Land Use Forum set Sept. 13 in Georgetown

In preparation for the drafting of Sussex County's 2018 Comprehensive Plan, the League of Women Voters of Sussex County will hold its 15th public forum, titled 2018 Comprehensive Plan: Economic Development in Sussex: What and When? from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 13, in County Council Chambers, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.

To clarify the importance of economic development to the 2018 Comprehensive Plan, this forum explores the relationship of technology to Sussex's key economic drivers: agriculture, tourism, and healthcare. With this perspective, Sussex residents will gain a better appreciation of what economic development objectives need to be included in the 2018 plan.

Economic Drivers: Bill Pfaff, Sussex County's new economic development director, is the lead-off speaker. Prior to his appointment, Pfaff was pivotal in building the Sussex County office of the Delaware Small Business Development Center.

Healthcare: Business entrepreneur Jack Berberian follows with a discussion about the critical role of technology in Sussex's growth. With his business partners, Berberian is on the front lines working to provide high-speed broadband connections and internet service to Sussex's underserved businesses and homes. He is co-founder of SecureNetMD, the region's first 100 percent healthcare IT company, serving hospitals and medical facilities in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In early 2014, his company founded DelmarvaRepair.com, a leader in providing comprehensive mobile device diagnostic and repair services throughout Delaware.

Agriculture: Representing the agriculture sector is Ken Bounds, deputy secretary at the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Bounds, a Sussex farmer, is recognized as a tireless advocate for Sussex farmers in agricultural businesses of all kinds. Appointed by Gov. John Carney in January, he is an executive with Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit and was honored in 2016 for his Distinguished Service to Delaware Agriculture, for his commitment to cultivating enterprise and innovation in agriculture.

Tourism: The final speaker, Scott Thomas has served as executive director for Southern Delaware Tourism, Sussex County's Convention and Visitors Bureau since 2007. Throughout the entire year, tourism is a key employer and multi-billion-dollar revenue source for the Delaware economy. Thomas is also a member of the board for the Sussex Economic Development Action Committee.

Following the presentations, attendees will be able to ask questions during a 45-minute Q&A session. Throughout, the importance of the public's role in drafting Sussex County's 2018 Comp Plan is stressed and encouraged.

Since 2015, the league has conducted five educational workshops and 10 forums for Sussex County residents related to the drafting of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Participants in the educational workshops indicated that they wanted communities which are sustainable and livable, where people can thrive, and the quality of life can be enhanced for all. At the forums, Sussex residents learn how to help incorporate their vision into the county's 2018 Comprehensive Plan so it provides enhanced economic vitality, coordinated development of housing for all income levels, protection of natural resources and open space, adequate storm and wastewater management, and efficient transportation systems.

Go to www.sussexlwv.org for more information, as well as to view prior forum presentations.