MEDIA ROOM

One million pounds of tomatoes is not enough...Backyard Farms turns one and Madison looks to build on the company's success.

Shot of the current Backyard Farms tomato facility.

November marked the one year anniversary of Backyard Farms growing in Madison and with a goal of over 1.3 million pounds of tomatoes that month, the company broke ground on a new greenhouse in the next stage of its ambitious expansion plans.

Bringing jobs and quite a bit of tomato fame to Madison, the greenhouse has been a very welcome addition, but the committee tasked with encouraging economic development in the town isn't done yet.

The committee that is the force behind Madison Business Gateway (MBG) and tasked with bringing new jobs and opportunities to the town's residents are still hard at work reaching out to new companies in the U.S. and abroad to encourage businesses to expands operations in Madison.

The committee meets regularly to brainstorm, discuss prospects and plan marketing efforts to tout Madison as a great place for businesses. Recently, the group focused on how the town might be able to capitalize on the success of Backyard Farms.

"We would love to talk with some companies that could benefit from the greenhouse's proximity," noted Brian Hamel, an economic development consultant who assists Madison target prospective businesses. "Shipping, packaging, or even homemade salsa or sauce companies would be a perfect match."

Dana Berry, vice president of human resources at Backyard Farms, and another MBG committee member, noted the greenhouse might not be at the capacity it needs to be to create a large pull factor for another industry associated with the tomato growing and shipping, but in a couple years the greenhouse's expansion could very well be a draw for additional businesses.

In the meantime, the Madison Business Gateway committee isn't wasting a moment reaching out to business leaders in various enterprises - food processing and packaging, call centers, outdoor outfitters and more. The rewarding work of bringing new business and jobs to Madison continues. If you are looking for a new or additional location for your business, or have an idea of an enterprise that might be in need of an excellent labor pool, welcoming community and a host of incentives, please contact Brian Hamel at 207-764-3302.

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