BETHEL – The Bethel Area Trails Committee and the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring an open discussion on “Trails: What’s in it for Business and the Economy?” for those involved in business, development and trails, from 8:15 to 9:45 a.m. Friday, June 1, at the Gehring House/Lewin Center, Upper Broad Street.

The focus will be on developing strategies to use trails and recreational resources to advance the economy as a follow-up to the recent presentation on “Trails as an Economic and Community Development Strategy” presented on May 18 at the Bethel Inn.

Key findings included research that trails are the no. 1 amenity affecting home buyers age 55 and older and that there is an $8,000 to $20,000 premium for real estate located in close proximity to a high-quality trail. Significant direct and indirect contributions to local business revenues in several areas with trail systems were also detailed.

The free event is open to anyone interested in the topic. Coffee/tea will be available. An RSVP by Thursday, May 31, to the chamber is requested at 824-2282 or [email protected].

The Bethel Area Trails is a committee of the Mahoosuc Land Trust; detailed information can be found at www.thebetheljournals.info/Trails/betheltrails.htm.