Center Names Farmington's Courtney Hendricson Economic Developer of the Year

Keeping in mind that a simple Google search of “tough economic climate” yielded over 5.7 million hits, here’s a bit of good news locally.

Farmington’s economic development coordinator received an award for her efforts by the Connecticut Economic Resource Center.

Courtney Hendricson was presented the Economic Developer of the Year award by CERC last month for, according to a press release, her “significant contributions to commercial real estate and economic development in Connecticut.”

CERC, according to its website, is a nonprofit corporation that provides research, marketing and economic development resources with an eye to making Connecticut a more competitive business environment. 

Hendricson received the award, in part, for creating a “top-notch e-newsletter providing information that businesses in Farmington need and regularly organizes educational and networking events,” according to the press release.

“She is very involved,” Melissa Pasquale, CERC’s director of real estate, said of Hendricson in a recent interview. “She uses the tools available to her; she attends events offered to her. She does a great job for the town of Farmington. … She’s visible and is always looking to further advance opportunities and look to do her job better and be out there talking to others.”

Hendricson, for her part, was honored to receive the award.

“It’s especially [gratifying] to be recognized in this economy,” Hendricson said. “They’re taking notice of what I do in a big community to keep the commercial tax base thriving by keeping current businesses happy and retain them while recruiting new ones.”

As evidence of the town’s economic success, Hendricson pointed out that Farmington has maintained the lowest tax rate in the region.

Town Council Chairman Mike Clark recalled the care the town took in conducting the search for a full-time economic development coordinator several years ago.

“We looked for [Hendricson] for a long time,” Clark said. “She’s a great employee. She … is out looking for new businesses. She also remains in contact with current businesses to find out what to do to make government more user-friendly for business. She’s been a great support and really has her ear to the ground at what challenges lie ahead.”

The award was presented to Hendricson at the 10th Annual CERC SiteFinder Showcases in June.