Eighteen people from five towns showed up in snowy conditions to put their 2-cents into what FabNewport needs to move forward: a marketing effort; business plan; a board of directors; programs; and fundraising.
Steve Heath, Met School and project manager, opened with presentation of progress to date. Then FabNewport volunteer, Karen Conti, also the business development director at Portsmouth-based Raytheon, led the group through small group work. Strategies were outlined for facilities, equipment, marketing and programming.
It was an impressive showing of enthusiasm and talent, ranging from business expertise to furniture making, community organizing to education. Karen Conti volunteered to round up the notes and we will provide updates ASAP.
FabNewport was thrilled with the turnout and the input. And was grateful for the support of Karen and all the others. Karen did a wonderful job leading the working groups.
One thought on “Strategic Planning Session – January 2”
Great and inspiring work, Steve! FabLab is an exciting venue for creativity and enterprise. Perhaps we could create a partnership with SVPRI to aid budding entrepreneurs developing ideas out of the FabLab, either through our Young Social Innovators program, the Online Business Incubator, or in a number of ways. The possibilities abound! Fab Lab is a fun and effective tool to incubate businesses at a grass roots level – generating a robust local economy. You’ve put together a talented group of people, and dedicated ones, that were willing to come out on a snowy evening – on a national holiday, no less! Why? Because it is a great program. Thank you for bringing it to Newport County!