Tim Ryan, Wallinford EDCCourtesy of the Record-Journal
Wallingford may be the only central Connecticut town that can say it brought in nearly 60 businesses last year. Why do businesses choose Wallingford?
“We opened up 56 businesses in Wallingford last year. To me that suggests strongly that the ground is fertile and there’s an effective welcoming process in town for new businesses to get established,” said Economic Development Specialist Tim Ryan.
Last year Amazon opened a 185,000 s/f distribution/sortation center; Cariati Developers came to town, as did the Connecticut Food Bank with its construction of an 82,000 s/f warehouse distribution facility at 2 Research Parkway, Logo Sportswear, and the Wallingford Dialysis Center – which is the first dialysis option in town to answer that need for area residents. For food-related businesses, Joe Gouveia, owner of local Gouveia Vineyards, opened the Library Wine Bar and Bistro. Gouveia opened the restaurant following a complete, gorgeous renovation of the old library. The new bistro is a beautiful addition to Wallingford’s town center. Alyssa’s Cakery also relocated to the town center, bringing yet another specialty business to that area along with the Wallingford Computer Center. Another local business highlight is the 2015 opening of the Hilton Garden Inn at the junction of Routes 68 and I-91.
Wallingford gives residents, workers and employers competitive advantages that no other town in Connecticut can. It has the lowest electric rates in the state because Wallingford owns its own public utilities.
“The ratepayers are our sole focus. The low cost of electricity, and the superior reliability of our electricity makes us attractive to manufacturing firms, data centers, people, who, if their power goes out it’s a real game changer,” Ryan said. Wallingford’s walkable downtown area is such a unique feature since many towns lack a usable central area where people can go to shop, eat, find recreational opportunities such as parks and trails for walking, biking and more.
Wallingford’s central location with easy access to Interstates 91, 95, 84, 691 and Rte. 15, the Wilbur Cross, makes the town an easy choice when it comes to business. When you think of traffic patterns, from a typical commuter advantage, you can live within 20 minutes of Wallingford and still get to work without going through Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury or Middletown. So, you can avoid hitting the major traffic pinch points in the state.
This area offers the perfect blend of community and commercial opportunities. Employers can easily attract skilled labor, the community has strong demographics, quality schools and parks. It is a town that generations of people choose for work and to raise their families. Long-time residents appreciate the quality of Wallingford parks and recreation programs, which offer something to everyone, from preschoolers through senior citizens – there is always something to do. Wallingford also has a world-class library with everything a cutting-edge community needs, even the latest 3-D printers. The town’s furry residents are considered as well, through parks, with walking and hiking trails including the linear trail, and the new dog park.
“The new commuter rail that connects New Haven to Hartford to Springfield will make Wallingford an even more attractive community to live in, and drive even more opportunities here,” Ryan said. “People can just jump on the train and go.” Two new train platforms are under construction.
Public safety resonates in people’s minds, and that’s why the town is proud of its favorable public safety record, with very effective police and fire departments it is a very safe community.
The Economic Development Commission is all volunteer, says Chairman Joe Mirra. Each member lives in town and is committed to responsible development. We are taxpayers and neighbors. We take our role seriously. We are very cognizant of how money is spent toward development in town.
The Economic Development Commission’s Marketing Committee is producing two videos. They will answer the question, “Why Wallingford?” One will target prospective businesses and the other will talk to those looking to live in town.
Marketing committee chairman Tom Collette and fellow committee member Mark Gingras are also working on a printed card that captures the essence of what Wallingford’s strengths are. It will be like an elevator speech – a 30 second commercial.
Economic development is a mindset – not just a department.
The content of this vision will take the form of a business card. The printed cards will be distributed at town events. Residents and town leaders should carry them, so they can be given to others when talking about the town.
The town planner is working to complete the Plan of Conservation and Development for Wallingford. One focal point is to update zoning regulations to reflect modern day needs.
“We are very aware that there is a balance between good development and over-development,” said James Wolfe, EDC member and planning and zoning liaison. “Our charge is to get something that will enhance the Wallingford experience.”
The value of having a well-planned, walkable and scenic community, town-owned public utilities (electric, water/sewer), and a stable economic and political community allows Wallingford to move forward. For more information on Wallingford as a future home for your business, visit Plugin2Wallingford.com.