WILMINGTON- The Tri-town Economic Development Committee has completed their search for an economic development specialist. The Dover and Wilmington selectboards and members of the Tri-town Economic Development Committee have selected an organization with a solid understanding of rural economic development and a proven record of helping rural communities. Luckily, they didn’t have to look far.

Mullin Associates, of Amherst, MA, was selected as the Tri-town Committee’s new planner. Founding partner John Mullin is the dean of undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a professor in the Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning Department. He is joined by senior partner Zenia Kotval and senior planner Stuart Beckley, who will assist Mullin in developing an economic plan for the Dover and Wilmington areas.

According to John Mullin’s Web page at Berkeley Electronic Press, “Mullins Associates is an active research and planning consultation practice that focuses upon studies, plans and recommendations concerning economic revitalization and industrial development.” They have 30 years of experience in economic development planning, emphasize small town development, and help communities determine their economic future.

Mullin Associates is familiar with the Deerfield Valley as they facilitated two of the Tri-town Economic Development Committee community forums. The forums were designed to listen to public input and identify the area’s economic needs.

Tri-town Economic Development Committee member Nona Monis said the committee received 11 applications. Many of the applicants were qualified, but they were “most impressed” with Mullin’s efforts in reaching out to local communities. “The townspeople were very receptive (to Mullin). We enjoyed working with him and he has great experiences in rural communities,” said Monis.

The tri-town economic development specialist position is a one-year, $30,000 contract position and Mullin Associates have several tasks to complete. According to the Tri-town Economic Development Committee’s job description, “Mullin Associates will develop several sustainable and successful tourism and nontourism long-term recommendations. Implementation of these recommendations will result in an increase of the economic viability of the valley and positively impact wages, jobs, and the quality of life for valley residents.”

Mullin Associates will conduct a community assets and liability audit; have conversations with the communities; compile data on the socioeconomic characteristics of the towns; look at the infrastructure, fiscal climate, and tax structures; and develop a public vision for the community. “One of the job’s important aspect is bringing together the economic development needs of Wilmington and Dover. They will look at what the towns have to offer, identify our marketing constraints and assets and liabilities, and empower local decision-makers to take charge of our own destinies,” said Monis.

Other responsibilities include “create several tourism and nontourism economic development recommendations, develop a public involvement plan, collect data to assess the sustainability of economic development, and provide a final report for publication to the towns.” Upon completion of the project, the Tri-town Economic Development Committee will present the results to the towns and their town meetings. “Mullin Associates will develop strategies for looking at generating new jobs with livable wages and benefits in the area. They’ll talk with planners from other towns, receive feedback, and develop specifics that we believe will provide economic development,” said committee member and Wilmington town manager Bob Rusten.

Mullin said he is pleased his organization will assist the Tri-town Economic Development Committee’s efforts. He believes the Wilmington and Dover area has a great deal of potential and his organization is impressed with the energy and enthusiasm both towns bring to the table. “When I came for the workshops, I heard a lot of great ideas. There are so many motivated people in the area. I think (the towns) are well placed and this is the perfect place to do it. The spark is there and it’s a very upbeat community,” said Mullin.

Mullin Associates meets with the Mount Snow Chamber of Commerce and the Wilmington and Dover selectboards on Thursday to develop an initial plan and work schedule.

The Tri-Town Economic Development Committee’s purpose is to address economic development in the Dover, Whitingham, and Wilmington areas. The committee was established in the spring of 2007 by the Dover, Whitingham, and Wilmington selectboards. The Whitingham selectboard chose not to participate in the Tri-Town Economic Development Committee’s long-term projects, such as the hiring of an economic specialist, but they will continue to be involved in other tri-town economic development activities.