Rebecca Nolan, MetroHartford Alliance

As Brexit has captured the news it makes me wonder, “why global?” Then I think Hartford’s regional economy must increase global economic activity to stay competitive.  In an increasingly integrated world economy, strategic global engagement proves crucial to sustained economic competitiveness.  The Hartford region must leverage international exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) that create jobs, increase competitiveness, and boost the region’s global identity.  Achieving these objectives will require collaborative approaches, focusing on the strengths of industry and utilizing dedicated government and academic partners.

Think about how  “Global Hartford,” “Global Connecticut” and the global flight to Dublin at Bradley International Airport will expand the region and state to new levels of economic development opportunities. 

Preparing for the second half of 2016, my travel calendar has begun to fill and I realize I have a great opportunity to showcase the Hartford region and Connecticut to many influential people from around the globe.  Achieving this monumental task will be successful by collaborating with our partners to gain attention.  By reaching out to community leaders, working side by side with business supporting regional and global growth, the Hartford region can effectively achieve a global footprint. 

For several years MetroHartford Alliance’s International Business Council members have concentrated their attention on the attraction of foreign investment. This past spring, we focused on innovative companies coming to Connecticut from Israel at the 2016 CT-Israel Innovations Showcase.  These companies are now setting up U.S. locations and bringing with them jobs that align with the state’s targeted industries. 

In October, we will be in front of many global leaders at CoreNet Global, a corporate real estate executive network that hosts an annual summit, this year in Philadelphia.  My partners and I will meet with corporate leaders who make real estate decisions based on information that we provide.  We will attend sessions that help us understand corporate location trends and hear what is important to companies making expansions or relocation decisions. 

Upon review, one session I want to attend, “Time to Move! Applying the Principals of Active Design,” caught my eye when I realized in the Hartford region we already apply many of the principles that will likely be discussed. Designers will be listening for trends in space planning and I hope to educate them that our communities are already addressing “active design.” The Hartford region has incorporated active design through streetscapes and greenways and in our daily lives we are already creating places that help us move.

How does that relate to real estate in the Hartford region…an example would be iQuilt, the city of Hartford’s walkable strategic plan.  Creative walkability has been moving Hartford for several years.  The realignment of Gold St. – a downtown thoroughfare - for the GreenWalk, ultimately will connect the Connecticut River to Bushnell Park, a true gem in our city.  Urban designing for commercial real estate has encouraged employees and employers to re-evaluate the relationship between buildings and human health. 

Head toward West Hartford Center and you will see another prefect example of a walkable development.  Steel is going up for the new Delamar Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel located at Blue Back Square.  In addition, a future development opportunity in West Hartford with the purchase of the soon-to-be former UCONN campus by the town offers tremendous economic development opportunity.  A 58-acre site will have many possibilities and the town is prepared when developers come knocking.

As Smart Growth America detailed in a 2015 report Core Values: Why American Companies are Moving Downtown, companies want vibrant neighborhoods with affordable housing options, restaurants, nightlife, and other amenities within walking distance, and a range of transportation options for their employees, among other activities.

Other regional opportunities designed with walkability in mind: Windsor Station, currently under construction, is a 130-unit apartment project at commuter rail station in Windsor Center. The apartments are located next to walking trails as well as located in the Center to offer work life balance for easy commutes and proximity to amenities.

Transportation hubs have been constructed, active designs are being implemented and of course this all goes to quality of life as a driver.  Millennials tell us this is one of the most important factors to attracting smart talent... so now is the time to make sure high paying jobs are created, an excellent quality of life is available and access to major markets are expanded!

The Hartford region has a good footprint and will continue to provide global opportunities for years to come. 

Rebecca Nolan, EDP, vice president, business development | MetroHartford Alliance and president, Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS), Hartford, Conn.