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2014 | Doing Business in Connecticut 123 C onnecticut's Central Coast econo- my and rich quality of life is driven by strong industry clusters and institutional employers that shape the economic landscape for the entire re- gion. The region has a high concentration wealth, with a strategic location between New York and Boston, and a gateway to all of New England. The region — which includes much of Greater New Haven, Greater Bridgeport and the Lower Naugatuck Valley — thrives on a highly-educated workforce and draws on the strengths of the region's lo- cation, educational resources and storied tradition of innovation to be a center of global excellence in diverse areas includ- ing: advanced manufacturing, biosci- ence, arts & tourism, healthcare, financial services, R&D and energy and more. Working in Connecticut's Central Coast Connecticut's Central Coast industries and institutions, including some of the world's leading universities, account for nearly one third of more than 350,000 total jobs in the region and attract talent and customers from around the globe. The region appeals to a cross-section of people and investors taking advantage of and maximizing the vast potential of the re- gion's infrastructure, housing market, health- care facilities, institutions of higher learning, and culture and entertainment venues. Entrepreneurs thrive here too: 90% of businesses in this region have fewer than 20 employees. Among secondary cities in America, New Haven ranks among the top 11 in number of venture capital deals. Connecticut's Central Coast offers a highly skilled workforce, as more than 33% has a college degree and 16% have a graduate degree. World-class private universities, such as Yale University, University of Bridgeport, Fairfield University, Quinnipiac University, University of New Haven, Sacred Heart Uni- versity, along with several leading State- institutions lead in medical research and development, technological innovation and academic entrepreneurship. Our universities, colleges and profes- sional schools create ready-talent, including more than 7,000 new college grads per year. Located within a 100-mile radius of Connecticut's Central Coast: • 25 million people, 8 percent of the U.S. population • More than 7 million people with associate degrees or higher • More than 2.5 million people with a household income over $100,000 • More than 1.1 million business establishments • More than $550 billion of household expen- ditures • Six major interstates and two deep-water ports • Transit point between New York, Stamford, Hartford, Springfield and Providence and Boston Living & Playing in Connecticut's Central Coast Looking for affordable high quality liv- ing — urban or family-centered? NYC and Boston are nearby, but those who live here pay a fraction of the big city housing costs. The region has some of the most dynamic small-urban areas in the coun- try, combining small town charm, historical neighborhoods and active urban excitement. The region is rich with combination of state-of-the-art architecture juxtaposed with classic and historic structures and a dazzling New England shoreline. Transit- centered housing, with all the urban ben- efits of proximity to theaters, restaurants, mass transit and other cultural amenities, is transforming the look and appeal of down- town environments like never before. The region is also known for family-friend- ly living, excellent public and private schools, and a rich access to nature and the outdoors. Whatever type of business or living wanted — bustling urban center, shoreline, suburban convenience, or bucolic rural landscape? It's all here in Connecticut's Central Coast. Connecticut's Central Coast Economic Development Regions in CT The New Haven / Yale Campus. Photo credit: Michael Melford/visitNewHaven.com Regional Contact Information: Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce 900 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510 (203) 787-6735 Bridgeport Regional Business Council 10 Middle St #1401, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) 335-3800 Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, 10 Progress Dr, Shelton, CT 06484 (203) 925-4981 The region also includes several independent local Chambers of Commerce. CALLING CONNECTICUT HOME Businesses that already call this region home with Corporate or Regional operations include: • General Electric • Sikorsky (United Technologies Company) • Perkin Elmer • Unilever USA • United Healthcare • BIC • Schick • Ashcroft Inc. • Subway • Alexion Pharmaceuticals • Covidien Surgical Devices • Sargent Machine • People's United Financial • Hubbell • Pez • Wiffleball … and many more!