NewHavenBIZ

10 n e w h a v e n B I Z | J u n e 2 0 2 2 | n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m By Christopher Hoffman P erhaps no municipality in Connecticut has a more diverse economy than Wallingford. e town of 44,396 boasts everything from traditional heavy manufacturing and biotech to technology firms and a large and thriving retail sector. Adding even more spice to the mix are vegetable and flower growers, two Amazon last-mile distribution centers and the Masonicare medical and senior living facility, one of the town's largest employers. "I think we're very healthy," town Economic Development Specialist Tim Ryan said. "Wallingford has great diversity in its Grand List, which speaks volumes for our ability to stand out and weather the storm of recessionary economics." What are Wallingford's competitive advantages? Among the biggest factors, inexpensive and reliable electricity, Ryan and Mayor William W. Dickinson Wallingford's lower electricity rates, central location lure proton radiation center, other employers Connecticut Inc., both mainstays of the local economy, Dickinson said. "Many big specialty manufacturers, their energy costs tend to be high," said Dickinson, who at 39 years in office is the state's second-longest serving chief executive. "Here they can get a very competitive energy rate. It provides an advantage [to the town]." Wallingford's second big plus: location, location, location. e town is halfway between Hartford and New Haven, with Interstate 95, the Wilbur Cross Parkway and a major rail line all running through it. e advantage isn't just moving raw materials in and goods out, Ryan said. A large, skilled workforce lives within easy commuting distance to Wallingford, another big desire for employers, he said. High-tech development ose two factors — inexpensive energy and location — were important in attracting a major new investment to town. Proton International plans to break ground on its new $72 million cancer Town Spotlight: Wallingford PHOTOS | CONTRIBUTED Jr. said. Wallingford is one of only a handful of Connecticut municipalities that owns and operates its own electric utilities. As a result, the town has some of the least expensive and most reliable power in the state, a major draw for heavy industries like Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals and Nucor Steel Wallingford's new train station on North Cherry Street has spurred nearby transit-oriented development. Proton International plans to break ground later this year on a new $72 million cancer treatment facility (shown above) in Wallingford.

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