Governor sets series of economic strategy forums statewide

Businesses invited to contribute ideas, concerns

(Nov. 16, 2007) Gov. M. Jodi Rell has announced that the Department of Economic and Community Development will hold a series of 10 regional forums around the state to provide businesses and the public the opportunity to share their views on the future course of Connecticut's economy.

Input welcomed

CBIA members may testify at the forums, or share their comments with us. CBIA will be attending each of the forums, and will be testifying at the Hartford forum. Contact CBIA's Jesmin Basanti at 860-244-1929 or basantij@cbia.com for more information.

• View the complete schedule

The forums are the result of Public Act 07-239, An Act Concerning Responsible Growth, which spelled out Gov. Rell’s plans for growing the state’s economy while preserving and enhancing Connecticut’s natural treasures.

The new law, signed by the governor in July, requires the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to develop an economic strategic plan by July 1, 2009.

“This strategic plan is important because it will serve as a blueprint for state policy and include recommendations on how Connecticut’s industries and workers can successfully innovate, grow and compete in the global economy,” said Gov. Rell.

The strategic plan will establish clear and measurable goals and objectives along with necessary strategies for the next five, 10, 15 and 20 years. 

Key areas to be studied include: transportation, technology transfer, brownfield remediation and redevelopment, business regulation, labor force quality and sustainability, cost of doing business, affordable and work force housing, land use policy, taxation, availability of capital and energy costs and supply.

For more information, contact CBIA's Jesmin Basanti at 860-244-1929.