Killingly, Connecticut

LY, ut S ituated on the border between Connecticut and Rhode Island is the New England town of Killingly. The small town settled by Canadian immigrants may have a population of 18,000, but it takes prides in its mighty drive for innovation in enterprise and education. Seven villages with roots in milling – all commercial centers of their own – are strategically located 40 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Boston, while Route 6, Interstate 395, and Route 12 intersect the land. Jill St. Clair, Director of Economic Development for Killingly, praised the town’s achievement in balancing support for local business relationships and nature resource conservation. She shares, “They don’t have to be mutually exclusive, and we’ve figured out a way to keep the texture of the community while expanding the technology base.” In Killingly, this support begins at the high school level with the education of practical expertise that leads to employment being highly valued. The town has two technical high schools, including Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School, along with a multi -track career vocational high school. Following high school, the town’s community college immerses students in their desired careers, especially via its advanced manufacturing technology center. The 10,000 square-foot facility with links to the town’s industrial park features the machining and mechatronics programs for a mix of local and out-of-state students alike to lead them toward future employment in the area. The initiative aligns with changing industry A QUIET TOWN MAKING NOISE