Marie Capello, executive director of Rockingham Economic Development Corp. stands next to the new CEDS project plan in her office in Exeter on Wednesday morning.
Staff Photo by Carrie Niland

Compaq closing the impetus behind report

By Steve Jusseaume,  

HAMPTON — The Rockingham Economic Development Corp. has finished and published a study focusing on development strategies for the county, with emphasis on the Seacoast region.

Marie Capello, of the REDC, visited Hampton this week and presented a copy of the document to selectmen.

The REDC, based in Exeter, developed a so-called comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The Seacoast Business Alliance, based in North Hampton, was also part of the planning process.

"Rockingham County is very diverse, with 37 towns," Capello said. "This document will serve as a resource and referral tool in developing regional development plans."

The county was subdivided into three regions — west, central, and Seacoast.

"It's a grass-roots project. We engaged the most number of people in the county, and solicited input from local officials and individuals. This can be used as a source document for individual goals and grant applications," Capello said.

Working with Department of Commerce support, the REDC developed partnerships with the Rockingham Planning Commission, Community Solutions Inc. and Workforce Designs LLC to develop the CEDS for Rockingham County.

The report was a result of the closing of a Compaq plant in Salem, and in part focused on developing a strategy to assist laid-off workers and to identify potential businesses that could utilize the former Compaq facility.

"This developed into a really grass-roots process, one that engages a wide variety of stakeholders interested in economic development," Capello said. "Three sets of meetings were held, and several components were identified."

Those include:

l Analysis of existing conditions.

l Identification of key strengths, weaknesses and needs on the local level.

l Assessment of future economic growth and key trends and factors affecting growth.

l Identification of a vision statement, goals and objectives for economic development.

l Development of an action plan to achieve the goals and objectives, including priority project lists and general policy recommendations.

Each year, the REDC plans to hold project update forums to assess the success rate in bringing identified projects to the table, Capello explained, and to add new projects.

As new statistics become available, including the 2000 Census report, the report will be additionally updated.

A vision statement developed in conjunction with the report states: Implement a balanced approach to economic development that will create quality jobs for local residents, while maintaining the quality of life that encourages people to live, work and visit the area,

The report, a five-year plan, includes 10 top goals. One of those goals was creation of a Hampton Beach master plan, which is currently under way in Hampton, Capello said.

She stressed the possibility of grants for local projects, and said, "If there is any window of opportunity for grants, if one opened for Hampton, we would contact local officials."

The overall goals listed in the report include work-force development, infrastructure development, targeted assistance, public transportation, quality of life, re-development, affordable housing, intermunicipal cooperation and CEDS implementation.

Capello said the report "is a working, living, breathing document that will be revised as needed."

Selectmen welcomed the assistance of the REDC, the SBA and other regional agencies.

"This is a great idea," said Selectman Jim Workman.

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