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and economy. With 10,000 member companies, the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) is the state’s largest statewide business organization and the most effective advocate for business in the state. We work to promote a healthy economy and a strong, globally competitive business climate in Connecticut.

 

EASTERN CONNECTICUT ECONOMIC & TOURISM CONFERENCE  
Keys to region's economic growth and vitality include strong hospitality and pharmaceutical industries
2008 Survey of Eastern Connecticut Businesses will be released

 

Eastern Connecticut is a desirable location for businesses to grow and create jobs. Despite having some challenges, eastern Connecticut also has advantages, most notably its tourism, manufacturing and biopharmaceutical industries, which have produced an environment beneficial to residents and businesses alike.

At the Eastern Connecticut Economic & Tourism Conference business leaders will discuss what policymakers and employers must do to address the challenges facing businesses to ensure the continued growth of the region. 

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008
8 – 11:15 a.m.
The Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa
Mystic, Conn.

The conference will feature Jeffrey Blodgett, vice president of research at the Connecticut Economic Resource Center Inc. (CERC), who will present an economic forecast for the region.

Gary Farrugia, editor and publisher of The Day, will moderate a panel of experts who will discuss eastern Connecticut 's economy:

  • Jeff Nelson, Governor's eastern Connecticut office

  • Kenneth Capano, owner, ShopRite Supermarkets of Norwich and New London

  • Robert Hamilton, director of communications, Electric Boat Corp.

  • Mark Ginda, captain, U.S. Navy

  • Robert Congdon, first selectman, Town of Preston

  • Kevin Hennessy, staff attorney, Connecticut Business & Industry Association

A panel will also discuss “Tourism as the Economic Engine of Eastern Connecticut”:

  • Stan McMillen, Ph.D., managing economist, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community
    Development

  • Donna Simpson, executive director, Eastern Regional Tourism District

  • Chris Jennings, president, Mystic Coast & Country

  • Tricia Cunningham, president, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

  • Tony Sheridan, president, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Inc.

Jason Giulietti, research economist at CBIA, will release and discuss the findings of the 2008 Survey of Eastern Connecticut Businesses, which finds that despite an economic slowdown, most of the region's businesses are growing and they expect the trend to continue for the next 12 months.

The conference is presented by Liberty Bank, Northeast Utilities, the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and the Connecticut Business & Industry Association.

CBIA is Connecticut 's largest business organization, with more than 10,000 members.

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Media wishing to attend the event should contact Nancy Andrews, CBIA media relations manager, at 860-244-1957 or andrewsn@cbia.com.

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