Maybe there is something in the Market Study for your business or prospective business?

In July 2020, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council released their Market Study for Franklin. At least one potential business read this study, determined that the numbers confirmed they had a market here in Franklin, and they are indeed open and operating here.

Maybe there is something in this report that could help your business or prospective business?

The report itself

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf

The discussion and presentation at the Economic Development subcommittee meeting (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-322-edc-mapc-market-study-73030-audio.html

The discussion and presentation at the Town Council meeting (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-319-town-council-mapc-market-study.html

 

Maybe there is something in the Market Study for your business or prospective business?

"Only about one-quarter of PPP funds supported jobs that otherwise would have disappeared"

"The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) directed hundreds of billions of dollars to small businesses and other organizations adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis, providing resources to maintain payrolls, to hire back employees who may have been laid off and to cover important overhead.

But was this money well spent? A recent study offers evidence that the cost of each job saved was very high and that most of the program’s benefits flowed to small-business owners, their creditors and their suppliers rather than to workers. Other crisis programs, including unemployment insurance and economic impact payments, were targeted much more successfully to wage earners."

Continue reading the article online -> https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/regional-economist/2022/jul/was-paycheck-protection-program-effective

 

"Only about one-quarter of PPP funds supported jobs that otherwise would have disappeared"

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - April 7, 2021 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 

April 7, 2021 = 5:45 PM

 

Agenda:

 

1.Lady Bugs

 

2.Franklin Branding & Business Guide

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_business_guide_4.pdf

 

3.Community Planning Grant Program Discussion

https://www.mass.gov/doc/planning-fy-22-guidelines/download

 

 

Agenda doc and connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-4-7_edc_agenda_.pdf

 

 

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - April 7, 2021 - 5:45 PM

FM #436 EDC Listening Session5 - 01/13/21 (audio)

FM #436 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 436 in the series.

This shares the Economic Development Committee Business Listening Session #5 that was held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the Chair Melanie Hamblen led the meeting remotely along with many others via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The recording runs just over two hour and thirteen minutes (~2:13)  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXzHpwwS

-----------

Meeting agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/agenda/edc-business-listening-session-5-revised

Housing Summary (not yet available - view the photos captured for some of the pages)

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/edc-listening-session-jan-13-2021-recap.html

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

 

FM #436 EDC Listening Session5 - 01/13/21 (audio)

EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts

Quick Recap:

• While this was the last of the 'listening sessions' the bulk of the meeting time was spent presenting an overview of housing in Franklin. The presentation was insightful and will be shared when made available.
  
• Housing is one of the the key issues Franklin faces. The discussion will include the data points of this presentation, the demographics from the School study, the Market Study done by MAPC (from which these 'listening sessions' were started), and the realities of the post-pandemic world ahead of us. Keeping civil discourse with multiple threads and trying times will be a challenge but the end goal is required. Franklin needs to determine what it's housing goals will be.
  

For the time being photos of the slides shared during the meeting are all that is available. The doc is not part of the meeting agenda, nor if it has since been posted to the Town page, I have not found it. Once I do, I will share. Photos can be found in one folder: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KwjXyPtwuadMHsCF8

The audio of the meeting will be shared soon.

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0113&src=typeahead_click

• Swivel seat to do listening session starting now. #edc0113
• Chair Melanie Hamblen opens meeting, runs thru the protocol statement as normal. #edc0113 Frongillo new member to subcommittee (replacing Chandler). Jones and Bissanti complete the 4 Council membership. Jamie touts the grant process deadline Friday
• #edc0113 Economic Development legislation on Gov Baker's desk for approval. Bryan Taverner to review presentation on housing for Franklin.
• #edc0113 housing slides and population slides (can't share all, will find doc to share - eventually)
• More slides #edc0113
• Getting to discussion on the legislation, not yet signed by Gov Baker; zoning change would be simple majority for Franklin 5 not the current 6 votes required. #edc0113 tenants right to purchase would be interesting for/if Franklin if chosen
• After Council comments, question raised on how do you address the small business side and get better rents as many of them are too high. If the business can't afford, that would affect the residents affordability too. #edc0113
• Could use a 'maker' or incubator type space for start ups, does require land/building owner to be willing to participate. #edc0113 new growth not likely to happen if affordability is mandated to be part of it, takes away their profit. Could renovate existing space
• Residential complex downtown was all presold, to downsizers. Condo folks do want to walk to the restaurants downtown. Not much downtown now in pandemic. #edc0113 supply chain issues due to COVID, development in another Community shd be done now but due to supply issues
• Inclusionary zoning was introduced for cities like Boston to invent development of private residence/condos Franklin at this time and foreseeable is not a good fit for this, numbers also speak to no rush to do something as we should be good thru 2030 #edc0113
• Low income units are in shortage here and all other Communities around the state. Affordable housing is a higher market rate than low income, two separate needs, can't confuse them #edc0113 terms are important. Work force housing is another slice of affordability
• "the rent for an affordable apartment is not really affordable" #edc0113 need to keep terms separate in that 'affordable' is a state housing designation and not to be confused with what 'affordable' is when used an adjective that is relative to each individual circumstance
• Consensus is to get the housing plan done, there are many problems and that may require multiple solutions to address. Need to define the problems (or problems), agree on terms to be used, and then continue the discussion. #edc0113 motion to adjourn, via roll call 4-0
• That's all for tonight, been a long one. Time for a walk and fresh air. Catch you next time #edc0113 

EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts

Business Listening Session - Nov 16 - 6:30 PM with focus on Retail, Personal Services & Fitness Industries

Thank you for your interest in joining our upcoming Business Listening Session on Monday, November 16th at 6:30 PM.  Our focus for the evening will be the Retail, Personal Services & Fitness Industries.  We are looking forward to hearing from you and learning ways in which the Economic Development Committee and the Town of Franklin can help support your businesses during these difficult times.  We are also looking to the future and hoping to hear feedback and ideas to plan for 2021 and beyond.  

Our goal is truly to listen and learn from our businesses.  We encourage you to come with questions, ideas, strategies, and feedback.

Please find the agenda and Zoom links attached here 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-11-16_edc_listening_session_agenda_.pdf

Please reach out with any questions.  

Thank you
Anne Marie 

Anne Marie Tracey
Marketing & Communications Specialist 

The business listening flyer can be found here

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf

Recordings of the prior listening sessions are available

Session 1 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-358-edc-listening-session-number-1.html

Session 2 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-367-edc-listening-session-2-101920.html

MAPC Market Study - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-322-edc-mapc-market-study-73030-audio.html

Business Listening Session - Nov 16 - 6:30 PM

Economic Development Committee: Quick recap of the Business Listening Session 2 - Oct 19, 2020

Quick recap:

• The meeting started about 30 minutes late with no explanation as to why.
• There was an expression of ‘thanks for your patience.’
• Two representatives of the Franklin legislative delegation (from the offices’ of Senator Splika and Senator Rausch) were present early in the pre-meeting and actual meeting
  
• Owner/operators of Hampton Inn, 67 Degrees Brewing Co and Rhapsody Cafe were present to share their stories of struggle to survive

 

 ----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #edcls1019
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edcls1019&src=typeahead_click

Other photos taken during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder https://photos.app.goo.gl/hgVYYxKJC6ShomA8A

• Real time reporting underway for the EDC listening session #edcls1019 Hampton open and underutilized, struggling to make it
• #edcls1019 what can we do to help? #thinkFranklinFirst one thing. Wedding market none existing, sports market little to nothing, Dean closed so no help there... Travel is down, along with excess capacity, a problem...
• Running with 9 employee on desk and a couple of house keepers, limited grab and go, could use the outdoor pool during the summer, others with indoor pools were closed. #edcls1019 extended stay have done better than hotels in this time, due to facilities
• #edcls1019 discussion on hotel tax is a local option, would require legislation to defer. (domino effects to that) (a deviation to this "listening session" by attempting to resolve the issue at hand)
• Suggestion from Lisa/FDP, maybe the ultimate 'staycation' space and coordinate with local restaurants for take out, #edcls1019 FDP working with local papers to get creative for holidays, etc.
• Jack Lank of Chamber touts their Facebook page to 'Rally round the restaurants' https://facebook.com/United-Regionals-Rally-round-the-Restaurants-109228560731634/ #edcls1019 also the chamber has a back to business page same concept wider business spread
• https://facebook.com/United-Regionals-Back-to-Business-106228444403838/ the back to business link #edcls1019 "scare the dark out of the closet"
• Chamber does verify info before posting, did see 24K visitors to social media pages in last several weeks to get info #edcls1019 Taste of the region would have been 35th year
• 67 Degrees had just opened before the super bowl, expedited their growth plan to survive, canning had not been in the plan initially. #edcls1019 initially opened with chips/hummus was good, then shifting to real food becomes a challenge, i.e. food trucks restricted
• Now looking to see what the indoor capacity req would be; currently only have 39, if 25 req that's a challenge. #edcls1019 need servesafe certified, in combo with a caterer? Looking for clarification. Hotels here don't have their own kitchen, King St has been wonderful
• #edcls1019 Bissanti knows of caterers who would stay on site; caterer business is not booming right now. Motion on Town Council agenda to help with food trucks for winter time via the farm license. Local restaurants have been good help but aren't staffed for dual ops
• Food truck serves a different market maybe lunch crowd but different from a dinner at a restaurant. #edcls1019 servesafe certified is a MA requirement. Rhapsody owner present, kinda holding their own doing all they can to stay afloat
• Outside seating will go away with weather, surviving barely. Micro grant application for business with less than 5 employee, still accepting apps. Eligible up to 10K. A lot of work for an admin to do, extra effort, working round the clock #edcls1019 worth effort or waste of time
• Rep Roy these conversations are happening every day trying to figure ways to help #edcls1019 resources are available for help, if you have trouble navigating let me know. Will see what options are for deferral
• Partnership meeting Thursday Nov 5, don't have to be a partner to attend, working on holiday happening ideas, looking to advocate Franklin first. Lighting up Franklin, little money required to get lights on, for downtown and beyond, until March 1 #edcls1019
• Oops, I guess I never signed off formally last night. Hope you all realized that! The meeting was interesting starting 30 minutes, late and all.. catch you next time #edcls1019

 

Quick recap of the Business Listening Session 2 - Oct 19, 2020

Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19

Hello!

 

Thank you for your interest in joining our upcoming Business Listening Session on Monday, October 19th at 6:30 pm!  Our focus of the evening will be the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry.  We are looking forward to hearing from you and learning ways in which the Economic Development Committee and the Town of Franklin can help support your businesses during these difficult times.  We are also looking to the future and hoping to hear feedback and ideas to plan for 2021 and beyond.  

Our goal is truly to listen and learn from our businesses.  We encourage you to come with questions, ideas, strategies, and feedback.

Please find the agenda and meeting links attached  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-10-19_edc_agenda_meeting_1.pdf

Please reach out with any questions.  

Have a good weekend!

 

Anne Marie 

Anne Marie Tracey

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Franklin Public Schools/Town of Franklin

355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Email: traceya@franklinps.net

Office: (508)553-4888

School Twitter  School Website School Facebook

Town Twitter Town Website Town Facebook

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/business_listening_flyer.pdf  

Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19

FM #358 EDC Listening Session Number 1 - 9/30/20 (audio)

FM #358 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 358 in the series.

This shares the Franklin, MA Economic Development SubCommittee "Listening session" that was held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. The session was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

A quick recap:

• The first of several “listening sessions” was held on Weds, Sep 30.
• While the meeting was delayed in opening officially, there was a healthy interactive discussion among the non-Council Chamber folks while waiting. The conversation unfortunately did not continue when the meeting opened.
• It is a known problem with “listening sessions” where those doing the listening tend to respond to ideas rather than absorbing and asking no more than clarification questions like: please elaborate, what could work, what could be done… and that happened here too.

The meeting runs just about 88 minutes, so let’s listen to the EDC ‘listening session’ of Sep 30, 2020.  Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDx4fRhK

 

 

-----------

The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-30_edc_listening_session_1_agenda.pdf
 
Listening Session schedule
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf
 
My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting are summarized here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/economic-development-subcommittee.html
 
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DKJbMzaqHNqfLs5KA

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

EDC Chair Melanie Hamblen

 

Economic Development Subcommittee: Listening Session 1 - Recap of Sep 30, 2020 Session

Recap:

• The first of several “listening sessions” was held on Weds, Sep 30.
• While the meeting was delayed in opening officially, there was a healthy interactive discussion among the non-Council Chamber folks while waiting. The conversation unfortunately did not continue when the meeting opened.
• It is a known problem with “listening sessions” where those doing the listening tend to respond to ideas rather than absorbing and asking no more than clarification questions like: please elaborate, what could work, what could be done… and that happened here too.

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #edcls0930
https://twitter.com/hashtag/edcls0930?src=hashtag_click

Photos (screen captures) shared via Twitter can be found in one folder

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DKJbMzaqHNqfLs5KA 

 

• Ready for EDC listening session #1 #edcls0930
• Meeting opened but they are running late due to tech difficulty #edcls0930 So we'll wait.
• While we have time to share the economic development page for Franklin https://franklinma.gov/economic-development  #edcls0930
• And the Market Study which is one of the key inputs for the listening session soon to start https://franklinma.gov/economic-development/links/mapc-town-franklin-market-study #edcls0930
• And the MetroWest study is also for consideration https://franklinma.gov/economic-development/files/495metrowest-profile #edcls0930
• Tonight is primarily for downtown Franklin, Franklin Cultural District along with the Crossing section segments of the Franklin market place #edcls0930
• Tech resolution reached, meeting formally opening #edcls0930  (20 mins late)
• Approx 21 via Zoom, some Committee and town folks in the Council chambers #edcls0930 Live stream and Verizon/Comcast cable subscribers also have access to their local channels
• Tony Dasilva of the rail trail Committee notes an increase in traffic on the SNETT #edcls0930 Jamie adds about parking lot at Beaver and Grove, access to State forest, another lot coming to Spring St for access to the SNETT desire to be complete streets enabled
• Long term plan includes work on Kenwood Circle and eventually all along Grove #edcls0930 to bring trail all the way down to the Crossing is desired. CSX owns and uses the stretch so it will take time, time, time
• Friendly reminder if anyone needs the info to join #edcls0930
• Senator Rausch in the audience #edcls0930 Lisa Piana of Downtown Partnership has some info and will be surveying their businesses.
• #ThinkFranklinFirst campaign launches Oct 1 in town social media and newsletter #edcls0930 looking for help in sharing info. Work also underway on cultural district page to reflect current events, etc.
• Recognizing that Amazon is a competitor, is there a way to develop a local delivery service to combine resources among the businesses. Would it be worth it to avoid hitting the Amazon button. #edcls0930 a grubhub for local items (not just food)
• Suggestion on adding more lights downtown around the trees, will the sled be back? #edcls0930 Q on occupancy capacity for the next step per Gov Baker announcement yesterday. Outdoor back to 100, performance venue at half capacity doesn't cover Gillette yet
• Looking to open Library, Senior Center, and Municipal building for Nov 9... #edcls0930
• Drive through expanded hours coming to enable ballot drop off at Municipal building, stay tuned for more info coming. Visit town clerk page for updates. (will also share via https://Franklinmatters.org of course) #edcls0930
• Q on how many businesses are actually represented here? Trail folks, cultural folks, citizens, and there was out reach to business owners, etc. Personal invite to all 820 businesses by ToF office. #edcls0930
• Raul of MAPC encourages use of students at Dean as a resource for helping in marketing or creation of collateral #edcls0930
• How do we create a jingle on the #thinkFranklinFirst theme? #edcls0930 next one Oct 19, restaurants, hospitality, tourism target for that discussion but open to all
• That's all for tonight, catch you all next time. #edcls0930 

EDC Chair Melanie Hamblen

 

Economic Development Subcommittee: Business Listening & Networking Session #1 - Sep 30

 Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 30, 2020

6:30 PM

Agenda:

1. Business Listening & Networking Session #1: Downtown Franklin, The Crossing & Franklin Cultural District. 

The members of the EDC will host the first in a series of five Business Listening &  Networking Sessions on sectors of the Town’s economy. 

Anyone is invited to attend and offer public comments.

Link to the agenda doc:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17UImA84x_AbI-8IGmqqHO82P-qv44vmg/view?usp=sharing

The Market Study:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf

The Market Study

FM #354 Talk Franklin - 9/25/20 (audio)

FM #354 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 354 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Temporary town clerk, election prep underway

• Municipal aggregation, opt out of savings (waiting list for Nexamp)

• Micro-enterprise grants – applications available

• Business listening session Sep 30, first of series

• ThinkBlue winners coming next week

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/46e1958e-808b-4518-9ac5-6232e9fa129a

--------------

Town Clerk page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Municipal aggregation  https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation 

Micro-enterprise grants  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/micro_enterprise_grants_3.pdf 

Business listening sessions  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

FM #353 Rich Frongillo - Growing Businesses in Franklin - 9/17/20 (audio)

FM #353 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 353 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Rich Frongillo. Rich is the owner of Tinetrix, founder of the Franklin Soccer School, Inc., and most recently Downtown Sports. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Rich and I had a great winding conversation covering a bunch of topics including advice from his mother that he still lives by these days in the development and management of his technology services company, and that informed the founding of the Franklin Soccer School and the expansion of Downtown Sports.

As our conversation meandered, COVID-19 and life during the pandemic comes in frequently along the way; from dealing with uncertainty, to developing services to meet current requirements (like the Smart Hoops Program and the Monitored Virtual-Learning Program), and to the forthcoming Franklin business listening sessions.

The show notes contain links to the Rich’s businesses.

Our conversation runs just about 52 minutes, so let’s listen to Rich and I talk about business development and life here in Franklin, MA.

Audio file:  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-353-richfrongillo-fss-downtownsports-20200917

--------------

Rich’s LinkedIn profile = https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-frongillo-4860a96/
Tinetrix, Inc. =  https://www.tinetrix.com/
Franklin Soccer School, Inc. = https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/
Downtown Sports =  https://www.downtownsports.net/
MVP = https://www.downtownsports.net/mvp
Smart Hoops =  https://www.downtownsports.net/programs/smart-hoops

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #353 Rich Frongillo - Growing Businesses in Franklin - 9/17/20 (audio)

Listening Sessions start on Weds, Sep 30 - How can we help Franklin determine its future?

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"FITCHBURG MAYOR Stephen DiNatale’s office bears all the markings of the workspace of a small-city Massachusetts leader working hard to pull up his community, a place that has struggled for years following the exodus of industries that once made mill towns like this hum with economic vigor.

There are sketches of planned development projects, a big photograph showing downtown Fitchburg back in its pre-World War II heyday, and in one corner a group of shiny ceremonial shovels standing against the wall, mementos from recent groundbreaking celebrations that DiNatale is anxious to replicate. The affable 68-year-old former state representative is laser-focused on economic development, and in a hurry for it to happen. “I’m not a patient guy,” said DiNatale. 

It’s easy to see why. Median household income is $55,000 in Fitchburg, $22,000 below the statewide average. Meanwhile, the pandemic has hit the city hard, with its 15.5 percent unemployment rate in August the eighth highest in the state."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/arts-and-culture/fitchburg-pinning-revival-hopes-on-arts-and-culture/ 

 

Is there something Fitchburg is doing, that we should also consider?

 

Franklin starts listening sessions next week. The first one on Weds, Sep 30. The agenda for the September 30th Listening Session, which will focus on Downtown Franklin, the Crossing and the Franklin Cultural District, can be found here  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-30_edc_listening_session_1_agenda.pdf
 
For reference here are links to the MAPC Town of Franklin Market Study 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf

 

a Demographic & Economic Profile of the 495/MetroWest Region; details specific to Franklin can be found on pages 57 and 58

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/495_metrowest_profile_2020.pdf

 

To sign up for one of more of the series of listening sessions, register here

https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development

 

Listening Sessions start on Weds, Sep 30 - How can we help Franklin determine its future?

FM #341 Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - 9/02/20 (audio)

FM #341 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 341 in the series. 

This session shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The Chair, Melanie Hamblen, opens the meeting. New member Brian Chandler joins the group to replace Eamon McCarthy Earls who is leaving the Council to go to Law School.  

Brief update on re-opening provided at beginning of meeting. Grant application being readied for distribution, possible next week.

Conversation shifts to the market study and picking up on prior meeting discussion of advertising placements at restaurants, adding QR codes to help with finding things, also mention of a “Franklin First” campaign in the works to help foster buying local.

Complete streets and the details around it are reviewed, some of the impact was seen with the work on the Main St and downtown project that was completed a couple of years ago. This would be a policy (not a bylaw) to help address planning for the street to consider all modes of transit (rather than just the auto which is prevalent today).

The recording runs just about 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the discussion from the meeting of the Economic Development Subcommittee.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZXrkRTK

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The agenda for the meeting can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/08-20-2020_edc_agenda.pdf

The Market Study
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-economic-development.html 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/edc-meeting-recap-franklin-first-qr.html 

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The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
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FM #341 Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - 9/02/20 (audio)

EDC Meeting Recap: "Franklin First", QR codes, and complete streets discussed

Recap:  Brief update on re-opening provided at beginning of meeting. Grant application being readied for distribution, possible next week.
 
Shift to the market study and picking up on prior meeting discussion of placements at restaurants, adding QR codes to help with finding things, a “Franklin First” campaign in the works to help foster buying local.
 
Complete streets and the details around it reviewed, some of the impact seen with the rework on the Main St and downtown project completed a couple of years ago. Would be a policy (not a bylaw) to help address planning for the street to consider all modes of transit (rather than just the auto which is prevalent today).

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0902
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0902&src=typeahead_click

• Shifting to real time reporting underway for EDC meeting which had just started at 5:45 PM #edc0902
• "Franklin First" campaign in the planning stages to help foster local buy, better linkage between cultural district and town page (as foreshadowed in Cultural District meeting) #edc0902
• Touting QR codes, do they realize (1) most devices don't read them (2) a major security issue is opened. #edc0902
• If you're not aware of QR codes, this link on Wikipedia can help explain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code  #edc0902
• QR codes being proposed as an additional items to help with navigation and info finding #edc0902 
• Website being touted as never done, actually seems to be referring to Cultural District page (Not Town page) which raises questions about what is the cultural district?
• Tapping into Metro West visitors bureau and other regional/state orgs to help with marketing in print, web, social, etc. #edc0902 an increase of biking seen in this pandemic period, work on 'complete streets' coordinate with traffic lights to get activated by bikes
• Policy proposal would need to be accepted by planning board and town Council #edc0902 complete streets would require all uses of the road would be considered, currently car is priority for road construction.
• The state is already complete streets planning, some of the road work we're doing is also complete streets (as in road narrowing) #edc0902 need to get credit for what they are doing. Framework and guidance doc, not a bylaw
• Meeting adjourned, getting ready for #3; Town Council up at 7 PM #edc0902. #tc0902 

The EDC agenda can be found online    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-economic-development.html

Photos captured during the meeting and shared with the Twitter thread can be found here

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bXGKVDGEQte4r6EB7

Councilor Brian Chandler new member of the EDC gestures in asking a question