Kimberley Driscoll

Employers at small, medium, and large local businesses are encouraged to apply to the newly formed Economic Development Committee. The purpose of the committee is to have a formal communication gateway between businesses and town officials, said Selectman Alexander J. Vispoli, who came up with the idea. The committee will report to selectmen, with whom it will meet once per quarter to make presentations on issues such as current observations, trends, action plans, and success stories, Vispoli said. The presentations will be combined with the town's own economic development goals as outlined in its master plan. The committee will consist of seven to nine members joined by a representative from the Andover Business Center Association, the town manager, and planning director, Vispoli said. He hopes to have the committee staffed by the start of the new year. Applicants should fill out a talent bank form, which can be found at andoverma.gov under the Volunteers Needed link.