The Connecticut Economy

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

Join us September 17 at The Connecticut Economy, where the state’s major party gubernatorial candidates share their visions for economic growth, competitiveness, and opportunity ahead of the November elections. 

You’ll hear directly from both the Republican and Democratic gubernatorial candidates as they outline their priorities and respond to the economic issues facing the state. 

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

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

We’ll also release 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. 

Economic development leaders from other states will review the index and what the data reveals about Connecticut’s economy, sharing best practices for growing a sustainable, competitive economy and driving generational change. 

From business conditions to voter priorities, this is your opportunity to gain valuable insights into the forces shaping Connecticut’s 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, Office Managing Director, CBIZ Hartford  

• David Fiereck, President, Loureiro Engineering  

• Jessica Rich, Co-CEO, The Walker Group 

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

10 am | Networking Break 

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

•  GOP gubernatorial candidate Ryan Fazio speaks with Chris DiPentima

11 am | Top Issues: What Connecticut Voters Want 

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

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

12 pm | Adjourn