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122 Doing Business in Connecticut | 2014 T he eastern Connecticut region comprises the eastern one-third of the state of Connecticut. It's bordered by Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Given its placement, it provides great access to airports, deep-water ports and significant U.S. cities — Hartford, Worcester, Boston, and Providence. The region has a rich history and a bright future in business and industry. Residents enjoy world-class arts and culture, rural, suburban and urban alternatives, all within a high-speed rail ride or short drive. Eastern Connecticut is home to the University of Connecticut. While the uni- versity has gained notoriety for capturing the men's and women's NCAA Division 1 Basketball Championships, business and industry is the beneficiary of the talent that is graduating from UConn. The University of Connecticut is ranked in the top 20 among national public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The region is also home to Asnuntuck Community College, Quinnebaug Valley Community College, Three Rivers Community College, the University of Connecticut in Storrs and a branch at Avery Point, Eastern Connecticut State University, Mitchell Col- lege and Connecticut College. Eastern Connecticut has historically been an area heavily dependent on tradi- tional New England economic activities such as fishing and the defense industry. Today, the area remains the primary home of the state's fishing and shellfish activity, but has since diversified its economic base to include tourism, gam- ing, and other services. The region is home to two interna- tionally renowned casinos — Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, both of which bring world- class entertainment and fine restaurants to the region. Farming is another major economic driver, with livestock, organic vegetable crops, vineyards and thriving farmers markets in every community. Frito Lay, Rogers Corporation, General Cable, United Abrasives, Columbia Manu- facturing, Whitcraft, FedEx, Ford Motors, Lowes, Rite Aid, US Foods and Staples have manufacturing and/or distribution facilities in eastern Connecticut. Also, the region is host to Sonalysts Studios as well as a signif- icant number of high-tech firms providing essential goods and services to the defense and pharmaceutical industries, and others. In addition to rail and deep-water ports, the region is easily accessible on land by interstate highways I-95 and I-395. This part of the state is home to the United States Coast Guard Academy, a United States Naval base and General Dy- namics Electric Boat. The first U.S. nuclear submarine is here, at the Nautilus Museum. Innovation continues in the region today with the presence of a significant Pfizer research facility. A number of incubator projects serve as hubs for entrepreneurs, scientists and growing businesses. The area also plays a lead role in state tourism, with Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport, Mystic Village, Natures Art, and the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. The northern area, affectionately known as the Quiet Corner, provides a bounty of antique and collectible establishments, historic churches and museums, local cafés, state parks, bed-and-breakfast accommodations, and America's second-longest National Scenic Byway, Route 169. SPONSORED REPORT Eastern Connecticut Economic Development Regions in CT A recently built submarine sits moored to the pier at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard in Groton prior to being commissioned. Regional Contact Information: Tony Sheridan, President & CEO Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut 914 Hartford Turnpike, Suite 206, Waterford, CT 06385 Phone: (860) 701-9113 E-mail: TSheridan@chamberect.com www.ChamberECT.com Diane Nadeau, President & CEO The Chamber of Commerce, Windham Region PO Box 43, 1010 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226 Phone: (860) 423-6389 E-mail: diane@windhamchamber.com www.WindhamChamber.com Betti Kuszaj, Executive Director Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Inc. 3 Central Street, Danielson, CT 06239 Phone: (860) 774-8001 E-mail: info@nectchamber.com www.nectchamber.com CONNECTICUT'S ENERGY EFFICIENCY SCORE > From rebates to energy audits to retrofits, these programs have a lasting positive impact on customers' bottom line, and make smart business and environmental sense. > Connecticut Light & Power and Yankee Gas are proud of the fact that Connecticut is among the top five states for energy efficiency. Check more CT facts at http://ow.ly/w094o