The Economic Development division is responsible for the continued economic well being of the Groton Community. The four key elements of the Town’s program are business retention, business outreach, marketing, and participation in regional economic development efforts.

Business Retention: The Town's Economic Development Commission and staff work with existing Town businesses to identify problem areas and assist with any expansion plans. Business retention efforts have included proposing changes to the Zoning Regulations to provide increased opportunities for growth, streamlining the Town's development procedures, and establishing two economic assistance funds.

Business Outreach: Efforts to attract new businesses to Groton have involved several endeavors including acting as a public broker with respect to identifying users for existing properties and buildings. The Town maintains an inventory of available land and buildings and has also forwarded this information to regional and state economic development agencies.

Town staff also participates in a number of trade shows. This has included assisting with the Team Connecticut booth at the International Biotechnology Conferences held in the past few years in New York City and Boston, and working with thc regional economic development organization at World Pharm and Oceans 2000.

Marketing: The goal of attracting businesses to Groton has required the development of marketing information and materials. New promotional materials have been developed and are continually updated. Other marketing efforts have included advertising in national relocation development magazines and other trade journals. As a result of these marketing efforts, the Town has received numerous inquiries from businesses including large-scale destination oriented commercial companies and firms looking for manufacturing processing sites.

Regional Activities: The Town has been involved with regional organizations, projects and efforts so that it can pool its resources with neighboring jurisdictions. These efforts include the Thames Maritime Heritage Park, Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (SECTER) (including lead management, loan review, regional marketing and regional economic development studies and initiatives), Technology for Connecticut, Inc. (TECHCONN), the Port of New London State Pier Project, the Groton-New London Airport, the Marine Science Center at Avery Point, the Association of Chambers of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Mystic Coast and Country, and others as appropriate. Staff also participates in efforts and activities that support and enhance the community relations with the US Subase, including Military Community Council Subcommittees, and the Navy League.

Strategic Plan Report

For more information contact:
  Barbara Strother, Economic Development Specialist
  134 Groton Long Point Road
  Groton, CT  06340-4873
  Phone: (860) 446-5981    Fax: (860) 446-5978
  E-Mail: bstrother@town.groton.ct.us