Given the budget crunch all levels of government are experiencing and the extraordinary financial pressures nearly all Connecticut residents are under these days, one proven remedy is to spur the growth of new business and to foster a welcoming climate for existing businesses.
But how to do so given the numerous obstacles being faced every day by small businesses? The town of Stratford has an answer that is at the very least a starting point for those wishing to do business with the community that bills itself “A Town For All Seasons.”
Stratford recently held a forum called, “How to Do Business In Stratford.” It”™s a straightforward title, but the idea was to provide businesses with the resources necessary to run a successful business there. To that end, numerous town officials representing nearly every department in the local government discussed their responsibilities and answered questions from the business people in the audience.
In short, the forum was designed to make things easier and more streamlined for Stratford businesses and out-of-town town vendors.
Mayor John Harkins was among the speakers at the event and stressed that business people should not hesitate to approach Town Hall if they have questions or complaints.
“I own a business in town, so I know what it”™s like,” said the mayor. “And objectively speaking, I believe we have the best and most professional employees in local government. If you have a question, they will meet with you and give you an answer and they well give you that answer in a gentlemanly manner. I”™m afraid I can”™t say that about a lot of other towns.”
Harkins also pointed out that a strong interaction between local businesses, town officials and the community as a whole is essential to ensure success.
“Folks, our town employees know they work for the taxpayer and are here to help,” he said. “So don”™t be intimidated by Town Hall, we”™re here to assist you.
“As for myself, I will be happy to visit any business in Stratford and help in whatever way I can. As for what our local businesses can do, I would strongly urge you to become as involved with the community as you possibly can.”
Among the more than dozen public officials who spoke were town Planner Dave Killeen, public works Director Maurice McCarthy, Michael Feeney, chief operations officer of the Stratford Board of Education and finance Director Susan Collier. Not unexpectedly, Planning and Zoning Administrator Gary Lorentson was peppered with a host of questions from the audience.
“We”™re proud that planning and zoning has a strong relationship with the business community,” Lorentson said. “We try to make it work including inside alterations, signage, however we can help. We also have a great relationship with the chamber, which is essential. And we are always willing to look into changing zoning regulations to meet changing times.”
Stratford Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mary Dean was the host of the session and repeatedly stressed the town”™s commitment to business as she called on public officials to explain what their jobs were and how they could best serve the business community.
The Stratford Chamber of Commerce”™s mission statement explains the organization”™s role “is to initiate positive change for the benefit of the business community, thereby enhancing the quality of life in Stratford through advocacy and action in the areas of economic development, education, transportation and the environment. The chamber”™s first priority has been to achieve this through retention, expansion, recruitment and advocacy of businesses that will grow jobs and increase the town”™s tax base. Through its membership, the chamber has also been actively involved in town economics, education issues, cultural affairs and transportation.”
And that point was quite evident as the community learned “How to Do Business In Stratford.”
Rob Sullivan is the publisher and executive editor of the Bridgeport Banner daily website ”“ www.bridgeportbanner.typepad.com ”“ and monthly print edition. He is a special correspondent for the Fairfield County Business Journal covering news and issues in Bridgeport and surrounding communities on the Sound.
