AVON – A group of local residents met recently at the former Lauri toy factory to select a purpose and direction for the facility on Avon Valley Road. The toy company was sold to an out of state firm in September, leaving 20 workers without jobs and the facility vacant.

More than 30 professionals from business, education and state and local government attended to hear presentations from local educators and community development specialists as well as aspiring entrepreneurs, an original partner of Lauri Enterprises and other Avon community members.

The focus of the meeting was to guide the present owner of the facility in researching community supported possibilities for the benefit of the northern Franklin County area. The evening began with a tour of the 19,000-square-foot facility followed by a presentation given by Gary Perlson and Kirsten Brown of SAD 58 Community Education. They explained how a combination of commerce and industry with education could result in a renaissance for the community.

A second presentation, offered by Nelson Bachelder, focused on the need for jobs and opportunity in the immediate area.

Other speakers discussed a variety of possible uses for the plant including a processing facility for locally grown produce and meat products, a computer recycling operation and a community service center.

A discussion was held on creating a training facility for skilled trades in high demand directly linked to area business and industry. The facility is central to the northern part of the county and has room for future expansion and multiple uses.

Members of the community are now invited to submit positive and constructive ideas on uses for the Lauri factory to Lauri Sibulkin at [email protected].