Business New Haven May 2014

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MAY 2014 GOVERNMENT

Connecticut Among Top Tax-Burden States State, local income taxes consume 12% of Nutmeggers’ income

$1.50

New Haven’s Makers Learn To Thrive

By Felicia Hunter A new report places Connecticut third among states with the highest tax burden.

Residents shelled out more than onetenth of their income — 11.9 percent — to pay state and local taxes in 2011, according to the Tax Foundation, a policy research organization based in Washington, D.C.

How Greater New Haven’s ‘legacy’ manufacturers have survived and thrived into the 21st Century Page 14

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Sikorsky Keeps Copter Work Page 6

Sargent at 150 Years Page 20

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Harvard Pilgrim Health Care includes Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of Connecticut and HPHC Insurance Company.

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Against the Wind CBIA HEAD RATHGEBER: ADVOCATING FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN ONE OF THE NATION’S MOST BUSINESS-HOSTILE STATES Enter Your Events on www.ctcalendar.com

John R. Rathgeber is president and CEO of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), the state’s largest business organization, with some 10,000 member companies. CBIA’s mission is to promote a healthy business climate, supporting economic growth and job creation in Connecticut. Since joining CBIA in 1977 as staff attorney, Rathgeber has served in a number of positions for the organization including general counsel, executive vice president, and chief operating officer.

Rathgeber earned a political science degree from Colgate University in 1972. He then earned his law degree at Suffolk University Law School in 1976 and was admitted to the Connecticut bar that same year.

WHO’S WHAT, WHERE ***

I have two pages of questions here, but they all fundamentally boil down to the same question: For most of your 37 years here, there has been a broad consensus in the business and political communities that economic growth was an objective shared by everyone — irrespective of differences of opinion about how to achieve it. I’m not sure that consensus still exists. There is a growing body of opinion on the left that economic growth is actually bad because it depletes precious resources such as fossil fuels — or at the very least growth is less a societal priority than social justice or ‘income equality.’

How do you see it?

I agree with you. I’m not sure everyone understands the importance of attracting private-sector investment and growing economic opportunities. There are factions in the state that see [private-sector growth] as counterproductive to the preservation of certain resources, a belief that government can do things more effectively than the private sector. You see that in the debate in the General Assembly over lots of bills that look to do things that traditionally would have been done in the private sector. I grew up in New Britain, a town where opportunities for advancement came from the private sector, which gave immigrants and second-generation families the opportunity to earn decent wages and benefits and allow their children to go to college. We have to get back to focusing on growing our economic MAY 2014

ditions, benefits and other things. But what does our General Assembly spend time doing? [Creating more] business mandates, as opposed to addressing the barriers to economic growth in the state — fiscal policy, long-term liabilities, unfunded liabilities that the state has incurred, tax policy, our [workforce] talent pool, infrastructure, especially transportation infrastructure. That’s what we should be focusing on, as opposed to this continuing saga of almost a nanny approach to the business community — ‘You should do this, and you should do that.’

During the minimum-wage debate, did anyone explain to the governor or lawmakers that no one is forced to work at McDonald’s or Cumberland Farms, and if workers want to earn more there are many avenues for them to enhance the value of their labor — education, job training, etc.?

The real answer to upward mobility is not staying in a minimum-wage job; it’s having access to the education and training to [enhance] the value of the work that you can provide — and thus being able to earn family-supporting wages. pie to create a stronger middle class in this state and in this country. We’re only going to do that if we focus on creating a competitive business climate — which doesn’t mean we’re going to be one of the cheapest places to do business, but it’s got to be one of the best places to do business if you’re going to attract the capital necessary to achieve that result.

Connecticut’s rate of economic growth coming out of the recession is one of the slowest in the nation. Why?

Fiscal policy is our No. 1 barrier to investment in Connecticut, as well as this mindset among some that government is the best answer to meeting people’s needs.

We can’t all work for the government.

Somebody’s got to be paying taxes and creating opportunities outside the governmental sphere.

Critics of Connecticut’s ‘First Five’ program point out that bureaucrats in Hartford are in no position to be picking winners and losers in the private sector. Do you agree?

Every state has some kind of program to attract businesses. I think it makes more sense when [government incentives] are aligned with sectors of the economy that have the opportunity to grow — advanced manufacturing, bioscience, medicine — things that we can be competitive in here in Connecticut. Ultimately you’d like to be out of the business of giving incentives to [individual companies].

Now that Connecticut has become one of the least business-friendly states in the U.S. by many metrics, do you not feel pressure from your member companies to dig in your heels more on policies such as paid sick leave and a minimum wage mandate completely divorced from marketplace realities?

One of the reasons we came up with this 20X17 campaign was to [emphasize] that Connecticut needs to be one of the best states to do business in if we’re going to have opportunities for ourselves and our children. Then we can have a discussion, at least, on why it’s important to grow the economic pie. We rank No. 1 [in the nation] in wages paid, safe working con-

When legislation that’s clearly antibusiness comes up and your guys go to the LOB to lobby lawmakers and tell them, ‘This is crazy’ — what are some of the things they hear back from the other side?

Obviously it depends on the person, and some people are more intellectually curious than others. Others are ideologues, and ran [for public office] to advance an ideology. Those [people] are hard to move, whether they’re on the left or the right. So what you try to do is fashion coalitions of people who are more moderates, and hopefully be able to put together working majorities.

That doesn’t sound like the kind of political environment we’re in now.

There are some changes taking place in the legislature where I am hopeful over the next couple of years we will see a more moderate approach where you will see more of an understanding of the importance of those economic goals to drive policy decisions.

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Editorial Small-Business Giants These days it’s hard to find a complimentary story line about a businessperson. If they’re in a big company they’re greedy and heartless, always looking for new ways to cheat or steal. If they’re in a small business they’re forever battling or being abused by someone.

Op-Ed

Wisdom from a Graduate of Hard Knocks U.

Our vantage point is different, the rule in this region’s small-business community are folks like Joseph (Chick) Celantano, owner of Chick’s Drive In of West Haven, and the recently deceased Louis Stone of New Haven’s Chapel Construction.

Celentano’s father opened a small drive-in on Beach Street in West Haven in 1950, and the family has been serving hot dogs and seafood now for more than six decades. On May 5, the University of New Haven dedicated its $40 million, 402-room Soundview dorm, renaming it Joseph E. Celantano Hall.

Enter Your Events on www.ctcalendar.com

By D. Dowd Muska

own, daily listeners to his podcast know that he’s an atheist, is comfortable with gun control and abortion, supports gay marriage, revels in sexual and bathroom humor, and is quick to drop an f-bomb.

If Carolla has an ideology, it could be called “bluecollar elitism,” a concept described in his book President Me: The America That’s in My Head.

Carolla operating procedure, there’s abundant political incorrectness.

Mexico is a “f*****-up hellhole” and “piñata of poverty.” He hates “that in America, we are so in love with the wisdom of the Orient.” He doesn’t “give a s*** about farming.”

Italians “are essentially dumb Jews.” Only “half of the people that claim to be disabled actually are.”

Society “shouldn’t accept obesity as okay.”)

WHO’S WHAT, WHERE M According to UNH President Steven Kaplan, Celantano donated land adjacent to the existing campus valued at some $2 million to the school.

We first recognized Louis Stone of Chapel Construction in 2007 as BNH’s Corporate Citizen of the Year for his then more than 30 years of generosity to an array of non-profit organizations. Stone put his shoulder to the wheel for organizations such as New Haven Probus, which helped disabled and specialneeds clients, the Connecticut Food Bank and most recently as board president of the Clifford Beers Clinic.

Stone died in an accident on December 2, 2013 while on vacation. His legacy will be commemorated with a June 30 dinner and the Louis Stone Memorial Golf Tournament at the New Haven Country Club, proceeds from which will benefit Clifford Beers Clinic.

From the modest perch of a 20-employee construction company, Stone made a big impact on New Haven by his work and his passion for helping. Here’s your chance to keep Louis swinging for New Haven: register at cliffordbeersclinic.wix.com/loustonememorial.

Fast-Track Gaming Decline The state of Connecticut and the federal government are paying big bucks to bring back New Haven-toSpringfield, Mass. commuter rail service. Amtrak does provide shuttle service now with about 1,000 passengers daily for the 100-minute trip and may be a bidder to operate the commuter line.

Officials hope that the New Haven-HartfordSpringfield (NHHS) transit corridor will reduce highway traffic and boost economic activity in Connecticut.

ix Will Rogers with Larry Flynt, add a dollop of Howard Beale, and you’ve got Adam Carolla.

The comedian, podcaster, entrepreneur and pundit is a rarity in today’s media landscape: someone who refuses to make camp with either sanctimonious moonbats or addlebrained neocons.

While inattentive rightwingers claim “the Aceman” as one of their D. Dowd Muska (dowdmuska.com) of Broad Brook writes about government, economics and technology.

Follow him on Twitter @ dowdmuska.

Publisher

Publisher’s Representative

Mitchell Young

MGM Grand is expected to win approval from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to build a nearly billion-dollar casino destination in downtown Springfield at the terminus of the NHHS line. The casino developer has already offered to pour millions into Springfield’s Union Station, which has been mostly dormant for more than 50 years.

Michael C. Bingham

Gina Gazvoda Robin Ungaro Gordon Weingarth

Art Director

Contributors

Editor

Terry Wells

Advertising Manager Mary W. Beard

Senior Publisher’s Representative Roberta Harris

Mimi Friedman Jessica Giannone Felicia Hunter John Mordecai Melissa Nicefaro Priscilla Searles Karen Singer Tom Violante

Photography Steve Blazo Priscilla Searles

Today, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun revenues have been on a steady decline — and with it Connecticut’s share of slot revenues (25 percent of the slot’s take).

As the trains roll, making it very easy for Connecticut gamblers to get to the new Bay State casino, we should expect that revenue decline to accelerate. BNH

But at the book’s core is a cri de spleen from a self-made, 50-year-old man deeply alarmed over his nation’s flight from grit, gumption and elbow grease. Poisoned politics, bad parenting and pop culture are to blame for a “pervasive narcissism that has slowly destroyed our country.” The “self-entitled generation” constantly seeks a handout, but, Carolla thunders, “[f]ixing your f*****-up life is not government’s job.”

AWOL parents, the influence of nimrodian buddies (many of whom “now live in s***** apartments

Carolla traces his endurance amidst the brutal vicissitudes of the entertainment industry to his experiences “cleaning carpets, digging ditches, installing closets, slinging hamburgers, and swinging hammers.” It taught him “a lot of life skills,” and supplied inspiration to find an escape: “I spent my days toiling in the San Fernando Valley with stucco dust clinging to me because I was soaked in sweat. I came home looking like

Continued on page 29

Vol XX, No9 May 2014

One outcome, is likely to be a greater exodus of Nutmeg gamblers from Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.

MGM’s partnership at Foxwoods in a $700 million complex is ended. That casino opened in 2008 — just as the economy and gambling revenues began to crater.

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Carolla’s high-decibel rants frequently prompt his fans to encourage him to run for office. So motivated by “love of country,” President Me serves as his “official campaign platform.” Penned by an observational comedian who spends a lot of time on the road, it contains plenty of jokey content, including an improvement agenda for strip clubs, why drones should be deployed against males who wear bracelets, terrorism warnings based on the Baldwin brothers, and the author’s demand that “the surgeon general and NASA … reanimate the corpse of Marilyn Monroe.” (Per standard

by [a] reservoir”) and a lousy education at North Hollywood High School could have turned Carolla into an Occupy Wall Streetstyle whiner. It wasn’t in his nature. Instead of blaming others for his wretched existence, and expecting the “public” sector to ride to the rescue, he got to work. A series of drudgerous jobs gave way to a skilled trade, followed by successes in terrestrial radio, television, film and Internet broadcasting.

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HOUSING

STATE GOVERNMENT

City Offers Incentives to New Homebuyers

Now You Can Dissolve Your Company for Free

Up to $80,000 available through ‘Re: New Haven’ program NEW HAVEN — The Livable City Initiative (LCI) has launched “Re: NEW HAVEN,” a campaign offering up to $80,000 in incentives to new homebuyers.

HARTFORD — One of the lastsecond laws approved by the General Assembly as the 2014 legislative session expired was a measure that eliminates the fee for a business entity registered with the state to dissolve as of July 1, 2015. The bill passed the state House by a vote of 140-0 on May 2 and was approved by the State Senate on the consent calendar.

The goal is to attract “20- and 30-somethings who are looking to buy starter homes in the city, as opposed to Orange, Branford and Woodbridge, and probably work at start-up companies,” says LCI Executive Director Erik Johnson. “We want to bring the middle class back into the city.

And, Johnson adds, to boost the current city homeownership rate of around 32 percent to at least 35 percent.

“Re: NEW HAVEN” debuted in early May with billboards, posters and a website, renewhavenct.com.

There are three types of incentives for new homebuyers.

One is an update of an interest-free loan program, providing $10,000 for down payments or closing costs for first-time homebuyers, which is 100-percent forgivable if the homebuyer occupies the home for five years. City employees, teachers, police officers, firefighters or military

members can receive an additional $2,500.

Another inducement is a loan of as much as $30,000 for qualified energy saving home upgrades, forgivable if the buyer lives in the home for ten years.

The third incentive ties in with the city’s New Haven Promise program, which offers scholarships covering full tuition (up to $10,000 per year) at a Connecticut public two- or four-year college or university. Recipients must be New Haven residents who have lived in the city for a decade, attend New Haven public schools or approved city charter schools,

complete 40 hours of community service during high school, have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher at graduation, a 90-percent attendance record and a positive disciplinary record.

To be eligible for the incentives, applicants’ income must not exceed 120 percent of the area’s family median income.

If signed into law by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, the bill will restore the authority of the Secretary of the State to administratively dissolve a business entity that has not complied with state laws to file annual reports for at least one year. It gives the Secretary of the State the authority to administratively dissolve any non-stock (non-profit) corporation after two years of failure to comply with the legal requirement to file annual reports.

The bill’s goal is to clean up the database of businesses registered with the Secretary of the State’s office, reducing the number of listings from defunct businesses and encourage companies that have long since gone out of business to take the legal step to dissolve their corporation.

“We currently have around $3 million in the current pot of incentive [money],” Johnson explains. “If we demonstrate we are creating home ownership, the state and the board (of Aldermen) will give us more.”

– Karen Singer

NO M AT T E R HOW YOU L O OK AT I T, OU R F O C US R E M A I NS T H E S A M E : F O C USE D ON YOU R BUS I N E S S By understanding your business and the industries in which you operate, we never lose sight of what matters most to your success.

DR I V E N BY YOU R S UC C E S S With a passion for solving problems and creating value, your business goals are always in focus.

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AEROSPACE

UTILITIES

Water, Sewer Rates Rising

Sikorsky Wins Contract for Presidential Aircraft Initial deal for six helicopters totals $1.24 billion

The engineering firm of Tighe & Bond has published the results of its 2013 Connecticut Water and Sewer Rate Surveys. The results indicate that residential users in Connecticut pay approximately $467 and $406 annually for water and sewer, respectively. This represents increases of 11.6 and 10 percent, respectively above the 2011 averages.

Since 1998, Tighe & Bond has published Connecticut water and sewer rates data that municipal government, regional authorities and private water suppliers can use as a benchmarking tool for comparing their rates against other suppliers in the state. Tighe & Bond has calculated the annual average homeowner’s cost for water and sewer service based on the consumption of 72,000 gallons or 96 hundred cubic feet of water. The survey – includes typical homeowner water and sewer costs for systems throughout Connecticut – also provides information regarding rate structures and billing cycles.

Survey results are available at rates. tighebond.com.

which is based on the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter that is already used by ten nations to transport their heads of state.

“For 57 years, our company has been trusted with the critical responsibility of building and supporting a safe and reliable helicopter fleet for the president of the United States,” said Sikorsky President Mick Maurer in a statement. “We stand ready to deliver the next Marine One, the world’s most advanced executive transport helicopter.”

Efforts to design and manufacture a next generation of presidential helicopter began shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which exposed the outdated nature of communications systems on the existing fleet.

STRATFORD — Sikorsky Aircraft has been awarded an initial $1.24 billion contract to develop and build six new U.S. presidential helicopters, the first step toward a fleet of 21 new aircraft by 2023.

The award, announced May 7 by the Department of Defense, is the culmination of many years of efforts by the U.S. Navy to replace the current fleet of aging Marine One helicopters, also built by

Sikorsky, that ferry the President and other top government officials. The Navy oversees Marine Corps procurements.

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates canceled an earlier program managed by Lockheed Martin Corp in 2009 after the cost of the program more than doubled to around $15 billion.

Since 2004, Sikorsky has delivered more than 200 S-92 helicopters, mainly to companies in the oil and gas industry, and for use by civilian agencies for search and rescue.

Sikorsky was the sole bidder for the presidential helicopter after other companies elected not to compete for the contract.

The contract is on fixed-price terms, with an incentive fee based on the company’s performance.

Ironically, Lockheed will be a key subcontractor to Sikorsky on the new program,

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ENERGY

N. Branford Gets Largest Solar Project

Heroes disguised in business suits!

NORTH BRANFORD — Independence Solar has completed a 124 kW rooftop solar array for Engineering Specialties Inc., a provider of precision metal stamping and machining for automotive and manufacturing applications. As the largest solar project to date in North Branford, the 494-panel installation will supply 65 percent of the annual electrical usage at ESI’s 30,500-square-foot facility.

ESI officials say the company’s investment in the solar system aligns with its overall energyefficiency mission. Since

moving to its current location in 2006, ESI has installed energy-efficient lighting, mechanicals and air-handling systems.

Said ESI President Ron Delfini: “Installing a solar PV system makes sense financially and complements our efforts to optimize energy efficiency.

The economics for solar in Connecticut are favorable and Independence Solar helped us navigate through the entire process from initial feasibility into commercial operation.”

The system is connected to the United Illuminating Co.’s electrical network and has a 15-year contract secured with the utility through the Zero Emissions Renewable Energy Certificate program.

Added James Schwartz, vice president of Independence Solar, “ESI

TAXES Continued from page 1

That is well above the national average of 9.8 percent, according to Elizabeth Malm and Gerald Prante, authors of the report.

“Since 2000, state-local tax burdens as a share of income have grown slightly, from 9.5 percent to 9.8 percent in 2011,” Malm and Prante report. “During that period, however, there has been some slight fluctuation. From 2005 to 2010, burden as a share of income slowly increased, hitting a high of 10.2 percent in 2010 and dropping to 9.8 percent in 2011.”

The April report, titled “Annual StateLocal Tax Burden Rankings FY 2011,” is based on Census information as well as other data.

The Tax Foundation releases a comparative report of state income tax payments each year. Connecticut has placed in the top three each year since 2005. New York and New Jersey, which were No. 1 and 2, respectively, for 2011 residential taxes, also have held one of the top three slots since 2005. In addition, authors of the report say the three states stand out from the rest of the nation because of their relatively high tax burdens.

MAY 2014

is exactly the type of forward-thinking, innovative company we want to work with. They are continually looking for ways to grow their business and enhance profitability over the long term. The solar system fits well with those objectives.”

“The residents of three states stand above the rest: New York, New Jersey and Connecticut,” report the authors. “These are the only states where taxpayers forego over 11.9 percent of their income in state-local taxes, one half of a percentage point above the next highest state, California.”

Authors calculated tax burden by adding state and local taxes paid by residents, then dividing those totals by each state’s total income. The emphasis was on taxes paid by residents, not taxes collected by the state. For example, New York taxes paid by a Connecticut resident working in New York would count towards the Connecticut tax payment, since it is part of the Connecticut resident’s total payments for state/local taxes.

“Nationwide, over a quarter of all state and local taxes are collected from nonresidents,” Malm and Prante note. “As a result, the residents of all states pay surprisingly high shares of their total tax burdens to out-of-state governments.

The report listed Wyoming as the state with the lowest tax burden for residents, 6.9 percent. That state’s per capita income is $50,805.

Connecticut’s per capita income is $60,287, highest in the nation, according to the report.

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MANUFACTURING

REAL ESTATE

State Finalizes United CT Home Sales Up, But Prices Down Technologies Deal There were 1,583 single-family homes sold this March, a slight gain from the 1,534 homes sold in March 2013. Sales of single-family homes were up by 2.9 percent to date for 2014. Statewide, a total of 4,198 transactions were completed in the first quarter of the year compared with 4,081 in the first quarter of 2013.

The median price of single-family homes fell by 8.2 percent in March, selling at

“The continued increase in the number of single-family homes is evidence that the market continues to recover,” said Timothy M. Warren Jr., CEO of the Warren Group. “The modest decline in median prices in March is the first decline the state has seen since June 2012. That’s makes it an aberration of the data and not the start of new trend.”

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“This agreement will keep UTC home in Connecticut for years to come,” said House Speaker Brendan Sharkey (D-88) of Hamden. “The investment in research and development, manufacturing, and construction will mean good jobs with solid benefits across the state.”

90th Anniversary

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• Build new labs and infrastructure at United Technologies Research Center (UTRC).

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• Create a customer training center at UTC Aerospace Systems in Windsor Locks;

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• Keep Sikorsky corporate headquarters in Connecticut for a minimum of 5 years;

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• Construct a new P&W worldwide engineering center of excellence in Connecticut;

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• Construct a new Pratt & Whitney (P&W) corporate headquarters, which it will keep in Connecticut for a minimum of 15 years;

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As part of the deal, UTC has agreed to:

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If UTC fails to meet any of its obligations under the agreement, the benefits to the company could be curtailed or eliminated. The agreement further incentivizes UTC by allowing for more exchanges if the company adds jobs in Connecticut and makes additional capital investments.

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The median price for a condo fell in March by 3.5 percent to $154,500 compared with $160,000 in March 2013.

Overall, the median price of a condo was down slightly by 0.9 percent in the first three months of the year compared with the first quarter of last year.

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During that period, according to Malloy’s office, UTC is expected to expend up to $4 billion in research and other capital expenditures in the Connecticut. The agreement does not require any borrowing or payments by the State of Connecticut, and is expected to create nearly 1,500 construction and other related jobs throughout the initial capital expansion. Construction on the projects is expected to begin this year and continue through 2018.

HB 5465 does allow the exchange of approximately $20 million per year of previously earned but unused tax credits to finance the construction, up to a maximum of $400 million. The exchanged credits will be offset with tax reductions over a 14-year period, with the final amount based on the company’s level of jobs, wages and investments.

Condominium sales remained robust in March, with an 8.1 percent increase over the same month of 2013. There were 442 recorded sales, up from 409 in March 2013. Condo sales were up by 4.9 percent in the first quarter of the year compared with the first quarter last year.

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HARTFORD — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has signed into law legislation (HB 5465) to support an agreement the state reached in February with United Technologies Corp. (UTC) under which the company will invest up to $500 million to upgrade and expand its aerospace research-and-development and manufacturing facilities over the next five years.

$225,000 compared with $245,000 in the same month last year. Prices of singlefamily homes also declined by 2.1 percent in the first quarter, with a median selling price of $230,000 compared with $234,900 last year.

PR

Manufacturer agrees to upgrade operations in state in return for tax credits

BOSTON, Mass. — Single-family home sales in Connecticut rose 3.2 percent in March compared with March 2013, according to a new report from the Warren Group. This is the 11th consecutive month of home sale increases in Connecticut.

ULBRICH MARKS A 90TH YEAR MILESTONE Founded in 1924 by Frederick Christian Ulbrich Sr., Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc. began as a small metal scrap processing center in Wallingford, CT. Ulbrich is now marking its 90th Anniversary this year with over 700 employees, and 12 locations around the world, including its headquarters in North Haven, CT. Today, the Com- pany remains family-owned, led by the founder, Fred Sr.’s son, Fred Jr., Chairman of the Board, and grandson, Chris, Chief Executive Officer.

Ulbrich serves stainless steel and special metal markets with strip, flat wire, shaped wire, foil and ultra-lite foil, and sheet product forms.

It has evolved into a worldwide, high quality precision metals manufacturing and distribution network. Ulbrich supplies precision products at the international level for numerous critical applications in the medical, power generation, energy, automotive, aircraft, aerospace, petro chemical, oil and gas, industrial and consumer markets.

“We have achieved this milestone as a result of the commitment, loyalty, knowledge and hard work of each employee through the years,” said Chris Ulbrich, CEO. “We also extend sincere appreciation to all customers who have supported Ulbrich with orders and feedback. Our dedicated customer base has always been key to the Company’s success.”

When Fred Sr. founded Ulbrich in 1924, he could not have known that the Company would survive the Great Depression, diversify amidst two World Wars, thrive during lunar exploration, and develop into a robust international business.

To celebrate its 90th year anniversary, Ulbrich is planning a series of commemorative events at all of it’s worldwide locations. Go Ulbrich!

Today Ulbrich remains family-owned, led by founder, Fred Sr’s son Fred Jr, Chairman of the board, (second from left) and grandson Chris, Chief Executive Officer, (second from right). Pictured in the photo with Fred Jr. and Chris Ulbrich are Chris’ sons Mark (far left) and Jonathan (far right) who represent the fourth generation. Missing from the photo is Chris’ son Weston, also involved in the business.

www.ulbrich.com

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Transit-Oriented Development Funded Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has announced the creation of a $15 million Transit Oriented Development Pre-Development and Acquisition Fund to provide financing that will encourage developers to carry out transit oriented development (TOD) in communities with station stops along the CTFastrak and New Haven-HartfordSpringfield (NHHS) transit corridors.

The state and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) will each contribute $1 million to the fund, which will be added to $13 million of private capital provided by the Local Initiatives Support Corp. of Connecticut, which will also serve as the fund manager. Transit-Oriented Development prioritizes the development of a mix of uses — new housing, retail and commercial office space — near transit hubs to encourage the use of mass transit, reduce reliance on driving, and foster more dense, livable and walkable communities.

event followed by roundtable discussions at the Capitol. The keynote speaker will be Erin Andrew, assistant administrator for the Office of Women’s Ownership at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The breakfast will serve as the first of a series of events that will highlight women small business owners’ as important decision makers who effect the economic health of the nation.

The discussion will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Legislative Office Building Room 2E, followed by the luncheon. To learn more or register phone 203.353.1750 or visit ctwbdc.org.

Steering Students Toward Construction DURHAM — Faculty and staff from Porter & Chester Institute’s Branford campus will take part in “Construction Career Days at the Construction Pro Rodeo to provide more than 1,500 area high school students a glimpse into construction industry career opportunities.

The TOD fund will be a $15 million fund comprised of $1 million from the Office of Policy and Management (OPM), $1 million from CHFA and $13 million from LISC. LISC was selected to serve as the TOD fund manager through a competitive process based on the organization’s experience funding and administering TOD projects as well as the group’s knowledge of the unique needs of Connecticut’s transit corridor towns.

Representatives from the automotive technology, computer-aided drafting and design (CADD), electrician, electronics systems technician and HVAC programs will guide students through practical, industry-modeled exercises to encourage interest in the wide variety of career paths possible in the construction and technical fields.

A Stone’s Throw

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 14 and 15 at the Durham Fairgrounds, 24 Townhouse Road. To learn more, call 203-530-0893.

MILFORD — Connecticut Stone and TexaStone Quarries in Garden City, Tex. have partnered to create a new venture, TexaCon CutStone in Bloomington, Ind. The purpose of the partnership is to fabricate and deliver high quality Indiana limestone in a timely basis across North America. Said Connecticut Stone CEO Joe Dellacroce of the venture: “Indiana Limestone is a popular product for both residential and commercial projects not only in the Northeast, but throughout the United States. Traditionally, long lead times have caused expensive construction delays that have frustrated our clients. Now with TexaCon, we are in control of the fabrication process and can meet the deadlines we quote resulting in better efficiency on the project.”

Celebrating Women in Business HARTFORD — As part of National Small Business Week (May 12-16) and in partnership with the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) and the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW), Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has proclaimed May 13 “Women-Owned Business Day” in Connecticut.

To celebrate female business owners, the WBDC and PCSW will host a free breakfast MAY 2014

Bill Would Benefit Manufacturers HARTFORD — A bill co-sponsored by Westbrook State Sen. Art Linares (R-33) and backed by the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce has passed the state legislature and awaits the governor’s signature into law.

The proposal would improve and enhance the current Manufacturing Reinvestment Account (MRA) program. MRAs allow companies to make capital investments in new machinery, expand their facilities and invest in job creation.

“An MRA is like an IRA for manufacturers, allowing profits to be reinvested back into companies without having to pay burdensome taxes,” said Linares, who co-owns a solar energy manufacturing company. “This bill aims to encourage more of our manufacturers to participate in the MRA program by opening it up to small businesses with up to 150 employees.”

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Team Building Camp

EDUCATION QU Students Score in IT Contest HAMDEN — Quinnipiac University students won $15,000 in prize money at last month’s “Dream it. Code it. Win it.” contest. , Gabriela Gualpa, a sophomore industrial engineering major from Naugatuck, won the $5,000 Prize for Innovation for her web app “Unbreak,” while “Kricket” co-founders Connor Croteau, Stanley Martone and Thomas Nassr led a team that took home $10,000 for placing third overall.

“Dream it. Code it. Win it.” was started by TradingScreen, the MIT Club of New York and The MIT Enterprise Forum of New York City as a contest to celebrate creativity and diversity in the computer-science field.

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Supportive faculty, advanced technology and a leading curriculum place us among the “Top US Business Schools” and “America’s Best Colleges” according to The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.

We’ve also earned accreditation from AACSB International, a distinction awarded to less than 30% of American business schools. Learn more at Quinnipiac.edu/gradprograms.

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One hundred college and high school students from across the country entered the contest. Winners were announced April 30.

Gualpa said she came up with the idea for “Unbreak,” which helps property managers more efficiently create and process work requests from tenants, after numerous dinner conversations with her parents.

Gualpa’s father, Guido, is a property coordinator for the city of Danbury.

“I listened to the issues and struggles my dad went through,” Gualpa said. “He always complained, ‘I’ve got so much paperwork to do.’ This app makes life easier for tenants and property owners. It allows them to keep track of work requests, such as a leaky faucet or broken door. The app basically cuts out the paper work.”

Gualpa said she intends to use the prize money to make “Unbreak” more intricate and involved and to create a mobile app.

Sophomore Gualpa won the $5000 “prize for Innovation” for her web app.

anonymous texts to noisy neighbors asking them to “Please Quiet Down.” Croteau, Martone and Nassr originally created the service to alleviate stress between residents of the town of Hamden and Quinnipiac students.

The prize money will be used to hire two full-time people to improve design and coding over the summer as well as to send the co-founders to regional and international conferences for college and university housing officers.

“A lot of schools are really receptive to the idea,” Nassr said. “There are not too many things like it. We’re trying to move as quickly as possible.”

Launched March 1, “Kricket” is a free online service that allows users to send

UConn Offers SportsManagement Certificate STORRS — This summer the University of Connecticut will offer an online graduate certificate in leadership and diversity management in sport.

Professionals working in sports organizations and intercollegiate or interscholastic athletic administration can take their career to the next level with this innovative new program. The curriculum is comprised of four 3-credit courses offered during the summer semesters.

Students can complete the certificate taking two classes over two summer terms, or take individual courses at their own pace.

UConn’s Leadership and Diversity Management in Sport Certificate program is designed to help students develop the leadership skills needed to manage a diverse workforce in sport organizations.

Students will develop diversity management practices, and work with UConn faculty with leadership and diversity management expertise, as well as recognized leaders in the field.

“Managing Diversity in Sport Organizations” is offered from June 2 to July 3. “Leadership in Sport Organizations” is offered from July 7 to August 8. For more information or to apply, visit sportmanagement.uconn.edu, e-mail laura.burton@uconn.edu or phone 860-486-0184.

Hamden & North Haven, Connecticut

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FU Engineering Prof Honored FAIRFIELD — The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) has chosen Fairfield University Professor Evangelos Hadjimichael of Woodbridge to receive its 2014 Outstanding Teaching Award for New England. Hadjimichael, founding dean of Fairfield University’s School of Engineering, is now professor of Physics and Engineering at Fairfield.

The presentation will take place at the ASEE national awards next month in Indianapolis.

Said Bruce Berdanier, professor and dean of Fairfield’s School of Engineering: “Dr. Hadjimichael’s contributions to Fairfield University and his longtime dedication to its students and campus community are remarkable. Among his many achievements has been fostering young peoples’ passion to study engineering, while inspiring them to pursue careers in vital STEM-related industries.”

Hadjimichael’s accomplishments are indeed many. He was instrumental in merging the Bridgeport Engineering Institute with Fairfield University, thus establishing the School of Engineering, for which he was the founding dean.

During his 15-year tenure as dean he established academic alliances that continue to provide a seamless pathway for community college students into the School of Engineering, and he introduced programmatic and curricular innovations, including an Assessment and Continuous Quality Improvement Process (ACQIP), which proved to be invaluable in the School gaining re-accreditation in 1999 and 2005 from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

More recently, the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering elected Hadjimichael to membership in its select organization, and the State Legislature appointed him to the Connecticut Planning Commission for Higher Education.

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Fedele Appointed to UNH Board of Governors Michael Fedele, the founder and CEO of Stamford-based Pinnacle Group, a national information technology fi rm, has been elected to the University of New Haven Board of Governors. Fedele also served as lieutenant governor of Connecticut from 2007 to 2011. In 2009, Fedele, who attended Fairfield University and Norwalk State Technical College, received the Prescott Bush Award, the highest honor the Connecticut Republican Party awards to a GOP member.

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Business Plan Winners Announced

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FAIRFIELD — Innovative ideas for an app to revolutionize the scope of social, platonic meet-ups and a wearable, infrared bone densitometer to easily detect weakness in bones were the grand prize-winners of Fairfield University’s Business Plan Competition. The FU undergraduates behind those ideas took home $7,000 (venture track) and $5,000 (social track) in prize money respectively at the April 14 fi nals at the Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

our experience.

Plans for a golf course management system and a website to donate textbooks to help students who can’t afford them were the runners-up in the venture and social tracks, receiving $3,000 and $2,500 each in the process.

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The venture track consisted of new business ideas with a commercial focus. The winners were “VentureOut” — an app to enable young professionals to gain access to microcosms of platonic, social meet-ups so that they can cultivate new friendships and network. The student team members were seniors Jennifer Le, Gina Biondi and Jessica Mendes.

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The social track consisted of new organizations that attempt to resolve a pressing social problem that markets have failed to resolve. The winner was BoneSmart — a wearable, wireless, non-invasive

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medical device that will measure bone density and blood flow. Team members are Robert Garrone, Ralph Belfiore, Bernardo Navarro, Stephanie Sutherby and Michael Raymond. The device is also being developed for the School of Engineering’s Senior Design course.

SCSU Prof Earns Honor NEW HAVEN — Christine Broadbridge has been named the Connecticut Materials & Manufacturing Professional of the Year. Not bad for a physics professor.

in April by the Connecticut chapter of ASM (formerly the American Society for Metals), the national materials science and engineering society.

Broadbridge was honored for her ongoing contributions to materials science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education. She has opened her materials science laboratories to area manufacturers, worked with the New Haven Manufacturers Association’s (NHMA) Workforce Enhancement Committee, and serves as co-director of SCSU’s Materials & Manufacturing Summer Teachers’ Institute to instruct area teachers on modern manufacturing and materialsengineering methods. The institute will be this year from July 29-31.

Doing the College Two-Step Students will have open Gateway to Albertus Magnus

Broadbridge, a professor and chairperson of physics at Southern Connecticut State University, earned the distinction

NEW HAVEN — While some students are happy to be admitted to one college, those who choose a special community college-university pipeline program will gain admission to two institutions of higher learning simultaneously.

Albertus Magnus and Gateway Community colleges have announced

SCSU_MBA_10.25x6.875_Layout 1 4/29/14 2:42 PM Page 1

an agreement that allows qualifying students guaranteed enrollment in the fouryear institution to pursue work towards a bachelor’s degree after successfully completing educational requirements for an associate’s degree at Gateway. The dual-admission program also makes available fi nancial assistance to qualifying students. “[T]he Dual Admission Program will raise students’ awareness that Albertus is within their reach,” said GCC President Dorothy Kendrick. “It will encourage our students to set ambitious goals and, more importantly, to plan how to achieve them.”

Students in the program who enroll at Albertus within a year of graduating from Gateway will be eligible for up to $12,000 annually in Dual Admission Merit Awards. In addition, special academic and social support will be available to the dual students. “[A]cademic advisors from Gateway and Albertus will support Dual Admission students in selecting their courses so that the credits they earn toward their associate’s degree will apply to the Albertus bachelors’ degree of their choice,” said Wilson Luna, Gateway’s dean for student affairs.

In a 2008 report, the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance noted barriers to attaining a bachelor’s degree at key points in the educational progression of a community college student who plans to ultimately

graduate from a four-year college. The point of transfer is among those important variables. Potential hindrances are even more impactful for low- and moderate-income students.

“Students encounter barriers at each stage [enrollment, persistence and transfer] that often prevent them from attaining a degree, barriers that fall into five categories: academic, social, informational, complexity, and fi nancial,” the report states. The report suggests a number of practices that “reduce barriers, and in doing so, enable enrollment, ensure persistence and facilitate transfer.”

Among the practices noted in the report are the implementation of “learning com-

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munities” — groups of students taking the same bundle of courses from the same instructors, offering courses in different formats and on different schedules, and ensuring quality remediation to help build needed skills.

“Community college students are a diverse population and face a number of unique barriers to persistence,” summarizes the report. “Due to this fact and the ever-fluctuating nature of state funding, institutions and states need to take comprehensive approaches to ensure persistence by re-evaluating institutional and state objectives and refocusing efforts in order to develop a workforce suitable for the 21st century.”

“This is a national award, and the highest honor a CRNA program director can receive,” said Jean Lange, dean of the School of Nursing. “I attended the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists conference last August, and can attest to how highly Judy Thompson is regarded by her peers nationwide. We are most fortunate to have her as the director of our new nurse anesthesia program.”

Established in 1991, the Program Director of the Year Award is presented to a CRNA who has made a significant contribution to the educational process of student nurse anesthetists. The award

recognizes the commitment of individuals to the profession of nurse anesthesia and the advancement of educational standards that further the art and science of anesthesiology and result in high quality patient care.

“It’s certainly an honor,” Thompson said.

“I’ve been a nurse anesthetist for 35 years and a program director for 28 years. It has been the most rewarding experience of my professional life.”

Thompson has also developed a new graduate nurse anesthesia program at Quinnipiac that will start this summer.

Gateway and AMC administrators hope that their program will accomplish that.

“Our goal,” says Lorrie Gardella, Albertus’ vice president for professional and graduate studies, “is for Dual Admission students to feel at home at Albertus from the start of their Gateway career.”

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STORRS — The University of Connecticut has teamed with Comcast to establish a facility that examines IT hardware for cyber security vulnerabilities.

UConn’s Center of Excellence for Security Innovation (CSI) pairs the school’s Center for Hardware Assurance, Security and Engineering with Comcast to analyze computer chips and other components of Internet broadband systems are shielded from cyber attacks and unauthorized access.

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The CSI is headquartered in UConn’s Information Technologies Engineering building in Storrs. Its establishment comes on the heels of Gov. Dannel Malloy’s announcement of cybersecurity plan for Connecticut electricity, natural gas and major water utilities. The state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority will work with Connecticut’s major utility companies to establish security standards and measures that would shield systems from attacks and prevent service disruptions.

QU’s Thompson Wins National Honor HAMDEN — Judy Thompson of Guilford, a clinical assistant professor of nursing and director of the nurse anesthesia program at Quinnipiac University, has been named 2014 Program Director of the Year by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

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13

Manufacturing

Old Dogs, New Tricks How greater New Haven’s ‘legacy’ manufacturers have survived and thrived into the 21st Century

By Thomas R. Violante

T

he Elm City has had more than its share of prominent occurrences in the history of the nation — the founding of Yale University in 1701, the first commercial telephone exchange in 1878 and the first hamburger sandwich in 1895. In its heyday, the city was home to many prominent manufacturers, many of them now long gone — StrouseAdler, Simkins Industries, Federal Paper Board & Carton, the A.C. Gilbert Co. and Robby-Len clothing. But a few survivors remain and endure — despite numerous economic downturns and two world wars. And that’s where our story begins.

C. Cowles & Co. Founded in 1838 by Chandler Cowles, C. Cowles & Co. is the oldest continuously operating manufacturing concern in New Haven. In its early days it made hardware, lanterns and buggy-whip holders for horse-drawn carriages.

Today, in addition to the core company, Cowles includes five other divisions making products for diverse markets.

It is privately owned by Lawrence Moon, who also serves as its president.

“It began as a family business in the early years, but there hasn’t been a Cowles family members involved for several generations,” explains Richard Lyons, the company’s executive vice president. “The facility was originally located on Orange Street but moved to its location at 83 Water Street in the late 1800s. The business evolved from accessories for horse-drawn carriages to automotive products. The company that really evolved from the beginning is Cowles Stamping Inc. (CSI). It does metal stamping primarily for the automotive industry. It’s the direct lineage back to 1838.”

Lyons says CSI makes stamped metal components for original equipment automotive customers including brackets, tilt-levers and steering-column components for both American and Japanese automakers that assemble cars in the U.S. “What happened in the 1970s and 1980s is that the company wanted to diversify,” says Lyons. “They saw that, in the automotive world, metal parts were being taken over by plastics, particularly with exterior automotive trim, which is what they had made in the 1950s. They saw plastic entering the market so [Cowles] bought a plastic extrusion business, which we still have today, called Cowles Products Co. and located here in our facility. It sells automotive trim to companies like Pep Boys, AutoZone, Advanced Auto and all major retail auto supply outlets.”

tries, it may be price. In others, it may be features. It’s really about knowing the industry you’re in and knowing what the customers want and providing them with a product that edges the customer with a value proposition.”

Sargent Manufacturing Co. Today one of the largest divisions of Stockholm, Swedenheadquartered Assa Abloy, located at 100 Sargent Drive in New Haven, Sargent markets its products mainly in the U.S. and Canada, accounting for about 95 percent of sales.

The company had its origins in 1810 when the Sargent family operated a hardware store. In 1849, Joseph Bradford Sargent manufactured hand cards for combing wool into yarn in a New Britain facility. In 1864, the company relocated to New Haven, where it began manufacturing hardware including door locks, hinges and hand tools.

It moved to its 350,000-square-foot Sargent Drive facility 50 years ago.

During World War I and World War II Sargent manufactured components for the war effort, which included shell fuses. It also began to employ female workers, whose number grew to about 40 percent of the workforce at a

Another acquisition, the Hydrolevel Co., manufactures boiler controls for residential and commercial heating systems.

“We then acquired Carlin Combustion Technology Inc. in 2009, located in East Longmeadow, Mass.,” Lyons says.

“Carlin manufactures oil and gas burners for furnaces and boilers for residential and commercial heating. That [company] was bought to synergize with Hydrolevel.”

Continuing its mission to expand and diversify, Cowles acquired ABS Lighting, which manufactures commercial floodlighting in the company’s Water Street facility. The last company added was Phillips/Moldex Company, a plastic injection molding facility located in Putnam.

Lyons agrees that adding the five companies acquired over the years not only diversified Cowles’ business interests but are likely central to the company’s ability to survive over the last 176 years.

“Essentially, the way we run it now is that each division has its own general manager and financials and is responsible for its own profitable growth,” explains Lyons, who adds that the company practices lean management.

“We’re able to stay competitive in our markets because we share some administrative resources.”

C.Cowles’s Lyons: Acquisitions helped diversify the company.

14

“Today, in all of our divisions we look to provide a value proposition to our customers,” he adds. “In some indus-

Sargent’s Grambo: Ongoing people development created the conditions for long term survival.

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time when men were overseas fighting in the war.

The company began by making products for residential use, says Marna D. Wilber, director of corporate communications and public relations.

“Everything we made was a lot more ornate back then,” Wilber explains.

“We are no longer a residential lock company here in New Haven,” says Bill Grambo, general manager. “We are strictly institutional and commercial. We focus on having the most rugged product out there. Our market position is if you want door hardware that’s going to withstand the abuse of people kicking the doors and banging through them, that’s what Sargent focuses on.” Grambo adds that clients include hospitals, schools, universities and other institutional customers.

Mackenzie Machine Inc.

MacKenzie provides services for construction, steel handling, transportation and the printing industry, among others.

Services include milling, welding, metal turning, cylinder honing, line boring and gear repairs as well as the fabrication of custom parts made to replace those that are no longer available off the shelf.

Founded in 1864 by George M. MacKenzie, MacKenzie Machine has been in the machining service business since its original location on the corner of East and Water streets. Relocated in 1918 across from its initial spot, on the corner of Water Street and Long Wharf Drive adjacent to Forbes Avenue, the company enters its 150 th year in business as one of the city’s last surviving manufacturers still operating its core business. Its current owner, Kenneth (Mac) MacKenzie, is George’s great-great-great grandson. His wife, Dana, is the firm’s president.

In its early days, MacKenzie Machine manufactured steam boiler barrels, sandblasting barrels and dumbwaiters as well as providing machining and welding services for a wide array of local companies.

Today the shop retains the skills of the past and offers services that include welding, custom machining of parts, repairs and maintenance on complex equipment, continuing in the same tradition of provid-

ing quality products and services for its customers.

“It’s always been basically a job shop, which today remains the same,” explains MacKenzie. “It’s all one- or two-piece products. We do a lot of work for manufacturers and the cities of New Haven, West Haven and Bridgeport. It’s always been a machine shop. Back in the early days, they did something that I guess you’d call ‘production,’ but they got away from that because the water would come right up near the building and stored products could get wet. I have a picture where a square-rigger ship has pulled right up facing our original building. My greatgreat-great grandfather would work on those ships, making repairs on the lumber ships that came from up north as well as

Grambo notes that Sargent began utilizing the lean manufacturing concept in the 1990s, making products when they are ordered rather than stacking inventory in a warehouse waiting for sales, as was the case in the early days of its existence.

“We have a great deal of components that we can assemble into any finished lock,” says Grambo. “We have the potential to make up to 20 million different finished products in our facility. We actually produce up to 350,000 unique finished items every year. You might have two different locks that are exactly the same, except one is a satin chrome finish and the other is a bright chrome finish. It depends on the functionality needed by the customer.”

Grambo adds that the company’s contemporary product line is far more expansive than what Sargent made in the early days and that that diversification of products has helped the company stay ahead of the curve in its industry.

“One of the reasons why Sargent has been able to survive is really a testament to the people who have worked here,” says Wilber of the company, which employs more than 1,000 workers in New Haven.

“There has been ongoing people development throughout the years, whether it’s just learning how to work on a whole line of different products and assemble them, or make a needed part. There was always a job here for good people. From ‘people development’ through lean manufacturing and modern-day technology integration into the product and manufacturing process, they’ve all added to our high-quality products.”

“Sargent has always understood what the market wanted,” adds Wilber. “Did the market want the ornate hardware in the early days? Yes, which is why they were making it. Did people need the tools made back then? Yes, of course they did. Always understanding the market and what the market wants and needs has been at the pinnacle of our continued success.”

“With the money we’re saving on energy, we’ll not only pay back the cost of the project, but reinvest in our company.”

Rich Kaminski, General Manager, Calabro Cheese

Calabro Cheese doesn’t cut corners.

The East Haven, CT manufacturer has been making quality Italian cheeses for 60 years. Using only fresh, locally obtained ingredients and traditional old-world recipes, shortcuts are simply not the Calabro family way.

So when it came time to take control of energy costs for the company’s 74,000-sq.-ft. facility, they turned to Energize Connecticut’s Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Programs.

Program engineers identified multiple energy-saving measures for Calabro, including new refrigeration motors and controls and a full interior/exterior lighting retrofit.

Engineers also found that over half of the facility’s steam traps were malfunctioning; replacing these alone saved Calabro 15% of their annual natural gas costs.

The comprehensive program comprising four separate projects was supported by a generous incentive from the Energy Efficiency Fund. With significant energy savings

in hand, Calabro can now further expand its offerings to new markets throughout the country.

Project:

Calabro Cheese Corporation

Measures:

Exterior & interior lighting retrofit; refrigeration motor replacement & evaporator fan controls; steam trap repair & replacement; insulated steam trap jackets; new compressed air distribution system

Fund Incentive:

$56,457

Energy Savings:

148,949 kWh electricity/year 62,556 ccf natural gas/year

Cost Savings:

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“We’ve continued to invest in trying to make sure that we’re at the front end of the quality and performance of our products,” says Grambo. “A company that doesn’t change wouldn’t be here after 150 years.”

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the oyster boats.” MacKenzie adds that the shop would repair fittings and other parts on vessels that had broken or been worn down.

The next two most recent generations continued the shop’s traditional work even as they added new and diverse services such as welding and machining.

“My grandfather, Burton MacKenzie, and his brother, George, ran the shop into the 1960s when I came to work here,” says MacKenzie. “George was my mentor. I had earned a dual degree in business administration and economics and my father used to say, ‘College is great. Once you get your sheepskin, it doesn’t cost you a dime to carry it around. But the most important thing about college is people — learning how to deal with people.’”

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MacKenzie says that the largest number of workers the shop ever employed was eight. Today the fi rm has six employees.

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MacKenzie concedes that, “We get none of our business from the Internet” and virtually all orders come from word of mouth and/or referrals. He essentially practices lean management principles, whereby items are made when requested or needed. “Sometimes they draw them on a bar napkin and we make it,” adds MacKenzie. “Not only do we have diversification of work, we also sell a service.

If a piece of equipment breaks down in a paper container shop in North Haven, and they have 20 or 30 guys standing around just waiting, they need it fi xed immediately if not sooner. We’ll travel there and do repairs on site.”

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“Today, we have all manual equipment,” says MacKenzie. “If it’s made out of steel and you break it, we can work on it, whether it’s a 10-55 P&H crane or a Singer sewing machine. We can build the pieces, make the gears, fi nd out why it broke and make it better so it won’t break again. We rebuild wastewater treatment pumps that move 32 million gallons a day for cities like West Haven, Bridgeport and Norwalk.”

“After me, there’s nobody left,” says MacKenzie. “It’s a shame. With the old companies in New Haven, who retains the original people? There’s no manufacturing left here. Nobody knows how to sweat a pipe anymore. Work with your hands and get dirty? Kids don’t want to do it anymore.”

Bilco Company Founded in New Haven’s Newhallville neighborhood in 1926, the Bilco Co. has become synonymous with its fl agship residential product — the Bilco basement access door. It has in more recent years evolved into an international company whose products are sold on commercial and industrial markets around the world.

With manufacturing plants in Zanesville, O., Trumann, Ark. and Juarez, Mexico, Bilco employs a total of 250 and remains privately held by members of the Lyons family, with its headquarters at 26 Water Street in West Haven.

“We owe our growth and continued success to four principles,” explains Roger Joyce, Bilco’s vice president of engineering. “They are product innovation, development of new markets, a strong commitment to ‘lean’ management principles and our company culture.”

Joyce says that product innovation began back when his grandfather, George W. Lyons Sr., founded the company in 1926.

“His fi rst patent relating to our products was awarded in 1933,” recounts Joyce. “As of today, we have 55 patents that have been awarded. Our most recent patent application was fi led about six months ago, so we continue to innovate. Product innovation has always been important to us and continues to be. We’ve always invested in research and development, and in technology to help our engineers design these products. That’s why we break new ground and continue to create valuable products.”

Joyce says development of new markets is important to the company’s sustainability as well.

“Currently, we sell in 40 countries and we are the world leader in our field,” says Joyce. “Granted, it’s a very narrow field — but it’s our niche. The well-known Bilco hatchway door is still made and is popular, but a greater percentage of our sales relates to commercial and industrial hatches and specialty hatches.

“The very fi rst purchase order we fi lled in 1926 was from the United Illuminating Co. for utility vaults and covers,” Joyce explains. “We still make them today and sell them worldwide, and still sell them to U.I., but in a much-improved form.

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Joyce says the company employed the principles of lean management starting about a decade ago and that method has been central to Bilco’s sustained growth.

“Every employee in the company is trained in lean principles and practices them regularly,” says Joyce. “We have kaizen (measurable improvement) events in our facilities around the world every week. It’s a process for identifying waste and eliminating it to improve production. During slower periods, we invested our time in additional training and improving our operations, product flow through the plant and the flow of work through our offices as well. When things picked up last year, we were better prepared than before to handle the increase in business.”

Joyce notes that Bilco’s culture was established early in its history and has continued to evolve with each succeeding generation.

“We’re a family business — owned and operated as such since its beginning and it continues to be,” says Joyce.

“We have always adhered to our family values in the business. That means we’re all on the same team, we have a very high level of respect for each other and communication is a huge part of our culture. The fact is that everybody knows everybody in all our facilities.”

MacKenzie: “Nobody knows how to sweat a pipe anymore?.”

Electric, gas and water utility companies are a huge market for us all over the world.”

Joyce says his company’s expanded line of products has kept Bilco at the forefront of its industry.

“We manufacture special-needs products such as heat and smoke vents for unique occupancies like performing arts centers and large open space theaters,” Joyce says. “Also, we make emergency escape hatches that are used in subway systems worldwide.”

Joyce notes that company members travel frequently to all Bilco locations.

“We have welders and machinists from our Juarez plant who come to our headquarters here and to our other plants and work with key members on their projects,” Joyce explains. “We do that all the time so that all the facilities are connected and we’re helping each other. And when we don’t travel, we Skype with each other so that we can keep in touch every day. It’s important that we do that.

“As owners and managers, we’re part of that process,” adds Joyce. “We’re very much engaged in operations and our style is hands-on, on the shop floor working together.

Bilco’s Joyce: Innovation, new markets, lean management and company culture are why the company continues to grow.

No one within the company has any hesitation to talk to me or my cousin Bob Lyons, who is our president and CEO, or my cousin Pam Griffin, who is our vice president and controller. We’re all part of the team of individuals who contribute to making it happen. It’s a very different style of management as well as one that’s effective and enjoyable, and it’s kept us ahead of the curve all these years.”

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Can Connecticut Get Its Mojo Back?

CBIA seeks to make state less business-hostile in 36 short months

By Felicia Hunter

In three years, it may be accomplished. If so, Connecticut then be among the top 20 states to do business on every major assessment list.

Frank J. Johnson, president/ CEO of the Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut (MAC).

“States that surround us are looking to take our businesses away,” he says. One way to do that is to offer a higher-quality workforce.

That’s if the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) has its way. The organization has set business preeminence for the state as the goal of its new campaign, “CT20x17.”

“It kind of grew out of disappointment, with some of our member companies, and conversations they’ve had with our president and CEO [John Rathgeber],” says Joseph Brennan, CBIA’s senior vice president of public policy, about the campaign’s origin. “It was born out of frustration that Connecticut hasn’t been moving forward as fast as it could.”

The main, overriding concern that CT20x17 aims to address is economic stagnation, Brennan says.

“Overall, the problem is economic growth. Our economy has been growing very slowly. It’s actually shrunk” over the past several years, Brennan says.

He adds that two top reasons for the state’s lagging economic situation is its transportation infrastructure — including lack of an expanded rail service — and a workforce that lacks training for available jobs, which leaves managers and administrators with “an inability to find skilled employees for [their] businesses,” says Brennan.

Add in factors such as the high cost of housing, highway congestion, energy costs and other variables associated with doing business, and Connecticut finds itself coming up short, Brennan adds.

He points, for example, to a 2013 CNBC survey that listed the Nutmeg State 45th among states for business environment nationwide. The survey considered broad indicators such as technology and innovation, education, business friendliness, cost of living, access to capital, workforce, economy, infrastructure, cost of doing business, and 18

quality of life. In all, 51 specific competitive measures were examined.

The measures were determined with the help of input from national business groups.

While the CNBC survey ranked Connecticut high (No. 5 nationally) in the education category, it was positioned at the bottom of the list for infrastructure, cost of living and cost of doing business (Nos. 49, 48 and 43, respectively).

By comparison, Connecticut’s neighbors, Massachusetts and New York, fared better even with comparable metrics in some categories. For example, both border states ranked lower than Connecticut for cost of doing business.

The Bay State was listed as No. 47 and Empire State No. 49 in that category. Both also scored low for cost of living: Massachusetts at No. 43 and New York No. 47.

But those low scores were tempered for those states by high scores in areas such as technology and innovation (New York tops in the nation; Massachusetts No. 7) and economy (Massachusetts No. 3, New York No. 14).

Overall, Massachusetts ranked 16th, while New York ranked 35th among top states in the country for business, according to the CNBC survey.

The way business is assessed for surrounding states is important to Connecticut because it can affect the economic climate and opportunities here, according to

“There’s a growing skills gap in Connecticut,” says Johnson. “There’s a huge difference between the number of positions out there and the number of positions [being filled].” Technical jobs in areas such as quality control, computer numerical control (CNC) machine operators, and tool-and-die makers lack qualified people to fill them, he says. Many experienced workers in these areas are retiring, and jobs are becoming available much more rapidly than they can be filled.

State programs such as STEP UP — which provides incentives for businesses to train and hire low-income and/or unemployed workers — help. But they are far from a cure-all, Johnson says.

“STEP UP has eased [the situation] somewhat, but the number of people who can participate in a program like that, it still doesn’t fill the voids,” Brennan says.

However, while Forbes and other surveys report business-ranking findings for Connecticut are comparable to those of the CNBC survey, it must be remembered that many of the variables are not completely dispassionate, Brennan says.

“They’re based on data points that are researched. A lot of it is very subjective,” Brennan says, adding, “I don’t think we’re the 45th worst place to do business — I think we’re better than that.

“We have a great quality of life in Connecticut,” he adds.

“There’s great potential in Connecticut. We have worldclass businesses here, and an educated workforce. There are a lot of assets.

He acknowledges, however, that perception is key.

“Unless we can eliminate this perception that Connecticut is not a good place to do business,” companies will not take root and/or grow and expand in the state, Brennan says.

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P

erceptions, as well as “having practical solutions” about the state’s business climate, is where CT20x17 comes in, says Brennan. The organization’s steering committee will determine the direction of initiatives that range from business-friendly legislative support, to better job-targeted training, to educating citizens about the potential for greater middle-class mobility.

“We want to let the voting populace know to vote for candidates” who support CT20x17 goals, Brennan notes about the latter emphasis. “This is the initial stage, just to kind of get [individuals and organizations] buying into the overall concept,” he adds.

Getting the message out to elected officials — and the people who vote them into office –— is one part of the CT17x20 strategy. Media campaigns, community meetings and other directed efforts are all part of the plan to place Connecticut among the top 40 percent of businessfriendly states in the country by the year 2017.

General areas of focus include improving the state’s fiscal policy (operating within a consistently balanced budget); reducing business costs and red tape; improving the mass transportation system, including roads, bridges and seaports; and enhancing the talent pool through better education and pipeline opportunities.

CBIA estimates that an initial, roll-out budget will be about $500,000.

“Since this is a multi-year plan, we have no way of knowing what the total spend will be over the next three years,” Brennan acknowledges. “For this calendar year, we will likely spend somewhere between $400,000 and $600,000 on advertising. We generally do all of our creative inhouse, so we do not anticipate any spending there.”

In the two months since CT17x20 was announced, dozens of local, regional and statewide entities have signed on in support of it. They include MAC, Connecticut Retail Merchants Association, Connecticut Lodging

Association, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, Mechanical Conductors Association of Connecticut, New Haven Manufacturers Association, Business Council of Fairfield County, Motor Transport Association of Connecticut, Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut, and a number of chambers of commerce, to name a few.

“I think it’s critical for the future of Connecticut in terms of job growth. The state of our state in Connecticut is not good. We need a regulatory environment and a taxing environment that’s more friendly to businesses.”

Hopefully, the aspect of the CT17x20 effort to focus on elected officials will be beneficial, says Timpanelli.

“That’s part of the strategy, and we have to place this question much more in the mind of the average voter,” he says, adding, “Hopefully, it’s much more than a business initiative.”

“We don’t have final solutions,” Brennan says. “It’s really a broad coalition.”

“Obviously, we’re supportive of the idea of making Connecticut more competitive for businesses,” says MAC’s Johnson. “We always have wanted businesses to start, grow, survives and of course stay here.”

“There are a number of things,” explains CBIA’s Brennan, “that individuals can do to support the CT20x17 campaign. The first step is to become familiar with and spread the campaign’s goals and objectives. Next, engaging in public discourse would be helpful.

Johnson says the similar goals of MAC and CBIA make for a natural coalition.

“There’s a lot of commonality in our desired ultimate goals,” Johnson says. “The last survey we did with our members, taxation and the regulatory burden” were among top-priority concerns.

“Attend legislative events in your district to engage with legislators and hold them accountable on economic issues,” says Brennan, who offers several ways for the average citizen to become involved. “Write a letter to the editor supporting efforts to improve our economic standing. Sign up for the CT20x17 campaign, subscribe to the campaign’s social media accounts and attend campaign events. Follow up with your legislators during legislative sessions to make sure they are supporting the goals of the campaign.”

CT17x20 is “timely,” Johnson believes.

“On the one hand, with Connecticut’s budget challenges it’s probably difficult to take on an initiative like this,” he says. But on the other hand, Connecticut must become more competitive with other states, he adds.

Paul S. Timpanelli, president and CEO of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC), agrees with Johnson that this is an opportune time the CT17x20 initiative.

Just talking with friends and family also will have an impact, he says.

“I think we’ve made progress in the past few years. The trend is right,” Timpanelli says, noting that this is an election year. “So I think we can bring some attention to the matter.”

The issue of whether or not to support CT17x20 was brought before BRBC’s board in mid-April.

“The board voted to fully support it,” says Timpanelli.

“Share information about the campaign with family, friends, work colleagues, etc.,” says Brennan. He adds that one of the most crucial individual actions should not be overlooked.

“Register to vote, become knowledgeable about the candidates, and be sure to vote on Election Day,” he adds.

A website is currently being developed, and information about CT20x17 will be available on it soon, Brennan says.

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Sargent Celebrates Sesquicentennial For the hardware business founded by Joseph Sargent during the Civil War, success was never a lock

By Priscilla Searles

O

ne hundred and fifty years ago Joseph Bradford Sargent came to New Haven with a pocketful of ambition and ample determination. His goal: establish a successful hardware business.

Today the company that bears his name thrives as a manufacturer of door-opening solutions (what the average person might call “locks”), since 1996 under the flag of Swedish conglomerate Assa Abloy. Sold to the Walter Kidde Co. in 1967, Sargent passed through a series of ownership changes before being acquired by Assa Abloy. The name was then changed to Sargent Manufacturing Co. Although the parent company is headquartered in Stockholm, Assa Abloy’s American division calls New Haven home.

Approximately 600 employees work at the 30-acre, 360,000-square-foot site. Assa Abloy also has a facility in Berlin, Connecticut with an additional 400 employees.

Although incorporated in New Haven in 1864 as Sargent & Co., the firm actually traces its roots to New Britain. Joseph B. Sargent had become a major stockholder in Peck & Walter Hardware in New Britain, ultimately gaining control. But when, several years later, he attempted to purchase new property to expand the business he was met with opposition.

Soon wearying of the conflict, Sargent looked for new location. A harbor with four steamboat companies to bring in raw materials and the availability of a railroad for shipping finished products made re-locating to New Haven particularly appealing. Although most people thought building a manufacturing facility for anything other than weapons during the Civil War was little short of insane, plans proceeded to construct a hardware plant.

Joseph Sargent and his brothers, George and Edward, purchased property at Water, 20

Wallace and Hamilton Streets (land now occupied by Sports Haven and the two Long Wharf

2,000 workers.

Sargent workers earned 15 cents an hour for a ten-hour day, six days a week.

Considered progressive, Sargent issued weekly paychecks, a rarity in those days.

B

Maritime Center buildings). Relocating 100 employees and their families from New Britain, in May 1864 Sargent & Co. opened for business. In 1866 a fourth brother, Harry, joined the company.

In later years Sargent brought many workers from Italy, most of whom settled in what today is the Wooster Square neighborhood of New Haven. That location was appealing because it allowed workers to walk to work.

The new factory was strikingly modern for its day — with running water on each floor for washing, manufacturing and firefighting purposes and, oh yes, suitable bathrooms. Taking advantage of the harbor, which in those days came right up to Water Street, a dock on the property was renovated to accommodate coal barges as well as other ocean-going vessels. The old Pavilion Hotel was converted to house workers and their families. The company grew rapidly and by 1871 it employed

y 1871 Sargent was producing approximately 1,000 items.

Lock production began in 1884. By 1914, the Sargent product catalogue listed some 60,000 different items, making it one of the largest hardware manufacturing plants in the United States. The 1889 catalogue contained 1,100 pages of products. The product line has varied tremendously over the decades, including everything from cowbells and wood planes to decorative hardware for the home, such as fancy doorknobs.

To keep up with the increased production needs, plant expansion occurred at a breakneck pace. Letters of the alphabet were used to identify each new building and by 1882 the company had reached the letter V for a grand total of 22 structures on the Sargent property.

By 1907 Sargent was one of the three largest hardware manufacturers in the United States. Joseph Sargent had remained president until that same year when he passed away at age 84. During his career he also served three terms as mayor of New Haven, serving from 1891 to 1894. He also ran for governor on the Democratic ticket but was defeated.

As did nearly all American manufacturers, Sargent retooled during World War II, producing hand tools for the military as well as fuses, projectiles and bomb shackles, used to suspend bombs inside bomber bomb bays. As men went off to war, women began to enter the workforce and by the end of the war, 40 percent of Sargent’s workforce was female.

Eventually there simply was no more room to expand at the Water Street location, so in 1964 the company moved to its present location. In commemoration of Sargent’s first 100 years in New Haven, the new plant was awarded the address of 100 Sargent Drive.

Today Sargent specializes in institutional and commercial products, having abandoned the residential market altogether.

All products are made to order and although some components are resourced, final assembly is done in New Haven.

It’s a long way from cowbells and padlocks to high-tech electronic door-access devices. To stay competitive, Sargent has refined its manufacturing processes, concentrating on the development of new and innovative products. Today’s product line includes bored locks, exit devices, mortises locks, electronic access controls, to name just a few categories.

Approximately 95 percent of Sargent’s products are sold in the United States and Canada. One production challenge involves the codes that dictate design and vary state to state. All products are made to order with anywhere from 300,000 to 350,000 items produced each year.

All design work is done in New Haven.

Company management, which considers Sargent a technology leader, employs words such as “durability,” “variety” and “esthetics” as some of the qualities that characterize the company’s successful product line.

Of course, there is no magic formula for success in any industry — but there are some words and phrases that successful businesses seem to share — flexibility, willingness to embrace change, ability to adopt new technologies. And understanding what the market wants and developing products to fit those needs seem to be a company philosophy that has kept Sargent going for 150 years.

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REALESTATE Report: N.H. Office Market in Neutral

`PEOPLE` Eileen Russell, of the Pearce/George J. Smith Milford Commercial office, has been named the company’s 2013 Rookie of the Year.

▼ Avenue has been sold for $275,000. Stephen Press of Press/Cuozzo represented the owner, Kamp Family Associates, LLC. Lynn Weed of Weed Realtors represented the buyer, 2935 Dixwell Avenue, LLC. `

MARKETING&MEDIA The New Haven office market has hit the doldrums.

During the first three months of 2014, “A dearth of transactions produced virtually no statistical change from the end of 2013,” according to the Colliers International’s New Haven Quarterly Market Report, which tracks occupancy levels in 60 Elm City office buildings. Overall vacancy in the 5.2 million square feet of office space declined by 1,203 square feet, staying at 15.3 percent of inventory.

“It is difficult, and therefore rare, for a new commercial agent to outperform all new real estate agents, since transactions are lengthy and the learning curve is steep,” Pearce President Barbara Pearce said in a statement. “Eileen is to be commended for the hard work and sales skills that got her to this point so quickly.”

HEALTHCARE Cushman & Wakefield’s Q1 2014 New Haven Marketbeat Office Snapshot reports a three point yearover-year rise in New Haven County vacancies, from 15.6 during the first quarter of 2013 to 18.6 percent during the first quarter of 2014, with lackluster leasing activity and “no lease transactions of significance in either the New Haven Periphery or Eastern New Haven County.”

TECHNOLOGY Colliers notes the sale of the 17,000 square foot Palladium Building at 135 Orange Street as “probably the most significant event” of the quarter. The price was $1,950,000, or around $115 per square foot. This suggests “Buyers are willing to pay a premium” for prime downtown properties, writes Colliers broker John Keogh, who adds that the new owner, Juan SalasRomer of NHR Properties, “says he is keeping the building in office use.”

Russell previously worked as an information technology professional in New York City and Fairfield County, for employers including New York Life, Con Edison, U.S. Trust Bank, Financial Technologies, the NASDAQ Stock Market, ING Financial Services and Pitney Bowes.`

REALESTATE Alexion Pharmaceuticals leased 19,217 square feet at 7 McKee Place in Cheshire, Cushman & Wakefield reports, “representing the majority of the leasing activity in northern New Haven County, which had the most leasing of all of the New Haven submarkets” for the quarter.

MIDDLETOWN — Opportunity Real Estate Equities, LLC, has purchased a 4,444-squarefoot building at 93-97 Broad Street for $172,000. Trevor Davis of Trevor Davis Commercial Real Estate represented the seller, the American National Red Cross. Joe Fazekas of RE/Max MarketPlace represented the buyer.` MIDDLETOWN — Abarientos Middletown Real Estate, LLC, has acquired a 6,084-squarefoot building at 80 East Main Street for $377,000. The buyer will use the top floor for a medical office.

Trevor Davis of Trevor Davis Commercial Real Estate was sole broker in the transaction. The seller was Phillip H.W. Redford.`

MARKETING&MEDIA The development of 360 State Street, a mixed-use high-rise building that opened in 2010, has triggered steadily rising values in nearby properties, and the area is “poised for more redevelopment,” according to the Colliers market report.

HEALTHCARE Despite construction underway for the heavily subsidized 100 College Street project, with its 400,000-square-foot headquarters for Alexion, Keogh says the overall trend is creation of living space rather than office space. Nearly 1,000 high-end apartments have come online in downtown New Haven over the last 15 years, and at least 200 more are under construction, including 160 luxury digs at CenterPlan Cos.’ new building at College, Crown and George Streets, which also will have 20,000 square feet of retail space.

During the first quarter of 2014, the overall citywide vacancy rate for Class A space was 23.8 percent, according to the Colliers report. That inventory, Colliers explains, consists mainly of general office space unlikely to attract government incentives and “not suitable for research-oriented companies like Alexion that might be attracted to the cluster of medical enterprises around Yale-New Haven Hospital.”

The Cushman & Wakefield report expects medical demand to “remain healthy, with requirements from multiple organizations in the area, most of which are set to be fulfilled over the course of the next year or two.” Office space, however, “will be slower to pick up “ and rental rates “will continue to flag.”

— Karen Singer

MAY 2014

SALES`

HAMDEN — The Bonadies Law Firm has purchased a 3,520-square-foot freestanding office condominium at 3190 Whitney Avenue for $265,000. Robert Errato of Metro Real Estate represented the buyer. Jed Backus and Phil Backus of Backus Real Estate, LLC represented the seller, CIT Corp.` HAMDEN — A 2,188-square-foot office building on 0.17 acres at 2529 Whitney Avenue has changed hands for $314,500. Stephen Press and Kevin Walker of Press/Cuozzo represented the seller, Dena Khebl and the buyer, 2529 Whitney, LLC.`

HAMDEN — The 1,800-square-foot Kamp & Nielsen building at 2935 Dixwell

NORTH HAVEN — RAB Properties, LLC has purchased a 4,000-squarefoot office condominium at 250 State Street for $450,000. Chris Nolan of Pearce Commercial represented both the buyer and the seller, BGSM LLC.` SOUTHINGTON — Delmic Enterprises, LLC has purchased a 13,325-square-foot industrial building on 1.34 acres at 24 Robert Porter Road for $757,000, for Target Sports USA, which sells firearms, ammunition and gun-related equipment online.

Carol Karney of O,R&L Commercial represented the seller, David Scranton. Carl Berman of NAI Elite Commercial represented the buyer. `

LEASES` BRANFORD — There are two new tenants at 23 Business Park Drive.

Anchor Science, LLC has leased 550 square feet for a chemical laboratory. Team Tugman WC has leased 2,300 square feet for a wrestling training program. Jeff Vargacheck of Re/Max Right Choice represented Anchor Science.

Joe Iammuno of Arnold Peck’s Commercial World in Orange represented Team Tugman. Kristin Geenty of the Geenty Group, Realtors represented the landlord, Todd’s Hill Investment Circle, LLC. ` MIDDLETOWN — Dunkin Donuts has leased 2,140 square feet at 423 Main Street.

Trevor Davis of Trevor Davis Commercial Real Estate represented the landlord, R. Balaban Realty, LLC. Wayne D’Amico of RE/Max Right Choice represented the tenant. ` MIDDLETOWN — Connecticut Underwriters Inc. has leased 8,471 square feet on the second floor of the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, 421 Wadsworth Street.

Trevor Davis of Trevor Davis Commercial Real Estate was sole broker in the deal. The city of Middletown/Long Hill Estate Authority is the landlord. ` MIDDLEFIELD — Alpine Environmental has leased 5,000 square feet at 41 Commerce Circle. Trevor Davis of Trevor Davis Commercial Real Estate represented the tenant. Kyle Roberts of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord, CSK Realty, LLC. ` MIDDLETOWN — Middletown Business Park has two new tenants. Connecticut Carbide & Tool Service Inc. has leased 2,190 at 432 Smith Street,

while FIA Inc. has leased 1,114 square feet at 450 Smith Street.

Both tenants were unrepresented. Trevor Davis of Trevor Davis Commercial Real Estate represented the landlord, BostonMiddletown, LLC. `

▼

MIDDLETOWN — Dance Outfitters and Reality Interactive have become tenants at Main Street Market, 366-386 Main Street.

Reality Interactive has leased the top two floors, totaling 6,174 square feet of office space. Dance Outfitters has leased 1,300 square feet of retail space in the market area.

Trevor Davis of Trevor Davis Commercial Real Estate was the sole broker. The landlord is Main Street Market, LLC.`

▼

▼

▼

MIDDLETOWN — Five new tenants have taken up occupancy at 438 Main Street. CardFellow has leased 360 square feet, Dwight Norwood leased 302 square feet, Cosys Systems, LLC leased 385 square feet, Ted Mikulski/Empty Lighthouse leased 367 square feet and Daniel G. Diaz leased 912 square feet. Trevor Davis of Trevor Davis Commercial Real Estate represented the tenants and the landlord, Hilltop Associates.`

▼

▼

NEW HAVEN — A to Z Property Preservation Inc. has leased an industrial condominium at 420 Sackett Point Road. Karen Charest of Calcagni Real Estate represented the tenant.

Dave Melillo of Pearce Real Estate represented the landlord, Robert DeMorro. ` WALLINGFORD — P&L Realty Associates, LLC has leased 1,500 square feet at Yale Plaza, 950 Yale Avenue. Lisa Golebiewski of Realty Associates represented the tenant. Joel Nesson of Press/Cuozzo represented the landlord, 950 Yale Ave. LLC.` 21

MANUFACTURING

W

TECHNOLOGY

W

Taking Startups On the Road

W

REALESTATE NEW HAVEN — New Haven, meet the Rest of Connecticut. The Rest of Connecticut, meet New Haven.

That’s the idea behind the Startup Roadshow, a new event by the Whiteboard, the online magazine for entrepreneurs (created by local software company Independent Software), to connect the widespread entrepreneurial community across Connecticut.

Updates along the way will be published on the Whiteboard to keep everyone informed. Craig stresses what many in the startup community stress — that building relationships and contacts is often a critical factor in finding talent or hashing out new ideas and ultimately building successful companies.

MARKETING&MEDIA The event launched in New Haven in April and will continue in a different city each month (it hit Stamford at the end of April) through year’s end to give blossoming startups a chance to tell their story to other aspiring entrepreneurs and, it is hoped, inspire them to stay in Connecticut.

An entrepreneurial network has already been established on an official level: the state’s innovation ecosystem, dubbed CTNext, was launched in 2012 to establish “innovation hubs” in five locations statewide. New Haven’s hub is Chapel Street co-working space the Grove.

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Craig says the spread of activity in the state both makes it unique and poses a challenge that, in a perfect world could be fixed by efficient public transportation.

EMPLOYMENT “How can we build cohesion? Building awareness and getting people together so they can build relationships and feel like they’re part of a community,” explains Suzi Craig, director of community development for Independent Software.

“The biggest challenge for us is geography,” she says. “People in Hartford have no idea what’s going on in New Haven, and they don’t come here. It’s a 40-minute ride up and down Manhattan, and it’s a 40-minute ride from Hartford to New Haven, but it doesn’t happen — not as often as it should.

TECHNOLOGY “Connecticut is different from other startup communities,” she adds. “It’s not just one scene; it’s a variety of pockets across the state, and each one is different. We’re physically going to each community and getting to know who’s there and what flavors one community to the next.”

REALESTATE

“Putting in the extra effort to be engaged in the community, that’s what leads to opportunities,” Craig observes. “Now that the activity level is so high in Connecticut, it’s important to up the game in terms of community building.”

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Photo: Brent Robertson

Roadshow launch panel: Entrepreneurs, from left to right Derek Koch, Founder and CEO, Independent Software, Dave Marcoux, Co-Founder, Hartford Denim, Marshall Deming, Co-Founder, Hartford Denim Ned Gannon, CEO, eBrevia (hidden) Mallory Kievman, CEO, Hiccupops, Kate Harrison, Founder, Green Bride Guides

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Locations for upcoming Roadshow events are still being confirmed, but typically are held where activity is already happening; the last event, for example, took place as part of the monthly Stamford Tech Meetup. Ultimately Craig would like the Roadshow to help remind budding entrepreneurs that they don’t have to leave town to make things happen.

“I want people to walk away with compelling reasons to start something in Connecticut and stay here,” Craig says.

“I don’t want them to be here because they happen to be here, I want it to be

an intentional choice. And ultimately I want people from outside Connecticut to think, ‘Maybe I should move there.’”

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The Startup Roadshow will hit Hartford’s reSET Center on May 27, and will return to New Haven in June (date and location TBD). Through December, it will visit Bridgeport/ Fairfield, New London/Norwich, Storrs/Windham, Danbury/Waterbury, Middletown/Meriden and wrap up in Torrington. More information is found at TheWhiteBoardct.com.

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— John Mordecai

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The Core Expands BRANFORD — A desire to maintain and build upon Connecticut’s growing software industry has prompted the state to chip in $3 million to let a Branford company expand.

Core Informatics, which creates Webbased data management software for the biotech sector as well as for research and development in many others, is embarking on a $8.4 million expansion to its headquarters that the company says will create or retain 84 jobs through 2019. The company currently has 25 employees.

The state’s $3 million investment in the project comes from the Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) in the form of a $2.75 million loan (at two-percent interest for ten years), and a $250,000 grant. The company may benefit from $1 million in loan forgiveness if it reaches its jobs goal over the next five years.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement that software companies attracted the most venture capital dollars of any industry in Connecticut last year.

Show Me Your Data The launch of a new data portal may make it easier for the average Joe Citizen to get useful information about the state.

The newly launched Data.CT.gov collects and presents raw government statistical data in a publicly accessible online database of lists, tables, graphs and other forms. The data comes directly from

executive agencies, and includes figures on economic development, business, government, education, environment, health, housing, public safety and transportation.

Users even have the option to suggest new sets of data.

Data.CT.gov was created by Socrata, a software-development company that specializes in open data sources for governments, and is managed and administrated by chief data officer Tyler Kleykamp of the state’s Office of Policy & Management.

The site comes as a result of Gov. Dannel Malloy’s Executive Order No. 39, which mandates that data from state government agencies be made available to the public.

P2 Gets Push For Renewable Ingredients NEW HAVEN — State government has invested in a local chemical company working to derive industrial ingredients from biomass.

P2 Science’s renewed investment from Connecticut Innovations Inc. (CII) to the tune of $500,000 (CII previously awarded a grant for the same amount in 2013) will help the company continue and expand its production of green-friendly additives.

P2 uses biomass (sourced from vegetable oils as well as from wood, grass and plant-based feedstocks) to produce consumer and industrial ingredients to substitute chemicals found in fl avors, cosmetics and personal-care products.

The company produces ingredients using a pilot reactor installed at its Science Park headquarters. P2 licenses some of its intellectual property from Yale University.

Entrepreneurs Win Another Round NEW HAVEN — Several area companies were winners in the most recent round of CTNext’s Entrepreneur Innovation Awards (EIA), following up a previous round in March.

Two New Haven-based startup companies and one from Hamden were among the four to each receive $10,000 for their project ideas, which were awarded at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford in April: Biomed Azitra (New Haven) is looking to develop new ways to deliver biological treatments with bacteria.

EverSci, of New Haven, is developing a tool that allows scientists to access specific text in research articles with a single mouse click. Hamden’s CaroGen is developing vaccines for viral diseases.

And Stamford-based eBrevia is looking to artificial intelligence to analyze and extract information from legal documents.

EverSci also won a $2,000 “Judges Favorite” award, and Hartford-based cus-

tom shoemaker the Brothers Crisp took home $2,000 as the “Crowd Favorite.”

CTNext is the name of the state’s “innovation ecosystem.” The next EIA event will take place July 17 at a location ye to be announced.

Brandfon Goes Solar BRANFORD — Brandfon Honda is going solar.

The auto dealer is installing 560 solar panels to its facility to generate electricity. The system, which includes five gridenabled inverters, will produce 155,000 kilowatt hours per year, enough to offset 70 percent of its annual electrical usage.

The project was approved through Connecticut Light & Power’s Zero Emission Renewable Energy Credit program. It is estimated that 155,000 kilowatt hours has the environmental equivalent of planting 55 acres of trees, or removing 3,250 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.

This isn’t Brandfon’s fi rst green initiative: The auto dealer already uses waste-oil furnaces to supplement heating, has a natural gas fi lling station for one line of Honda Civics, and is installing energyefficient LED lighting throughout the facility.

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MANUFACTURING

W Sikorsky Wins Deal, Loses Deal

CBIA Slates Manufacturing Summit

TECHNOLOGY A number of prominent business leaders will discuss the future of Connecticut’s manufacturing industry this month.

REALESTATE The Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) annual Made in Connecticut: 2014 Manufacturing Summit takes place May 30. It will feature a series of discussions and panels about the current state of affairs and outlooks for the state’s manufacturing industry.

The event will be keynoted by Danny DiPerna, senior vice president of engineering and operations at Pratt & Whitney. P&W’s parent, United Technologies Corp. recently announced a $500 million initiative to upgrade and expand Pratt & Whitney’s East Hartford headquarters (in addition to investments in UTC companies statewide), ensuring its presence in Connecticut for at least the next 15 years.

really are a lot of open positions— in the thousands — but there is not enough capacity to train everyone we need in the time frame needed.”

Clupper says there have been efforts to train new entry-level workers, but enrichment of the existing workforce is essential for already seasoned workers to move up. Not that new workers aren’t still needed; manufacturing’s evolution into more high-tech territory could still help change workers’ minds about their career options.

MARKETING&MEDIA HEALTHCARE The outlook on aerospace for Connecticut’s smaller companies will be the subject of another address from Colin Cooper, CEO of aerospace component manufacturer Whitcraft Group.

the state’s efforts to bolster the manufacturing sector through education and apprenticeships.

The results of a recent survey of manufacturers by the Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut (MAC) found that while many manufacturers have a more positive outlook on the economy than they did during the recession, and while sales in 2013 exceeded expectations, skilled manufacturing workers are still hard to come by.

EMPLOYMENT Kelli-Marie Vallieres, president and CEO of Old Saybrook-based Sound Manufacturing & Monster Power Equipment, will be among those leading a Manufacturing Innovations Panel, along with Thomas Hooker Brewery CEO Curt Cameron and Christine Benz, manager of the TRUMPF Training Center.

TECHNOLOGY Additional breakout sessions will focus on tax issues for state manufacturers as well as workforce issues, the latter of which has been a key component of

“We have a strong hiring demand and a problem finding qualified people,” says Jerry Clupper, executive director of the New Haven Manufacturers Association.

“We really want to emphasize that there

“It’s not dank, dark and dangerous anymore,” Clupper says. “More people are aware [of the attractiveness of manufacturing careers] now than in the past ten years, but you still have many parents reluctant to have their children take up manufacturing careers.”

Much of the responsibility for changing that mindset still falls on educators, Clupper asserts. “They have to recognize that their customer is the employer; they have to design their programs so they satisfy their customers.”

Nevertheless, Connecticut’s access to technology and capital investment remain a competitive advantage. That’s one reason why Clupper is “cautiously optimistic” about the future of manufacturing in the state.

The Manufacturing Summit takes place from 8:30 a.m. to noon May 30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell.

Registration information can be found at cbia.com/events/?p=4758.

OXFORD — The Waterbury-Oxford Airport Development Zone has attracted its first tenant.

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The helicopter manufacturer’s most recent deal was the approval of selling 18 of its flagship Black Hawk helicopters to Mexico, a transaction valued at $680 million. The aircraft are part of a package of goods Mexico plans to purchase: 40 engines built by General Electric, nightvision goggles, weapons and other equipment, as well as training and support.

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The helicopters and supplies would be used in Mexico’s ongoing fights against drug traffickers.

At the same time, the U.S. Navy is canceling an order for 29 of Sikorsky’s MH-60 helicopters under a five-year agreement, which could force the Navy to spend $250 million in cancellation fees. According to the Navy, the cancellation is the result of congressional budget cuts for the 2015 fiscal year.

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Sikorsky signed the initial $8.5 billion contract with the Navy in mid-2012.

But another claim has Sikorsky paying up; federal prosecutors say the company violated the False Claims Act by inflating the cost of spare parts to the Army between 2008 and 2011. Sikorsky has agreed pay $3.5 million to settle the claims.

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— John Mordecai

REALESTATE ATI Lands at WEBSITE WORKING AS Airport Zone HARD AS YOU ARE? MARKETING&MEDIA New Websites & Redesigns Business Automation Online Marketing Mobile Web

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STRATFORD — It’s been an up-anddown spring for Sikorsky Aircraft including new sales, cancelled contracts and paying out legal claims.

Oregon-based Autonomy Technology (ATI) is the first company to have received initial approval to move into the zone, which was established in 2013 as an area for new businesses to occupy in exchange for tax incentives.

ATI manufactures and distributes medium voltage switchgear, generator connection systems and cable assemblies.

The Oxford facility will be the company’s first in the Northeast. It anticipates the creation of up to 20 new, full-time jobs over the next two years.

Businesses moving into the airport zone (which must be related to the manufacturing and industrial sectors) can lease an idle facility there or build, renovate or expand existing facilities there. Some can qualify for a five-year, 80-percent abatement on local property taxes as well as a ten-year corporate tax credit.

Platt StudentsW Win Skills MILFORD — Students from Platt Technical High School have come out on top in a number of manufacturingrelated categories at the Connecticut SkillsUSA competition, the nationwide program challenging the technical knowhow of high school students.

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Prizes were won in the Precision Machining category by junior Jake Forgette (first place); in CNC Turning by senior Raul Robles (first place), junior Peter Stahl (second place), and senior Tom Hallegren (third place); and in CNC Milling by senior Anthony Pizzola (first place).

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Platt electromechanical students also won first place gold metals in the SkillsUSA Mobile Robotics category as well: tenth-graders Karen Campoverde and Galilea Yanza.

Next month the Connecticut winners will compete in the national SkillsUSA contest in Kansas City, Mo.

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HEALTHCARE Orthopedic Groups Merge

EMPLOYMENT

MILFORD — Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists, PC and OrthopedicHealth have agreed to merge. The deal creates the largest independent orthopaedic specialty practice in the region with 27 physicians including 21 board-certified specialists, according to the companies. The practice includes orthopaedists, podiatrists, physiatrists, and in-house physical and occupational therapists.

TECHNOLOGY

“Too often, mergers are about diminished services and consolidation. We both had something very different in mind,” said Glenn Elia, CEO of Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists. “The doctors of OrthopedicHealth are among the top in their fields of expertise and we are thrilled to have them on our team. This merger enhances our ability to emphasize the patient-doctor relationship and provide easy access and compassionate musculoskeletal care at the community level.”

REALESTATE

OrthopedicHealth practitioners will continue to operate from their 849 Boston Post Road medical offices. Their patients will now have access to Connecticut Orthopaedic’s group physical therapy, MRI and surgical facilities located at nine southern Connecticut locations.

W is not in danger. But despite the nearly universal availability of wireless technology in the U.S., less than half of eligible patients are monitored in this way.

The reasons why this technology is underutilized are unknown, but one potential reason is the relative absence of evidence of the impact of remote monitoring on patient outcomes. To address this gap in knowledge, Yale researchers partnered with the American College of Cardiology and Boston Scientific, a manufacturer of ICDs, to examine the outcomes of nearly 38,000 ICD patients.

The study found that patients using remote monitoring were 33 percent less likely to die and 20 percent less likely to be re-hospitalized in the three years following device implantation.

Bacteria Byproduct Kills Cancer Cells

MARKETING&MEDIA Lower Risk for Remotely Monitored Heart Patients

NEW HAVEN — Patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have significantly lower risk of death and re-hospitalization if they are followed through an automatic, wireless remote monitoring system, a Yale clinical study

has found. Results of the study are being presented at the annual meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society.

ICDs are used to treat patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death. Remote patient monitoring can help physicians keep an eye on patients once they are home by wirelessly communicating with the implanted device to make sure it is functioning properly and that the patient

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NEW HAVEN — Yale University researchers have determined how a scarce molecule produced by marine bacteria can kill cancer cells, paving the way for the development of new, low-dose chemotherapies.

The molecule, lomaiviticin A, was previously shown to be lethal to cultured

W W human cancer cells, but the mechanism of its operation remained unsolved for more than a decade. In a series of experiments, Yale scientists Seth Herzon, Peter Glazer and colleagues show that the molecule nicks, cleaves and ultimately destroys cancer cells’ DNA, preventing their replication.

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“DNA is one of the primary targets of anticancer agents, and cleavage of both DNA chains is the most potent form of DNA damage,” said Herzon, a professor of chemistry. “But few anticancer agents are able to directly cleave DNA. The discovery that lomaiviticin A is capable of this suggests it could be very useful as a novel chemotherapy, possibly at low doses.”

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Results were published in the journal Nature Chemistry.

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$700 million in investment capital.

development director, responsible for the NHSO’s efforts to secure financial support from individuals, corporations, foundations and government entities.

She began her non-profit career in the education and interpretation departments at Mystic Seaport before moving to its development department, where she spent five years as director.

Bellantone holds a BA from Connecticut College.

WHO’S WHAT, WHERE

Wurzer Connecticut Innovations Inc. (CII), the state’s quasi-public technology investment arm, has named David Wurzer chief investment officer and executive vice president, responsible for management of the investment function, staffing needs, portfolio and risk management, outreach to stakeholders, budget planning and performancemeasurement. Wurzer, 55, joined CII in 2009 and was most recently a senior managing director. Previously he was executive vice president, treasurer and CFO of CuraGen Corp., where he helped to guide the biotech company through an IPO and helped raise more than

Anthony (Tony) Giobbi has joined Newtown Savings Bank as senior vice president for commercial lending. A career banker with extensive commercial lending experience, Giobbi will be responsible for the sales management and business development activities of the bank’s commercial lending team. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and history from Cornell and an MBA in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Giobbi Donna Bellantone has joined the New Haven Symphony Orchestra as

RATHGEBER Continued from page 3

What are some of those changes?

You’re going to see leadership changes at the General Assembly. You have a number of retirements going on. You don’t know how the [2014] election cycle is going to come out. But there’s an opportunity, and there’s an undercurrent amongst the public that wants change. If you look at most of the polling, there’s a non-alignment between what goes on at the Capitol and what the public wants. The public wants the focus to be on jobs and the economy.

So I think the public is ready for change.

The question is: Can you galvanize the public, and can you create a political environment where [lawmakers] will do what they know is the right thing do — they just need the political confidence to do it.

We’re hopeful we can be a catalyst for that.

Let me ask about the CT20X17 campaign. When a regular citizen sees a billboard that says, ‘Want Jobs?

Improve Our Business Climate,’ how is he or she supposed to react? What’s the action item?

The concept here is to make Connecticut one of the top 20 states for doing business by the year 2017. Then, if we’re successful we’ll move to ‘Top Ten by the Year 2020.’

We’ll be doing more calls to action in our advertising and other media around the election cycle because we think it’s impor-

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Kimberly A. Dunham has been named deputy director of the Greater New Haven Transit District, where she will be responsible for managerial oversight of finance, operations, vehicle and facility maintenance and safety and training departments.

She was with the Greater Hartford Transit District for the past 20 years as chief financial officer and also served as coordinator of the Connecticut Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium.

The Young Men’s Institute Library has named Natalie Elicker of New Haven executive director,

succeeding Will Baker.

Elicker most recently worked as an attorney at the New Haven law firm of Wiggin and Dana. She earned both BA and JD degrees from the University of Virginia.

ACES (Area Cooperative Educational Services) of New Haven has named Thomas Danehy executive director. Most recently he was superintendent of public schools in Winchester (Conn.).

Danehy will succeed Craig W. Edmondson, who will retire in June after eight years at the helm of ACES. Carlton Highsmith of Hamden has received the John H. Filer Award for creative leadership in philanthropy from the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy.

Highsmith was founder and chief executive of Specialized Packaging Group, a company he later sold. More recently he was instrumental in the launch of the New Haven-based Connecticut Center for Arts & Technology, whose board of directors he chairs.

ConnCAT seeks to provide job opportunities for those out of work in distressed neighborhoods.

SS&C Technologies Holdings Inc., a provider of financial services software and software-enabled services, has named Stephan M. Petrov to the newly created position of treasurer.

He joins SS&C from his treasury consulting role for PMC Treasury Inc. Before that Petrov was Treasury Director for CIGNA Corp. and director of treasury operations for Odyssey American Reinsurance Corp. Petrov earned a BS in finance from the University of Bridgeport and an MBA from Sacred Heart University as well as an Advanced Business Certificate in Accounting from the University of Connecticut.

John H. Schuyler, a partner with the accounting and advisory firm of Marcum LLP, has been appointed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to serve as a licensee member of the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy. An

tant to get this engagement during that period.

wrong. Now they’re not just wrong, they’re bad.

What are so many lawmakers so clueless about how the economy works? Is it because they don’t come from business backgrounds, or they’re just mainly lawyers?

They’re evil. And that’s not healthy for democracy. And I blame us, the public, for not really knowing who we vote for, [or] engaging with our legislators and other public officials. It’s [no longer] the tradition of [entering politics] at the local level then maybe moving to the state level and looking at this as a part-time career that was not going to be the best job you ever had.

One of the big changes I’ve seen is fewer [state lawmakers] coming out of their communities having had private-sector jobs and going to the legislature as a part-time public servant. When I fi rst started you had people like [Winsted Democrat] Johnny Groppo, who was a [stone] mason, who was head of the Appropriations Committee and eventually became majority leader of the House of Representatives. You had people who ran insurance agencies — lots of people with experience in [the private sector].

Today a lot of the candidates [for the state House of Representatives] come right out of the staffs of the House Democrats or the House Republicans. I saw a comparison about how Congress has changed over the last 15, 20 years — it has become much more partisan. Fifteen, 20 years ago, two-thirds of the [U.S.] House of Representatives would shift [cross party lines] on votes — there was a middle ground. Now there are like four congresspeople who are considered to be [capable of voting across party lines].

ObamaCare was the ultimate polarizer.

It used to be if you disagreed with someone across the aisle, they were

Let me ask about some specific legislation that’s on your radar.

One of the biggest one’s we’re working on is workers comp. This [stems] from a decision by a workers comp commissioner in the southeastern part of the state, which said that workers comp health-care costs — hospitalizations, emergency visits — had to pay published fees as opposed to negotiated rates. Published fees are much higher than negotiated rates. And even though negotiated rates in the workers comp area tend to be profit centers for hospitals, to pay published fees would drive up workers compensation costs in the state of Connecticut. Medical charges are the biggest escalator of workers-comp costs in the state. Also, we had tried to get the acceleration of the corporate incometax surcharge off the books; that’s not likely to happen because of the shrinking revenue projects at the state level. We’ve looked at [2014] as just introducing this program [CT20X17], and next year —

Schuyler assurance expert and compliance leader, Schuyler recently completed his term as partner-in-charge of Marcum’s New England Assurance Practice and now serves as a member of the firm’s national engagement quality control department. His client experience includes a specialty in manufacturing and technology, working with U.S. companies and multinational registrants as well as governmental entities. He has also served universities, public authorities and notfor-profit organizations.

with the new budget, full legislative session and perhaps new administration — as [when] we’ll be more aggressive in terms of policy agenda.

How about S.B. 249, the proposal for a state-run retirement plan for employees of companies that don’t offer retirement plans? I know that CBIA has publicly opposed it.

It’s an example of the state getting into a business where [consumers] already have so many different options. And the state has not had a good track record running its own pension programs. The biggest single liabilities in the state of Connecticut are its own retiree-benefit [obligations].

If you’re an individual [worker] and your company doesn’t have a 401(k) or a 401(3B), you can open up an IRA account for $50. I can’t imagine if the bill goes forward [as written], the reaction that people are going to have when they fi nd the state is taking money out of their paycheck and putting it into some type of a savings account without them fully understanding what’s happening. It’s legislation that isn’t needed. People can choose retirement options today regardless of whether their employer provides them.

I wanted also to ask about H.B. 5280, which makes some companies ineligible for state assistance if any of their executives are paid more than 50 times the average compensation of non-executives? Is that a serious bill, or just someone trying to generate headlines?

WWW.CONNTACT.COM

Where would that put Connecticut on the radar screen when you’re looking at a place to make an investment [in a business]? What does that tell you?

But does it have a chance of passing?

Everything always has a chance. But I think not at this point in time.

Over the last decade there has been a very aggressive and effective campaign by the political left in this country to demonize successful businesses and business owners — e.g., President Obama’s ‘If you have a business, you didn’t build that’ remark. What do you think has changed since Calvin Coolidge observed that ‘The business of America is business’?

There are segments of the community who believe that government is the best answer to things. It think it is also wrapped up in a fundamental change in organized labor in this country and this state, which is much more reliant on public-sector unions than on privatesector unions. That changes the dynamic of the discussion. When I first came to work here Betty Tianti was the head of the AFL-CIO. At that time we could agree on economic policy issues. We wouldn’t agree on workers comp and unemployment comp, but we could agree on tax policy and things. She came out of the industrial unions, so therefore there was a common goal to grow the economy of the state.

To bake a bigger pie.

Right. That’s not necessarily true now.

It should be true, because public-sector unions have the same fundamental need to grow the economic pie — otherwise there’s not the tax base to pay them. But it doesn’t seem to [be on] their agenda.

So that is one of the real [changes] that has taken place. At most of the businesses I visit, the relationship between the employer and the employees is excellent. They understand they have the same goals — grow the business so that benefits are higher, wages are higher, there are opportunities for promotions and advancement. But you go [to the Capitol] sometimes and you wonder where the last company [state legislators] walked through the doors of are. Because their image is that the employer and the employee are always at odds with each other. But most employees actually trust their employer to do the right thing and give them honest information about the competitive pressures they’re under.

Once upon a time CBIA used to endorse candidates for the General Assembly. Has the time not arrived to resume doing that?

We still endorse candidates at the General Assembly level. We used to give financial contributions to candidates — we had a PAC; under Connecticut law we don’t have a PAC any more. [Now] the main source of finding has become public financing.

How do you view those endorsements?

If you endorse only Republicans, Democrats will punish you. On the other hand — they’re already punishing you, anyway.

MAY 2014

Well, some [Democrats] do work with us.

We would like to have a more balanced endorsement list, and we’d love to have more Democrats on that list because that would mean there were more Democrats in both houses of the General Assembly who are supportive of good economic policy.

You’ve been at CBIA for 37 years now.

What keeps you optimistic about doing business in Connecticut?

First, I am passionate about the mission.

I honestly believe creating a business climate that encourages investment in the state is very important. I grew up in Connecticut; I plan to live in Connecticut.

Knowing that you have to have a strong

economy to have a good quality of life — it’s a passion. I also really enjoy the people I work with here; they share the same passion for the mission of the organization. The other thing, quite frankly, is our members. It’s a real pleasure to go out and meet with our members and to get to know them. I’ve walked into shops that from the outside looked like nothing interesting was going on inside. But the technology inside, the innovation inside, the commitment by the leadership of some of these companies is just extraordinary.

You’ll run into [business owners] in their 70s who are still buying million-dollar [capital] machinery and still looking at expanding their businesses. They’re still

risk-takers, and they’re still very committed to the people they work with and their customer base. And they’re optimistic about the future. You look at Connecticut, and there are not many places where you can find the [breadth of] financial services, advanced manufacturing, bioscience, medicine, business services activities that are here. If we just understood their challenges and addressed the barriers to their growth, this state could once again be a tremendous place to live and work.

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27

Enter Your Events on www.ctcalendar.com

SPECIAL EVENTS The Connecticut Health Funders Collaborative presents its third Health Equity Forum on the subject: How Healthy Is Connecticut? Forum will include a reception and networking, followed by a town hall-style conversation, recorded for WNPRFM radio’s Where We Live program hosted by John Dankosky. Discussion will include findings of the Connecticut Health Care Survey, a populationbased assessment of the health and health care of Connecticut residents with a focus on patient perceptions and experiences. 5 p.m. May 21 at WNPR Radio, 1049 Asylum Ave., Hartford. Free.

Registration.

The Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care host the 29th annual Sports Banquet & Silent Auction. Honorees include head men’s basketball Coach Kevin Ollie of the 2014 NCAA champion UConn Huskies as well as award-winning columnist, author and sportswriter Jackie MacMullan of ESPN. 5:30 p.m. June 10 at Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville. Reservations. 203-237-8084, flcenter. org.

SYMPOSIA, CONFERENCES & EXPOSITIONS

current status of the real estate market including: 2013 sales, statistics, current vacancy rates, lease rates, and availability by property type. The agenda also includes a discussion about Connecticut’s challenges and opportunities within the industry. 7:30-9:30 a.m. May 14 at Villa Capri, 906 N. Colony Rd., Wallingford. $35 members, $45 others. Registration. 203-787-6735, gnhcc.com.

Each third Friday the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce (GNHCC) hosts Discover the Chamber, an informational and networking session for new and prospective members. Free pizza, even! Noon May 15 at GNHCC, 900 Chapel St. (10th Fl.), New Haven. Free. 203-787-6735, gnhcc. com.

WHO’S WHAT, WHERE

Enjoy the best and the brightest work from the state’s advertising community at the Advertising Club of Connecticut’s 60 th Annual Awards Show. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, networking and of course awards presentation. 5:30 p.m. May 21 at Farmington Gardens, 999 Farmington Ave., Farmington. $60 members, $80 others. Reservations. 860-295-8929, admin@adclubct.org.

The New Haven Manufacturers Association in collaboration with the Connecticut Business & Industry Association present Made in Connecticut: 2014 Manufacturing Summit. Manufacturing is expected to grow faster than the U.S. economy this year and in 2015. How much of this growth can Connecticut expect to see, and what will it mean for our supply chain, our economy and jobs? Speakers include Danny Di Perna, senior vice president of engineering & operations at Pratt & Whitney; Kelli-Marie Vallieres, president and CEO of Old Saybrook-based Sound Manufacturing and Monster Power Equipment; and Colin Cooper, CEO of middle-market manufacturer Whitcraft, LLC. 8:30 a.m.-noon May 30 at Crowne Plaza, 100 Berlin Rd., Cromwell. $20 CBIA, NHMA members, students; $50 others. Registration. 860-2441977, registrar@cbia.com.

The University of New Haven, West Haven Chamber of Commerce and TD Bank co-sponsor a Women in Leadership Conference. Open to females and males alike, the event will feature keynote speaker Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman as well as Laurie Harkness, director of ERRARA CTCenter, Carroll E. Brown, president of the West Haven Black Coalition, Rosemary Raccio of the New Haven Board of Realtors, Maureen Lillis, health director for the city of West Haven, and more.

8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 8 at Dodds Auditorium, University of New Haven, West Haven. $15 members, students advance; $20 at door. 203-9331500, info@westhavenchamber.com.

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Join the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce for a new event: the Regional Real Estate & Construction Forecast. Expert panelists will provide a timely update on major development projects in the pipeline and a snapshot of the

The Midstate Chamber of Commerce hosts its May Breakfast Club meeting. Guest speaker U.S. Sen. Christopher Murphy. 7:30-9 a.m. May 16 at Four Points by Sheraton, 275 Research Pkwy., Meriden. $20 advance, $25 at door members; $30 non-members. 203-235-7901, info@midtstaechamber.com.

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce (incorporating the former Branford and Guilford chambers) hosts Business After Hours. Networking, door prizes, giveaways. 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 20 at Madison Winter Club, 251 Boston Post Rd., Madison. Registration. 203-488-5500, bvranfordct.com.

The Clinton and Madison Chambers of Commerce co-host their Women in Business luncheon series. Guest speaker is certified professional coach Michael Bloom, author of The Accidental Caregiver’s Survival Guide: Your Roadmap to Caregiving Without Regret. Noon-1:30 p.m. May 21 at Café Allegre, 725 Boston Post Rd., Madison. $15 members, $25 nonmembers. Reservations.

860-669-3889, chamber@clintonct.com.

The Midstate and Quinnipiac Chambers of Commerce co-host Business After Hours. Net

proceeds from admission fee will benefit Holiday for Giving (Wallingford) and Spirit of Giving (Meriden). 5-7 p.m. May 21 at Alan Barberino Real Estate, 194 N. Plains Industrial Rd., Wallingford. $20. 203-235-7901, info@midtstaechamber.com.

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce holds a special Business After Hours marking the first anniversary of People’s United Bank’s newest Valley branch in the Huntington section of Shelton.

5-7 p.m. May 21 at People’s United Bank, 500 Shelton Rd., Shelton. $15 members, $25 others.

203-925-4981, greatervalleychamber.com.

At this month’s Business After Hours the Clinton Chamber of Commerce puts swine before pearls with a festive (well, not for the pig) pig roast. Fun, networking, beverages, more. 5:307:30 p.m. May 21 at Rambling River Antiques, 172 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook. $10. Registration.

860-669-3889, chamber@clintonct.com.

Join the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce for its 2014 Annual Meeting & Luncheon. Keynote speaker John L. Lahey, president of Quinnipiac University. Please, election of directors, state of the QChamber, etc. Noon-2 p.m. June 4 at Fantasia, 404 Washington Ave., North Haven. $45. 203269-9891, maribel@quinncham.com.

EDUCATION Human Resources Fred Pryor presents OSHA Compliance, an HR training course covering key issues, basic laws and best practices for ensuring that your workplace — and especially your workers — are safe and secure. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 19 at Omni New Haven Hotel, 155 Temple St., New Haven. $179.

Registration. 800-780-8476, pryor.com.

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For the third session of its six-session Human Resources Roundtable Breakfast Series, the labor and employment group of the law firm of Carmody & Torrance presents Wage & Hour (Exemptions) and Independent Contractors.

Roundtable discussion designed principally for HR professionals and in-house counsel. 8 a.m.-9:15 June 26 at 50 Leavenworth St., Waterbury. $65 ($250 for six sessions). Reservations. 203-5784247, aslack@carmodylaw.com.

Legal The New Haven County Bar Association’s Ask a Lawyer program offers free ten- to 15-minute consultations with an NHCBA attorney to all comers (no pre-registration necessary) each third Wednesday. 5-7 p.m. May 21 at Hagaman Memorial Library, 227 Main St., East Haven. Free.

203-468-3890, hagamanlibrary.info.

Management Fred Pryor presents Fundamentals of Project Management Workshop. Two-day seminar is designed to teach attendees how to successfully deploy the people, resources and tasks necessary to bring most any project in on time and within budget. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 23 at Omni New Haven Hotel, 155 Temple St., New Haven. $299.

Registration. 800-780-8476, pryor.com.

Small Business The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce in partnership with SCORE offers free and confidential Mentoring to entrepreneurs and small-business owners the second Thursday of each month.

Call for appointment. 9, 10 & 11 a.m. May 8 at 3 Colony St., Suite 301, Meriden. 203-235-7901, meridenchamber.com.

The New Haven chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) holds a Pre-Business Workshop. Attendees will learn essential business information on how to write a business plan, insurance needs of a business, financing/ bookkeeping, Connecticut tax information and marketing tips. 8:30 a.m.-noon May 14 in Rm. S105, Gateway Community College, 20 Church St., New Haven. Free. 203-865-7645, newhavenscore. org.

Under the auspices of the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce, SCORE volunteers offer free and confidential Mentoring to entrepreneurs and small-business owners the third Wednesday of each month. Counselors have experience in such areas as marketing, management, business-plan preparation and more. Call for appointment. 9, 10 & 11 a.m. May 21 at Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce, 100 S. Turnpike Rd., Wallingford. Free.

Reservations. 203-269-9891, maribel@quinncham. com.

HARD KNOCKS Continued from page 4

a white car after a brush fire. I wanted better.”

There will be no minimum-wage increases during the Carolla administration. “All this social welfare stuff seems progressive and well intentioned, but doesn’t foresee the crippling consequences. Whether it’s welfare, disability, [or] food stamps … we’re removing the motivating factor of being poor and miserable.”

President Me doesn’t mention many elected officials, but Elizabeth Warren draws Carolla’s fire, for telling Americans that “the system is rigged.”

The Oklahoma-born fedpol “did just fine,” he observes: “How did you do it? You worked in a restaurant, went to school, cracked a lot of f****** books, burned a lot of midnight oil, and pulled yourself up.

That’s the message. Stop telling people MAY 2014

RECREATION

The New Haven chapter of Business Network International meets Wednesdays. 8-9:30 a.m.

May 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Bourse, 839 Chapel St., New Haven. $100 registration; $365 annual fee.

203-789-2364, boursenewhaven.com.

Specifically designed with the business golfer in mind is the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce’s 13th annual Quinnipiac Golf League, which commences play April 22 and continues Tuesdays throughout the season. Shotgun start so all players finish nine holes at (approximately) the same time to allow time for networking. 5 p.m. Tuesdays at Traditional Golf Club, 37 Harrison Rd., Wallingford. $600/season members of Quinnipiac and New Haven chambers of commerce; $700 nonmembers. 203-269-9891, maribel@quinncham. com.

Milford Chamber of Commerce’s Wednesday Morning Leads Group meets 8:30-9:30 a.m. May 7, 14, 21, 28 at Milford Chamber of Commerce, 5 Broad St., Milford. Free. 203-8780681, chamber@milfordct.com.

The Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association, an association of predominantly African-American business people, holds networking sessions Wednesdays. 11 a.m.noon May 7, 14, 21, 28 at 192 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. Free. 203-562-2193.

The Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts its (awkwardly named) Charity & Golf Tournament Plus Tennis Challenge. Benefit for the Make-a-Wish Foundation features a four-person scramble format for golfers and a round robin four-person tournament format for tennis players. 10:45 a.m. golf registration (1 p.m. shotgun start), 1:30 p.m. tennis registration June 9 at the Farms Country Club, 180 Cheshire Rd., Wallingford. Golf $259 ($950 foursome); tennis $139. Registration. 203-288-6431, hamdenregionalchamber.com.

Connecticut Business Connections meets second Thursdays. 7:30 a.m. May 8 at the Greek Olive, 402 Sargent Dr., New Haven. 860-3431579, connecticutbusinessconnection.org.

The West Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Leads Plus A.M. Group meets second Thursdays.

8:30 a.m. May 8 at 140 Capt. Thomas Blvd., West Haven. 203-933-1500.

Middlesex County Toastmasters meets second and fourth Thursdays. 7 p.m. May 8, 22 at Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Rd., Middletown. 860-301-9402, middlesex.freetoasthost.com.

LEADS/ NETWORKING GROUPS The Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities (CABO), which describes itself as the state’s LGBT chamber of commerce, meets first Thursday mornings. 8-9:30 a.m. May 1, June 5 at the Pond House in Elizabeth Park, 1555 Asylum Ave., West Hartford. $15 members, $25 others. 203-903-8525, thecabo.org.

Award-winning sportswriter and ESPN personality Jackie MacMullan will be among the honorees at the Franciscan Life Center’s June 10 Sports Banquet & Silent Auction.

The Entrepreneur Business Forum (EBF) meets Thursdays. 7 a.m. May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at Hamden Healthcare Center, 1270 Sherman La., Hamden. Free. 860-877-3880.

The Milford chapter of Business Network International meets Fridays. 7-8:30 a.m. May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at Hilton Garden Inn, 291 Old Gate La., Milford. Free. 203-214-6336, greatermilfordbni.com.

The Professional Networking Group of Waterbury (PrefNet) meets Thursdays. 7 a.m.

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at Waterbury Regional Chamber, 83 Bank St., Waterbury. 203-575-101, ProfNetWaterbury.com.

The Sound chapter of Business Network International meets Fridays. 8-9:30 a.m. May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at Parthenon Diner, 374 E. Main St., Branford. Free. 203-208-1042.

The Hamden Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Business Network IV meets first and third Thursdays. 8 a.m. May 1, 15 at chamber office, 2969 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Free.

203-985-1200.

Milford Chamber of Commerce’s Friday Morning Leads Group meets. 11 a.m.-noon May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at Milford Chamber of Commerce, 5 Broad St., Milford. Free. 203-878-0681, chamber@milfordct.com.

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Alliance Leads Group meets first and third Thursdays. 8-9 a.m. May 1, 15 at GVCC, 10 Progress Dr. (2nd Fl.), Shelton. 203-925-4981, nancie@ greatervalleychamber.com.

The Fairfield I chapter of Business Network International meets Tuesdays. 7-8:30 a.m. May 6, 13, 20, 27 at First Congregational Church, 148 Beach Rd., Fairfield. Free. 203-430-4494.

the system is rigged and that the deck is stacked against them. Tell them to forget the deck and focus on themselves.”

Recognizing that most wealthy folks arrived at their station not through inheritance, but perseverance, Carolla wants “a one-percenter to be president. I want the overachiever. I grew up with the 99 percent. They’re not all that noble and hardworking. A lot of them are burnedout losers.”

President Carolla’s nominee for Secretary of Labor? Pal Jimmy Kimmel, who struggled for years in no- and lowwage radio. But he “thought long term, was a team player, [and] he never made excuses,” eventually securing a lucrative late-night slot on ABC, which later produced gigs hosting the Emmys and roasting the president at a White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Usually right on target, sometimes way off base, but always witty and insightful, Carolla is a unique, if potty-mouthed, talent.

The Waterbury chapter of Business Network International meets Tuesdays. 7-8:30 a.m. May 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Village at East Farms, 180 Scott Rd., Waterbury. 203-755-5548, waterburybni.com.

The Shoreline chapter of Business Network International meets Tuesdays. 7:15-8:30 a.m.

May 6, 13, 20, 27 at Parthenon Diner, 809 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. 203-245-0332.

The Hamden chapter of Business Network International meets Tuesdays. 7:15-8:45 a.m.

May 6, 13, 20, 27 at Knights of Columbus, 2630 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Free. 203-294-1505, hamdenbni.com.

The Milford Chamber of Commerce’s Tuesday Morning Leads Group meets. 8:30 a.m. May 6, 13, 20, 27 at Milford Chamber of Commerce, 5 Broad St., Milford. Free. 203-878-0681, chamber@milfordct.com.

Connecticut Business Connections meets first and third Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. May 6, 20 at Tuscany Grill, 120 College St., Middletown. 860-3431579, connecticutbusinessconnection.org.

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce’s (GVCC) Valley Business Network meets first and third Wednesdays. 8-9:15 a.m. May 7, 21 at GVCC, 10 Progress Dr. (2nd Fl.), Shelton. Free.

203-925-4981, laura@greatervalleychamber.com.

The Trumbull Business Network (formerly Bottom-Line Business Club) meets Wednesdays.

7:30-8:30 a.m. May 7, 14, 21, 28 at Helen Plumb Building, 571 Church Hill Rd., Trumbull. Members free (annual dues $50). Reservations. 203-4528383, trumbullbn.com/contactus.htm.

The Hamden Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Business Network III (formerly Leads Group III) meets second and fourth Mondays. 5 p.m. May 12 at SBC Restaurant & Brewery, 950 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Free. 203-288-6831.

The Hamden Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Business Network I (formerly Leads Group I) meets second and fourth Tuesdays. 8 a.m. May 13, 27 at 2969 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Free.

203-281-1233.

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce’s (GVCC) Women in Networking Leads Group meets second and fourth Tuesdays. 8:4510 a.m. May 13, 27 at GVCC, 10 Progress Dr. (2nd Fl.)., Shelton. Free. 203-925-4981.

The Hamden Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Business Network II (formerly Leads Group II) meets second and fourth Tuesdays. Noon May 13, 27 at Lifetime Solutions Community VNA, 2 Broadway, North Haven. Free. 203-288-7305.

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce’s (GVCC) Seeds-to-Leads Group meets second and fourth Wednesdays. 8 a.m. May 14, 28 at GVCC, 10 Progress Dr. (2nd Fl.), Shelton. Free.

203-925-4981, laura@greatervalleychamber.com.

The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce’s QNet Group meets the second and fourth Wednesdays. 8-9 a.m. May 14, 28 at 100 S. Turnpike Rd., Wallingford. Free. 203-234-0332, 203-269-9891, quinncham.com.

The Greater New Haven chapter of Toastmasters meets second and fourth Wednesdays. 6:30 p.m. May 14, 28 at New Haven City Hall, 165 Church St., New Haven. 203-871-3065.

The Connecticut Business Hall of Fame hosts a statewide networking event the third Friday each month. 7:30-9 a.m. May 16 at Connecticut Laborers Council, 475 Ledyard St., Hartford. $5. 860523-7500, ctbhof.com.

The Jewish Business League meets third Wednesdays for networking and informationsharing. 7:30-9:15 a.m. May 21 at Temple Beth David, 3 Main St., Cheshire. $8 advance, $10 at door. tinyurl.com/8-alnnuz.

The West Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Leads Plus P.M. Group meets fourth Thursdays. Noon May 22 at 140 Captain Thomas Blvd., West Haven. 203-933-1500.

The West Haven Chamber’s Women in Business meets the fourth Monday of each month.

11:45 a.m. at American Steakhouse, 3354 Sawmill Rd., West Haven. 203-933-1500.

Editor’s note: Fraternal meeting listings can be found on our website (ctcalendar.com) along with additional events taking place statewide.

Send CALENDAR listings to Business New Haven, 20 Grand Ave., New Haven 06513, or e-mail to news@conntact.com.

29

NewCo A Happy Diner Is a Frequent Diner WALLINGFORD — Working in her restaurant on a recent weekday, Fani Manos was conducting a conversation on the telephone when she paused to chat with a customer. The phone-hold was relatively long, because the customer had a lot to say — all of it good.

He walked away with a purchased gift certificate in his hand.

Keeping customers happy is an important linchpin of any company. In the restaurant business it’s especially important, because there are so many options.

Owners depend not only on customer loyalty, but on the word-of-mouth good will that money can’t buy. That’s why Manos makes a special effort to keep her patrons smiling.

“We’re not a chain. We can’t advertise [traditionally]. We don’t have the ability to do so,” says Manos, referring to the budget limitations that typically go hand-in-hand with launching a new business. “Word-ofmouth is the best advertising.”

Since opening Don Giovanni’s Italian Bistro five months ago (the restaurant had its grand opening in January), the new enterprise has been receiving plenty of favorable word-of-mouth, Manos says.

She believes that’s due to two major variables: the effort she and her staff make to be customer-friendly, and the equally important emphasis she puts on serving high-quality, meticulously prepared food.

“We’re here to cook,” says Manos, who genuinely enjoys chatting with and getting to know her customers. “I use better ingredients. We’re not a diner or a corner pizza store. I want to do the best and I want people to feel comfortable. When they come here, they know they’re going to have good quality.

“It’s always clean, and the food is always fresh,” she adds. “I do buy the best and only the best.”

At Don Giovanni’s, located at 600 North Colony Road, patrons can order a variety of meals from the lunch and dinner menu.

They include traditional Italian dishes such as lasagna and fettuccini Alfredo.

Special catering and party menus also are available.

“We make everything homemade — from the bread to the sauces to the salad dressings,” Manos notes.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

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Staff and well wishers help Fani Manos cut the ribon on her new restaurant Don Giovani’s Italian Bistro in Wallingford.

Manos has been in the restaurant business “all my life,” she says. Originally from Greece, she learned how to cook from family members — the best kind of training, she says.

“I learned from the best, grandparents, parents,” she says.

Her first business ventures after coming to the United States in 1977 were a supermarket and butcher shop in Bridgeport and Norwalk. She returned to Greece in 1992 and opened a Greek restaurant there. Manos returned to the U.S. in 1997, settling in Philadelphia. That’s where she began to focus on Italian cuisine.

“We had an Italian restaurant in Philadelphia,: she says. “I knew a couple that wanted to sell their [Italian] restaurant. They offered me a good deal, so they passed it on to me.”

She and husband and co-owner Andreas Ioannou began to miss Connecticut, however. They returned to the Nutmeg State, opening Captain Seas restaurant. The

seafood, burger and sandwich eatery is located at 905 North Colony Road, just a stone’s throw from Don Giovanni’s.

“Some of our [Don Giovanni’s] customers know us from down the street, so we have that trust,” Manos explains. She and Ioannou manage two separate staffs of about five full-time and four part-time employees. Overseeing the cooking duties as Don Giovanni’s is head chef and co-owner Kenny Fernandez, who was brought in from the Philadelphia restaurant.

“We spend all of our time here,” says Manos, adding that she enjoys the restaurant business. She fills in when needed in the kitchen.

“I think cooking is a passion,” she says.

“And either you have it, or you don’t.”

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Can Infrastructure Plan Bring Job Gains?

TECHNOLOGY A renewed emphasis on Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure could bring thousands of jobs to the state over the next five years, according to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

While announcing last month “an ambitious five-year plan” that includes massive improvements to the state’s transportation systems, Malloy said jobs would be among the plan’s many benefits.

REALESTATE “These projects will facilitate commerce, stimulate economic development, improve the daily commutes of countless residents and create thousands of immediate construction jobs,” Malloy said in a release.

Transportation Capital Infrastructure Program for 2014-18, its most recent capital plan update. The sweeping plan lists improvements to the state’s highways and bridges; bus and railway fleet enhancements and facility maintenance and upgrades; and maritime port improvements.

and CEO of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association. CBIA has announced its own initiative to bolster Connecticut’s standing throughout the nation as a major business attraction by the year 2017 (see story this issue).

Improving the transportation system is a major component of that effort.

“A modern and efficient transportation infrastructure has long been cited as one of the key components of a competitive business climate,” said Rathgeber in the release. “As Connecticut strives to be one of the best states to do business, these investments are critical to accessing regional, national and global markets.”

MARKETING&MEDIA Malloy has proposed a state transportation budget allotment of approximately $1.8 billion to fund the transportation improvement effort, delineated in the state Department of Transportation’s

Malloy made his announcement at the site of one of the planned projects, widening a section of I-84 in Waterbury.

Among those in attendance were a number of lawmakers and business leaders, including John R. Rathgeber, president

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Others with a vested interest in the transportation project’s job-creation aspect also went on record in support of it.

Elm City Summer Jobs NEW HAVEN — Applications for New Haven Department of Parks, Recreation & Trees’ non-tested, temporary seasonal positions are now being accepted.

Available positions for summer employment range from lifeguard/water safety instructor to program specialist to program aide. Duties, hourly pay and job requirements for each position vary. A program aide, for example, might be assigned to be an arts-and-crafts instructor, assistant camp counselor, lunch aide and/or locker room attendant. That position, which pays between $9 and $9.75 per hour, is open to high school students 16 years of age or older, as well as high school graduates. Some positions require a current driver’s license. For more information about summer job requirements and availability with the Parks Department, visit the office at 720 Edgewood Avenue between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

State’s Job Growth Continues to Lag Of all the states in the nation, Connecticut was among those having the smallest increase in the number of jobs last month, according to Intuit’s April Small Business Indexes. The monthly report ranked Connecticut seventh-worst for job growth, with 0.06-percent change over MAY 2014

“As the investments that already have been made by Governor Malloy come online, people are returning to work and this is the time to step up the momentum and take the construction industry’s ability to drive jobs and economic activity to scale,” stated Don Shubert, president of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association. “These projects not only provide local jobs, but once the improvements are in place, all of the benefits go to Connecticut residents.

These much-needed transportation improvements provide opportunities, change lives, and build stronger communities.”

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State Adds 5,000 Jobs in March

in April was $2,741, a $2 increase over March.

Fairfield Job Market Flat NORWALK – A two-percent March rise in job postings at Fairfi ledCountyJobs.com left a top administrator of the online employment service unimpressed. Despite the upward blip over the previous month, David Lewis, CEO of parent company AllCountyJobs.com, does not predict an upward trend. “The March numbers continue to show a trend of unremarkable activity in the area’s job market,” Lewis stated in a release. “With Q1 2014 fi nishing out with a modest four-percent increase in job posting activity, the outlook for the second quarter is similarly fl at. Any significant movements upward are not clearly seen on the horizon.”

Jobs posted most frequently

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— Felicia Hunter on FairfieldCountyJobs.com included positions in administration, sales and customer service.

Financial services, nonprofit and legal industries attracted the highest volume of postings, and the most popular markets in March were Stamford, Norwalk and Westport.

the previous month. By comparison, the state at the top of the report’s list for job growth, Virginia, increased its number of positions by 0.3 percent between March 24 and April 23. States ranking below Connecticut are Tennessee, Louisiana, Illinois, Missouri, Massachusetts and Minnesota. The Intuit Small Business Indexes is a series of monthly reports that provides insight into trends centering on employment and revenue for small (fewer than 20 employees) U.S. businesses. Information is garnered from 225,000 Intuit Online Payroll and QuickBooks Online Payroll small-business customers. Among other fi ndings for the April report are that small business employment grew by 0.12 percent last month; “professional and technical services” was the only sector to see a revenue increase (0.07 percent) on a per-business basis in March; and the average monthly pay of small business hourly employees

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The project will result in “a positive flow of goods, services and job creation,” said David Roche, president of the Connecticut State Building Trades.

“Our workers look forward to doing their part to upgrading and rebuilding our highways, roads and bridges for a better Connecticut.”

WETHERSFIELD — Employment stagnation attributed to the harsh winter weather seems to have experienced a seasonal thaw, with the state adding 4,900 non-farm positions in March, according to preliminary statistics from the state Department of Labor’s Office of Research. That’s a 0.3-percent increase in jobs over February. The unemployment rate for March remained at seven percent, the same as the previous month. “March showed some solid signs of a return to previous job growth trends,” said Andy Condon, director of the Office of Research, in a release. “These include the third month in a row of an expanding labor force and employment/population ratio, growing manufacturing employment, and positive movements in private-sector hours and earnings Recovery trend employment growth appears to be returning following the volatile winter.”

Among sectors reporting the greatest job gains for the month of March are leisure and hospitality (2,300 added positions) and transportation and public

utilities (2,000 positions). Two sectors reported net job losses for March. The professional and business services sector lost 900 positions, and construction ended the month with 700 fewer jobs. DOL estimates that the state has recovered slightly more than half of the positions lost during the recessionary period from March 2008 to February 2010. Approximately 119,100 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs were lost during that time, the department reports. It asserts that since then a total of 65,000 positions, or 54.6 percent, have been regained.

City Seeks Library Director NEW HAVEN — The Elm City is looking for a new library director.

Qualifications include a master’s degree in library science, business, nonprofit management or a related field; a minimum of ten years of leadership/management/administrative experience; at least five years overseeing personnel and working with unions; and a knowledge of new technologies, among other requirements. The library director guides the administration of all functions of the city library system, working collaboratively with the city’s various educational, cultural and social agencies.

Strategic planning, fundraising and development also are within the library director’s bailiwick.

Application materials for the position will be accepted through May 25. For more information e-mail Dan Bradbury at danbradbury@gossagesager.com.

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