The Connecticut Economy 

Join us September 3 for The Connecticut Economy conference, where we explore the state’s economic challenges and the opportunities for driving transformational change and growth. 

Eric Schimpf, president and co-head of Merrill Wealth Management and a member of Bank of America’s executive management team, is this year’s featured speaker. 

McKinsey & Company partner Ezra Greenberg is back by popular demand, sharing his insights and outlook for the state and national economies. 

This year’s conference also features the release of the CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth & Opportunity’s Connecticut competitiveness index, a must-have reference guide detailing key economic data points and trends. 

We’ll review the index and what the data reveals about Conencticut’s economy with economic development leaders from other states, sharing best practices for growing a sustainable, competitive economy and driving generational change. 

CBIZ managing director Michael Brooder will review the results of CBIA’s annual survey of Connecticut businesses with a panel of business leaders, examining the challenges and opportunities that companies face as they navigate an ever-evolving economic landscape. 

And don’t miss the opportunity to network with your peers, policymakers, and other key stakeholders. 

AGENDA

7:30 am | Networking Breakfast 

8:30 am | Opening Remarks 

• Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA 

8:40 am | Connecticut Economic Update 

• Ezra Greenberg, Partner, McKinsey & Company 

9:10 am | Results: 2025 Survey of Connecticut Businesses 

• Moderator: Michael Brooder, Managing Director, CBIZ 
• Frank Consoli, CEO, United Security, Inc. 
• Derrick Gibbs, CEO, Change Incorporated  

9:55 am | Networking Break 

10:15 am | Competitive Edge: How States Win 

• Mary Kane, President, Maryland Chamber of Commerce 
• Katherine Saunders, Partner, Head of Strategy & Leadership, Economic Leadership LLC 

11 am | Keynote 

• Eric Schimpf, President & Co-Head, Merrill Wealth Management  

11:45 am | Adjourn