Why Your Business Belongs in Stratford.
The more than 2,000 businesses based in Stratford know that Stratford is good for business. From the local neighborhood dry cleaners to a leader of the aerospace industry, the business community is thriving. Twenty-four thousand people are employed and in 2002, $2,696,833,435 was generated in retail sales. The businesses may have different clients or customers, but no matter what the businesses are—retail, service, professional, manufacturing, or light industry, individual proprietorship or public corporation, they all share the advantages of being in Stratford. Location
Think Stratford, think strategic. Connecticut is in the heart of the New England business corridor and is a business-friendly state. And Stratford, strategically located on the coast in Fairfield County, is near major markets, financial centers, suppliers, and customers. Stratford is just 57 miles from New York City, 45 from Hartford, 98 from Providence, and 134 from Boston. To be in Stratford is to be in good company—Dianon Systems, Dresser Instruments, Mobil Chemical, William B. Meyer, and Sikorsky Aircraft all call Stratford home. Corporate neighbors in Fairfield County include General Electric, NASDAQ, Oxford Health Plans, Pitney Bowes, and Unilever, to name a few. Accessibility
Think Stratford, and think mobility. Transportation in, around, and out of town is an advantage, whether by plane, train, automobile, boat or bus. Accessibility for businesses means higher productivity and less stress. Three major roadways—I-95, Merritt Parkway, and Route 8/25— all run through Stratford. The Metro North Commuter Railroad stops in the town center, moving people between New York and New Haven, or connecting to Amtrak to travel the east coast and beyond. The Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority buses travel five routes through Stratford and neighboring towns, and include connections to Metro North and the Bridgeport Bus Terminal. Stratford has Sikorsky Memorial Airport, open to corporate and private planes, or is within an easy commute to the airports in New York City and Hartford. And neighboring Bridgeport offers a shipping port with its deep-water harbor, just four miles from the town center. Affordability
Think Stratford, think value. Stratford is the place in Fairfield County to get an outstanding value for an investment in property, whether it is to lease or purchase a commercial or industrial property or a home or condominium. An added bonus of Stratford is its coastline with exceptional water views for both commercial and residential spaces. Commercial properties are available at competitive prices and the median housing cost in 2003 was $225,000. The Office of Community and Economic Development is serious about developing business in Stratford and programs and incentives are available for added value. Workforce
Think Stratford, think optimum workforce. Businesses require a range of skills to operate productively and Stratford is part of the best-educated and most productive workforces in the nation. In Connecticut output per worker is more than 30% above the national average and 33% of residents age 25+ have earned bachelor’s degrees.* Stratford’s workforce mirrors the State’s workforce. From an IT architect, to banker or skilled assembly line worker, the workforce available in Stratford will energize any business and add to its successes. Quality of Life
Think Stratford, think balanced living. Stratford is the ideal place in Connecticut to establish a business, operate a company, raise a family, pursue interests, or further an education. Removed from the stresses of a big city, Stratford offers an appealing quality of life that encompasses parks and beaches, sports and recreational activities, stable schools, town programs and services, higher education opportunities, business associations and community organizations, and diverse houses of worship. Recreation
Stratford is home to two public beaches on Long Island Sound, five marinas for pleasure boats, two fishing piers and two public boat launches as well as a public Par 3 golf course, miniature golf, two private golf courses, softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds. In addition the 250-acre Roosevelt Forest offers winding trails and peaceful picnic areas. The Recreation Department offers an array of activities, classes and athletics for adults and children and hosts community events throughout the year. Town Programs and Services
The Town of Stratford is committed to the well-being of its residents and through Stratford Community Services offers a range of services for children, youth, and families. The Senior Services Department provides programs and support services for the senior population. Business Associations, Community Groups, Clubs & Organizations
Business associations and community groups for adults and children alike contribute to the vitality of Stratford. Among those active in the community are Stratford Chamber of Commerce, Stratford Exchange Club, Rotary, Lions Club, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, to name a few. Education:
More than 7,500 children are enrolled in the nine elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools of the Stratford Public Schools. Seventy-eight percent of the staff has a Master’s degree or better, and 86% of high school graduates go on to two- or four-year colleges. Higher Education
Seventeen of the more than fifty technical schools, colleges, and universities that call Connecticut home are 25 miles or less from Stratford Center. Bridgeport: Housatonic Community College, St. Vincent’s College, University of Bridgeport
Fairfield: Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University
Hamden: Quinnipiac University
New Haven: Albertus Magnus College, Gateway Community College, University of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University, Yale University
Norwalk: Gibbs College, Norwalk Community College
Stamford: University of Connecticut Stamford Campus
Stratford: Albertus Magnus Stratford Campus, Connecticut School of Broadcasting, Porter & Chester Institute
Commitment of the Town
Think Stratford, think dedication. The Town of Stratford is committed to making Stratford the best that it can be, balancing the New England shoreline residential community with a vibrant economic base. Recognizing that economic development is integral to the life and success of the community, the Office of Community and Economic Development works with businesses that wish to establish themselves in Stratford. The Office of Community and Economic Development is also a link to resources available through the State of Connecticut. For more information contact the Office of Community & Economic Development at 203-385-4028 or email economicdevelopment@townofstratford.com. |