The North Country is pinning its much of its hope for an economic boost on the effort to reopen the Balsams Resort, but a tourism official says the region should have a Plan B.
“I would really encourage the development of two strategies," says Gloria Bruce, the executive director of the Northeast Kingdom Travel and Tourism Association.
“One, in the event that the Balsams were to open, which I think would be fantastic, what does that look like, what are the outcomes, what do we need to plan for.”
That includes how to make sure locals have the best chances for jobs, particularly high-paying jobs.
But the North Country also needs to be working on an alternative.
“Should the Balsams not open, how then does the community move forward? “
Bruce was the keynote speaker at a North Country economic summit in Colebrook Saturday convened by local businesses, regional leaders and the UNH Cooperative Extension. Those attending considered issues ranging from the workforce and regional identity to attracting more visitors and business from Canada.
