FARMINGTON — An organization geared toward enhancing economic development beyond the downtown area is forming.

The goal of the Farmington Business Association is to involve more people, both business owners and community members, to discuss ideas and put them in motion, Andrew Hufnagel  said. He and Kevin and Cindy Madore and a couple others are stepping up to start the nonprofit group.

An informational gathering is planned for 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, at the Fairbanks Meetinghouse, Hufnagel told fellow selectmen at the board meeting Tuesday.

Anyone is welcome to attend, learn more and if interested, enroll to become a member, he said.

“It’s in the very beginning phases,” he said.

As a small business owner himself, Hufnagel said Wednesday that he didn’t find good local resources or networking opportunities to help him establish his general contracting business. He spoke with other contractors on the sidewalk or in the coffee shops about how to make his business grow. There was a general feeling that it would be nice to have a place to meet, talk and pull ideas together, he said.

The idea of forming an association and finding space to meet monthly came about after several discussions with business owners and residents.  He has received a lot of interest and hopes those people will show up, stay interested, volunteer their time and help the community, he said.

“There’s a lot of good opinions but there’s nowhere to go and put the ideas in motion,” he said.

The town can benefit from more people getting involved and communicating, he said. A resident might have an idea for a charitable event or some other idea. They can bring it to the Farmington Business Association, discuss it and make the event twice as effective with the involvement and support of other members, he said.

Hufnagel acknowledged the work of the Farmington Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce that are working to improve the business climate in the area.

“As long as I’ve lived here, the primary focus and municipal funds have focused on the downtown, keeping it vibrant and active,” he said. “(The area) outside the downtown, businesses and even sidewalks, have been neglected.”

He said he wants to expand the horizon and think outside the box. He wants the new group to focus on recognizing the potential of areas outside downtown.

Hufnagel indicated his willingness to work together with the other organizations on special events that will benefit and help Farmington grow.

Organizers are also considering whether to bring in guest speakers for topics such as marketing, advertising and grant writing.

For more information, contact Hufnagel at 491-7299.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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