NORWICH – Local entrepreneurs and business leaders filed into Park Place Restaurant in Norwich Friday for the city’s Business Improvement District annual meeting.
Following a formal introduction from BID Director Roz DeRensis, members of the BID quickly got down to business, renewing terms of board members and approving previous meeting minutes before celebrating the success of the organization. This year’s guest speaker, Martin Dietrich, NBT Bank president, commended the BID for its efforts and the BID’s annual Commitment to Community Award was granted to this year’s recipient, Eric Larsen for his dedication to improving the downtown area.
BID board members and guest speakers highlighted achievements of the organization from the last year, which include another successful round of Main Street grant funding that helped commercial property and business owners improve storefronts along North and South Broad streets; and renovations of East and West parks that were finally completed last fall, bringing nearly eight years of planning, fundraising, and vision for the parks to fruition.
“The parks are just one example of what you do and it wouldn’t have been possible without the BID,” Larsen stated upon receiving his award. “The effects are obvious of what you do ... You should be applauded for really caring about your hometown.”
BID Board President Tom Sutton addressed the crowd, commending them for their support of the BID.
“The BID wouldn’t exist without the support of the city,” he said, applauding the work of the city DPW and cooperation with city officials. He also stressed the major changes for the organization over the last year, including appointing DeRensis as the new BID director in November. He further praised the work of former BID Director Pegi LoPresti, who announced her announced her resignation in September but still heads the Main Street grant funding project.
In her time at the BID, LoPresti facilitated three successful rounds of Main Street grants that benefitted 37 properties in the downtown area. The current round of grant funding expires in August.
“I’m sure you will agree that the results are very visible,” she said, noting improvements in the appearance of several downtown properties. “We’re very fortunate to have the BID to help work on this project.”
In speaking to the group, Dietrich also commended the BID for its efforts, particularly for its work in restoring the parks.
“I think we can all look out the window and appreciate what they did,” Dietrich said, adding that he was most impressed by “the patience of everyone in this project.” He also took the opportunity to challenge the BID to look ahead and to take the necessary steps in ensuring an appealing and prosperous downtown area.
“You play an incredibly important role in the economic vitality of the community,” he said.