R Steve introduced Ben and Caroline from Brighton's Economic Development Department.Ben Hagerman is Manager of Economic Development and Communications.
R Steve knows Ben's parents. Grant Hagerman is Deputy Mayor in the Township of Stirling Rawdon and has been on Council for several terms.
In addition, Ben's cousin Trevor Hagerman and wife Shelly are members of the Stirling Rotary Club and heavily involved in the Youth Exchange Program. Trevor and Shelly have the exchange students to their home each spring and take the kids to the Hagerman farm and sugar bush to experience the production of maple syrup.
So Ben growing up with a sugar bush had a sweet childhood.
Ben, grew up in Stirling, lives in Napanee with wife BethAnn, two sons Henry (4), Clark (2)
-Trent University Graduate, Business Degree
-Started Career in Greater Napanee, Moved on to City of Quinte West and has now been in Brighton for 2.5 years. About 10 years of Municipal and Economic Development Experience
-Favourite place in Brighton- Timber Ridge Golf Course
Caroline, Grew up in Brighton, ENSS Grad
-Queens University Grad, Queens University Teachers College Grad, Loyalist College Public
Relations Grad
-Favourite place in Brighton, Presquile Park
Ben joined Brighton in October 2019. He has learned a lot about supporting business during last couple years and the importance of supply chains and community.
He got into economic development on a whim. At Greater Napanee he was in administration and decided to apply for a maternity leave position in economic development. He has grown and expanded in that role from Napanee to Quinte West and now in Brighton. He said when Brighton put out their advertisement for the position, four people sent it to him.
They were able to hire Caroline as an intern with some grant funding and she proved so good at communications they found money to keep her. Caroline is now full time with Brighton. They are hoping to hire another student for the summer.
What they do:
Grant writing.
Work to attract businesses to the Industrial Park
Key partnerships
Promote tourism and local business promotion.
Communications
In the new Industrial Park, lots are selling but they have to resolve some issues with Environmental Protection lands. Some of the lots are starting to be developed.
Some of the partnerships include Quinte Economic Development Corporation, Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing, the local Chamber and DBIA.
Caroline manages to communications and social media as well as newsprint and newsletters.
This summer they are looking to facilitate some 'Pop Ups' at the old canteen in King Edward Park. They will soon do some renovations to accommodate this.
They are involved in the Applefest Street fair organization.
Short term accommodations are going to be tracked.
Business retention and growth is an important aspect of their role. A survey has recently been sent out to 150 businesses and already have 40 responses.
Some recent successes is Brighton Truss and Precision Tech.
They promote tourism and local businesses using social media. This includes various campaigns and activities including partnerships such as with Brighton Digital Archives.
High speed internet is extremely important for local businesses and the recent announcement with the Province and Hydro One of a pilot to provide high speed internet to rural areas is a big win for the community.