Branford is described by the Connecticut Department of Labor in its CT Economic Digest as "a vital community with a strong economic base, low taxes, and excellent schools and municipal services. The town is rather unique among the shoreline towns east of New Haven in that it has encouraged substantial development in well-defined districts." We couldn't agree more and invite everyone to see for themselves.

Ideally located along I-95, Branford is at the gateway to New England. In crossing Lake Saltonstall on I-95 at the town line, the transition into New England is unmistakable. With four access points from I-95 and only minutes from its juncture with I-91, Branford sits at the New England threshold and the northeast corridor. Ten miles east of New Haven, 45 miles south of Hartford and Bradley International Airport, and an hour southwest of Providence and only two hours from the heart of New England - Boston, Branford serves a dual role as both New England gateway and New York portal. It's the best of both worlds, with all the ingredients to make it a sound location for any new or expanding business.

And as an integral part of a regional economy [visit www.rexdevelopment.org] that hosts six major universities, an extensive rail system with Amtrak, MetroNorth and Shore Line East, convenient air service out of Tweed New Haven Airport [go to www.flytweed.com for details] as well as proximity to Bradley International Airport, Branford undoubtedly has a site for just about any new or expanding business, especially in bioscience or high tech. And finding a site to meet your business needs is only a few clicks away under the economic development tab on the town's website at www.branford-ct.gov.

With a healthy business climate and a diverse local economy that includes bioscience, manufacturing, healthcare and service industries, along with retail ranging from unique boutiques to the leading national chains, Branford commercial residents include: 454 Life Sciences, an R&D powerhouse in biotech; CAS Medical, among the Connecticut Technology Council's "Top 40" fastest growing technology companies; Branford Hills Health Care Center, recipient of the American Health Care Association's "Step 1 Quality Award", and Zane's Cycles, a national leader in retail and active lifestyles.

The past year Branford has seen a variety of new and expanding businesses around town: biotech GigaCyte has opened an R&D facility on Business Park Dr. while high tech manufacturer Pexagon has moved in around the corner; St. Raphael's Orthopedic Center is about to open its new 18,000 s/f surgical facility; ServePro has finished its new 25,000 s/f building; the Wilson Arms Co. has completed its new 10,000 s/f addition and doubled its workforce; the Shoreline YMCA opened its new 36,000 s/f facility [with expansion plans already underway], and both Walmart and Kohl's have completed major investments with facelifts to their respective Branford facilities. This activity, along with current federally funded infrastructure improvements to expand the town's train station and improve the Amtrak bridge and its Rte. 1 underpass is testament that Branford is the place on the shoreline for businesses growth.

These businesses recognize that Branford offers what every company wants: full municipal services (water, sewer, etc.), a skilled workforce, one of the lowest tax rates along the I-95 corridor, and convenient transit links. And the town's triple-A bond rating is evidence that Branford is viewed as a fiscally well-managed town - not easy to accomplish in this economy - with an infrastructure geared towards the needs of the business community. There is no question, Branford is a Sound location.

Centrally located on the Long Island Sound with more than 20 miles of shoreline, Branford has a quality of life and sense of community that is second to none. All of this combines with a "business friendly" approach that encourages new ventures and expansions.

For more about Branford, visit www.branford-ct.gov, or e-mail us at info@branford-ct.gov.