Haberek looks to recruit more firms for Stonington

Stonington - When First Selectmen Ed Haberek attended the New England Retail Connection trade show last year he met representatives from the Tractor Supply Co. The company is now seeking approval from the town to build a 19,128-square-foot store with a 15,000-square-foot outside sales area on Route 2.

Haberek and members of the town's Economic Development Commission hope to have that same kind of success on March 4 when they man the town's booth at the 2010 New England Retail Connection at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

There they will meet retailers, brokers, restaurants and entertainment operators who are interested in New England locations. Haberek said he and the EDC members will hand out the town's economic development brochure and show firms the town's new Web site and portfolio of available properties.

Attending trade shows to promote the town has been part of Haberek's economic development strategy. While he said Wednesday it can take time to cultivate and capitalize on contacts made at the shows, he said the approach gives the town an advantage when companies are looking to expand or relocate because they are familiar with Stonington.

"Retailers and brokers are excited to see a town with an aggressive economic approach at these events," he said.