HomeMy WebLinkAboutSynergy Meeting #2
Synergy Summit Forum #2 – Summary
Date: July 31, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Brecknock Hall, Greenport
Hosted by: Southold Economic Development Committee
Overview:
The second Synergy Summit focused on fostering economic growth, retaining a younger population
year-round and communication and collaboration. These topics were selected from concerns raised
by the participants in the first Synergy Summit. This event featured group breakout discussions
followed by a roundtable sharing session.
Discussion Topics:
1. Economic Growth
- Determine what additional retail we need in Southold – Variety store, (e.g., socks, basic clothing),
more ethnic restaurants, computer repair. Resurrect the Arcade or facsimile.
- Better business use of our libraries.
- Beautification of Hamlets.
- Emphasis on promoting local businesses and events.
- Proposal to create a comprehensive community website with a local business directory, an event
calendar, additional support needed to accomplish.
- Create a business incubator to provide support and resources to early-stage start-ups. Provide
mentorship, networking and access to funds, shared office space.
- Tools for collaboration and communication between organizations.
- Suggesting to start with Google Sheets to share events until the website is launched.
2. Retaining the Younger Population
- Discussion on demographic trends and the outmigration of younger residents. Ideas proposed:
Mentorship programs, internships. (paid)
Workforce housing sponsorships through Suffolk County.
Development of vibrant town centers to enhance community appeal.
Affordable and workforce housing, identified as a major local challenge: Key ideas
included, use of ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and tiny homes. Support from the
town’s new housing development specialist. Exploration of town and state grant funding
to support housing efforts.
FUNDING AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Suggestion to implement a hotel tax to fund economic development initiatives.
- Provide housing vouchers for employees to rent locally.
- Explore town funding and state grants for proposed projects, particularly the website and housing
programs.
3. Improving Communication and Breaking Down Silos
- Call to "break down the silos" between local organizations.
- Group chat zoom sessions for shop owners.
- Use e-mail thread to communicate among businesses.
- Support each other.
- Consider holding local’s weekends in hamlets.
- Use discount loyalty cards.
- Encouraged groups to share 6-month event schedules to improve coordination.
SUMMARY
A lot of great discussion, a very enthusiastic group. Key items we focused on were, the Community
Website. More support for housing to help retain a younger population. Work more closely among
various organizations, e.g., Civics, Chambers, Lions, Rotary and the NF Promotion Council to focus
on shared goals. Lots more good work to come.
Next Meeting: October 2025