How to Make Andover a Better Place to Do Business

The town is taking a proactive role in supporting business and bringing new business into Andover through the recent creation of the Economic Development Council.

The Council, which began work this past fall, was formed in order to address a wide variety of issues that may negatively affect business in Andover, instead of dealing with these issues as they come up.

Selectman Alex Vispoli, who is a member on the new council, said the group will explore the many ways the town can help bolster the local economy.

“We want to make it a very welcoming environment for businesses looking to locate here,” said Vispoli. “And we want make sure the businesses that are here thrive.”

The council is not yet ready to reveal any firm plans to improve business as of yet, Vispoli said, but added that the group intends to eventually produce a report.

"We expect that out of this group there are things that can be acted on,” said Vispoli.

A large piece of the puzzle will involve streamlining the permitting processes for businesses and making it clear how to obtain everything from a building permit to a common victuallers license.

Like similar documents produced in nearby communities such as Salem, Vispoli said that the group hopes to produce a “How to Do Business in Andover” document that will provide business owners and developers with all the ins and outs of setting up a business in town.

“We want to make it simpler for people to do to business in Andover,” said Vispoli.

Another important charge of the council is listening to what current business owners have to say and hear some of the issues that may be positively or negatively affecting commerce in Andover.

Business owners interested in providing input can contact the Town Manager’s office at (978) 623-8225 or through manager@andoverma.gov.

Vispoli said that the council is made up of business owners and those that can truly attest to the specific conditions affecting the local economy.  

"It is a very exciting group of people. It was important to get representation from the different types of businesses in Andover,” said Vispoli. “We are extremely excited about the opportunities this group is going to provide the town.”