The Connecticut Economy

How will Connecticut’s next governor shape the state’s economic future—and what issues matter most to voters and employers?

September 17’s The Connecticut Economy featured Governor Ned Lamont—running for a third term as the state’s chief executive officer—and Republican challenger Senator Ryan Fazio sharing their visions for economic growth, competitiveness, and opportunity ahead of the November elections.

University of New Hampshire Survey Center director Andrew Smith outlined what Connecticut voters want, providing a data-driven look at the top issues shaping the 2026 elections. 

This year’s conference also featured the release of the 2026 Survey of Connecticut Businesses, offering key insights into the challenges and priorities facing employers across the state. 

And we released the annual update to the CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth & Opportunity’s Connecticut competitiveness index, a must-have reference guide detailing key economic data points and trends. 

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Rick Carfagna, economic development consultant Katherine Saunders, and Florida Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark Wilson reviewed the index and shared best practices for growing a sustainable, competitive economy. 

Agenda

7:30 am | Networking Breakfast 

8:30 am | Opening Remarks 

• Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA 

8:40 am | Results: 2026 Survey of Connecticut Businesses 

• Moderator: Michael Brooder, Hartford Office Managing Director, CBIZ  
• David Fiereck, President, Loureiro Engineering  
• Tom McGwire, Owner & CEO, U.S. Fabricating
• Jessica Rich, Co-CEO, The Walker Group

9:20 am | The Competitive Edge: How States Win

• Moderator: Dustin Nord, Director, CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth & Opportunity
• Rick Carfagna, SVP, Government Affairs, Ohio Chamber of Commerce 
• Katherine Saunders, Partner, Head of Strategy & Leadership, Economic Leadership LLC
• Mark Wilson, President & CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce

10 am | Networking Break 

10:20 am | Jobs & the Economy: The Fazio Plan

•  GOP gubernatorial candidate Senator Ryan Fazio speaks with Chris DiPentima

11 am | Top Issues: What Connecticut Voters Want 

• Introduction: Stephen Lewis, President, Thomaston Savings Bank 
• Andrew Smith, Director, University of New Hampshire Survey Center 

11:20 am | Jobs & the Economy: The Lamont Plan

• Governor Ned Lamont speaks with Chris DiPentima

12 pm | Adjourn