Business & Tech

Economic Development Event Brings Out Montgomery Business Leaders

About 40 members of the village's business community attended a networking event downtown Thursday night.

About 40 members of the Montgomery business community trekked out to the River Street headquarters of the Montgomery Economic Development Corporation Thursday night to network, and to talk shop.

The event, organized by Executive Director Charlene Coulombe-Fiore, was meant as a kickoff of the MEDC’s membership drive—three new spots are opening up on the executive board, and the level of financial contribution required for those spots is being lowered.

But it ended up as a chance for the village’s business community to meet one another, and to pledge their support for Montgomery’s economic development efforts. Village Manager Anne Marie Gaura announced that the 2012 budget, which is set to be approved by the end of April, will include a $55,000 grant to the MEDC.

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Over the corporation’s eight years, Gaura said, the village has contributed more than $600,000.

The mood Thursday night was optimistic, despite the current economic downturn, which has led to some members of the MEDC dropping out, according to Chairman Neil Schlupp of Montgomery Chiropractic. 

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"It's been a tough time for all of us," he said.

But Village President Marilyn Michelini drew cheers for her speech, which centered on Montgomery’s rapid growth over the past 10 years. The latest census figures show the village more than tripling its population since 2000, which Michelini said shows people want to be here.

“Montgomery’s on a roll,” she said. “It’s a great place to be. We don’t want it to be this well-kept secret anymore.”


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