Christmas Trees Breathe Life into Monroe's Economy

It is a common sight at this time of year, SUVs with New York plates and Christmas trees tied to the roofs fill spaces in the parking lot of on Monroe Turnpike. Town businesses along the commercial strip reap the benefits of the steady flow of traffic coming from Jones Family Farm on Route 110.

"It's a definite boon for the economy at holiday time, right from Thanksgiving to Christmas," First Selectman Steve Vavrek said. "Not only for Bill's, but , and the's annual boot drive. It not only helps our community's businesses, it also helps our volunteer organizations."

Lee Hossler, chairman of the Monroe Economic Development Commission agrees. He had snapped a photo of SUVs from New York parked outside Bill's Drive-In.

"I saw seven cars parked in Bill's Drive-in, six of them were from New York and all had trees on top," Hossler recalled. "I then stopped at Stop & Shop to pick up some food and there were several out-of-state cars in the lot. And then as I passed McDonald's there were many tree laden cars in the parking lot. I am sure there must have been more businesses boosted by these tree seekers. Next year I would like to see some type of promotion to rein in more of these visitors. It was great to see."

Monroe Chamber of Commerce President Ray Giovanni recalls looking out the window of his office at Union Savings Bank, where is president, and watching cars, trucks and SUVs pull in and out of the Bill's Drive-In parking lot next door.

"They're going to Bill's Drive-In and they're stopping at Dunkin Donuts for coffee," he said of the out-of-state traffic. "I think it's a great thing."