Connecticut Tourism Means Business

From the Commissioner’s Desk

Earlier this month DECD hosted the 2017 Connecticut Governor’s Conference on Tourism, an annual gathering that brings together stakeholders from across the state to highlight efforts to strengthen this important industry sector.

One of the conference’s focuses this year was our recent economic-impact study that showed a strong correlation between the marketing we do and the number of tourists who visit the state each year. Given the size of the industry in the state – it’s nearly 10 percent of the economy and employs over 82,000 people – our investment in tourism makes great sense.

If you haven’t done so already I would encourage you to check out CTvisit.com. The user-friendly site features over 4,000 events each year and is a great way to explore all the great things Connecticut has to offer.

Catherine

Arkansas-based SCA Pharmaceuticals to open new facility in Windsor, create 361 jobs

SCA Pharmaceuticals, which makes specialized compounds like cardiovascular drips, antibiotics, epidurals, saline drips and many other solutions, will build a manufacturing facility in Windsor and create 361 jobs. The company employs 260 people at its headquarters in Little Rock, Ark.

SCA will lease a building on Rainbow Road and spend almost $20 million on facility upgrades and equipment with the help of an $8.5 million Manufacturing Assistance Act loan, which the State Bond Commission approved May 12. If the company creates the 361 jobs within five years, $4.5 million of the loan will be forgiven.

Seven communities finalists for CTNext Innovation Places Implementation Grants

Seven communities have been named finalists for CTNext Innovation Places Implementation Grants. Each community has developed a plan to attract talent and high-growth companies and create a network of entrepreneurs, innovators, tech talent, support organizations and research institutions.

The communities selected included Danbury; New Haven; Norwalk; Stamford; a group consisting of Berlin, Farmington and New Britain; a pairing of  Hartford and East Hartford; and a pairing of New London and Groton. The winners, to be named in June, will receive funds for their plans to stimulate their local innovation ecosystems. 

Chester-based AeroCision named Rolls-Royce Aerospace Divison Supplier of the Year

AeroCision, which makes complex rings, impellers and casings for turbine-engine manufacturers at its facilities in Chester and in Bangalore, India, has been named the Rolls-Royce Aerospace Division Supplier of the Year.

The company’s workforce is growing, with that growth helped in part by AeroCision’s participation in Connecticut exhibits at overseas trade shows and a Small Business Express loan. “Our people and supply chain have demonstrated incredible resilience, flexibility and an unyielding devotion to 100-percent quality and delivery,” said Andrew Gibson, AeroCision CEO. “Our culture creates a natural redundancy that assures top performance.”

Jackson Labs partners with CSCU system in bioscience workforce-development initiative

The Jackson Laboratory and the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) system have established the Genomics Workforce Institute to prepare students for careers in bioscience and biotechnology. Goals include promoting professional development, faculty collaboration, hands-on training and direct access to potential employers.

The institute will include an annual career forum; attendance by two selected CSCU faculty at a five-day course in molecular genetics, bioethics and teaching techniques; outreach to high school students through established programs like Gear Up and Bridges to Success; internships; and other initiatives.

Connecticut’s hydrogen / fuel-cell industry meet the world at Hannover Messe trade fair

Five Connecticut hydrogen and fuel-cell companies took their place on the world stage at the Hannover Messe industrial fair April 24-28 in Germany. Four of the companies – Midsun Specialty Products of Berlin, Precision Combustion of North Haven, Mott Corporation of Farmington and US Fuel Cell of South Windsor – were in a Connecticut pavilion, while Wallingford-based Proton OnSite had its own exhibit.

The Connecticut pavilion was the result of a partnership of the Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster and the Connecticut Hydrogen Fuel Cell Coalition, both administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, and DECD.

In the news: Growing Connecticut businesses

Check out these recent articles spotlighting businesses that are growing and thriving in Connecticut, including Community Health Center, Connecticut Spring & Stamping and Euro-American Connections and Homecare. 

Blue Sky Studios, maker of ‘Ice Age,’ other animated hits, to stay in Conn. through 2025

Blue Sky Studios, which has produced hit films including “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who,” “Ice Age” and “Rio,” has extended its lease and agreed to stay in Greenwich through at least 2025. 

Blue Sky’s workforce numbered about 200 when it moved to Greenwich in 2009. Since then, with the help of state Digital Animation Tax Credits, Blue Sky has more than doubled its staff and now employs about 450, including artists, engineers and scientists. “Blue Sky Studios is one of the world’s leading digital animation movie studios and we are proud of their commitment to stay and grow in Connecticut,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement.

Business-education collaboration leads to new energy-industry programs at Tunxis CC, SCSU

For years, state schools, colleges and universities have been developing and offering programs to meet the needs of businesses. New degree programs at Tunxis Community College in Farmington and Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven are training people for careers in energy-related fields.

SCSU now offers a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in utility management, which prepares students for careers in risk management and accounting with utility companies. Tunxis’s associate’s degree in energy management, meanwhile, prepares students for careers in fields such as energy auditing, facilities management and other energy-efficiency jobs.

With new name, Upward Hartford’s incubator ready to help startups achieve success

Upward Hartford, formerly known as Innovate Hartford, has opened a 27,000-square-foot incubator space in the so-called “Stilts Building.” Upward Hartford intends to bring entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and others together to spark economic development.

Upward Hartford said it has attracted $4 million in investments and is recruiting Israeli startups that want to establish themselves in the Northeast and access large markets. Its two floors offer offices, conference rooms, a café and bar, a game room and other amenities. Rents range from $350 for access to the space up to $1,800 a month for offices.