Rose Ponte, The Driving Force Behind Farmington’s Economic Surge

Meet Rose Ponte, Director of Economic Development for the Town of Farmington, Connecticut.

In the picturesque town of Farmington, Connecticut, one name stands out in economic development: Rose Ponte. As the Director of Economic Development, Ponte is more than just a title; she’s the beating heart for the businesses in Farmington.

With a keen vision and unwavering dedication, Rose has been instrumental in shaping Farmington’s economic landscape, ensuring it thrives in today’s ever-changing global economy. 

Not only has she been pivotal in steering this growth, but Rose also stands out as a genuine champion for small businesses. Deeply committed to elevating and supporting entrepreneurs, she tirelessly ensures they shine brightly amidst the commercial fabric of Farmington. She is also a champion of women-owned businesses, this commitment to empowering fellow women goes beyond a mere duty for Rose—it’s her superpower. 

As you read this interview, you will get to know her while exploring the challenges, triumphs, and innovative strategies she’s employed, not only fortifying Farmington’s reputation as a beacon of growth and opportunity but also spotlighting her remarkable efforts to uplift and champion the cause of female entrepreneurs.

Q: Rose, what inspired you to take on the role of Director of Economic Development for Farmington? Can you describe a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your approach to economic development?

I’ve been fortunate to have had a diverse range of job experiences, spanning from banking to owning a small business to working for a non-profit organization. Each of these past work experiences have shaped  the valuable skills, insights, and knowledge that I now bring to my current role as Economic Development Director. I first started in the field of  Economic Development  for the City of Torrington. During my time in Torrington I focused on revitalizing their Downtown and assisting with the redevelopment of older manufacturing sites.  When the opportunity to work in Farmington became available I jumped at the chance to take all the lessons I’d learned in Torrington and apply to Farmington’s thriving business community 

A pivotal moment in my career occurred early in my tenure at Torrington.  At that time, Torrington’s downtown’s largest building owner was facing bankruptcy, resulting in  a trail of vacant properties along Torrington’s  Main Street. Torrington’s downtown had great bones, established art organizations, and enormous potential, but many people only saw a dying downtown and empty storefronts. I needed others to see the Torrington I saw, one which was filled with potential and opportunity.  

I collaborated with a dedicated like-minded team of volunteers, downtown business owners, and arts organization leaders, and together, we conceived Main Street Marketplace, a vibrant weekly summer event that drew hundreds of visitors to the downtown.  This event not only brought vibrancy to the area but also shed light on the untapped opportunities within Torrington. 

Today, in addition to established arts and culture organizations such as the Warner Theatre, the Torrington History Museum, and the  Nutmeg Conservatory, new organizations are flourishing. Five Points Gallery, Kidsplay Children’s Museum, the Red Room Sound Studio, new restaurants, and shops, now all call Downtown Torrington home.  The revitalization journey that we started a decade ago continues to flourish and is a shining example of the power of collaborations and the opportunities that will be made possible by focusing on assets to address liabilities.

Q: How do you envision the future of Farmington’s economic landscape, say, in the next 5-10 years?

Farmington is a special community with engaged citizens and a thriving business community.  With the lowest mill rate in the Farmington Valley, its proximity to highways, and airports, and with one of the best school systems in CT,  Farmington is  well situated to continue to grow and prosper. 

The business ecosystem is industry-diverse, led by manufacturers, finance,  insurance, healthcare, bioscience research, retail, construction, and small businesses. Many of our businesses are already employing new innovative processes to address workforce shortages, improve efficiencies, and combat supply shortages. 

In the next 5- 10 years, I envision successful businesses will be employing the latest digital products and accessing transformative technologies in fields such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. Additionally, companies will offer more flexibility to their employees, including hybrid and remote working options and office environments that allow for more collaboration and creativity. 

Although these advancements will change the business landscape as we know it, providing the very best customer experience, having financial stability, and developing valuable relationships with customers, colleagues, and the community will still be the keys to any business’s success.

I consider small businesses the backbone of any community. They stimulate the local economy by creating local jobs, they reinvest in the community, and they provide excellent customer service and consumer goods close to home. 

Q: You’ve been recognized for your unwavering support of small businesses as well as women-owned businesses. What drives this passion, and how do you integrate it into your role?

In my role as Economic Development Director, I support all businesses in town, they all play an important role in feeding our business ecosystem, and we all benefit and succeed when there is a strong, thriving business community. 

I consider small businesses the backbone of any community. They stimulate the local economy by creating local jobs, they reinvest in the community, and they provide excellent customer service and consumer goods close to home.  Although they provide so many community benefits, many struggle to compete against big box stores and global conglomerates. They experience many of the challenges that bigger businesses face but have much fewer resources. 

Having experience with owning a small business, I understand the day-to-day challenges many small businesses face. I offer free small business forums, I promote their businesses on social media, and in community newsletters, I connect them with funding options, business resources, and valuable community connections. 

Women-owned businesses, in particular benefit from being connected to business resources specifically targeted for women-owned businesses. I connect them to the Women’s Business Development Council, funding from HEDCO, and free business advice from the CT Small Business Development Center. I promote those resources in my Newsletters, small business forums, and business visitations I conduct. 

Q: What challenges do you face in your position, and how do you overcome them?

One of my greatest challenges is time management; there never seems to be enough time in a day to finish all I want to do. On any given day, I can be involved in many different activities. I often think of the plate spinner; if you’ve ever seen a plate spinner perform, you know it’s a balancing act; they must keep multiple plates spinning, or else once one falls, they all could come crashing down. Thankfully, I work with a wonderful team from the Town Manager’s office, and together, we manage to keep all the plates spinning.

Q: Could you share an initiative or project you’re particularly proud of that has significantly impacted Farmington’s economy?

When I first came to Farmington, I realized the community lacked an existing communication channel that residents and businesses could rely on to get their information. With so many businesses in town and a very engaged resident population, there was much to report and promote.  In 2017, we hired Civic Lift to create a community engagement platform that was user-friendly for both residents and business owners and contained relevant and current community information. 

We named the platform Explore Farmington. This online hub contains a community events calendar, an interactive map and business directory,  a  blogging platform, and a local small business guide to direct consumers to our many businesses.  We then built a marketing campaign around the website that brings free promotion to local businesses and community events. We created Explore Farmington social media accounts, which we post daily, a community newsletter that is emailed to 1800 residents twice a month, and a Business E-Newsletter that is emailed every other month. 

This initiative has increased community engagement, promoted community events, provided businesses with a free platform to promote their businesses, reduced misinformation in the community, and kept everyone connected. 

During the onset of the COVID pandemic, it became an invaluable tool to inform the community of pandemic protocols, new business hours and closings, and health guidelines from our local Health District. 

This initiative has positively impacted the community, so much so that a local bank approached us to sponsor the website. Local community events are now seeing higher attendance rates, and residents love to receive the latest community news right in their inbox.

Q: Empowerment, especially of women, seems to be at the heart of your mission. How do you foster an environment that continually promotes this?

I consider it a privilege to help others, especially when this assistance can improve lives, and help someone achieve their dream. One of the most important ways I empower others is by being accessible and by removing barriers that prevent people from moving forward. 

Whenever a new business opens, I stop in and introduce them to locally available resources, I also connect them to other businesses, local non-profit organizations, and various arts and cultural organizations in town. These connections will help them promote their business, and become vested in the community. Most importantly, I developed a relationship with them so if they run into any problems or challenges, they are comfortable calling me and allowing me to help.

Q: How about mentorship? Can you share some specific examples?

Mentorship is a valuable tool for empowering others, and I find it particularly impactful when someone can benefit from my own past lessons and experiences. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with a number of college interns who have gone on to work in similar careers, and I’ve also mentored colleagues just beginning their careers in municipal government. I’ve participated in hiring panels, small business forums, and economic development summits. On a personal level, it provides me with an opportunity to look inward, allowing me to revisit and reassess my own experiences from a fresh perspective. 

Women play an important role in Farmington’s business community. Many of our new businesses are either women-owned or led by women. Even in industries such as aerospace manufacturing, construction, and engineering, which traditionally have been male-dominated, we are now seeing more women in leadership roles.

Q: In your tenure, how have you seen Farmington evolve economically, and what role have local women-owned businesses played in this transformation?

In the 10 years I’ve been in Farmington, businesses have grown and succeeded in the Farmington market. However, in response to various demographic and social changes, the market is evolving.

Connecticut is experiencing an increasing aging population and a demand for young professionals to fill over 91,000 job openings. Both older residents and younger professionals are attracted to multifamily housing options. In the past three years, over 1,000 new multifamily units have been approved in Farmington.

Innovation has been on the rise, particularly in the bioscience sector, partly driven by UCONN’s incubator program, a growing demand for bioscience research, and the introduction of new healthcare technologies, including advancements in personalized medicine. In retail, the surge in online shopping has created a niche for boutique retailers, offering distinctive products and personalized customer service. 

Women play an important role in Farmington’s business community. Many of our new businesses are either women-owned or led by women. Even in industries such as aerospace manufacturing, construction, and engineering, which traditionally have been male-dominated, we are now seeing more women in leadership roles.

Some shining examples of women-owned businesses include Torigen Pharmaceuticals, creators of a cancer vaccine for animals, who successfully raised $7.7 million for facility expansion. Lambda Vision, a biotechnology company focusing on treating patients with retinal degenerative diseases through a protein-based artificial retina, has gained recognition for their groundbreaking research, including producing artificial retinas onboard the International Space Station. Wholeness Acupuncture Center, a wellness business owned by a first-generation immigrant woman, has been expanding rapidly and hiring new staff just four months after its launch. Independent women-owned retailers like Dakota Stone Boutique, Vivid Hue Home, Happiest Shop, and the Trunk Show offer distinctive furnishings and clothing, providing customers with an exceptional shopping experience. Lastly, Liquid Nirvana, offering healthy smoothies crafted from the owner’s unique recipes, recently opened its third location.

Women entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable resilience, innovation, creativity, and business savviness, they will continue to play an important role in the future of Farmington’s business ecosystem.

Q: How do you measure the success of your initiatives, especially those aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs?

The success of any initiative is measured by its accomplishments. My main goal is to improve the business climate so all can be successful. Assisting new businesses and watching them grow and prosper, finding a new location for a  business that needs to relocate, hosting business forums and networking events to help businesses develop relationships, and connecting businesses to resources that will address their challenges are all accomplishments that result in a thriving business community.

Q: What’s the greatest insight you’ve got in your position when you look at women-owned businesses, and how has it influenced your approach to economic development?

Important insights I’ve gathered by working with women-owned businesses are their resiliency, their willingness to collaborate and ask questions, their resourcefulness, and their ability to manage home and work responsibilities. Many women are carrying a large load, and my approach is to assist them, especially in areas in which they may not have as much expertise,  and connect them to the appropriate resources. 

The most valuable advice I can impart is for new entrepreneurs to believe in themselves, be patient, be flexible enough to change if something isn’t working and be brave enough to take risks.

Q: Can you share your advice and recommendations with women who want to be entrepreneurs and launch businesses?

There are countless resources specifically available for women-owned businesses; research what’s available and connect with those resources. I would encourage them to develop a relationship with a local lending institution and hire professionals in areas they lack expertise in, such as accounting, legal, and marketing. Many times, lack of funds and managing cash flow is a new business’s greatest challenge. I advise any new business owner to have at least 6-8 months of living expenses saved as an emergency fund, and depending on the nature of their business, I would advise them to have at least 6 months of operating expenses on hand. The most valuable advice I can impart is for new entrepreneurs to believe in themselves, be patient, be flexible enough to change if something isn’t working and be brave enough to take risks.

Q: How do you typically start your workday? Do you have a morning routine? What’s the first thing you usually do when you start working? 

My morning routine typically begins with reviewing the emails that have accumulated overnight and checking my voicemail messages. If there are any pressing matters requiring immediate attention, I address those first before proceeding with the list of priorities I created the previous evening.

Q: Do you have any productivity hacks, tools, software, or apps you can’t live without?

I believe that everyone has their own distinct work style, and over the years, I’ve discovered that staying organized is crucial for me to stay on top of things. Using my Outlook calendar to schedule appointments with reminders set 15 minutes prior to meetings has proven to be incredibly helpful.  I tend to be most productive when I have a looming deadline. Often, I set specific deadlines for tasks, and I’ve noticed that it significantly boosts my productivity.

Q: How do you prioritize tasks on a hectic day? Is there a particular time of day when you feel most productive or creative?

Providing excellent customer service and support is a top priority for me. Even on the busiest days, if someone comes by or reaches out, I make it a point to address their concerns or, if needed, schedule a meeting later in the day. I find that I’m particularly productive towards the end of the day when I’m focused on wrapping up as many priority tasks as possible.

Q: How do you usually handle breaks? What’s your go-to lunch choice on a typical workday? Do you have a favorite spot in Farmington to relax or recharge?

On days when I don’t have any scheduled lunch meetings, I pack nutritious snacks and lunch to enjoy at my desk. Given the many beautiful trails in Farmington, I often take a brisk walk in the middle of the day. When I return to the office, I’m more focused and energetic. I’ve discovered that I do some of my best thinking during these walks. When I return to the office, I’m often bursting with fresh ideas and eager to get back to work and finish my day. 

Q: How do you wind down your workday and ensure you’re set up for success the following day?

In my particular role, each day can be very different from the one before. I especially enjoy the various activities I’m involved in, from meetings with prospective businesses to attending conferences or delivering follow-up items; managing my time can be quite challenging.  At the end of each day, I take stock of what I was able to cross off my “to do list” and prioritize what needs to be accomplished the following day. This practice helps me prioritize tasks for the following day. It gives me a clear plan, allowing me to manage my time efficiently and assuring that priority items are addressed and completed on time.  

Q: Is there a daily ritual or habit that you believe contributes to your overall success and well-being at work?

Everyone has a choice to see and find the best in every situation and see the possibility or to see the worst in a situation and feel hopeless. I choose to see the best in a given situation. This forces me to find solutions, to think differently about the challenge that’s in front of me, to find a way to say yes rather than to say no that’s not possible. 

Q: Did you attend a recent event or seminar that provided a fresh perspective or insights relevant to your role?

I hosted a Business Breakfast this past spring with Nathan Grube, Tournament Director of the Travelers Championship. He discussed how he made the Travelers Championship a fan and player favorite among the PGA Tour. He explained that when people implied that CT wasn’t the best place to host the tour, Nathan turned that around and asked why not CT, and went on to list all the great reasons CT was the best place to host the tour. He explained that this type of thinking can be translated to all businesses; if a business plays to their strengths, provides an outstanding customer experience and believes in its product, it can and will be successful. 

Q: What is the one thing you are very proud of?

I’m very proud of my family. With four children and 11 grandchildren, they are my living legacy. Witnessing my children continue our family traditions and instilling in their children the same values they were raised with fills me with gratitude. Seeing them in loving relationships, thriving as accomplished adults, and making meaningful contributions to their communities brings me great joy. Being a part of the beautiful circle of life and watching it continue through my grandchildren is a privilege I cherish daily.

I am more resilient, braver, and cognizant that every day is a gift. A gift that must be treasured and never taken for granted. 

Q: Can you share a moment or an experience that you believe shaped the person you are today?

At the age of 45, my husband, best friend, and soulmate died of a sudden heart attack. In a matter of seconds, the life we had so lovingly built was shattered. Despite my profound grief, I was driven to carry on the dreams and goals my husband and I had so often shared. Now, 19 years later I am a much stronger person, acutely aware that nothing, be it good or bad, lasts forever. I am more resilient, braver, and cognizant that every day is a gift. A gift that must be treasured and never taken for granted. 

Rose, thank you.

At the most recent gathering and breakfast, as you departed from the stage, the exact admirable words about you echoed across our table and every table present: “Isn’t she amazing?” As commonly said, “Every town in America needs a Rose Ponte.” I am confident that all businesses in Farmington resonate with this sentiment.

Thank you profoundly for the invaluable time and efforts you continually dedicate to Farmington. May your life be as sweet and delightful as your favorite dessert, Tiramisu!

Pinar Ozyigit

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