IN THIS ISSUE

 "How to write a Powerful Capability Statement," a

        

seCTer News

It snowed last week, but nevertheless we think it is safe to say, based on the daffodils blooming in southeastern CT and the swelling buds on the trees, that the worst of winter is behind us. 

For seCTer spring means a new office!  As of April 14 we are now
located at Mariner Square at 125 Eugene O'Neill Drive in New London.  Our office Suite is #309.  All phone numbers and emails remain the same.

         The Economic Development Committee is working on updating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) as a requirement of the Federal Economic Development Agency (EDA).  Part of the update involves reviewing the status of  goals and projects in the CEDS, and we can report that a number of these goals have already been met, and many projects are underway, completed, or in some cases have been eliminated.

        Some of the success stories of the CEDS to date are the formations of EAMA (the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance) and of the Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition.  On other fronts, meetings to forward improvements to the Central (Rail) Corridor line are proceeding, regional water improvements are ongoing, Preston Riverwalk is nearing completion of brownfield remediation, and grants from the State of CT were recently announced to plan remediation/reuse of sites in Norwich along Shipping Street, and New London on Howard Street.  Lots more good news will be forthcoming in future newsletters.  To review the CEDS, visit our web site and please contact Deborah Donovan if you have comments, additions, suggestions or questions.  ddonovan@secter.org.

PTAP NEWS

CLUSTER NEWS
             The 2011 CEDS identified six economic "clusters" driving the economy of Southeastern CT.  Following are recent news items on activities within those clusters.

AGRICULTURE: A bill is moving forward in the State Legislature to preserve the Savin Farm in Lebanon-Colchester as open/agricultural space.  Currently part of this historic farm is leased to M&K Dairy, a small farm whose owners make terrific cheeses!  They are right down the road from Beltane Farm (Goat Cheese) and Graywall Farm, headquarters of the Farmer's Cow and seCTer client Mystic Cheese.  Lots of good things happening on the Agricultural front in SECT.  For more information visit our web site page on Agriculture.
DEFENSE: Defense and associated Advanced Manufacturing constitute the largest cluster employment-wise in the region.  Since Electric Boat purchased the former Pfizer Global Research and Development Building in New London, they have placed over 3000 engineers in the building, who are designing the next generation of Submarines. Upgrades are also planned for the EB Facilities in Groton to accommodate increased work. Also in the news,  the Subase in Groton welcomed aboard a new commander,Capt. Carl A. Lahti, who has plans for more upgrades at the base.  In April a long planned improvement was unveiled with the opening of the new commissaryto better serve the 1000's of active duty and retired Navy personnel who call Southeastern CT home.

TOURISM: Tourism is a mainstay of the economy in the region.  Recent news includes the re-branding of Foxwoods former MGM Tower to the "Fox Tower," the purchase of both the Mystic Hilton and the historic Inn at Mystic  by new investors with plans for upgrades at both these great hotel properties in Mystic County. The 2014 Mystic Country Travel Guide is also now available.  To receive a copy contact them at 860.536.8822.

MARITIME: Plans for the new Coast Guard Museum to be built on the waterfront in New London are proceeding on.  Fund-raising is well underway.  Official Ground breaking and deed transfer of land from the City of New London will take place on board the Barque "Eagle" on May 2 on City Pier.  In other Maritime News,the "Charles W. Morgan" will set sail from Mystic Seaport on May 17, the first voyage of the historic 1841 New Bedford built whaler since 1941, when she first arrived at Mystic Seaport.  And, the State of CT is moving forward with plans to create a Statewide Port Authority-great news for New London's Deep Water Port.

CREATIVE:  The Southeastern Cultural Coalition is formed, staffed and has created a new web site. Stonington's Wendy Bury has been hired as Executive Director and is working diligently on plans for the arts in SECT.  The Hygienic Artists Academy is also underway, hosting its second session of entrepreneurial lessons for artists.

BIO-SCIENCE:  A bill is working its way through the State Legislature, formalizing a support for the Bio-Science Cluster in SECT.  Exciting news was announced recently with the transfer of former Pfizer building 286 to CURE to create an Innovative Commons for Bio-Science and other entrepreneurs in Groton.  All good news for our regional scientific community.