Key Points:
- At First Selectman Toni Boucher‘s suggestion, Wilton resident Lucas Traub pitched the EDC a $52,000-per-year proposal for video production to support the Town’s social media and marketing efforts. EDC Chair Joe Favarolo characterized the pitch as “only an introductory meeting” and “very exploratory.”
- The EDC is finalizing Wilton Restaurant Weeks, a two-week event starting Sept. 21. More than 20 restaurants have committed to participate, with potential for more to be added. The commission hopes to keep up momentum with a Wilton Wellness Week in November, possibly followed by a “Shark Tank“-inspired showcase for Wilton entrepreneurs at a later date.
- At the same time the EDC is ramping up its event schedule, Vice Chair Tom Shimko announced his resignation. The EDC did not immediately elect a new vice chair but is expected to hear nominations and possibly take a vote at the EDC’s Sept. 23 meeting.
Why It Matters: As the volunteer EDC expands its efforts to promote Wilton businesses, the $52,000 video proposal raises unanswered questions about funding, authorization and whether the Town wants to invest in professionally produced social media content. With no budget of its own, it is unclear whether or how the EDC would get funding for professional video content, especially at a time when FY2026 and FY2027 budget numbers are under scrutiny.
At its latest meeting, Wilton’s Economic Development Commission heard an introductory $52,000-a-year video production proposal for professionally produced social media content promoting the Town, though commissioners identified no funding source, approval process or specific next step for the idea.
The Wednesday, Aug. 26 EDC meeting covered a lot of other ground, with topics including the upcoming Wilton Restaurant Weeks, plans for a Wilton Wellness Week and the possibility of a “Shark Tank“-style event — along with an unexpected leadership change.
A $52,000 Social Media Proposal
The EDC’s agenda included a presentation by Lucas Traub, a Wilton resident and owner of Fieldhouse Productions, Inc., a video production company.
Traub proposed producing two “engaging social media content blasts” every week, focused on Wilton businesses, events and community life — at a cost of $1,000 per week, or $52,000 per year.
He told commissioners his proposal grew out of a lunch conversation with First Selectman Toni Boucher after he saw the Town’s new promotional video, Wilton: Where you Belong!.
GOOD Morning Wilton contacted Boucher after the EDC meeting with specific questions about Traub’s proposal and the context in which it originated. In an email exchange, Boucher said Traub had offered to expand upon the Wilton: Where you Belong! video.
“Since [it] is his business, he suggested ways he might be able to extend the message. I suggested that he should speak with the EDC on it,” Boucher wrote.
The EDC’s social media activity is currently conducted by its volunteer members, led by Commissioner Lana Giancarli, at no cost to the Town. Traub advocated for Wilton’s digital activity to shift from informational posts toward what he described as “storytelling.”
“Wilton is already communicating through social media, but much of the current content is informational rather than engaging,” Traub told the EDC. “Posting an event flyer or announcing something that’s happening has value, but in today’s social media environment, it often isn’t enough to make people stop scrolling and really take it in.”
“We need content that makes people stop, look, feel something, and most importantly, take action,” he continued. “Wilton has interesting people, businesses, events, and stories. Our social media should be just as interesting.”
Traub said the plan he proposed could have a significant impact.
“Every time we introduce a resident to a Wilton restaurant, a retailer, service provider, local event, we’re creating an opportunity for that business to gain a customer,” he said. “We’re not just promoting businesses, we’re promoting Wilton as a place where things are happening — which they certainly are.”
Boucher said she had not seen the proposal Traub presented to the EDC. She did not respond to GMW‘s questions about goals, funding, next steps or the proposed $52,000 annual cost.
In an email exchange with GMW after the meeting, EDC Chair Joe Favarolo emphasized that the discussion with Traub was very preliminary, and said he did not have the proposal in hand and only heard it for the first time at the meeting.
“It was only an introductory meeting,” Favarolo wrote. “I consider it very exploratory and more of an introductory opportunity for a local small business person.”
Favarolo said the EDC would “most likely” discuss Traub’s pitch at a future EDC meeting.
The EDC has no budget of its own, and commissioners did not identify a potential funding source, approval process or next step for the proposal during the meeting. It was also not clear whether a contract at the proposed cost would require competitive quotes or another Town procurement process.
Shimko Resigns
The meeting also began with an unexpected announcement from EDC Vice Chair Tom Shimko.
“Unfortunately I’m going to be resigning from the EDC,” Shimko said. “My resignation will be effective September 3,” which he said coincides with the sale of his Wilton home.
“It’s really been great working with you guys, and a lot of fun,” he added. “It gave me a new perspective of how Wilton runs.”
Shimko joined the EDC in January 2024 and was unanimously elected vice chair in July of that year. He played a leading role in the EDC’s 2024 business satisfaction survey, which became a catalyst for several subsequent EDC initiatives. He also led the effort to update the 40 Things We Love About Wilton marketing brochure through a unique collaboration with Wilton High School. That project is now nearing completion.
In his farewell remarks, Shimko said he was pleased with the EDC’s direction.
“One thing I’m really proud of is that under Joe [Favarolo]’s leadership, I think we got a lot done in the last year,” Shimko said, emphasizing that the EDC’s business satisfaction survey “has really set up everybody for success” with “things that are meaningful.”
“A lot of good things came out of it,” he said.
Favarolo praised Shimko’s impact as vice chair.
“I’ve got to say that Tom has done an outstanding job as vice chair,” he said.
Favarolo also characterized the commission as action-oriented.
“We took it from basically a commission that did a lot of analyzing numbers [and] a lot of discussions, and now to the point where we’re getting things done,” Favarolo said. “I can’t tell you how many compliments we’ve been receiving from so many different people.”
In part because three commissioners were absent, those present agreed to defer nominations for Shimko’s replacement until the next EDC meeting. Shimko said his successor should be someone willing to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. He urged his fellow commissioners to think carefully about the time commitment before volunteering or accepting a nomination.
“I do believe that whoever ends up picking the vice chair role, if you’re thinking about it, you’ve got to take it seriously,” he said. “It’s a responsibility.”
The EDC is expected to hear nominations and could elect its next vice chair at its Sept. 23 meeting.
A Wilton “Shark Tank?”
As part of its effort to create a steady stream of events supporting local economic activity, the EDC is considering a new event modeled after ABC‘s long-running “Shark Tank” program, in which entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of “shark” investors.
The EDC’s inspiration is partly from the Ridgefield Economic & Community Development Commission, which has hosted its own Tiger Shark Tank for the past four years. Ridgefield’s event is targeted at students, aspiring entrepreneurs and working professionals who pitch their ideas to a panel of high-profile business leaders and compete for cash prizes and significant local exposure. (Tiger Shark Tank 5 will be held live at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Tuesday, Oct. 27.)
Commissioner Andy Warren led the EDC’s discussion of an event that he envisions as a “startup showcase,” where Wilton entrepreneurs and students could receive feedback, exposure and networking support. Commissioners expressed interest in further exploring the concept, and agreed to investigate possible venues and other details to discuss at the next meeting.
More EDC News
- Favarolo updated commissioners on plans for Wilton Restaurant Weeks, scheduled for Monday, Sept. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 4. The two-week event is intended to promote Wilton as a dining destination. He reported that more than 20 restaurants have confirmed their participation, a number Favarolo said exceeded his expectations, and added that there is still time to add more restaurants. The EDC plans to promote the event through social media posts featuring participating restaurants and their offerings.
- Commissioners hope to follow Restaurant Weeks with a Wilton Wellness Week in November highlighting local health and wellness businesses. Planning for the proposed event is still underway.
- As Shimko departs, Commissioner Mike Hanauer has taken the lead on the final copy edits, photo selections and other finishing touches in the 40 Things We Love About Wilton digital brochure update. The brochure has a new name (Wilton: Where you Belong, matching the Town’s promotional video), though it continues to highlight 40 things that make Wilton special.
The EDC’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23.
