What I Learned at the September Economic Development Committee Meeting
On Thursday, September 10, I attended the Town of Paradise Economic Development Committee meeting to hear what’s happening for our local businesses. Not everyone can make a 4:00 PM meeting on a weekday, so here’s a recap for anyone who couldn’t be there. You can also view the meeting agenda (PDF).
Business Walk: October 7 and 14
The biggest item on the agenda was planning for October business visits. Committee members plan to walk local businesses on October 7 and 14 to check in, listen, and offer support.
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s about meeting business owners where they are, hearing what’s on their minds, and connecting them with help if they need it. As one committee member put it, they’ll be asking:
“What keeps you up at night?”
I think that’s a great question, and a practical way to surface real trends and real needs across our business community.
If you own a business in Paradise, I’d encourage you to welcome the committee if they stop by and be honest about what’s working and what isn’t. That feedback is exactly what the Town needs to hear.
Resources Already Available
The committee also reviewed the Town’s business resource sheet. Good news: the Town already has a resource guide and binder for local businesses. It covers most business types, with resources and pathways for each, plus mentors available for people just starting out.
Where to find it: Visit townofparadise.com and go to Business → Resources for Businesses, or stop by Town Hall at 5555 Skyway.
Many residents and business owners don’t know these resources exist, so if you know someone starting or running a business here, please pass this along.
Next Meeting: November 12 at 4:00 PM
The Economic Development Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at 4:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers at 5555 Skyway. These meetings are open to the public, and there’s time on the agenda for public comments.
Why This Matters
Local businesses have been asking the Town and our Chamber of Commerce for help, and it’s encouraging to see the committee going directly to business owners to listen. A strong local economy means good jobs, services close to home, and a future our kids can build here.
I’ll keep showing up to these meetings and sharing what I learn. Staying engaged with what’s happening in town is part of how I plan to represent you if elected.
If you have thoughts on how the Town can better support local businesses, I want to hear them. Contact me here, or come to my next LET’S TALK About Paradise meetup on Monday, October 12.
Serra Blaine, for Paradise Town Council