Government Issues and Politics
Insurance and Employee Benefits
Business and Economic Info
Human Resources and Safety
Education Policy and Practice
Training and Consulting Services
Welcome to CBIA's Training and Consulting site!
Surveys Past Releases News Articles CBIA in the News Staff Bios and Pictures Contacts

 

Welcome to the CBIA Newsroom

The Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) Newsroom Web site gives you access to the latest information regarding CBIA’s positions on issues affecting Connecticut businesses and the state economy. The “CBIA Newsroom” contains news releases and advisories, a listing of upcoming events, articles, state capital news, surveys, staff bios and pictures. CBIA is the nation's largest statewide business organization, with 10,000 member companies.


View CBIA's TV Commercial

What's New at CBIA

For Immediate Release
Nov. 13, 2008

 

DESPITE ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS AND OTHER CHALLENGES CONNECTICUT'S FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES ARE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE

 

Connecticut's family companies are vital contributors to our state's economic success, and like most companies, they are very concerned about rising costs, the stability of the economy and other external forces that could impede their growth. Their biggest challenge is the overall cost of doing business, especially health care costs, the personal income tax and energy costs. They also face numerous challenges that are unique to family-run businesses, including business succession and planning issues. But despite these challenges and a troubled economy, many family businesses are optimistic about their future.

Those are some of the key findings of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA)/ University of Connecticut (UConn) 2008 Survey of Family Businesses, released today. The survey explores key issues facing family-business owners and examines concerns they have about the future. The survey is part of an ongoing partnership between CBIA and UConn's School of Business Family Business Program, designed to help family-owned companies through all facets of business planning, development and operation.

 

Now that the election is over, it's time for legislators to get down to business. Joseph F. Brennan, CBIA senior vice president of Public Policy, comments on the election and the need for politicians to make the economy and job creation their top priorities.

 

Listen to Joe's comments: MP3 Audio Clip

Runs : 40

 

 

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2008

 

TWELVE CONNECTICUT BUSINESS EXECUTIVES ELECTED TO
CBIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Twelve Connecticut business executives were elected to four-year terms on the board of directors of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) at the association's Oct. 29 Annual Meeting in Hartford.

For Immediate Release
October 8, 2008

 

CBIA ENDORSES GENERAL ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES

Business community urges voters to elect candidates who will strengthen Connecticut's economy


The Connecticut Business & Industry Association, the state's largest business organization, today announced its endorsement of state Senate and House candidates for the Nov. 4 general election.

“Legislators elected to the 2009 General Assembly will face growing budget deficits and tenuous local and national economic situations. They will be called upon to make the tough decisions necessary to ensure the health and vitality of Connecticut 's economy and the quality of life for the people of the state,” said John R. Rathgeber, CBIA president and CEO. “We urge voters to elect candidates who will work to strengthen our economy, help improve Connecticut 's business climate and keep our state competitive and our residents employed.”

 

For Immediate Release
Oct. 1, 2008

 

WALL STREET WOES HITTING CONNECTICUT'S CREDIT MARKET HARD

Survey finds unsettled business lending environment and lowest credit rating on record

 

Connecticut businesses are now being hit with the negative effects of the national economic slowdown and the financial crisis on Wall Street, and they're reporting an unsettled environment for business lending.

The third-quarter Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA)/TD Banknorth Credit Survey, released today, finds business lending and credit conditions at their lowest level since the survey began in 2004.

For Immediate Release
Sept. 4, 2008

 

ECONOMIC PRESSURES INFLUENCING CONNECTICUT BUSINESSES

CBIA/Blum Shapiro Survey of Connecticut Businesses finds companies working harder to stay productive and competitive

The volatile national economy is beginning to influence business confidence and conditions in Connecticut, but employers are remaining generally optimistic and are adapting, coping and changing their strategies in order to grow and succeed here.

State businesses have been hit with a variety of business challenges, from rising costs — including energy and health care — future economic uncertainties, and price increases for commodities. In some case these challenges are more acute in Connecticut than in other parts of the country. But businesses are approaching these issues with greater creativity and resolve and are looking to state government to help remove barriers to growth and promote policies that are good for business and good for Connecticut.

Those are some of the key findings of the 2008 Survey of Connecticut Businesses, released today by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) and Blum Shapiro, the largest regional accounting firm in the state.

For a complete copy of the survey, visit www.cbia.com/newsroom/surveys, and scroll to the bottom of the page.

To view Blum Shapiro powerpoint presention click here.

CBIA At The Capitol

These are risky times for Connecticut’s economy. Good public policy decisions can hasten Connecticut’s economic recovery, produce and preserve jobs, and enhance the state’s competitiveness. CBIA’s activities on business related bills and hearings at the state capitol will be posted below. For more information regarding state government issues please contact Nancy Andrews, Media Relations Manager, at 860-244-1957.

A BLUEPRINT FOR A HEALTHY CONNECTICUT ECONOMY

CBIA’s 2008 Government Affairs Program

 

VIEW COMMON SENSE HEALTH CARE REFORM VIDEO

Developments at the State Capitol and state regulatory agencies

CONNECTICUT TAXPAYERS PAY THE THIRD HIGHEST LOCAL-STATE TAXES IN THE NATION

 

ACCORDING TO A NEW REPORT FROM THE TAX FOUNDATION*:

 

  • Only New Jersey and New York taxpayers bear a heavier state-local tax burden than Connecticut, based on the percentage of their income that is paid to taxes.
    • Connecticut residents paid 11.1%
      • Connecticut's total state-local per capita taxes paid for 2008 was $7,007.
      • Per capita income in Connecticut is $63,160.
      • Many Connecticut small businesses pay tax on their business income through the personal income tax.
    • New Jersey residents paid 11.8%
      • New Jersey's total state-local per capita taxes paid for 2008 was $6,610.
      • Per capita income in New Jersey is $56,116.
    • New York residents paid 11.7%
      • New York's total state-local per capita taxes paid for 2008 was $6,419.
      • Per capita income in New York is $55,032.
  • The nation as a whole paid 9.7% of its income in state-local taxes, down from 9.9% in 2007.
    • Per capita income in the U.S. is $44,254.
  • Alaskans have the lightest tax burden (6.4%) a position they've held for nearly two decades.
    • Alaska's total state-local per capita taxes paid for 2008 was $2,871.
    • Per capita income in Alaska is $44,872.

*“Tax Foundation Special Report, No. 163”
The Tax Foundation calculates the total amount of taxes paid, divided by the total income in each state to compute a “tax burden” measure.