VCOG Regional Economic Development

Main Street
Railroad Station
Derby, CT 06418
(203) 735-8688
FAX (203) 735-8680

The trend away from manufacturing businesses has accelerated in the last several decades and this has impacted the Valley since it was configured to support a manufacturing-based economy. To help counteract this trend, the VCOG is taking advantage of the changing economy and the opportunities provided for new economic growth in the Valley region.
As part of the 2003 Regional Plan of Development, the VCOG formulated a strategy to promote economic growth in the region and share locational opportunities in the Fairfield County and Naugatuck River corridors.

The following strategies are recommended in the Plan to promote economic growth in the Valley:
Seek Business Diversification
	Promote activities that target bringing businesses in growing sectors of the economy to the region, and support emerging small businesses.
Provide for “Business Ready” Sites
	Seek to identify and prepare business sites to take advantage of economic development opportunities, such as the continued expansion from the Lower Fairfield County Area.
Promote a Trained Workforce
	Encourage organizations and programs that improve the skills of the Valley labor force and address new skill requirements.
Market the “All American Valley”
	Expand and support efforts to professionally market business sites, initiated by the Greater Valley Economic Alliance.
Support “Smart Growth” and a“Sense of Place”
	Encourage communities to support growth and revitalization efforts that enhance “smart growth” and a “sense of place.”

The entire Economic Development Strategy of the 2003 Regional Plan of Development is available to view or download. (size: 1.2MB; This is a .pdf file and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.)