ProjectsRepresentative projects are listed by service category below. Selected project materials can be accessed via the Links page.
Strategic Planning
Augusta County, VA
Economic Development Strategic Plan
As a follow-up to the adoption of its comprehensive plan, Augusta County hired Moran, Stahl & Boyer, E.M. Pemrick and Company, and Laberge Group to prepare a strategic plan for the County's economic development. The project included a comprehensive economic base analysis, a strengths and weaknesses assessment to determine which resources the County should focus on improving, and interviews with major employers and key community stakeholders, as well as a survey of local businesses. The project team conducted an evaluation of priority business and industrial sites in the County. Public meetings, including sessions with students at area high schools, were also part of the project.
These efforts resulted in the development of an Economic Development Strategic Plan that provides direction to guide economic development activities in Augusta County over the next ten years. A vision statement and a series of goals were presented to address the issues and opportunities identified during the strategic planning process. The project team also developed an action plan with detailed recommendations to support existing businesses, stimulate new business activity, enhance labor resources, improve organizational effectiveness, and enhance physical readiness and site infrastructure in the County. Augusta County is located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley region.
Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development (MAED)
Regional Resource Assessments
As part of an initiative to identify and ultimately market priority development sites designated under the state's 43D program, the Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development (MAED) retained Moran, Stahl & Boyer and E.M. Pemrick and Company to assess the economic development resources of the state and its regions. This effort involved gathering background information on each region, from the identification of target industries and types of operations to the inventory and analysis of resources that support industry growth. The project team facilitated workshops with key stakeholders in each of the eight regions to discuss strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and toured a number of sites available for development. The team also benchmarked selected competitor locations, examining their target industries, marketing approaches, and development and R&D activity, with particular focus on the types of facilities developed to support the technology-oriented companies that Massachusetts is also pursuing for economic growth.
Recognizing that Massachusetts faces some challenges, the project team prepared an economic development resource assessment identifying issues that should be addressed and related recommendations. A key part of the evaluation was an analysis of economic development opportunities in each region. The results are being used to support a statewide marketing effort.
James City County, VA Office of Economic Development
Business Climate Study
James City County is adjacent to the independent City of Williamsburg. Its current population is estimated at 58,000 with an average annual growth rate exceeding 2%, reflecting the area's high desirability as a destination for both retirees and working families.
To sustain the economic viability of the area, the County's Economic Development Authority (EDA) commissioned a Business Climate Task Force (BCTF) to review the local climate for business retention and expansion of existing businesses, as well as recruiting outside businesses to the area. Through the James City County Office of Economic Development, the EDA and Board of Supervisors, the Business Climate Task Force retained a consulting team comprised of Moran, Stahl & Boyer and E.M. Pemrick and Company to complete a Business Climate Study. The team conducted 40 interviews with a cross-section of local businesses, and benchmarked James City County against its peers to evaluate economic development policies and identify "best-in-class" approaches to various issues impacting the business climate. It also provided recommendations aimed at improving the County's capacity for economic development and creating a more business-friendly environment.
The study was extremely well-received by the local business community. The Task Force issued its final report, incorporating the consultant study, in January 2008. County leaders hope to begin implementing many of the report recommendations as part of an upcoming comprehensive plan update.
Greene County, NY
Comprehensive Economic Development Plan
E.M. Pemrick and Company was a key contributor to the countywide economic development plan for this predominantly rural county in New York's Hudson Valley. The plan was adopted by the Greene County Legislature in July 2007.
Kent County, DE
Countywide Economic Development Strategy
E.M. Pemrick and Company worked with Moran, Stahl & Boyer to develop an economic development strategy for Kent County, one of three counties in Delaware. The County's objectives were to provide direction and focus to its economic development efforts and effectively position the County for future growth. The project methodology incorporated an analysis of economic, demographic, labor and industry trends; extensive interviews with major employers, municipal leaders, educators, local and state economic development officials, chambers of commerce and other stakeholders; an employer survey; an inventory and assessment of sites available for business development and expansion; and a competitive assessment comparing Kent County with its peers in the mid-Atlantic region. Formally adopted by the Commissioners of the Kent County Levy Court, the economic development strategy identifies the facilities, resources and organizational support necessary for the County to achieve its goals for economic growth and offers detailed recommendations to help the County deliver a more effective economic development program.
Market Analysis / Community Revitalization
Putnam County, NY
Niche Marketing Plans for the Town of Kent Route 52 Corridor and the Village of Brewster
The Putnam County Main Street Partnership Program was created to address issues of community revitalization in Putnam's hamlets, villages, and traditional commercial centers. Funds are earmarked to conduct a variety of planning studies, including niche marketing plans, the development of design guidelines and signage ordinances, and traffic analysis to improve pedestrian access. Putnam County selected The RBA Group in association with E.M. Pemrick and Company to conduct the various studies requested by participating communities. E.M. Pemrick and Company prepared niche marketing plans for study areas in the Village of Brewster (downtown Brewster) and the Town of Kent (a portion of the Route 52 corridor).
Town of Ashburnham, MA
Ashburnham Village Center Marketing Plan
To reduce the amount of vacant commercial space and diversify the local tax base, the Town of Ashburnham contracted with E.M. Pemrick and Company to create a marketing plan for its Village Center. The plan is part of a larger effort related to the economic revitalization of the Ashburnham Village Center.
Components of the project included review of a resident/customer survey conducted by the Town; one-on-one discussions with selected real estate professionals, business and property owners, and other stakeholders to solicit feedback on potential commercial uses; an analysis of market demographics and retail sales; and an assessment of the potential to draw on non-local or visitor markets. The recommendations included in the Marketing Plan address such topics as market positioning, business development and recruitment, marketing and promotion, business assistance resources, and leadership. The plan will be used by the Village Center Zoning District Study Committee, Town Planning Board, and Town officials to restore the economic vitality of the Village Center.
Lumber City Development Corporation, City of North Tonawanda, NY
Downtown North Tonawanda Redevelopment Plan*
For this project, Ellen Pemrick analyzed resident market demographics and consumer demand, assessed information on the regional and local tourism market, conducted surveys of downtown businesses and visitors, and identified needs and opportunities, building on the success of Gateway Harbor and related canal-based activities. She also developed recommendations with respect to business development and recruitment, marketing, anchor projects, and organizational capacity to help municipal officials foster increased economic activity in the downtown. The redevelopment plan for North Tonawanda's downtown district was produced in partnership with a planning and engineering firm.
City of Lockport, NY
Strategic Development and Marketing Plan*
The purpose of this project was to identify opportunities for improving the vitality of Lockport's downtown area for merchants, residents, and visitors, capitalizing on the City's heritage and unique attractions highlighting its role in the opening of the Erie Canal. Ellen Pemrick analyzed resident and visitor markets, conducted surveys of downtown business owners and tourists, facilitated focus groups involving key regional stakeholders, and developed recommendations. Produced in partnership with an architectural, planning and engineering firm, the strategic plan provided information and analysis regarding existing physical, socioeconomic, and retail market conditions, the identification of market opportunities, core concepts for revitalization, and recommendations for the city's physical environment and urban design, business development, interpretation, and marketing.
Ellen Pemrick also prepared a successful grant application to the State of New York that provided the City of Lockport with $500,000 for various economic development initiatives and public improvements downtown. This funding has assisted in the implementation of several key redevelopment projects. In addition, the activities supported by the grant have leveraged significant private capital investment and attracted new retail, restaurant, and office businesses to the downtown commercial district.
Village of New Albany, OH
Economic Development Strategic Plan*
Contributions included an economic and industry analysis, analysis of demographic trends, a retail market study, and recommendations related to business attraction, marketing, and concepts for retail development.
City of Port Jervis, NY
Downtown Port Jervis Strategic Plan*
Winner of 2004 Outstanding Planning Award - NY Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association
Contributions included commercial market analysis and related recommendations.
City of Painesville, OH
Retail Market Analysis*
Economic & Workforce Analysis
Wall Street West, northeastern PA
Workforce and Workforce Development System Gap Analysis
Wall Street West is a not-for-profit partnership of economic development agencies, technology investment groups, workforce development organizations, and educational and research institutions in northeastern Pennsylvania. In 2006, the group secured a $15 million Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand and strengthen the financial services sector in a nine-county area by preparing the workforce to meet the emerging needs of the industry.
The Wall Street West partnership contracted with E.M. Pemrick and Company and Moran, Stahl & Boyer to prepare a Workforce and Workforce Development System Gap Analysis. The project team used a combination of original research, interviews, and review of quantitative data to:
The final report offers a series of recommendations designed to address identified gaps and ensure that a qualified workforce is in place to attract and support the financial services sector in northeastern Pennsylvania. Since the report was completed, Wall Street West has distributed more than $5 million in WIRED funds to create programs that will prepare Pennsylvania workers and students for employment opportunities in financial services and information technology.
Rockland (NY) Economic Development Corporation
Rockland County Business Survey and Economic Analysis*
Community Planning & Environmental Associates
Putnam County (NY) Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan*
Winner of 2005 Outstanding Planning Award - NY Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association
Provided the economic analysis and recommendations related to agricultural economic development.
*Completed by Ellen Morosoff Pemrick while with a previous employer.
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