited to participate in your Focus Group? You have identified the following – are there others?
Name
Bruce Greczyck
Eric Hammerlling
Freunds
Farm Bureau folks
Rick Plumb
Arethusa
Bob LaBonne
David Brenner
Connie Mannes
Price Chopper
Chef Jonathan Gyles
Horans, Quincy or Patrick
Paul Butaglia
Ben March
Ruwett Farm
Bill Davenport
Farmer
Affiliation
State Forestry
Farmer
Dairy farmer
Dairy and embryos
Grocer
Northville and Bantam Markets
Land Trust consultant
Grocer (Gt Barrington buys locally)
Litchfield Inn/Bantam Bistro
Waldingfields farm
Fort Hill Farm
March Farms
Anne Ruwett
Nonnewaug HS (Reg. 14)
Who Will Invite?
Tim
Lenny
Michael Keilty
Tim
Continuation of discussions from March 7 th : The next several discussion topics were part of the Focus Group meetings on March 7, 2012, but may not have been addressed adequately due to time constraints. As you continue your group discussion, they should be addressed early in the process to provide a foundation for the recommendations you have been asked to make.
1.
In developing recommendations for the CEDS related to your Focus Group topic,
what key questions need to be addressed or areas explored? So far you have listed the following:
 How can we more productively use our existing open space (including preserved open space) and farmland?

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 What’s the future of the current 40,000 acres of agricultural land (15% of the total land area) in Litchfield County with good soils (prime and statewide important)?
 How do we bolster the market for agricultural products we produce in this region?
(Branding such as the Farmer’s Cow.)
 Can we “brand” our Northwest CT agricultural products to market them more effectively?
 Are there benchmarks we can use? Are there other regions doing what we want to do better than we are doing it?
 How can a farmer assess the future market for his/her products?
 What are the baseline numbers of jobs, acreage, production, value attributable to farming in this region?
 A concerns of this agricultural/conservation group cut across the other focus groups’ concerns. (Tourism, real estate values, workforce development, jobs, manufacturing)
 How do we keep the region looking the way we like it, but add more jobs/prosperity?
 What local regulations or regional policies can help farms increase production and market their products?
 Comprehensive planning needs to identify areas where clusters of farms and preserved land are appropriate. How can we effectively describe a place-appropriate blend of uses?
 Urban farm uses such as greenhouses generate jobs and do not require large acreage.
 How do we ensure that these uses are incorporated in the planning process and permitted in densely populated areas?
 Litchfield County is 75% forested. Water companies own about ten thousand acres of it.
30% is permanently protected. There are fewer saw mills, not much of a market for firewood. What economic and other value do we derive from our forests? Sustainable forestry? Maple syrup? Timber? Firewood? Tourism? Scenic value? Recreation? Water quality protection? Habitat preservation? Real estate values?
 Can we make productive use of woodlands while conserving ecological value and rural character?
 What policies will affect this sector positively? Are there other people we can bring into this discussion to help us formulate appropriate questions?
Are there any others that should be added to this list? If so, what?
2.
With regard to your Focus Group topic, what are the major strengths and
weaknesses of the Northwest CT CEDS region? So far, your group has come up with the following:
Regional Strengths
Beautiful
Peaceful, serene
Western section attracts people with money
Agricultural infrastructure, such as large animal vets and milk pick up
A cluster of lots of small farms, a few very
Regional Weaknesses
No city like services;
NIMBYs don’t want it to change
Western section Attracts people with money
Eastern section is hard up, farther from NYC
Agricultural infrastructure is fragile, dependent

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_____________________________________________________________________________________ large producers on a few large operations
Rental land for farming available
Increased interest in small farming, new farmers
Large dairy farms are biggest meat producers
Infrastructure dependent on large producers
Local farmers markets are growing Rental land dependent on large producers
New farmers need training, help
Not enough markets for all the small, new farmers
Room for a middle-man to market small farmers’ products
Small farmers are not organized into a co-op, collaborative marketing group
Lack of delivery system for small farmers’ products
Lack of processing facilities – community kitchens, freezers
Lack of a slaughterhouse
Are there any other strengths and weaknesses related to your topic that should be added to this list?
Regional Strengths Regional Weaknesses
3.
Are there other issues (for example, the general need for something, or general lack of something) impacting your Focus Group topic that need to be recognized?
So far you have listed:
 Are there benchmarks we can use? Are there other regions doing what we want to do better than we are doing it?
 How can a farmer assess the future market for his/her products?
 What are the baseline numbers of jobs, acreage, production, value are attributable to farming in this region?
 A concerns of this agricultural/conservation group cut across the other focus groups’ concerns. (Tourism, real estate values, workforce development, jobs, manufacturing)
 How do we keep the region looking the way we like it, but add more jobs/prosperity?
 What local regulations or regional policies can help farms increase production and market their products?
 Comprehensive planning needs to identify areas where clusters of farms and preserved land are appropriate. How can we effectively describe a place-appropriate blend of uses?
 Urban farm uses such as greenhouses generate jobs and do not require large acreage.
How do we ensure that these uses are incorporated in the planning process and permitted in densely populated areas?
 Litchfield County is 75% forested. Water companies own about ten thousand acres of it.
30% is permanently protected. There are fewer saw mills, not much of a market for

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 5
_____________________________________________________________________________________ firewood. What economic and other value do we derive from our forests? Sustainable forestry? Maple syrup? Timber? Firewood? Tourism? Scenic value? Recreation? Water quality protection? Habitat preservation? Real estate values?
 Can we make productive use of woodlands while conserving ecological value and rural character?
 What policies will affect this sector positively? Are there other people we can bring into this discussion to help us formulate appropriate questions?
Are there any other issues to be discussed? If so, what are they?
4.
What are the major regional opportunities related to your Focus Group topic and
how can we capitalize on these opportunities? At the March 7 th session, your Focus
Group identified the following Opportunities:
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?
Regional Opportunities
Look at Vermont as a model of marketing, aggregate of producers for marketing. “Food hub”
New Milford Plow to Plate going to hospitals and schools can be replicated
Farm to chef
Farm to school
Regional system/collective for marketing
Are there other Opportunities that should be added to this list? If so, what are they and what is necessary to capitalize on these opportunities?
Regional Opportunities
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?

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_____________________________________________________________________________________
New topics for discussion (to be completed by April 30, 2012):
5.
Building on the discussions on March 7 th or as you have answered the questions above, what other topics should be added to your discussion list and how are you going to address these topics?
6.
How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Wrap –up Questions (to be completed by June 1, 2012):
7.
Based on the analysis in questions 1 – 6 above, what does your group see as the biggest opportunities or needs related to your Focus Group topic that should be addressed as a new program, project or initiative that will be an important element of the Northwest Connecticut CEDS?
8.
If you have identified more than three suggested programs, projects or initiatives, how would you prioritize them?
9.
What other information, suggestions, or guidance would you like to provide to the oversight CEDS Committee and the consulting team?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 7
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you very much for your participation in the very important process.

Northwest Connecticut
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Guidelines for Focus Groups
Focus Group Topic:
Purpose of the Focus Groups: Focus Groups are an essential part of the process of creating a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest Connecticut. They serve to broaden the participation by many individuals from the region and should maximize the number of good ideas in the CEDS for improving our region’s future economy.
End Product of the Focus Group Process: By the time your group finishes its deliberations, we would like you to provide the oversight CEDS Committee and our consultants with three
(more is OK) recommendations of specific programs that should be created, projects that should be undertaken, or initiatives that should be started related to your focus group topic.
These recommendations should be made because your focus group believes the program, project or initiative will significantly improve our regional economy in the future. Later on in the process we will provide you with a simple, standardized format for providing information on each recommendation.
Timeframe for Discussions: Our Focus Group process needs to allow adequate time for discussion, but have a deadline for all groups making their recommendations. Each Focus Group will work at its own pace, meet as often as the group believes necessary, and establish their own communications process.
Step 1: Please address questions 1 – 6 by April 30, 2012. Have someone from your group fill in your responses to the questions on this form and send the results to Mark
Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by April 30 th . To comply with requirements of
Step 2: Once you have done that, please begin to address questions
We believe a sixty (60) day period should be adequate to develop your recommendations, which should be submitted to Mark Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by June 1, 2012.
Cross-cutting Issue to be considered by all Focus Groups: How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Instructions specific to this Focus Group: Please make sure that your discussion includes more than just brownfields. It is important to take a look at assuring the region has an adequate supply of commercial real estate in both available building space and sites for development.
Focus Group Membership: Maximizing the value of your Focus Group will be dependent on having the a significant number of the “right” people involved – that is, people from the region

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 2
_____________________________________________________________________________________ who are knowledgeable about and interested in your topic and can contribute to the idea generation process. So far, your Focus Group includes the following individuals:
Arthur
Rick
John
Rose
Gina
Tim
Bogen
Lynn
O'Toole
Ponte
Scherbner
Sullivan abogen@downtoearthconsulting.com
Lhceo1@snet.net otoolja@nu.com rose_ponte@torringtonct.org gscherbner@unionsavings.com tsullivan@nercc.org
Who else should be invited to participate in your Focus Group?
Name Affiliation Who Will Invite?
Continuation of discussions from March 7 th : The next several discussion topics were part of the Focus Group meetings on March 7, 2012, but may not have been addressed adequately due to time constraints. As you continue your group discussion, they should be addressed early in the process to provide a foundation for the recommendations you have been asked to make.
1.
In developing recommendations for the CEDS related to your Focus Group topic,
what key questions need to be addressed or areas explored? So far you have listed the following:
 Availability of Funding for Cleanup
 How to support small towns in the process, so they don’t let lost in the things like grant writing and EPA training
 Do the work in advance, be prepared with a project when a developer is interested
 Be sure the improvements to funding and limiting liability is known in the market
 Focus on limiting challenges in dealing with public agencies
 Quantify and identify projects, where they exist and how cleanup would enhance community.
Are there any others that should be added to this list? If so, what?

Northwest CT CEDS
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2.
With regard to your Focus Group topic, what are the major strengths and
weaknesses of the Northwest CT CEDS region? So far, your group has come up with the following:
Regional Strengths
Great Real Estate Values
Region one strong regional approach
Sites are great for looking at alternate uses such as renewable energy
Torrington and Winsted have experience and knowledge of the system
Area tends to be pro conservation
Access to people with private capital and means
State funding
Funding
Fear
Regional Weaknesses
Lack of shovel ready sites
Could improve on regional thinking
Lack of motivation
No institutional capacity
Are there any other strengths and weaknesses related to your topic that should be added to this list?
Regional Strengths Regional Weaknesses
3.
Are there other issues (for example, the general need for something, or general lack of something) impacting your Focus Group topic that need to be recognized?
If so, what are they?
4.
What are the major regional opportunities related to your Focus Group topic and
how can we capitalize on these opportunities? At the March 7 th session, your Focus
Group identified the following Opportunities:
Regional Opportunities
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?
DEEP commissioner is pro change and activity Come forward as an area/region
EDC very approachable and easy to work with Engage and be ready to make most of EDA and decd
Sense of urgency created by fund currently available
 Productive work force will draw companies with capacity
 This process give us more ability to support a process and be ready

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Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
Are there other Opportunities that should be added to this list? If so, what are they and what is necessary to capitalize on these opportunities?
Regional Opportunities
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?
New topics for discussion (to be completed by April 30, 2012):
5.
Building on the discussions on March 7 th or as you have answered the questions above, what other topics should be added to your discussion list and how are you going to address these topics?
6.
How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Wrap –up Questions (to be completed by June 1, 2012):
7.
Based on the analysis in questions 1 – 6 above, what does your group see as the biggest opportunities or needs related to your Focus Group topic that should be addressed as a new program, project or initiative that will be an important element of the Northwest Connecticut CEDS?
8.
If you have identified more than three suggested programs, projects or initiatives, how would you prioritize them?
9.
What other information, suggestions, or guidance would you like to provide to the oversight CEDS Committee and the consulting team?
Thank you very much for your participation in the very important process.

Northwest Connecticut
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Guidelines for Focus Groups
Focus Group Topic:
Purpose of the Focus Groups: Focus Groups are an essential part of the process of creating a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest Connecticut. They serve to broaden the participation by many individuals from the region and should maximize the number of good ideas in the CEDS for improving our region’s future economy.
End Product of the Focus Group Process: By the time your group finishes its deliberations, we would like you to provide the oversight CEDS Committee and our consultants with three
(more is OK) recommendations of specific programs that should be created, projects that should be undertaken, or initiatives that should be started related to your focus group topic.
These recommendations should be made because your focus group believes the program, project or initiative will significantly improve our regional economy in the future. Later on in the process we will provide you with a simple, standardized format for providing information on each recommendation.
Timeframe for Discussions: Our Focus Group process needs to allow adequate time for discussion, but have a deadline for all groups making their recommendations. Each Focus Group will work at its own pace, meet as often as the group believes necessary, and establish their own communications process.
Step 1: Please address questions 1 – 6 by April 30, 2012. Have someone from your group fill in your responses to the questions on this form and send the results to Mark
Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by April 30 th . To comply with requirements of
Step 2: Once you have done that, please begin to address questions
We believe a sixty (60) day period should be adequate to develop your recommendations, which should be submitted to Mark Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by June 1, 2012.
Cross-cutting Issue to be considered by all Focus Groups: How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Instructions specific to this Focus Group: None at this time.
Focus Group Membership: Maximizing the value of your Focus Group will be dependent on having the a significant number of the “right” people involved – that is, people from the region who are knowledgeable about and interested in your topic and can contribute to the idea generation process. So far, your Focus Group includes the following individuals:
Ginny
Jocelyn
Alice
Apple
Ayer
Bemand virginia.apple@jud.ct.gov jocelyn@nwctplanning.org alice@triarts.net

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_____________________________________________________________________________________
Mary Sue
Steve
Aurora
Celeste
Sal
Dale
Karen
JoAnn
Janet
Larry
Tim
Jim
Amy
Cavanagh
Criss
Daly
Echlin
Lilienthal
Martin
Rossi
Ryan
Serra
Sweeney
Waldron
Whitney
Wynn mscavanagh@comcast.net scriss@warnertheatre.org auroradaly@gmail.com cechlin@earthlink.net info@bicycletours.com townmanager@townofwinchester.org karen@karenrossi.com joann@nwctchamberofcommerce.org lhcvbnwct@aol.com lmsweeney@optonline.net tim_waldron@torringtonct.org jim@northwestct.com awynn@artsnwct.org
Who else should be invited to participate in your Focus Group?
Name Affiliation Who Will Invite?
Continuation of discussions from March 7 th : The next several discussion topics were part of the Focus Group meetings on March 7, 2012, but may not have been addressed adequately due to time constraints. As you continue your group discussion, they should be addressed early in the process to provide a foundation for the recommendations you have been asked to make.
1.
In developing recommendations for the CEDS related to your Focus Group topic,
what key questions need to be addressed or areas explored? So far you have listed the following:
 What is product?
 What are the connecting routes?
 Market Accessibility
 Intra-State Access
 Define Market
 Inventory Assets
Are there any others that should be added to this list? If so, what?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 3
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2.
With regard to your Focus Group topic, what are the major strengths and
weaknesses of the Northwest CT CEDS region? So far, your group has come up with the following:
Strengths
Natural beauty
National wild & scenic area
Significant events
No casino
Authentic NE Experience
Village Centers
Main Street
Heritage – National Heritage Area
Character
Arts & Culture – grass roots
Community based – intimate scale
Regional Weaknesses
Lack of clear identity – NW CT - Litchfield Hills
Lack of transportation options
Consistent regional funding from the state
Need for stronger state-based tourism office
Erosion of value of culture
Poor signage (unique)
D.O.T. obstacles
Lack of Awareness
Disconnect/Passive Info Sources
Proximity to New York City
Agricultural – locally grown & made - fairs
Adventure of Discovery
Are there any other strengths and weaknesses related to your topic that should be added to this list?
Regional Strengths Regional Weaknesses
3.
Are there other issues (for example, the general need for something, or general lack of something) impacting your Focus Group topic that need to be recognized?
If so, what are they?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
4.
What are the major regional opportunities related to your Focus Group topic and
how can we capitalize on these opportunities? At the March 7 th session, your Focus
Group identified the following Opportunities:
Regional Opportunities
Western CT Visitors Bureau – mtgs/blogs/website – national and Int’l market
Regional networks
NW CT Chamber
NW CT Arts Council
NW CT EDC
COGS
Visual Image Bank
Community Council of N/P
Branding/Marketing
Regionally-Cooperatively-All same message
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?
One unified message
Litchfield Hills Unwind
Adventure of Discovery
CT’s Hidden Gems
Life-Style
Treasure
Human Scale
Are there other Opportunities that should be added to this list? If so, what are they and what is necessary to capitalize on these opportunities?
Regional Opportunities
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?
New topics for discussion (to be completed by April 30, 2012):
5.
Building on the discussions on March 7 th or as you have answered the questions above, what other topics should be added to your discussion list and how are you going to address these topics?
6.
How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
Wrap –up Questions (to be completed by June 1, 2012):
7.
Based on the analysis in questions 1 – 6 above, what does your group see as the biggest opportunities or needs related to your Focus Group topic that should be addressed as a new program, project or initiative that will be an important element of the Northwest Connecticut CEDS?
8.
If you have identified more than three suggested programs, projects or initiatives, how would you prioritize them?
9.
What other information, suggestions, or guidance would you like to provide to the oversight CEDS Committee and the consulting team?
Thank you very much for your participation in the very important process.

Northwest Connecticut
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Guidelines for Focus Groups
Focus Group Topic:
Purpose of the Focus Groups: Focus Groups are an essential part of the process of creating a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest Connecticut. They serve to broaden the participation by many individuals from the region and should maximize the number of good ideas in the CEDS for improving our region’s future economy.
End Product of the Focus Group Process: By the time your group finishes its deliberations, we would like you to provide the oversight CEDS Committee and our consultants with three
(more is OK) recommendations of specific programs that should be created, projects that should be undertaken, or initiatives that should be started related to your focus group topic.
These recommendations should be made because your focus group believes the program, project or initiative will significantly improve our regional economy in the future. Later on in the process we will provide you with a simple, standardized format for providing information on each recommendation.
Timeframe for Discussions: Our Focus Group process needs to allow adequate time for discussion, but have a deadline for all groups making their recommendations. Each Focus Group will work at its own pace, meet as often as the group believes necessary, and establish their own communications process.
Step 1: Please address questions 1 – 6 by April 30, 2012. Have someone from your group fill in your responses to the questions on this form and send the results to Mark
Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by April 30 th . To comply with requirements of
Step 2: Once you have done that, please begin to address questions
We believe a sixty (60) day period should be adequate to develop your recommendations, which should be submitted to Mark Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by June 1, 2012.
Cross-cutting Issue to be considered by all Focus Groups: How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Instructions specific to this Focus Group: None at this time.
Focus Group Membership: Maximizing the value of your Focus Group will be dependent on having the a significant number of the “right” people involved – that is, people from the region who are knowledgeable about and interested in your topic and can contribute to the idea generation process. So far, your Focus Group includes the following individuals:
Evan
Bill
Susie
Anderson
Baxter
Clayton evan@quinoco.com billybax08@gmail.com pocket_mom@yahoo.com

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Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
Carol
Ben
Ed
Bob
Douglas
John
Tami
Colin
Howard
Guy
Deane
Eison
Fabbri
Geiger
Guy
Morici
Ostroski
Pease
Pincus
Rovezzi
CDeane8827@aol.com ben.eison@chartercom.com
Ed_Fabbri@torringtonct.org rgeiger2@att.blackberry.net dguy@provisionlogistics.com john@biznuzz.com
Tami17a@aol.com fcpease@comcast.net hpincus@mindspring.com grovezzi@cfnwct.org
Who else should be invited to participate in your Focus Group?
Name Affiliation Who Will Invite?
Continuation of discussions from March 7 th : The next several discussion topics were part of the Focus Group meetings on March 7, 2012, but may not have been addressed adequately due to time constraints. As you continue your group discussion, they should be addressed early in the process to provide a foundation for the recommendations you have been asked to make.
1.
In developing recommendations for the CEDS related to your Focus Group topic,
what key questions need to be addressed or areas explored? So far you have listed the following:
Transportation:
Route 8 corridor –Inadequate north of Winsted to MA Pike
 Connection to Waterbury, Bridgeport, and NYC area okay – underutilized at present from Winsted to Waterbury, upgrade needed below Waterbury if commerce and traffic in general expands.
 Airport access from NW CT limited by inadequate roadways/ topography limitations; hills, N/S linear reservoir.
Route 7 Corridor – To NYC [parallel RR system]
 Expanded passenger service could add 1 million people to visit/work in area and commute/visit to/from NYC.
 Upgrade and expansion of line to Western MA could improve access each way to
Berkshires and to NYC
 Create stations in downtown areas where expanded rail service is added.
 Create connectivity of areas through shared rail service.

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 Cost of fuel could be a ‘game changer’
 Change the transportation equation to a rail opportunity balance
 Future regional development tied to intermodal transportation.
B. Broadband Integration
 Inadequate in region
 Wireless a problem
 Decisions tied to density and pay-back
 Tie broadband lines to rail system lines to provide trunk to distal locations.
Are there any others that should be added to this list? If so, what?
2.
With regard to your Focus Group topic, what are the major strengths and
weaknesses of the Northwest CT CEDS region? So far, your group has come up with the following:
Regional Strengths
Area is residential w/high perceived quality of life – a plus adding to tourism potential – retain rural nature
Railroad enhancements a supplement.
Regional Weaknesses
Rte 8 limited capacity to North
Business and commerce inadequate to potential market
Quality of life in NW CT high [perceived] but insular and aging – higher than State average which is 5 th highest in country.
Inadequate broadband access in region
Wireless not always available
Are there any other strengths and weaknesses related to your topic that should be added to this list?
Regional Strengths Regional Weaknesses

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Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
3.
Are there other issues (for example, the general need for something, or general
lack of something) impacting your Focus Group topic that need to be recognized?
So far you have listed:
 Interconnected w/ urban upgrades of large municipalities in region, workforce issues, housing for workforce, aging an issue, preservation of existing farmland.
Are there any other issues to be discussed? If so, what are they?
4.
What are the major regional opportunities related to your Focus Group topic and
how can we capitalize on these opportunities? At the March 7 th session, your Focus
Group identified the following Opportunities:
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?
Upgrade of existing RR tracks
Regional Opportunities
Rails - Encourage freight service to Torrington, as well as a passenger connection down to
Waterbury and beyond.
Revive rails to No. Canaan for freight as well as passenger service.
Consider renewable energy opportunities/ vis a vis potential cost of energy going forward.
Enhance commerce w/out reducing QOL in area.
Rte 7 – Corridor expansion to connect w/ MA
Rte 7 planned upgrades.
Integrate Broadband improvements along corridor transportation corridors – Rte 7&8
Are there other Opportunities that should be added to this list? If so, what are they and what is necessary to capitalize on these opportunities?
Regional Opportunities
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
New topics for discussion (to be completed by April 30, 2012):
5.
Building on the discussions on March 7 th or as you have answered the questions above, what other topics should be added to your discussion list and how are you going to address these topics?
6.
How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Wrap –up Questions (to be completed by June 1, 2012):
7.
Based on the analysis in questions 1 – 6 above, what does your group see as the biggest opportunities or needs related to your Focus Group topic that should be addressed as a new program, project or initiative that will be an important element of the Northwest Connecticut CEDS?
8.
If you have identified more than three suggested programs, projects or initiatives, how would you prioritize them?
9.
What other information, suggestions, or guidance would you like to provide to the oversight CEDS Committee and the consulting team?
Thank you very much for your participation in the very important process.

Northwest Connecticut
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Guidelines for Focus Groups
Focus Group Topic:
Purpose of the Focus Groups: Focus Groups are an essential part of the process of creating a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest Connecticut. They serve to broaden the participation by many individuals from the region and should maximize the number of good ideas in the CEDS for improving our region’s future economy.
End Product of the Focus Group Process: By the time your group finishes its deliberations, we would like you to provide the oversight CEDS Committee and our consultants with three
(more is OK) recommendations of specific programs that should be created, projects that should be undertaken, or initiatives that should be started related to your focus group topic.
These recommendations should be made because your focus group believes the program, project or initiative will significantly improve our regional economy in the future. Later on in the process we will provide you with a simple, standardized format for providing information on each recommendation.
Timeframe for Discussions: Our Focus Group process needs to allow adequate time for discussion, but have a deadline for all groups making their recommendations. Each Focus Group will work at its own pace, meet as often as the group believes necessary, and establish their own communications process.
Step 1: Please address questions 1 – 6 by April 30, 2012. Have someone from your group fill in your responses to the questions on this form and send the results to Mark
Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by April 30 th . To comply with requirements of
Step 2: Once you have done that, please begin to address questions
We believe a sixty (60) day period should be adequate to develop your recommendations, which should be submitted to Mark Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by June 1, 2012.
Cross-cutting Issue to be considered by all Focus Groups: How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Instructions specific to this Focus Group: None at this time.
Focus Group Membership: Maximizing the value of your Focus Group will be dependent on having the a significant number of the “right” people involved – that is, people from the region who are knowledgeable about and interested in your topic and can contribute to the idea generation process. So far, your Focus Group includes the following individuals:
Tracy
Bruno
Bradford
Ariel
Bagnaschi
Martin
TAriel@sterlingeng.com etalo@msn.com bmartin@bmicad.com

Northwest CT CEDS
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Page 2
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Tony
Chris
Dwain
John
Nanni
Olson
Snow
Zoldy tony.nanni@bnbmfgco.com chris@h-oproducts.com dwain.snow@alcoa.com jzoldy@hdbronson.com
Who else should be invited to participate in your Focus Group? You have identified the following – are there others?
Erin Redski
Vera Moran
Name
Lou Chapelle
Peter Kent
Affiliation
NW CT Chamber
Syntac
Seitz
Dymax
BD
Bicron Electronics
Who Will Invite?
Continuation of discussions from March 7 th : The next several discussion topics were part of the Focus Group meetings on March 7, 2012, but may not have been addressed adequately due to time constraints. As you continue your group discussion, they should be addressed early in the process to provide a foundation for the recommendations you have been asked to make.
1.
In developing recommendations for the CEDS related to your Focus Group topic,
what key questions need to be addressed or areas explored? So far you have listed the following:
 Need for skilled labor – labor pool shrinking
 Training – via Tech Schools, certification programs in NWCC
 How to attract labor pool?
 Need better representation of manufacturers
 Work ethics needed by employees
 How do you make it more attractive for employees to get/stay in NW CT?
 Collaboration with other organizations like SMA with NW EDC
 Collaboration of local business
 Transportation to area – collaborative manpower pool
 Perception of lower wages
Are there any others that should be added to this list? If so, what?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 3
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2.
With regard to your Focus Group topic, what are the major strengths and
weaknesses of the Northwest CT CEDS region? So far, your group has come up with the following:
Strengths
Environment – nice area
Good concentration of mfg. businesses
Affordable housing - relative
Schools
Cooperative local banks - Community Banks
NW CT Community College & Trade Schools
Local Education
Chamber of Commerce
Entertainment – Ski Sundown/Warner Theatre
Good concentration of local business
Environment/nice area
Quality of life - entertainment
Network of support companies
Regional Weaknesses
Perceived isolation
Efficiency of educational programs
Lack of coordinated marketing
Transportation – van pool?
Lack of certifications – training/education
Are there any other strengths and weaknesses related to your topic that should be added to this list?
Regional Strengths Regional Weaknesses
3.
Are there other issues (for example, the general need for something, or general
lack of something) impacting your Focus Group topic that need to be recognized?
So far you have listed:
 Certification/credentials – or lack of
Are there any other issues to be discussed? If so, what are they?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 4
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4.
What are the major regional opportunities related to your Focus Group topic and
how can we capitalize on these opportunities? At the March 7 th session, your Focus
Group identified the following Opportunities:
Regional Opportunities
Need to develop a central mfg. committee
Outreach – make a showing
Develop levels/skilled labor
Develop talent pool
Promote region
Manufacturing coalition (use Chamber)
Better education & training
Support of local companies
Apprenticeship programs – spend money & training and they leave - cost
CT Center for Advanced Technology
DECD
Workforce Development
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?
Identify talent pool
Unified credentialing
Manufacturing Coalition – NW CT Chamber
Are there other Opportunities that should be added to this list? If so, what are they and what is necessary to capitalize on these opportunities?
Regional Opportunities
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?
New topics for discussion (to be completed by April 30, 2012):
5.
Building on the discussions on March 7 th or as you have answered the questions above, what other topics should be added to your discussion list and how are you going to address these topics?
6.
How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 5
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Wrap –up Questions (to be completed by June 1, 2012):
7.
Based on the analysis in questions 1 – 6 above, what does your group see as the biggest opportunities or needs related to your Focus Group topic that should be addressed as a new program, project or initiative that will be an important element of the Northwest Connecticut CEDS?
8.
If you have identified more than three suggested programs, projects or initiatives, how would you prioritize them?
9.
What other information, suggestions, or guidance would you like to provide to the oversight CEDS Committee and the consulting team?
Thank you very much for your participation in the very important process.

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 6
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Northwest Connecticut
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Guidelines for Focus Groups
Focus Group Topic:
Purpose of the Focus Groups: Focus Groups are an essential part of the process of creating a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest Connecticut. They serve to broaden the participation by many individuals from the region and should maximize the number of good ideas in the CEDS for improving our region’s future economy.
End Product of the Focus Group Process: By the time your group finishes its deliberations, we would like you to provide the oversight CEDS Committee and our consultants with three
(more is OK) recommendations of specific programs that should be created, projects that should be undertaken, or initiatives that should be started related to your focus group topic.
These recommendations should be made because your focus group believes the program, project or initiative will significantly improve our regional economy in the future. Later on in the process we will provide you with a simple, standardized format for providing information on each recommendation.
Timeframe for Discussions: Our Focus Group process needs to allow adequate time for discussion, but have a deadline for all groups making their recommendations. Each Focus Group will work at its own pace, meet as often as the group believes necessary, and establish their own communications process.
Step 1: Please address questions 1 – 6 by April 30, 2012. Have someone from your group fill in your responses to the questions on this form and send the results to Mark
Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by April 30 th . To comply with requirements of
Step 2: Once you have done that, please begin to address questions
We believe a sixty (60) day period should be adequate to develop your recommendations, which should be submitted to Mark Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by June 1, 2012.
Cross-cutting Issue to be considered by all Focus Groups: How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Instructions specific to this Focus Group: It may be helpful for your group to look at three aspects of the service sector: Business Services (that is, the adequacy of support services and suppliers needed by local businesses); Personal Services (the availability and adequacy of the kinds of services individuals and homeowners need such as medical, personal banking, entertainment, etc.); and Social Services (for instance, public housing, child and family services, services for the disabled).
Focus Group Membership: Maximizing the value of your Focus Group will be dependent on having the a significant number of the “right” people involved – that is, people from the region

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 2
_____________________________________________________________________________________ who are knowledgeable about and interested in your topic and can contribute to the idea generation process. So far, your Focus Group includes the following individuals:
Greg
Lourena
Brian
Dan
Paul
Steve
Brisco
Helt gbrisco@northwestctymca.org
LHelt@UnionSavings.com
Mattiello BMattiello@hungerford.org
McGuinness nwccog1@snet.net
McLaughlin mclaughlin@litchfieldbancorp.com
Zarrella Zarrella@nwcommunitybank.com
Who else should be invited to participate in your Focus Group? You have identified the following – are there others?
Insurance
Sector
Real Estate
Affiliation
Litchfield Group
Caldwell Banker
SNF’s and Assisted Living Litchfield Woods
Home Health VNA Services NW
Senior Centers
Early Childhood
Social Services
Advocacy
Behavioral Health
Housing
Torrington
TECC
Winsted YSB
LARC
CHH
Torrington Housing
Authority
Who To Invite?
Bob Phalen
David Dean
Mark Loomis
Nan Merbaum
Nancy Hodkoski
Donna Labbe
Mary Coutant
Larry Cassella
Tom Narducci
Claudia Sweeney
Who Will Invite
Continuation of discussions from March 7 th : The next several discussion topics were part of the Focus Group meetings on March 7, 2012, but may not have been addressed adequately due to time constraints. As you continue your group discussion, they should be addressed early in the process to provide a foundation for the recommendations you have been asked to make.
1.
In developing recommendations for the CEDS related to your Focus Group topic,
what key questions need to be addressed or areas explored? So far you have listed the following:
 General Supply/Demand questions across key services – both limited growth for services and unmet need.
 Key Demographic/economic changes and impact on services (aging, limited growth economy, housing crisis)
 Awareness and Access for target audiences
 Mindset consumer is cautious, reticent, and convenience driven

Northwest CT CEDS
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
 Technology presents changing dynamics
 Consumer sector is growing diverse
 Regulatory and funding environment shapes and confines services – beyond control
Are there any others that should be added to this list? If so, what?
2.
With regard to your Focus Group topic, what are the major strengths and
weaknesses of the Northwest CT CEDS region? So far, your group has come up with the following:
Regional Strengths
Quality of Life
Sports and Recreation
Arts
Self-sustaining community
Longevity of residents
Volunteerism
Regional Cooperation is strong
Long-standing service institutions
Regional Weaknesses
Depressed Economy
Availability of jobs
Economic base has eroded
Demographic changes present major challenges—school population
Transportation
Sector not equal to cultural diversity
Are there any other strengths and weaknesses related to your topic that should be added to this list?
Regional Strengths Regional Weaknesses
3.
Are there other issues (for example, the general need for something, or general
lack of something) impacting your Focus Group topic that need to be recognized?
So far you have listed:
 Education sector – we are dependent on the success of this sector
Are there any other issues to be discussed? If so, what are they?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 4
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4.
What are the major regional opportunities related to your Focus Group topic and
how can we capitalize on these opportunities? At the March 7 th session, your Focus
Group identified the following Opportunities:
Regional Opportunities
Syndication of Banks
Fit Together
Community Health Assessment
Reputation
Micropolitan – big and small
New York and Boston proximity
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?
Are there other Opportunities that should be added to this list? If so, what are they and what is necessary to capitalize on these opportunities?
Regional Opportunities
What is necessary to capitalize on each opportunity?
New topics for discussion (to be completed by April 30, 2012):
5.
Building on the discussions on March 7 th or as you have answered the questions above, what other topics should be added to your discussion list and how are you going to address these topics?
6.
How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 5
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Wrap –up Questions (to be completed by June 1, 2012):
7.
Based on the analysis in questions 1 – 6 above, what does your group see as the biggest opportunities or needs related to your Focus Group topic that should be addressed as a new program, project or initiative that will be an important element of the Northwest Connecticut CEDS?
8.
If you have identified more than three suggested programs, projects or initiatives, how would you prioritize them?
9.
What other information, suggestions, or guidance would you like to provide to the oversight CEDS Committee and the consulting team?
Thank you very much for your participation in the very important process.

Northwest Connecticut
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Guidelines for Focus Groups
Focus Group Topic:
Purpose of the Focus Groups: Focus Groups are an essential part of the process of creating a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest Connecticut. They serve to broaden the participation by many individuals from the region and should maximize the number of good ideas in the CEDS for improving our region’s future economy.
End Product of the Focus Group Process: By the time your group finishes its deliberations, we would like you to provide the oversight CEDS Committee and our consultants with three
(more is OK) recommendations of specific programs that should be created, projects that should be undertaken, or initiatives that should be started related to your focus group topic.
These recommendations should be made because your focus group believes the program, project or initiative will significantly improve our regional economy in the future. Later on in the process we will provide you with a simple, standardized format for providing information on each recommendation.
Timeframe for Discussions: Our Focus Group process needs to allow adequate time for discussion, but have a deadline for all groups making their recommendations. Each Focus Group will work at its own pace, meet as often as the group believes necessary, and establish their own communications process.
Step 1: Please address questions 1 – 6 by April 30, 2012. Have someone from your group fill in your responses to the questions on this form and send the results to Mark
Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by April 30 th . To comply with requirements of
Step 2: Once you have done that, please begin to address questions
We believe a sixty (60) day period should be adequate to develop your recommendations, which should be submitted to Mark Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by June 1, 2012.
Cross-cutting Issue to be considered by all Focus Groups: How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Instructions specific to this Focus Group: None at this time.
Focus Group Membership: Maximizing the value of your Focus Group will be dependent on having the a significant number of the “right” people involved – that is, people from the region who are knowledgeable about and interested in your topic and can contribute to the idea generation process. So far, your Focus Group includes the following individuals:
Helen Ruwet Bunnell
David Childs
Francis Delaney helen@foms.org dechilds@charter.net wsm_fran@yahoo.com

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 2
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Adam
Dick
Tara
Patricia
Denise
Sharon
Higgins
Labich
Lindberg
Mechare
Raap
Waagner ahiggins@salisburybank.com popgolfer@aol.com candybouquet6530@gmail.com canaan021selectmen@comcast.net
Graap@optonline.net sharon.waagner@torringtondowntownpartners.com
Who else should be invited to participate in your Focus Group?
Name Affiliation Who Will Invite?
Continuation of discussions from March 7 th : The next several discussion topics were part of the Focus Group meetings on March 7, 2012, but may not have been addressed adequately due to time constraints. As you continue your group discussion, they should be addressed early in the process to provide a foundation for the recommendations you have been asked to make.
1.
In developing recommendations for the CEDS related to your Focus Group topic,
what key questions need to be addressed or areas explored? So far you have listed the following:
 Discusses downtown business, home business encouragement
 Keeping character of town – zoning in towns sometimes prohibitive
 Funding is difficult
 Affordable housing is a problem – more habitat houses in Falls Village
 Problem with retaining younger people to stay in Falls Village
 Conserved land issue – no land to build
 Sharon has model incentive housing plan
 In Falls Village, home business zoning regulations – lawn mowers, landscaping, less retail – how to tax?
 Encouraging home business
 PD Walsh rents space from town (Falls Village) – town working with her to lower rent
 Talked about collaborative effort with crafters
 North Canaan needs help, John Casey helping Kent
 New Hartford – 6600 population; Budget – 72% for school system; Region 7 – New
Hartford pays about ½ of Region 7 bill; Sewer plant mandated by state – hook up @
$12,000
 Winsted – blight – not being able to entice business to center of town; Does political situation affect business climate?
 Chamber offers SCORE – assists in writing a business plan
 Small business spending a lot of time just running business
 Torrington coordinating St. Patrick’s Day

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 3
_____________________________________________________________________________________
 Campaign to encourage shopping local
 Spending your money locally
 “Blue Dollars” – you get freebies
 “Berkshires” promotion like money only good in area
 In New Jersey (Rutherford) – brochure created for coupons for $ off products
 Some merchants can’t afford to participate.
 One business in 2 locations – treated as a farm – 490 has become very strict
 A lot of people don’t realize they have to register with the town
Are there any others that should be added to this list? If so, what?
2.
With regard to your Focus Group topic, what are the major strengths and
weaknesses of the Northwest CT CEDS region? So far, your group has come up with the following:
Strengths
Natural beauty of the region
Regional Weaknesses
Are there any other strengths and weaknesses related to your topic that should be added to this list?
Regional Strengths Regional Weaknesses
3.
Are there other issues (for example, the general need for something, or general
lack of something) impacting your Focus Group topic that need to be recognized?
So far you have listed:
 Funding for economic development
 Affordable housing
 Political climate of town
 Staffing (support structure for small business)
 EDC (funding)
Are there any other issues to be discussed? If so, what are they?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 4
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4.
What are the major regional opportunities related to your Focus Group topic and
how can we capitalize on these opportunities? At the March 7 th session, your Focus
Group identified the following Opportunities:
Regional Opportunities
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?
Emphasized local marketing
Business essentials package
Standardization of opening a business
Similar permitting process
Local business resource assistance - template Permit cover sheet with steps
Expedite process for quick approval
Are there other Opportunities that should be added to this list? If so, what are they and what is necessary to capitalize on these opportunities?
Regional Opportunities
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?
New topics for discussion (to be completed by April 30, 2012):
5.
Building on the discussions on March 7 th or as you have answered the questions above, what other topics should be added to your discussion list and how are you
going to address these topics? At the March 7 th meeting you listed:
 Small businesses have trouble promoting themselves
 Starting fishing derby in New Hartford to promote business
 Natural beauty of NW CT – Regional – Internet
 Breakdown between municipality and private business
 “Discover the Town” – I love New York campaigns
 Area Business Associations
 Brochures available
 Tourism
 You need something that’s “value added” – you need that type of base
 Encourage bigger business to employ people
 State agenda important
 Business can locate anywhere in country
 State needs incentives to create and attract
 Retain businesses
 Retaining money in towns where dollars are spent
 Passing mandates onto municipalities
Are there other topics that should be added? If so, what are they?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 5
_____________________________________________________________________________________
6.
How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Wrap –up Questions (to be completed by June 1, 2012):
7.
Based on the analysis in questions 1 – 6 above, what does your group see as the biggest opportunities or needs related to your Focus Group topic that should be addressed as a new program, project or initiative that will be an important element of the Northwest Connecticut CEDS?
8.
If you have identified more than three suggested programs, projects or initiatives, how would you prioritize them?
9.
What other information, suggestions, or guidance would you like to provide to the oversight CEDS Committee and the consulting team?
Thank you very much for your participation in the very important process.

Northwest Connecticut
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Guidelines for Focus Groups
Focus Group Topic:
Purpose of the Focus Groups: Focus Groups are an essential part of the process of creating a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest Connecticut. They serve to broaden the participation by many individuals from the region and should maximize the number of good ideas in the CEDS for improving our region’s future economy.
End Product of the Focus Group Process: By the time your group finishes its deliberations, we would like you to provide the oversight CEDS Committee and our consultants with three
(more is OK) recommendations of specific programs that should be created, projects that should be undertaken, or initiatives that should be started related to your focus group topic.
These recommendations should be made because your focus group believes the program, project or initiative will significantly improve our regional economy in the future. Later on in the process we will provide you with a simple, standardized format for providing information on each recommendation.
Timeframe for Discussions: Our Focus Group process needs to allow adequate time for discussion, but have a deadline for all groups making their recommendations. Each Focus Group will work at its own pace, meet as often as the group believes necessary, and establish their own communications process.
Step 1: Please address questions 1 – 6 by April 30, 2012. Have someone from your group fill in your responses to the questions on this form and send the results to Mark
Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by April 30 th . To comply with requirements of
Step 2: Once you have done that, please begin to address questions
We believe a sixty (60) day period should be adequate to develop your recommendations, which should be submitted to Mark Waterhouse ( mwaterhouse@snet.net
) by June 1, 2012.
Cross-cutting Issue to be considered by all Focus Groups: How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?
Instructions specific to this Focus Group: None at this time.
Focus Group Membership: Maximizing the value of your Focus Group will be dependent on having the a significant number of the “right” people involved – that is, people from the region who are knowledgeable about and interested in your topic and can contribute to the idea generation process. So far, your Focus Group includes the following individuals:
Stephanie
Bill
Doug
Barksdale
Burgess
Cahill stephanie@northwestunitedway.org bill@lhfs-ct.org dcahill@salisburybank.com

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 2
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Charles
Lily
Judy
Alec
John
Judy
Yvette
Philip
Deb
Joe
Conn
Deering cbcthree@aol.com deering.lhs@gmail.com
DiLaurenzio judy.dilaurenzio@uconn.edu
Fabbri fabbrialhs@gmail.com
Norman
Palmer jnorman@nwcc.commnet.edu jpalmer@nwr7.org
Saxer-Perez yvette.saxer-perez@alcoa.com
Simonin pgsimonin@gmail.com
Wheeler
Wihbey
WheelerD@litchfieldschools.org wihbeyjlhs@gmail.com
Who else should be invited to participate in your Focus Group? You have identified the following – are there others?
Affiliation Who Will Invite?
Health care
Name
Legislative
Workforce investment board
Growing industries (ATT,
Verizon)
Technology
Supt. Region 1 & Torrington
Schools
Continuation of discussions from March 7 th : The next several discussion topics were part of the Focus Group meetings on March 7, 2012, but may not have been addressed adequately due to time constraints. As you continue your group discussion, they should be addressed early in the process to provide a foundation for the recommendations you have been asked to make.
1.
In developing recommendations for the CEDS related to your Focus Group topic,
what key questions need to be addressed or areas explored? So far you have listed the following:
 Who requires the services necessary to support expanding the workforce?
 Collaboration among local colleges, school districts, local agencies & state to develop training opportunities.
 Expand networks between high schools and local employers.
 How do we expand these networks?
 How do we provide authentic work-study opportunities (internships) for high school students?
 “Connectivity” to share information regarding workforce needs.
 Mandatory internships opportunities for high schools.

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_____________________________________________________________________________________
 Need to designate staff at HS to facilitate this communication and networking?
 Grants available to fund these positions given lean operating budgets for school districts?
 New mandate: every student/parents/ schools develop ‘Student Success Plans’ beginning in 6 th grade.
 Succession planning by local businesses to fill open positions.
 Regionalization: more cooperation among area towns.
 Need to maintain frequent communication among students and local IHE and businesses? Regional Vo Ag programs appear to be better prepared to provide linkages between employers
Are there any others that should be added to this list? If so, what?
2.
With regard to your Focus Group topic, what are the major strengths and
weaknesses of the Northwest CT CEDS region? So far, your group has come up with the following:
Regional Strengths
Interested business community: creativity and support for new ideas and collaborations
Interested youth
Regional Weaknesses
Lack of awareness of IHEs
Many potential employees, new employees
Institutes of Higher Ed (IHE)
Diversity within proximity
Programs of choice for HS students: OWTHS,
Wamogo Vo Ag: regionalism to expand program opportunities
Ability to regionalize
Lack of disparity among education services
Aging population
Recent grads perceive limited salaries in our area
Economic isolation needs to be overcome
Funding for programs of choice, disparity of impact on “sending” & “host” schools
Fiscal limitations
Safety of local communities in most areas, some areas of concern (how do we address
Regional transportation, “geography works against us” this?)
Socio-economic diversity provides opportunity Work ethic & job “skills” (responsibilities) need to be developed in HS years
Housing limitations in rural areas

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
Are there any other strengths and weaknesses related to your topic that should be added to this list?
Regional Strengths Regional Weaknesses
3.
Are there other issues (for example, the general need for something, or general
lack of something) impacting your Focus Group topic that need to be recognized?
So far your group has listed the following:
 Transportation
 Communication
 Cost of Living
 Minimum wage
 Government actions: o Unfunded mandates on businesses and education o Mandated sick days
 How to energize the resources that exist, but do not emerge independently o Lacking energy and cohesiveness to seek grants, etc.
 Intergenerational differences in expectations and demands in employment
 Technology expertise in new employees that needs to be embraced o Train HS and college students to work with older generational expectations
 Lack of jobs for recent grads? o Retirements of “Boomers” will open opportunities for “Millenniums”? o Importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) skills
Are there any other issues to be discussed? If so, what are they?
4.
What are the major regional opportunities related to your Focus Group topic and
how can we to capitalize on these opportunities?
Regional Opportunities
What do we need to do to capitalize on each opportunity?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 5
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New topics for discussion (to be completed by April 30, 2012):
5.
Building on the discussions on March 7 th or as you have answered the questions above, what other topics should be added to your discussion list and how are you
going to address these topics? At the March 7 th meeting you listed:
Strengths:
 Collaboration
 Connectivity
 Networking HS and business: marketing
 Regionalization
 HS internships
 Healthier communities
 Unfunded mandates
 Proactive seeking of funding opportunities (monies available)
 Strength: interested business community and strong educational facilities: HAS & IHE
 Programs of choice
Areas of concern:
 Transportation
 Job skills
 Affordable housing
 Economic and social environment
 Aging population
 “Kids don’t want to come back”
Are there other topics that should be added? If so, what are they?
6.
How does your topic relate to the need for revitalizing our region’s town, village, city and neighborhood centers?

Northwest CT CEDS
Focus Group Discussion Guidelines
Page 6
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Wrap –up Questions (to be completed by June 1, 2012):
7.
Based on the analysis in questions 1 – 6 above, what does your group see as the biggest opportunities or needs related to your Focus Group topic that should be addressed as a new program, project or initiative that will be an important element of the Northwest Connecticut CEDS?
8.
If you have identified more than three suggested programs, projects or initiatives, how would you prioritize them?
9.
What other information, suggestions, or guidance would you like to provide to the oversight CEDS Committee and the consulting team?
Thank you very much for your participation in the very important process.