CBIA BizCast: Manufacturing a Stronger Connecticut 

On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, we take you inside the important discussions that took place during the CBIA Foundation’s Oct. 1 Made in Connecticut: 2026 Manufacturing Summit.  

The summit brought together 550 business leaders and public officials for important conversations about what Connecticut manufacturers are doing today and what they’re working on to build a stronger tomorrow. 

The episode features a discussion from a panel of manufacturers breaking down the findings of the CBIA Foundation’s 2026 Manufacturing Report.

RSM US LLP’s Brian Deming, Carey Manufacturing’s Alison Carey Lynch, Mica Corporation’s Jaclyn Epstein, and Forum Contract Manufacturing’s Mark Polinsky shared their perspectives on rising costs, workforce challenges, trade disruptions, and rapidly evolving technology that continue to pressure manufacturers.   

In a separate panel, executives from Connecticut’s largest manufacturers share how they’re using artificial intelligence.

RTX Pratt & Whitney’s Pete Bradley, General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Gary Cooper, and Sikorsky’s Paul Link shared insights on how AI is shaping everything from process optimization to workforce transformation and competitive advantage with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology’s Amy Thompson.  

And we share some of the headlines you may have missed, including new GDP data for Connecticut, draft recommendations from Gov. Ned Lamont’s Career Pathways Commission, and the winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut.  

Episode Highlights 

2026 Connecticut Manufacturing Report 

• Rising materials, healthcare, labor, and energy costs 
• Workforce challenges 
• Attracting, retaining, and training talent 
• Manufacturing growth outlook 

How AI Is Shaping Manufacturing’s Future   

• Best uses for AI   
• Measuring AI’s ROI 
• How AI is changing the worker experience 
• The role of AI in the future 

Headlines You May Have Missed 

• Manufacturing, Finance Drive Robust Second Quarter Growth 
• 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut Winner Crowned  
• Career Pathways Commission Releases Draft Modernization Plan 

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