Connecticut Light & Power and Northeast Utilities recently issued its annual Connecticut Economic Review for 2014, titled "Innovative. Working."
While the title is refers to the state of Connecticut, it's clearly applicable to Branford for new and expanding businesses.
The Review highlights the state's strengths on a nation-wide basis, including per capita income [1st], advanced degrees [3rd], business innovation [4th], science and technology [9th], and energy and infrastructure [6th], and quality of life [6th].
Drilling down a bit, it's clear that "Innovative. Working." are Branford's compass readings, as well. In the education, 43% of Branford adult residents have a bachelor degree or more; in science and technology, we are proud to be home to some of the most innovative biotech R&D operations in the country and a Nobel laureate; business innovation runs the gamut from aerospace manufacturers to data management software; the town's infrastructure is the best on the shoreline with public water and sewer, as well as professional police, fire and emergency services. The quality of life is stellar: 20 miles of shoreline along Long Island Sound, a gateway to New England and a portal to New York, four exits along I-95, and convenient air and rail service.
Branford has a reputation of working well with start-ups and expanding manufacturers, biotechs, technology companies, and others to help find the right site and to get up and running as quickly as possible. Our reputation could also be "Innovative. Working." The town is committed to making an extra effort for the emerging industries of bioscience, information technology, and photonics.
The results of those efforts are seen in the recent arrivals of New Haven Therapeutics and Amity Physical Therapy, CT Foot and Ankle Associates, and expansions planned for several well established manufacturers, including Wilson Arms and Harco Labs.
Our businesses are an integral part of a regional economy [www.rexdevelopment.org] that draws on six major universities in the area for a highly skilled workforce, has an extensive rail system with Shore Line East, MetroNorth and Amtrak as well as convenient domestic flights from neighboring Tweed New Haven Airport [www.flytweed.com] and international service out of Bradley Airport.
Branford's low taxes, a triple-A bond rating, an enviable quality of life and Town Hall's "business friendly" environment come together to form a healthy business climate and a diverse local economy ranging from bioscience and manufacturing to healthcare and boutique retail.