Slow But Steady Increase in Business Seen throughout Town

Slow but steady signs of economic improvement can be seen throughout Bethel.  First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker said that Bethel’s continued goal is to attract businesses to town.  “Last year, I appointed new members to our commercial development division to work on this,” he said.

The Francis J. Clarke Industrial Park—which is owned by the town—was recently renamed ‘Clark Business Park’ in a marketing repositioning move. 

“This area has really become a happening place.  About six months ago, Panificio Novona, a high quality Italian pastry baker, moved over there. 
Bethel Power Equipment, currently on Grassy Plain Street, is making a
major expansion and moving to a new facility over here as well,” he said.

Cannondale Bicycle Corp, which is owned by Cycling Sports Group Inc., is now expanding its headquarters at Clark Business Park and will take over one or two facilities there.  Also in Francis J. Clarke Circle there is Educational Innovations, which moved here last year from Norwalk.  They make and import science materials and scientifically based toys.   

Knickerbocker also said that there are some opportunities for building in the Berkshire Industrial Park. 

Bethel’s retail sector downtown is also doing better, according to Knickerbocker.  English Drug, now called English Apothecary, reopened after being closed for a year.  There is a new bookstore called Byrd’s Books, and Molten Java coffee house has expanded. Two other new businesses are Stella Restaurant & Bar, and Peachwave frozen yogurt.

“We are very proud to have all these businesses call Bethel home.  I’m hopeful over the next year, we’ll be able to attract some more businesses to Bethel,” he added.