Economic Development Commission Chair Joe Favarolo continues to push the commission to make forward progress oN a number of initiatives aimed to meet the EDC’s mission.
At one point in the EDC’s meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19, Favarolo reminded the commissioners of that stated mission — “to enhance Wilton’s reputation as a community where the quality of life for residents, professionals, and workers makes Wilton the ‘first choice’ to start a new business, relocate an existing business, or for current businesses to remain and flourish” — and how the latest initiatives support it.
Near the end of the meeting, Favarolo paused after taking copious notes about next steps on various initiative.
“We do have a lot of action items,” he said. “We really should see things through and really make some tangible progress with all these items.”
Social Media Activity
Favarolo requested updates from his fellow commissioners who have been leading two key initiatives which were launched in September: an Instagram-based business directory and a jobs board. Specifically, Favarolo asked for “engagement metrics” that would indicate the degree to which Wilton residents and businesses are adopting the new tools.
Commissioner Lana Giancarli reported that little had changed since the initial response to the business directory, adding it was probably “time for a reminder” to keep momentum going. Commissioner Phil Fitzgerald made a similar assessment of the jobs board, which is currently showing five job posts.
“I think there’s a lot of folks who don’t know that it exists,” Fitzgerald said, noting it was “a question of publicity.”
Fitzgerald also noted the reality that the job board would now require routine updating, as positions become filled or their status changes.
In addition to refreshing Instagram posts to boost awareness of the new tools, Favarolo suggested a “coordinated effort” by commissioners to share the directory and jobs board information in other social media groups, such as Wilton 411 and Wilton 412 on Facebook.
With a similar goal to improve the EDC’s Facebook presence, Favarolo noted that the metrics are showing some progress on that platform. In the one-month period ending Nov. 17, Favarolo reported the EDC’s Facebook page showed roughly:
- 16,600 views, up 33%
- 4,400 unique user views, up 8%
- 229 content interactions (such as likes, saves, comments or shares), up 10%
It’s unclear who is doing a lot of the viewing. Over 80% of the views are from users who are not EDC followers on Facebook.
Work in Progress
Themed weeks: With a goal for Wilton merchants to benefit from more events in Wilton that could help drive awareness and patronage of their businesses, the EDC has been pursuing whether and how to organize themed weeks such as a restaurant week or wellness week.
Fitzgerald reported feedback from his outreach to the Wilton Chamber of Commerce about past events the Chamber has hosted, including the sellout “Taste of Wilton” event held on April 22. Fitzgerald said the Chamber is open to co-hosting future events with the EDC, though key details — like timing and merchant participation — would be determining factors.
Career seminars for high-schoolers: Commissioner Marty Avallone has been exploring the concept of hosting career information seminars for high school students, who he says are increasingly interested in alternatives to the four-year college path, given shifts in the job market, high costs of education and emergence of AI. The EDC co-sponsored an author talk at the Wilton Library yesterday, Nov. 20, with longtime Wilton resident Christopher Bishop, who spoke about his recent book, Improvising Careers, a guide to preparing for the workplace of the future. Avallone wants to see more events aimed at high school students highlighting the trades or other rewarding careers that do not depend on a four-year degree.
Candidate forums: Favarolo introduced the idea of the EDC hosting “candidate forums” in the next election cycle. He emphasized that such forums would be nonpartisan, but allow for deeper focus on candidates’ views on the economic issues facing the Town. Commissioners saw the concept as analogous to the forum hosted by the Wilton PTAs on Oct. 20, in which local candidates were invited to speak about issues related to education in Wilton. Commissioners agreed to further explore the idea.
Wilton Cultural Guide: Commissioner Tom Shimko updated the EDC on a possible Wilton “cultural guide” which First Selectman Toni Boucher asked the EDC to consider. The EDC’s latest discussion centered on a key question as to whether to emulate the type of polished, image-oriented guide used by the Town of New Canaan, or to build upon Wilton’s existing “40 Things We Love About Wilton” list. Shimko contrasted the two, crediting the New Canaan guide as a polished, “destination marketing” piece compared to the less formal, less focused list of Wilton attractions. After sharing some preliminary cost estimates for revamping the “40 Things” — for which Boucher has warned there is likely no budget — Shimko’s next step is to approach Wilton High School video and photography clubs which could play a role in providing content.
Signage: As for the EDC’s ongoing effort to improve the town’s signage — specifically the “gateway” and way-finding signs into Wilton Center from major roads — Favarolo reported he was awaiting some input from DPW Director Frank Smeriglio. Commissioners Andy Warren and Donna Peterson volunteered to steer the effort going forward, which will involve working with the local traffic authority (Wilton Police Department Lt. David Hartman) as a next step to identify specific sign locations and address safety questions.
The EDC’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17.