Welcome back. We are so glad that you have decided to join us again this month on this journey of community building, information sharing and imagination generation that we call “Get on the Map”, our economic development marketing monthly newsletter.
Here you will learn about the successes and challenges your friends and colleagues in the Eco/Dev space are experiencing from all around the state, region and sometimes, nation.
This month we are taking a look at how one upstate New York county is leveraging new laws regarding Cannabis sales in New York to create jobs. We talk with Orange County IDA’s CEO, Bill Fioravanti to learn about the journey from decommissioned correctional facility to multi-million-dollar tech park. You’ll also get to read how communities are banking on hemp as an economic driver and how states are measuring up to social justice imperatives when it comes to who benefits from this newly legal industry.
Here at KathodeRay, fun projects are always happening to advance the municipalities we serve. See how government communications have improved with a new responsive and more interactive website for Greenville, NY.
As always, we remain committed to putting our municipal clients in the best position to succeed and assisting them in their growth for years to come
Wishing you growth and prosperity in the communities you serve,
Since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970 Cannabis sales have been illegal in the US under federal law. As states move toward decriminalization, community economic developers are counting on Cannabis & its many related industries to create jobs and boost their economies. In Orange County, NY leaders took the long view and began prepping for the industry nearly a decade ago. Learn how their foresight is paying off here…
Banking on Industrial Hemp to Continue Community Revitalization
Hemp has quickly proven itself to be a profitable industry for economic developers – even more so in states and countries that have legalized cannabis. In Proctor, VT, the two cousins behind Zion Growers, Travis Samuels and Brandon McFarlane, are trying to acquire a 200,000-square-foot industrial building for the manufacturing of hemp. With investors on board to help them pay for the $3 million project, as well as $165,000 in tax credits, grants, and technical assistance from federal, state and city programs, they’re ready to assist the diversifying agricultural market. Learn more about their efforts.
How Well are States Doing with the Social Equity Directives?
The burgeoning cannabis industry is exploding in many states, but more and more experts and lawmakers are designing “social equity” programs to create opportunities in cannabis for those who’d experienced the negative effects of its prohibition. Many states are taking a page from Massachusetts’ book in terms of ensuring fair competition and better social equity – learn more and listen to more compelling stories on the “Long Story Short” podcast.
Economist’s Overview of the Future of Hemp on the Global Market
It’s not just investors who are realizing the potential economic windfalls of the cannabis industry offshoots – economists are noticing too! Beau Whitney, founder of Portland, Oregon-based cannabis consultancy Whitney Economics and Oregon chapter president of the National Association of Business Economics has a good idea of what’s on the global horizon for hemp. He outlines a fascinating future of the environmental, social, inclusion and economic perspective for hemp in Africa and Asia – discover more.
Successful New Website for the Town of Greenville, NY
We know that every community struggles with the, “why didn’t you tell us” factor. You can publish public notices in the local paper, list meetings on the cable information channel and post events on social media, but still people will assert that they were unaware of an important public comment period or vote.
Enter the Town of Greenville, which is one of the oldest incorporated rural valley towns in Greene County, NY. Their website needed a fresh, modern look that also made it easy for community to access important information.
The new, ADA-compliant website provides easy access to town information, events, and services for all visitors, including:
Dynamic, visual panels display news, and important public service announcements.
An intuitive means of making an inquiry.
Easy to find forms, department information, planning details, and local laws.
It is easy for residents and visitors alike to navigate and find the information they are seeking. It is also simple to update from a design standpoint. This was a win-win for everyone!
How KathodeRay Can Help Re-energize Your Community
The pandemic disrupted our communities and economies, but now is the time to build back stronger than ever. Keeping in mind current trends, like promoting your municipality’s quality of life will help revitalize your established businesses and attract new ones. Now is the time to get your community on the map! Our team is excited to help you chart this new path.
Our methods can help you create an Economic Development Marketing Plan that will stimulate strategic revitalization and growth of your state, county, town, or region. Learn more.
