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Vineyard Vines is "a marvelous success story," Malloy said Thursday as he pointed out that the state's economy is continuing to grow as the unemployment rate dropped to 6.0 percent, he said.
Malloy took a tour of the four-story building located at 181 Harbor Drive. Each floor has a theme: the Martha's Vineyard influence is seen on the fourth floor, where the office for owners and founders Ian and Shep Murray is located; the third floor has a Bahamas vibe; and the second floor references Florida. On the first floor, the stern of a typical fishing boat is the front reception desk.
The Murrays were not at the headquarters Thursday; they were out of state on business.
The state Department of Economic and Community Development supported the $15.6 million project for the headquarters with a $6 million, 10-year loan at 1 percent interest. Funding may be used to purchase machinery and equipment, make leasehold improvements, or offset architect and engineering costs among others.
During a brief press conference after the tour, Malloy expressed his sorrow at the massacre in Charleston, S.C., where nine people were shot to death at a church.
Malloy defended the state's job growth under his tenure despite the fact that Hartford HeathCare announced Wednesday it was cutting about 335 jobs in response to state and federal funding cuts.
Hospitals have to change the way they do business, Malloy said, noting that many hospital chief executives make more than $1 million per year. He said they should ensure that cost savings occur at all levels, including at the senior executive level.
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