So many exciting things happening in Connecticut. As plans to reopen the state continue to evolve, there are several programs being created or extended at a rapid pace. CTmrg will attempt to keep CT manufacturers apprised of changes that can affect their business.
Below is information on some of these programs:
• Ukraine Crisis Creates Ripple Effects for Connecticut Manufacturers
(Connecticut Public Radio – 4/6/22) – The Russian invasion of Ukraine is affecting an already beleaguered global supply chain, weakened by pandemic-driven labor shortages. The state’s small, high-value manufacturers are now powering through higher transportation costs and higher prices of imported metals.
• New Agreement Positions Connecticut to be Production Home for New Helicopter Lines and Keeps Sikorsky’s Headquarters in the State Through 2042
(Advance Connecticut – 3/28/22) – Governor Ned Lamont announced that his administration has reached an agreement with Sikorsky parent company Lockheed Martin that may bring potential new helicopter lines to Sikorsky’s Stratford facility, sustain more than 7,000 jobs, and keep Sikorsky’s headquarters in Connecticut through 2042.
• “Manufacturing is coming back on the whistle.” Lamont says new technology manufacturing center is key to state’s future (Connecticut News/Darick News – 2/11/22) – The state has launched a new Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center in western Connecticut. Governor Ned Lamont joined state education leaders on Friday to unveil the new center at West-Con’s campus in Danbury. The facility will enroll up to 24 students in a two-semester certificate program that prepares individuals for practical positions in manufacturing.
• Governor Lamont Launches CareerConneCT, Investing $70 Million to Help Workers Impacted by COVID-19 Get Back to Work Through Job Training Programs (HARTFORD, CT – 1/5/22) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration is launching CareerConneCT, a program designed to help workers whose employment was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals will now have access to short-term training programs, where they can earn an industry-recognized credential and enter employment in high-quality and in-demand careers.
• Governor Lamont Announces Tunxis Community College Will Be Home to Nation’s Only National Science Foundation Next Generation Manufacturing Technology Center
(HARTFORD, CT – 6/16/21) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Tunxis Community College and the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) College of Technology have received a $7.5 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to lead the nation’s only NSF National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. The center will partner with leadership teams from Columbus State Community College in Ohio, College of the Canyons in California, Central Community College in Nebraska, and Indian River State College in Florida, as well as collaborators from education, industry, government and private and public organizations from throughout the United States to operationalize Industry 4.0 initiatives in Connecticut and throughout the nation.
• Governor Lamont Announces More Than 108,000 Businesses Registered for Connecticut Paid and Medical Leave Program, Submitted $102M in First Quarter Contributions
(HARTFORD, CT – 5/3/21) Registrations and Collection Exceed Projections for New Benefit Program – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority has registered 108,911 businesses and collected more than $102 million in first quarter contributions for Connecticut’s newly established paid family and medical leave program, surpassing initial projections.
Businesses began registering for the program on January 1, 2021. Paid leave benefits will become accessible to qualified workers across the state beginning January 1, 2022.
• Governor Lamont Announces New Business Tools Now Available at Business.CT.Gov
(HARTFORD, CT – 2/8/21) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut’s online business portal – business.ct.gov – continues to add more features that will make it easier for entrepreneurs to find information and services that aid in the process of starting or managing their businesses in Connecticut. Using feedback gathered from entrepreneurs, the state has continued to customize this one-stop-shop experience for users.
Some of the newly added features during this most recent update include: Resource Center, Business Dashboard, and Connecticut COVID-19 Content.