The Connecticut Economy 

The Connecticut Economy conference explored 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, was this year’s featured speaker. 

McKinsey & Company partner Ezra Greenberg returned 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 reviewed the index and what the data reveals about Connecticut’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 reviewed 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. 

AGENDA

7:30 am | Networking Breakfast 

8:30 am | Opening Remarks 

• Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA 

8:40 am | Regional, National Economic Outlook 

• Ezra Greenberg, Partner, McKinsey & Company 

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

• Moderator: Michael Brooder, Hartford Office Managing Director, CBIZ 
• Frank Consoli, CEO, United Security, Inc. 
• Derrick Gibbs, Founder, Budr Cannabis 
• Robyn Sullivan, President, Cloudsmart, Inc. 

9:55 am | Networking Break 

10:15 am | Competitive Edge: How States Win

• Moderator: Duby McDowell, Partner, Intersect Public Solutions
• Mary Kane, President & CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
• Dustin Nord, Director, CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth & Opportunity
• Katherine Saunders, Partner, Head of Strategy & Leadership, Economic Leadership LLC

11 am | Keynote 

• CBIA’s Chris DiPentima talks with Merrill Wealth Management’s Eric Schimpf 

11:45 am | Adjourn