GRAFTON: Success Breeds Success Large Steps At A Time 

Grafton, established in 1735, originated as one of seven praying towns (Hassanamisco) of the Nipmuc Indians  who still own four original acres on Brigham Hill Road today. Its attributes are diverse and abundant. From ubiquitous rural and mill village scenes and decades of committed volunteers, a growing yet highly rated educational system as well as a diversity of housing and occupational backgrounds, Grafton offers the best that an idyllic New England community has to offer. 

Grafton's economic picture grows brighter and more diverse by the day. As the Mass Turnpike was constructed in the early 1950s and Grafton State Hospital was closing its doors in the early 1970s, a vision was created that was determined to replace the old with a new and flourishing expansion of the best economic growth possible. This vision came from Sheila Ide who has continued throughout the many years with dogged determination and an undefeatable attitude along with hundreds, if not thousands of personal hours to bring this to fruition. Grafton now stands with the Centech Park, Tufts Veterinary School, Job Corps  and the WBDC relationship reaping the plentitude of benefits that these efforts have brought forth. Each and every citizen owes much gratitude to Sheila, Jean Ahlquist and her many associates who have worked along her side as our tax base becomes diversified and fortified without impacting our health, public safety or Grafton's unique charm we hold dear. Sheila has been a catalyst for the clean, concentrated job growth every community envies. 

The  tremendous cooperative effort of WBDC, EDC, Shrewsbury' s Town Manager Dan Morgado, TA Russ Connor, Selectmen and State officials towards economic  development has paid off very well in Grafton as TIFs become less liberal and available lots become occupied.  From the small hometown florist to the sophisticated start-up or established corporation, Grafton's economic blend typifies its diverse community life of tremendous recreational, educational, political, spiritual and personal opportunities. Grafton's many easy access routes (Rtes 146, 495, 290, MassPIke, 140, 122)  to R.I., Worcester, Boston and even Cape Cod positions us exactly right to continue our economic success and quality of life well into the 21st century.

As Tufts Veterinary School ,  Tufts Science Park #1  and Tufts Science Park #2 expand to include a tax bearing science-based incubator for varied start-ups and Centech Park is energized with construction crews working on State Street Bank (Lot 1) , Intelcore (Lot 3) and much more currently pending for another two lots, the Selectmen announced that Grafton-based Bernie Noe's Information Management Corporation has also contracted for Lot 5. In addition, the jam-packed parking lot for using the widely accessible MBTA will lead to even more spaces in the future along with the Shrewsbury-Grafton initiative to create a connector road from Shrewsbury's Rte. 20 to Grafton on Cherry Street.  The exponential effects of these initiatives will be broad based throughout the community and the entire Blackstone Valley region.

We share both a proud past and diverse heritage as well as look forward to a new beginning in economic expansion. In the 1980s and  1990s, residential growth was added in great numbers, yet a large majority worked elsewhere. Now, we can look forward to reinvigorating our local employment opportunities as we work towards a strong economic foundation. In past years, Shrewsbury and Westboro increased their commercial and industrial base while Grafton primarily attracted residential growth. Yet, this duality of progress underscored by a strong vision will serve Grafton's needs for decades to come. So a tip of our collective hat and our warm thanks to all former and present members of the Economic Development Commission. (Thanks also to John LaPoint for his insight, knowledge and willingness to share it.)

In January 2002, the next phase was detailed thoroughly at a presentation given to Selectmen. The  EDC presented several more steps in progress including, discussions with DECAM (State) and WBDC over additional State properties that might become available. Two abandoned brick buildings next to Job Corps are being considered for additional industrial use, light retail multi-use, or possibly affordable housing. With the rail station nearby, the possibilities are virtually limitless.  The WBDC has also committed $50,000 for a master planning process that would inventory and assess state owned land and assets within Grafton and Shrewsbury. The EDC expects to join in this master planning process along with DECAM later in the year.

EDC member John LaPoint also notes "The Grafton Board of Selectmen at their meeting on 3/5 approved & signed the contract for the water line work on Route 30 and Institute Road, serving the buildings for Shrewsbury and Grafton at Centech Park and at the proposed Tufts Science Park. The Grafton Water District and Grafton Town Administrator Russ Connor made the actual contract happen in a very expedited manner, and we thank them for their diligent efforts on this." Huge support through funding has come from DHCD to upgrade and add to existing water and infrastructure needs. 

As far as retail efforts in the area and beyond, there is an approved mini-mart location next to Cardoos on Route 30. There will soon be two eating establishments, one of which will have a liquor license. The commitments are in place and the need is certainly warranted. Additionally, GraftonDaily expects to have a listing of all retail establishments within Grafton online in the near future.

Much of this progress was also coordinated with WBDC and the TIF Committee consisting of EDC Chair Dan Finn, Selectmen's EDC member Brook Padgett, Assessor John Chartier and Town Administrator Russ Connor. Koopman's, Sunshine Sign, Tempflex and Troiano were the original four TIFs and Grafton's Karl Kilduff was involved from the Massachusetts Office of Business development on all of these applications. The IntelCore TIF was purposely generous as an incentive to get the first building into Centech, yet the second building, Idexx (first co from the Tufts incubator program) did not request a TIF and State Street Bank (Shrewsbury) did not receive one as Shrewsbury does not offer these incentives.

Prospective companies work with the Mass Office of Business Development to offer a proposal and possible TIF application. The TIF Committee works on behalf of the Board of Selectmen until the actual plan is presented to Selectmen. After Selectmen approval, the TIF goes to acceptance at Town Meeting. Another website, suggested by EDC member John LaPoint is the Mass Office of Business Development explaining economic target areas, certified projects and TIFs.

So, with three buildings  under construction and a fourth  plan presented to Selectmen recently, Grafton's EDC, TIF Committee, TA Russ Connor and Selectmen and State politicians look forward to continued high levels of success benefiting us all. Their hopes and expectations are to continue the active pace with construction as more companies choose Grafton for their home with its many compelling assets and incentives. Within five to ten years, their work should be complete with full build-out and a thriving economy!

So, touch back once a week as pictures and further articles give insight to Grafton's busy and prospering future within its expanding economic foundation. Email GraftonDaily with economic and business news, features, photos, and more anytime!

Related Info:IntelCore Technologies to Become Verrillon, Inc.


Specialty optical fiber Company also moves into larger, new facility
North Grafton, MA--IntelCore Technologies, Inc. announced today that it is changing its name to Verrillon, Inc. in conjunction with the Company's move to a new, larger headquarters facility in North Grafton, Massachusetts. The name change and move represent significant milestones for the producer of specialty optical fiber.
Dr. Abdel Soufiane, founder and CTO of Verrillon, noted the significance of the new name: "We are focused on developing and manufacturing new, innovative fibers for key Photonics OEMs. We feel that the name Verrillon-derived from a French word connoting precision glasses-more clearly articulates our culture, technical focus, and strategic vision." The name change will become official on July 15, 2002.
Verrillon's new, larger headquarters is dedicated to the development and high-volume production of specialty optical fiber. The facility features world-class draw towers, multiple glass fabrication systems, a clean room environment, and state-of-the-art test and reliability labs.
Bill Beck, Verrillon's President and CEO, explained that the new facility is a key part of its strategic plan. "We continue to see growing demand for a wide variety of advanced optical fibers that improve performance, increase yields, and provide new network functionality and manufacturing process automation. Our new facility, which is the most advanced of its kind in the industry, immediately increases our development and manufacturing capacity and allows us to provide Photonic OEMs with the technical and economic differentiation they need to win in the market."
About Verrillon
Verrillon, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets innovative specialty optical fiber and fiber-based solutions for optical components and modules. The Company is based on a business model that focuses on technology innovation and on providing growing Photonics OEMs with rapid product development and flexible, high-volume manufacturing. Verrillon's next-generation specialty optical fiber enables improved component performance, increased manufacturing yields, new network functionality and manufacturing process automation.

For more information, please direct inquiries to:
Christopher Van Veen, Marketing Communications Manager
IntelCore Technologies, Inc.
15 Centennial Drive
North Grafton, MA 01536
508.890.7140
e-mail: vanveen@intelcore.com