your company, looking for a new business opportunity? Well we can already picture you here in Norwich, Connecticut. Norwich is a future-ready place that is ready today, enabling your business to take advantage of decades of decisions that have been made to support business. We know what you are thinking... what is the business case? Reliable Energy It all starts with having the energy to get things done. Norwich is fortunate to have Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) as its provider for electricity, water, sewer, gas and dark fiber. Having these agencies all under one roof provides businesses with a one-stop shop for energy and utility needs. Most importantly, NPU has developed system redundancy to provide power when a storm arrives. Storms have become a major economic issue in New England. Between the immediate, local response provided by NPU, and the microgrids in Downtown and the 450-acre Stanley Israelite Business Park, the city is poised to provide a competitive edge: the lights are always on. Green Energy Norwich has also become a leader in green and clean energy. The city owns hydroelectric dams, has installed solar panels on many municipal buildings, and is extending gas lines where the return on investment is guaranteed. It also hosts one of the largest clean energy fleets (using compressed natural gas) and is working to extend that program to local businesses. This public-private partnership is reducing the transportation costs of small businesses and enabling them to reinvest in themselves. NPU also works with area banks to provide no interest loans to commercial customers that are seeking to implement the various energy efficiency programs available. Reducing your energy costs is the best kind of green energy around. Development Opportunities Norwich has a glorious past as a center for business and has a strong vision for its future. It is working to be a community that uses resources efficiently, to control costs, while striving to be a premier place of opportunity. Together the city and community have partnered to create a wonderful place to live work and play. However, a vision without the plans and teams in place is limiting. Norwich has a new plan, along with a team of professionals, and public leadership that are ready to help you and your business. The city has established programs to help your company locate here. For example, the Downtown Revitalization Program (with over $3 million in city investment) enables business growth. This program provides lease rebates, code correction grants and through a partnership with the Community Economic Development Fund (cedf.com) a variety of financing options. Growth Any idea which city was the fastest growing city (from 2000-2010) in Connecticut? Yes, you guessed it, Norwich! Seriously though, you had to assume we were not here to market somewhere else. Norwich is located along the Interstate 395 corridor in eastern Connecticut, and is the largest city in this region. We are also conveniently located in the center of so many great things to see and do. For example, Norwich is the center of eastern Connecticut's wine country, with 16 wineries less than an hour from the city. We are also the center of two of the world's largest gaming destinations, Foxwoods Resort and Mohegan Sun. Norwich is a great base camp for all that there is to see in do in eastern Connecticut. A Great Address Locating a business is not just about energy, it is not just about where, rather it is these things and the overall quality of life of a community. Norwich has it all: * Great people and a workforce that knows how to work, * World-class businesses and business leaders, * A beautiful harbor and marina, * Miles of frontage along three major rivers, * Great places to fish and recreate, * A municipal golf course and indoor ice rink, * A minor league baseball stadium and team, * A world-class private high school that is free for Norwich residents, * An amazing history, historic assets and stories, and * A small town feel, but with city amenities. Future Ready With reliable, green energy and room for you to locate and grown Norwich Connecticut is the place for you. Get the Picture? Jason Vincent is vice president of Norwich Community Development Corporation, Norwich, Conn.