There's a buzz about Trumbull. Even amidst obvious economic challenges, one can sense a spirit of optimism and unity in the community, and news of events and recent activities serve to kindle such spirit.
Boosted by the addition of the new Target store at the Westfield Trumbull Mall and new condominium construction, the town's grand list grew nearly 1.3% last year. As stated by the town's tax assessor, Ross Murray, "Any town that's getting a 1% increase this year is doing well."
Trumbull was recently recognized by RelocateAmerica's 2009 List of Top 100 Places to Live. With the increasing concern on our nation's economy and recovering housing market, the national organization approached this year's list with a different lens than in previous years. The focus was on the outlook for future growth and ability to rebound in the communities that were selected. RelocateAmerica cited the town's low unemployment and careful development, with an attractive blend of neighborhoods and condominiums. Schools, recreational facilities and access to major highways also played a role in the town's selection. Trumbull was the only town in Connecticut to be selected this year.
Sun Products Corporation, a leading North American provider of laundry detergent and household cleaning products, including well known brands such as All, Wisk, Snuggle and Sun, signed a long term lease agreement to locate its North American Technology Center at 30 Trefoil Dr. in Trumbull. The new location at 30 Trefoil, along with the company's existing R&D facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, will support all of the research and development requirements of the company. Sun Products will initially employ approximately 50 full time associates at the Trumbull location and is expected to take occupancy of the space in November. The available scientific and engineering workforce, along with a convenient location and sophisticated infrastructure, made the town well suited to meet the company's needs.
Westfield Trumbull Mall announced an exciting revitalization project. Commencing this fall with completion slated for fall 2010, the $25 million interior remodel and upgrade program will bring an elegant new atmosphere and enhanced retail offerings to firmly position Westfield Trumbull as Fairfield County's premium shopping destination. This latest reinvestment in Trumbull follows the October 2008 opening of Target's new flagship store and a remodeled Macy's.
CooperSurgical's new 60,000 s/f building will be ready for occupancy in the fall. The building, owned and built by RD Scinto, will serve as the company's North American headquarters and will be the third building the company occupies in Trumbull.
Later this month, the new "O" Bar and Grill Restaurant will open its doors in Trumbull Center. The restaurant opening serves as beginning stages for gradually revitalizing the center. Town government is also facilitating the revitalization through a grant received for brick sidewalk pavers which will frame the center along White Plains Rd.
Trumbull launched its Business & Career Resource Center this year. The center is both a physical place located at the library, as well as a website located at www.trumbullresource.com. Hundreds of links and materials are available to address ways to plan, start, market, finance, and manage a business or employees. The center is designed to help local businesses and job seekers to be successful, save time, and even save or make money.
Several new businesses have recently leased space in Trumbull, including PECO Pallet, CT Special Olympics, TruPro Realty, Recovery Planner, Asset Value, Omega Financial, and St. Vincent's Wound Center.
Although a number of previously approved projects are stalled, some development is expected later in the year. For example, a small village green district will be presented to Planning and Zoning this summer. Home Depot is expected to begin construction on Monroe Tpke. In addition, medical diagnostic and treatment facilities are being aggressively targeted for specific zoned areas.
Trumbull's Corporate Park is ideal for data center, R&D, and call center usage. A Corporate Park Association is being formed by the town to help connect the park's businesses with each other and town resources and to exchange ideas and create synergy.
Trumbull is buzzing. We're taking a proactive approach to helping our existing businesses and commercial property owners, and we're aggressively focused on protecting, supporting and expanding the town's commercial base.
For more information about Trumbull's commercial base, email [email protected], or go to www.trumbulleconomicdevelopment.com.

Deborah Cox is director, economic development for the Town of Trumbull.