| I am pleased to announce Mary Ann Turner
as the winner of the contest to name my column. Thank
you to everyone who submitted their idea. It was not
an easy choice as I was given so many wonderful suggestions.
While we may not have reached the turning point in
this recession, there are still some great things happening
in and around Enfield. A few weeks ago I mentioned Control
Module Inc., a company that has actually managed to
grow during the recession. PTI Industries, Inc., is
another standout company in Enfield who recently purchased
a second building to make room as they continue to grow.
Also, on Wednesday, September 30th, I attended a groundbreaking
ceremony for the Hartford Hospital Wellness Center to
be located at 100 Hazard Avenue. Just drive down Hazard
Avenue and you can see the site developing.
The Wellness Center, set to be opened October 1st of
next year, will be over 27,000 square feet and home
to Clinical Laboratory Partners, Connecticut Surgical
Group, Hartford Hospital Education Center, Radiology
Services, Visiting Nurses Association and a number of
other medical groups. While the number of jobs this
project will create is not yet known, there will certainly
be a need to fill a significant number of medical, professional
and administrative positions.
The leadership of Hartford Hospital clearly saw something
unique in our town when they chose Enfield as home for
the new Wellness Center. Our community leaders and the
many other people who work to make Enfield such a great
place to live, work and raise a family, deserve a tremendous
amount of recognition as well. When I had the opportunity
to speak with the President and CEO of Hartford Health
Care, Elliot Joseph, at the groundbreaking it was clear
that he is very excited about this major investment
in Enfield and north-central Connecticut and has high
hopes for its success. His optimism is contagious. The
total project is expected to cost nearly $8 million
and will be completely privately funded.
Mayor Scott Kaupin, the Town Council and Ray Warren,
Director of Economic Development in Enfield, deserve
special praise. They all have done a fabulous job attracting
investors to our area and highlighting what we have
to offer and the great things happening in town. Hopefully
the Wellness Center is a sign of more good things to
come to town.
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