Have you heard of RiverCOG?
It’s an acronym for the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments, which is an association of 17 towns with each represented by its chief elected official. Its mission involves facilitating solutions and planning between the 17 towns, the State of Connecticut, federal agencies, and nonprofits for land use, transportation, agriculture, emergency management, conservation, and economic development.
One of its key goals is to encourage a safe and open venue to discuss shared regional options and projects. Fulfilling this mission had led RiverCOG to launch a new and exciting project titled, GrowSMART. The purpose of GrowSMART is to research how the region can collaborate to attract workers, and retain and grow businesses while also conserving the natural resources that are so vital to the region’s infrastructure, housing values, and tourism industry.
As you drive, walk, or bike around the region in September and October, you will start to notice signs, posters and banners around town such as the one shown to the left or see an advertisements while reading a local newspaper or local online news. The signs or advertisements may ask a question, such as: “Why can’t you find qualified help?” or “Who is going to buy your house”?
Why is RiverCOG asking these questions?
The answer is that its Regional Strategic Economic Growth Committee is working with Ninigret Partners to create a regional economic growth strategy and is seeking your input. RiverCOG invites you to visit the project website at www.GrowSMARTregion.org to learn about its travelling mobile workshop and note dates of the upcoming public forums to which all are welcome
There is also an opportunity at the www.GrowSMARTregion.org website to submit your ideas directly.