Q: How is the perception among your members of the economy? Is Greater Hartford coming out of the recession?
A: Our overall membership count is down about 7 percent from the start of our fiscal year last July 1. Although we’ve lost members due to business closings and tightened spending, we’ve welcomed more than 70 new members during the same period. Many businesses demonstrate a great deal of optimism as owners take advantage of favorable leasing options and the financing available through community banks. We are doing one to two ribbon cuttings each month, which is another positive sign. At the same time, however, other businesses which have already made deep cutbacks are uncertain about the economic recovery and don’t see enough indicators that their business climates will improve soon.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing your members economically in the coming months?
A: The major concerns are energy, healthcare and labor costs, which many businesses feel they can’t influence or control. There are concerns across the entire business community about proposed legislation which may increase the cost of doing business to a level which can’t be absorbed.
Q: How is the manufacturing climate in West Hartford? Does it continue to thrive or is it going away?
A: Our manufacturers are doing well and continue to demonstrate the resilience that characterizes strong companies. Our defense manufacturers consistently create additional jobs as they are awarded new contracts. Our businesses who serve the automobile industry have entered new markets as demand from that sector got smaller. Demand for exports is also increasing. The challenges of energy, healthcare and labor costs are present for manufacturers, just as they are for all of our businesses. The chamber, the town and our state legislators are committed to working together to keep these businesses here.
Q: West Hartford seems to have some success with creating a design district along its New Park Avenue corridor. How is the design district working as a destination? Are there future plans for similar districts in West Hartford?
A: The Home Design District is an outstanding example of what a group of committed business owners who share a common vision can accomplish in a very short time. In only four years, the Home Design District has developed a brand and website, built an advertising program which includes television, direct mail and print, created and maintained a presence at the Home Show, secured prominent local TV spots such as Better Connecticut, and promoted itself within the local community.
These accomplishments are impressive and the Home Design District has become a “destination” as a result of brand recognition and related promotion. Creating a destination in an area which covers a relatively large geographic area is a huge challenge. Consumers have caught on and the Home Design District is now a destination.
You should expect to see more West Hartford business districts become destinations in the future. Last year the chamber, in partnership with the town, undertook a Way Finding Project to develop improved signage to the town’s various business districts from major highways. Subsequent phases will develop Way Finding plans for individual business districts, such as Park Road and Elmwood, which will be important in helping these areas becoming thought of as destinations.
Q: Real estate sales also continue to be fairly strong in West Hartford when compared to other local towns and cities. What contributes to the strong market?
A: CNN Money magazine recently ranked West Hartford No. 76 in the top 100 best places to live in the United States. We pride ourselves on the town’s overall attractiveness, customer service, citizen involvement, public safety and education, all characteristics that helped earn this prestigious ranking.
West Hartford offers a wealth of shopping opportunities, from the neighborhood shops and boutiques of Park Road and Elmwood, to regional shopping centers including Blue Back Square, Westfarms Mall, West Hartford Center, Corbins Corners, Bishops Corner and the Home Design District.
The West Hartford school system has long been recognized as one of the best in Connecticut and the Northeast. The town has earned a reputation for excellence for its many recreational opportunities, historical sites, and arts and cultural programs. West Hartford has well-established manufacturing companies that employ a highly skilled labor force and is a well sought destination for businesses of all trade and service types. In summary, it a great place to live.
