While many local economic development efforts focus on bringing in new business, the Town of Clinton is partnering with the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) to help the businesses already in town.

“The town is limited in staffing capacity for economic development,” First Selectman Christine Goupil said, so “CERC is able to step in to provide additional support to the local business community and also to prepare the town to attract and manage new commercial investment.”

Over the past year, the town’s Economic Development Commission has stepped up its efforts to assist those existing businesses by holding roundtables with various types of businesses.

“Engaging the business community shows we are committed to investing in their success. Oftentimes, businesses raise issues that require minimal effort from the town to address but make a significant impact for their bottom line,” Goupil said. “When businesses experience broader challenges, the town can advocate on their behalf through state and federal government representatives. We can also connect them with other organizations and agencies that might be better suited to address these issues.”

As an example, Goupil noted the resources covered by the business forum held in May 2018. Those resources are still viable and can be found on the town’s website clintonct.org.

Goupil said some specific concerns from businesses have been voiced to town leaders already.

“Manufacturers are most concerned about attracting a qualified and skilled workforce and the tariffs impacting contract stability and supply chain,” she said. “The tourism and hospitality group is concerned about advertising and promotion of the town and its key recreational and commercial assets.”

Through the CERC partnership, businesses will be contacted by a representative over the next six months to set up a meeting to discuss their challenges, needs, and vision for the future of Clinton. For more information, contact Sadie Colcord at scolcord@cerc.com or 860-571-6204 or the First Selectman’s Office at firstselectman@clintonct.org and 860-669-9333.

“The goal of the town’s new business visitation campaign is to directly connect with individual businesses that do not know where to turn for support. We can help them get the support they need to grow,” Goupil said.