July 10^th is a time for remembrance and socializing for McDonough residents, visiting friends and family. The Annual Community Picnic, sponsored by the local Kelly Grange and aided by other organizations, reunites friends and families – some from great distances – for a day of sharing photos, "remembering when" and just relaxing with old acquaintances.

The McDonough Economic Development Committee (MEDC) presents an alternative to keeping those long-distance bonds strong. The day also marks the launch date for the Town of McDonough website –www.mcdonoughny.net. The site features interactive tools to aid dissemination of information and promotes local business and positive rural aspects of the community. Funded through the efforts of MEDC and local sponsors, the site is already a booming attraction with over 2000 hits in its first month.

The mission statement of the newly formed McDonough Economic Development Committee exemplifies their direction and goals. A group of concerned business-minded residents, the MEDC seeks to formulate efforts to develop programs to encourage new business relations and invent ways to promote economic growth by working closely with existing area committees and small business owners.

The first step in the program was the development of the town website. MEDC has high expectations for its use and benefits to the town. "We have already had several encouraging emails and verbal complements on the site," Sue Baker, site designer, commented. "We hope that residents and visitors take full advantage of the interactive aspects of the site."