Business View Magazine | December 2019

318 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 THE TOWN OF FA I RF I ELD , CONNECT I CUT airports in the area.” Tetreau points out more of the town’s attractions: “We’ve got a dynamic downtown and many natural amenities: five beaches and two harbors, along with a tremendous amount of open space; two public golf courses; three private golf courses; three libraries; and an active Parks and Recreation Department with a wide range of activities, not only for our youth, but also for adults. Fairfield has something for everyone, along with a tremendous historic character and charm that completes the picture.” Lately, the Town of Fairfield has placed a significant focus on economic development and it is working closely with some of its nearby municipalities in Fairfield County, specifically Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, and Westport, in order to market itself to potential new businesses. “The five of us got together and realized there is no county government in Connecticut, so no one is promoting Fairfield County. We also realized that Fairfield County is the one county that’s growing in the State of Connecticut in the past five years. It has 25 percent of the jobs, and it generates 40 percent of the income tax revenues for the state. So, Fairfield County is really the engine that is driving the State of Connecticut, right now. And we need to promote that. We know that counties in New York and New Jersey are promoting themselves, and our message is simple: If you want to locate in the tri-state area, Fairfield County is the place. We have a lower tax rate, a lower cost of living, and a higher quality of life. We have tremendous assets in terms of transportation, and there is a range of lifestyles and demographics here that either support your business or provide housing and living opportunities for your employees.” Barnhart explains that, currently, about ten percent of the town’s tax base comes from its commercial sector. Two of its largest employers are the Bigelow Tea Company, Downtown Fairfield