Local leaders touted Onset Village, the Tremont Nail Factory and a booming West Wareham as development highlights when a high level state official visited on April 7.

State Rep. Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) and town officials welcomed Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash when he visited Wareham that day. During Ash’s visit, he and officials discussed ways to grow the local economy and identify resources that are available from the state to achieve that goal.

Gifford, along with Town Administrator Derek Sullivan, Selectman Chair Peter Teitelbaum and Director of Planning & Community Development Kenneth Buckland, toured town with Ash to showcase some of its economic successes, assets and areas under consideration for improvement.

Buckland said that several local initiatives were brought to Ash’s attention.

“We were able to introduce him to some key areas of our community; the West Wareham industrial parks and new retail centers, Main Street, the Tremont Nail Factory, Onset Village and the Cranberry Highway corridor,” said Buckland. “I felt very heartened to hear the town is on the right track for redevelopment and revitalization.”

Selectmen Chair Teitelbaum said he was optimistic after the tour.

“I was particularly happy to hear his thoughts on revitalizing the Tremont Nail Factory property, and that his vision for the property was so similar to what we have heard from our advisors,” said Teitelbaum.

Looking ahead, Gifford said she felt encouraged for Wareham’s future, particularly in regard to transportation issues.

“I see some real hope in moving some of Wareham’s legislative agenda forward, specifically in regard to the extension of regular commuter rail service to Wareham, Chapter 40B reform and the Route 6 and 28 Cranberry Highway reconstruction project,” Gifford said. “I believe he will work with us in every way possible to help us achieve some of our economic development and housing goals.”