Exploring Entrepreneurial Training in Orange

Orange, CT - The Orange Economic Development Corporation, working in partnership with the Town of Orange and WBDC (Women’s Business Development Center) are pleased to present the 2nd installment of a 4 part workshop designed to support the Entrepreneurial Spirit of area residents.

On September 22, 2010, WBDC will conduct a workshop entitled, “Exploring Entrepreneurship”. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to discuss their entrepreneurial ideas/visions and investigate the feasibility of turning them into reality. This is a perfect opportunity for aspiring business owners to learn what they need to get started and to recognize starting your own business requires more than just a good idea.

WBDC is the leader of entrepreneurial and financial training for women in Connecticut. WBDC reaches women from all economic backgrounds through a proven combination of business training, mentoring, technical assistance, promotional support, general information, and resource referrals. They are, as well, responsive to each entrepreneur’s individual needs, from their early years of operation through periods of growth.

WBDC, through education and training, is fueling one of the most powerful economic engines in the state—women-owned businesses. (Of note, 20% of their clients are men.) Their goal for 2010-2011 is to continue growing WBDC’s capacity, thereby impacting the lives of those seeking to achieve the dream of economic self-reliance through entrepreneurship. Evident in the words of a WBDC program graduate, “WBDC routinely exceeds expectations, instills motivation, nurtures self-confidence, and generates success for its clients.”

Funding for this activity has been made available from the town’s Orange Economic Development Commission. Armand Cantafio, Chairman of the Orange Economic Development Commission said, “The economic development commission is pleased to be able to support this endeavor. Starting a business is a very exciting yet daunting experience. We recognize that individuals interested in starting up their own business have a lot of questions, which is why we sought to align ourselves with one of Connecticut’s premier business development organizations.”

The “Exploring Entrepreneurship” program will be held at Case Memorial Library at 176 Tyler City Road, Orange on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm. The public is invited to attend, free of charge. Reservations are required and you may register by contacting the Orange Economic Development Corporation at (203) 891-1045 or WBDC (203) 353-1750 or registering online at www.ctwbdc.org.

Paul Grimmer, Executive Director of the Orange Economic Development Corporation said, “Opening and operating a new business takes a lot of hard work and effort. We hope that by providing this opportunity, to aspiring business owners, that we make their goals a bit easier to reach.” Paul Grimmer also says, “While this program will be presented by WBDC, that both men and women are invited to attend.”

UI Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for Central Facility Project

ORANGE, CT – Executives along with state and local leaders participated in a groundbreaking ceremony this morning for The United Illuminating Company’s Central Facility project. Nearly 50 project team members, contractors, and state and local leaders attended the event to celebrate the consolidation of UI’s work facilities into a centralized location spread over two parcels of land on Marsh Hill Road in Orange.

Today's groundbreaking marked the official start of construction of two buildings, including a 249,000 square foot operations center and a 127,000 square foot office building. The entire project area covers approximately 57 acres and construction is scheduled be completed in early 2012. The buildings were designed by Glastonbury-based architect S/L/A/M Collaborative. The general contractor for the project is Whiting-Turner Contracting Company which bases its Connecticut headquarters in downtown New Haven.

At the ceremony, UI Chief Executive Officer James P. Torgerson and President Anthony J. Vallillo were joined by Orange First Selectman James Zeoli, State Senator Gayle Slossberg and State Representative Themis Klarides. Torgerson and Vallillo recognized the strong partnership between UI and Orange officials and the benefits the project will have on the town and region.

"We appreciate the support from First Selectman Jim Zeoli and his team in Orange and we look forward to being a good partner and neighbor," Torgerson said. “This project will create nearly 400 construction jobs and bring the associated positive economic impact to the region. In addition to the construction jobs, we plan to move approximately 1,000 employees into Orange in 2012,” added Vallillo.

The United Illuminating Company (UI) is a New Haven-based regional distribution utility established in 1899. UI is engaged in the purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and related services to more than 325,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across 17 cities and towns including the Greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas. UI is a wholly owned subsidiary of UIL Holdings Corporation (NYSE: UIL). For more information please visit www.uinet.com

Property Inventory

The OEDC maintains a Property Inventory of all available Retail, Industrial, and Office space within the town's commercial and industrial districts.  If you wish to add your property or a property that you represent, please contact the OEDC Office at (203) 891-1045.  To view our list of available properties please follow the link: View Current Availabilities.

Featured Property

RETAIL LOCATION
517-547 Boston Post Road
Orange, CT

FOR LEASE
by
Prudential Commercial Real Estate

These multi-tenanted retail centers offer a wide range of retail spaces. Any requirement from 1,200 SF to 13,000 SF can be accommodated. This property is located at a busy traffic light controlled intersection. Raymour and Flanigan, DSW, Trader’s Joe, Starbuck’s, and Bertucci’s are just a few of the retailers located directly across the street. We have excellent parking, signage, and frontage.

Asking retail rates range from $12.00 - $19.00 n/n/n

Great Features Include:

Strong Retail Environment Superior Frontage & Visibility  Signature Building

Ample Parking Central Air-Conditioning Immediate Occupancy

For more information contact: Lester Fradkoff, Senior Vice President at (203) 351-1500 (Office) or (203) 218-4940 (Cell) Email at lfradkoff@prucom.com