Economic development is a tricky business in the best of times.

And in a tough economy, most communities are struggling to hold on to what they have. Success is redefined as maintaining the status quo.

But a small group of Connecticut communities are bucking the trend. They’re finding ways to grow and position themselves to prosper while their neighbors are barely holding on.

Over the next six weeks, the Hartford Business Journal will take you to these communities we’re calling ‘Pathfinders.’ We’ll examine what they’re doing to leverage their assets and minimize their liabilities. We’ll map the paths their taking to building the economic success of their communities.

Today’s chapter looks at Cheshire, long perceived as a company town. But when Pratt & Whitney started to wind down its facility there, Cheshire never missed a beat.

In subsequent chapters, we’ll look at a town that’s focusing on polishing its main street and another that’s leveraging the growth industry that is healthcare. And we’ll wrap it up with a town that’s looking forward, counting on innovation and technology to secure its future.

— Norm Bell

Editor

Meet the ‘Pathfinders’

Part 1: Windsor, South Windsor
Location, Location, Location (& Planning)

ING, TicketNetwork highlight appeal of Windsor, South Windsor

Part 2: Cheshire
Diversity: Cheshire’s Key