It's always noteworthy when your governor comes to town, and that was the case when Connecticut's governor Dannel Malloy visited the Branford-based biotech R&D company, AxioMX. The company recently received a $750,000 grant for CT Innovations, which provides funding and support to advance high tech industries throughout the state, and is now in the process of hiring the best staff it can find. The governor wanted to better understand the challenges that AxioMX and other biotechs face so that the state can continue to develop an attractive environment for the emerging industries of bioscience, energy, information technology, and photonics.
And just as the governor is working to make Connecticut the first choice for new and expanding biotech and high the companies, Branford continues to highlight its sound location for those new and expanding companies. Success in this effort can be seen in the recent opening of Durata Therapeutic's offices on East Main St., as well as the recent arrival of Ancera, a new addition to Branford's biotech family.
At the same time, new development is starting on the east end of town, with recent the approval by planning & zoning for the construction of a new commercial building on East Industrial Road. The 12,000 s/f building will be located just off I-95's Exit 56 and close to where the U.S. Army is planning to build its 40,000 s/f tech center. Both are signs of an economic upswing and that Branford is perfectly situated for a variety of industries, especially R&D and high tech manufacturing.
These companies recognize Branford's assets - an ideal location, low taxes, full municipal services, highly skilled workforce, and convenient transportation. Add to that our proximity to Yale and the region's university cluster, and the town's "business friendly" reputation. Branford's economic development office and its land use officials are ready to help entrepreneurs, start-ups, new arrivals, and expanding enterprises to find the right property as well as identify available resources to help with their growth and development.
With an enviable location just ten miles east of New Haven and only minutes from I-91, Branford boasts four exits from I-95 onto Rte. 1 and is only 45 miles south of Hartford and Bradley International Airport, an hour from Providence on I-95 and only two hours from the heart of New England - Boston. Without a doubt, Branford is a sound location.
Branford enjoys serving as both a gateway to New England and a portal to New York. As such, Branford plays an integral part in the regional economy (www.rexdevelopment.org) that hosts six major universities, an extensive rail system with Shore Line East, MetroNorth and Amtrak, convenient flights from Tweed New Haven Airport (www.flytweed.com)and international service out of Bradley Airport.
Located on the Long Island Sound with more than 20 miles of shoreline, Branford combines low taxes and a triple-A bond rating with a quality of life and sense of community second to none for a "business friendly" environment. The result is a healthy business climate and a diverse local economy ranging from bioscience and manufacturing to healthcare and boutique retail.
These businesses recognize that Branford offers what every company seeks: one of the lowest tax rates along the I-95 corridor, full municipal services (water, sewer, as well as full time fire and police), a skilled workforce, and convenient transit.
Branford has a building or site for most new or expanding business, particularly in the life science and high tech industries. To find one that meets your needs or to learn more about Branford, go to www.branford-ct.gov.
Terence Elton is special projects manager for the Town of Branford, Conn. and serves on the board of directors for CEDAS, the CT Economic Development Association.