There's a buzz about Trumbull, Connecticut. Even amidst obvious economic challenges, one can sense a spirit of optimism and unity in the community, and recent news of events and activities serve to kindle that 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. The town's tax assessor, Ross Murray, stated, "Any town that's getting a 1% increase this year is doing well."
Trumbull was recognized by RelocateAmerica's 2009 List of Top 100 Places to Live. With the steady concern for the economy and recovering housing market, the national organization approached this year's list with a focus on the outlook for future growth and ability to rebound. It cited Trumbull's low unemployment and careful development, with an attractive blend of neighborhoods and condominiums. Excellent 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.
CNN's Money Magazine also recognized Trumbull in its list of America's Best Small Towns to Live 2009. The publication cited the town's quality of life and its school district as being among the best in the state. It also highlighted the town's convenient location, including the fact that it is an hour away from New York City, making daily commutes possible and increasing the variety of jobs available to residents
Sun Products Corp., a leading North American provider of laundry detergent and household cleaning products, such as 'all', Wisk, Snuggle and Sun, selected Trumbull for its North American Technology Center. The new location, along with an existing R&D facility in Salt Lake City, will support all of the company's research and development requirements. Sun Products will initially employ approximately 50 employees in Trumbull, and will expand over time. 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.
CooperSurgical's new 60,000 s/f building will be ready for occupancy in the Fall. The building will serve as the company's North American headquarters and will be the third building the company occupies in Trumbull. The company manufactures diagnostic equipment and instruments primarily for the women's health industry.
Westfield Trumbull Mall announced an exciting revitalization project. 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 opening of Target's new flagship store and a remodeled Macy's. The project is slated for completion in the fall of 2010.
The "O" Bar and Grill Restaurant will open its doors in Trumbull Center this summer. The restaurant opening represents beginning stages of revitalizing the center. Town government is contributing to the revitalization by installing brick sidewalk pavers to frame the Center along White Plains Road.
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.
Trumbull launched its Business & Career Resource Center in 2009. 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.
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 with municipal resources, and to exchange ideas and synergy in the business community.
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.

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