MONROE, CT — Executives moving their companies and families to Monroe can get their coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks on the way to work on either side of town, or stop in for freshly made breakfast sandwiches at mom and pops like Last Drop Coffee Shop and Terra Cafe. Monroe’s restaurants cater to a diversity of culinary tastes for lunch breaks and corporate dinners, and executives can also talk business over rounds of golf on the links at Whitney Farms.
Monroe’s public schools provide their children opportunities to earn a quality education and to play on sports teams that regularly compete for State championships. The town also offers other amenities, such as recreation and concerts at Wolfe Park, the beach at Great Hollow Lake, boating on Lake Zoar and camping at Webb Mountain Park.
Older relatives can socialize with friends at the Monroe Senior Center, while taking advantage of the programs it has to offer.
Community and Economic Development Director Williams Holsworth said Monroe is among the few Connecticut towns that still has undeveloped tracts of commercial and industrially zoned properties for companies to build upon.
“We’re trying to showcase the feasibility of Monroe being home to your industry, your business,” Holsworth said. “It’s a balance of our location and our financial strength coupled with the amenities available for employees and their families.”
To that end, the Monroe Economic Development Department and the Monroe Economic Development Commission (EDC) teamed up to create an online flipbook to appeal to businesses and commercial brokers researching desirable, new locations.
“The resource tool created by the Economic Development Commission was a collaborative effort by all, which will build a wonderful addition to our website for all to view,” said EDC Chairman Ray Giovanni, who is also president of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.
“Each commissioner contributed their efforts along with our consultant and Bill Holsworth to create this wonderful piece that will be read by the residents, businesses and prospects looking to find out all there is to know about our wonderful Monroe,” Giovanni said.
Gary Zenobia and Tricia McMahon, partners of On the Mark Marketing LLC, helped the town with the flipbook. Holsworth said Erin Puglisi, who works for OTM, was “a huge resource and asset in making the flipbook with pen to paper.”
Holsworth also expressed gratitude to town department heads and to Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kobza for his input on the section featuring Monroe’s public schools.
First Selectman Terrence P. Rooney thanked everyone involved in creating the flipbook.
“I’m very excited about its release,” Rooney said. “We collaborated together on what topics we felt would be of interest to people thinking of coming here — all the amenities Monroe has to support businesses, their executives and employees’ families.”
‘Where Community Builds Opportunity’
The dark blue flipbook is entitled, “Monroe: Where Community Builds Opportunity.” It includes a welcome from the first selectman and is broken up into topics, including:
- Local Legends: Featuring longtime prominent businesses — Sippin Energy, Swiss Army and more — “that define Monroe’s entrepreneurial spirit;
- Farmers’ Market: Named Connecticut’s No. 1 market with fresh food, live music and “community joy every summer Friday;”
- Safety: Monroe’s police, fire and Emergency Medical Service departments provide award-winning safety and community protection;
- Historical Society: The Monroe Historical Society preserves Monroe’s past through restored landmarks, events, and stories of local pioneers;
- Public Schools: Monroe Public Schools rank among the best in the state, preparing students with rigorous academics, arts, and athletics;
- Business: With accessible real estate, pro-business policies, and a strong support network, Monroe is where companies grow and communities thrive;
- Library: Edith Wheeler Memorial Library is a dynamic hub for learning, creativity, tech access and community programs for all ages;
- Senior Center: The Monroe Senior Center offers fitness, social events, wellness programs and transportation for residents ages 55 and older;
- Health: The Health Department promotes wellness and prevents disease through inspections, education, clinics and emergency preparedness;
- Parks and Rec: From concerts to kayaking, Monroe’s parks, trails, and recreation programs offer year-round fun for all ages;
- Contacts: Quick access to Monroe’s key departments, leadership, and business resources to help you connect and get started.
The flipbook also highlights places of worship. Color photos and graphics combine with the literature to bring this New England town to life, featuring its demographics, AAA bond rating and proud history woven into a tight-knit community.
In addition to the work-life balance Monroe has to offer, the flipbook shows the guidance new businesses can expect to receive at Town Hall, leading them through the approval process, as well as highlighting networking opportunities that are available once they’re up and running.
Holsworth said Monroe’s public schools, which boasts Masuk High School’s robotics program, whose teams routinely compete at the VEX Robotics World Championships, offers opportunities to develop an educated future workforce for companies in town.
For those considering investing in Monroe, the Economic Development Department makes the following pitch:
“Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your company, or looking for a community that values and supports local businesses, we’re here to help you plant roots and grow with us. We invite you to discover why so many businesses call Monroe home. Let’s build something great — together.”
To see the flipbook, click here.
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