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Small Business Human Resources Workforce Development Your Questions Answered Success Stories

October 2005 — Vol. 83, No. 8

FROM THE PRESIDENT

What have we done for you lately?

By Kenneth O. Decko

CBIA President and CEO

 

Not too long ago, businesses joined associations like CBIA simply because it was the thing to do as part of supporting the community. These days, though, fierce competition brought on by a global economy requires all businesses to justify every expense. They must see a real return on their investment.

That begs the question: How does CBIA provide a return on your investment?
We do that primarily through our work at the state legislature and regulatory agencies, where we fight for a competitive Connecticut business climate. Our advocacy efforts this year, for example, won passage of bills to help relieve traffic congestion and energy costs. Even more important, we prevented nearly 200 extremely expensive, anticompetitive bills — notably, the “pay or play” health benefits tax — from becoming law.

But our work for you doesn’t stop with government advocacy. We’re also a resource to help you better manage your business.

Thousands of members each year use our free “Call Us First!” telephone consulting service. Our publications, Web site, seminars and workshops bring leading experts to you on HR and compliance issues. Our conferences and numerous surveys provide timely information on the state of the economy.

Through a variety of programs, we work to improve the academic skills of young people so they’ll be productive when they enter the workforce, and we provide grant-subsidized training to upgrade the skills of members’ current workers.

We also offer a wide range of programs that would otherwise not be available or as affordable for our members. Notable examples are our flagship insurance program, CBIA Health Connections; discounted online job posting with CareerBuilders.com; and CBIA Energy Connections, an Internet-based auction site for energy purchasing.

Members responding to our surveys have expressed high levels of satisfaction with our work at the state Capitol and with our products and services. But we’re always looking to improve and innovate. Throughout the year we often ask members for their input. But any time you have a suggestion, feel free to give us a call at 860-244-1900. We welcome your ideas and feedback.