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SPONSORS 2012 SURVEY OF NORTHWEST CONNECTICUT BUSINESSES

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Page 1: northweSt ConneCtiCut BuSineSSeS - CBIA · 2012-11-26 · he northwest connecticut chamber of commerce ... Many businesses were unable to choose a single answer ... In a question

SponSorS

2012 Survey of

northweSt ConneCtiCut BuSineSSeS

Page 2: northweSt ConneCtiCut BuSineSSeS - CBIA · 2012-11-26 · he northwest connecticut chamber of commerce ... Many businesses were unable to choose a single answer ... In a question

IntroductIonT

he northwest connecticut chamber of commerce

and the connecticut Business & Industry

Association (cBIA) are pleased to collaborate

on the third biennial survey of businesses in northwestern

connecticut.

companies of all types and sizes were asked about their

highest business priorities, biggest challenges, and long-

term plans; their economic outlook; regional strengths;

and concerns about the state’s fiscal situation, tax

policies, and regulatory burdens. they also were asked to

identify resources they use to recruit workers and market

themselves, impacts they believe federal healthcare

reform will have on their business, and best bets for

spurring economic growth in the region and statewide.

Questionnaires were emailed in September 2012 to

1,100 businesses throughout northwestern connecticut;

responses were collected from 370 of them.

this report details the findings.

contentSIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

executive Summary

2012 Key Findings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

top Priorities, challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

taxes, regulatory Burden . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Workforce Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Social Media, Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

About the Survey

Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

About the Sponsors

Alcoa, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Bd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Litchfield Bancorp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

northeast utilities companies . . . . . . . . 13

northwest community Bank . . . . . . . . . 14

northwest connecticut chamber of commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Webster Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

About cBIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Page 3: northweSt ConneCtiCut BuSineSSeS - CBIA · 2012-11-26 · he northwest connecticut chamber of commerce ... Many businesses were unable to choose a single answer ... In a question

2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS2

2012 Key Findings While 34% of respondents say maintaining and

growing the manufacturing base should be the top

economic priority for northwestern connecticut, 25%

believe regional collaboration (e.g., among economic

development groups, banks, accounting firms, utilities,

and chambers of commerce) to attract business

investment is key.

72% of firms give the region’s economic climate a

below-average rating. only 6% rate the climate as good

(compared with 9% two years ago, and 28% in 2008).

More than half of all respondents (56%) expect

conditions to stay the same over the next 12 months.

Investments in towns/cities and education, along with

incentives for businesses to create jobs, are widely

executIve SuMMAry“This region’s ability to survive and thrive in the deepest recession in decades is testimony to the

strength and vitality of the business community dedicated to making northwest Connecticut an even better place in which to live and work. The regional collaborations that are in place will sustain our corner of the state as it rebounds and will help it thrive in this highly competitive global market.”

JoAnn Ryan | President & ceo, northwest connecticut chamber of commerce

n Maintaining/growingtheregion’smanufacturingindustry

n Regionalcollaborationtoattractbusinessinvestment

n Improvingthetransportationinfrastructure

n Affordablehousing

n Strengtheningentrepreneurship

n Improvingtowns/citiesandeducationtomakeareamoreattractiveforfamilies

n Maintaining/growingtheregion’stourismindustry

n Other

toP econoMIc PrIorItIeS For nortHWeSt connectIcut

34%

25%

10%

10%

8%6%

5%

3%

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS 3

viewed as the most helpful actions to spur economic

growth in the region.

2014 largely is seen as the greatest period of national,

state, and regional economic recovery in terms of jobs,

housing prices, and consumer confidence—although

a considerable number of respondents believe

conditions will not improve to any meaningful extent

until 2016 or beyond.

the majority of businesses (62%) say the cost of

doing business is a major challenge to employers in

northwestern connecticut, and 38% characterize the

region’s lending climate as below average.

More than one-quarter of respondents (27%) say

current credit conditions negatively impacted their

ability to do business. of those, 63% were unable to

grow or expand, 43% reduced their marketing budgets,

29% trimmed employee compensation or benefits,

and 24% reduced their workforce.

Healthcare costs specifically are considered a

“significant burden” by nearly two-thirds (66%) of

businesses. Government regulation (48%) and state

taxes (45%) also are significantly burdensome.

though costs associated with technology are not

seen as problematic by most businesses (only 9%

said they were a significant burden), nearly half of

all respondents (48%) admit that keeping up with

technology to promote their business is a challenge,

and 45% say quality broadband is an issue.

executIve SuMMAry

2012 20142013 2015 2016 or beyond

exPected econoMIc recovery oF joBS, HouSInG PrIceS, And conSuMer conFIdence

nNorthwesternConnecticutnConnecticutnU.S.

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS4

businesses cited the following:

weak economy (34%)

taxes (21%)

state mandates and regulatory burden (19%)

healthcare costs (9%)

energy costs (5%)

Many businesses were unable to choose a single answer

but cited a combination of factors or “all of the above.”

Still others, in open-ended responses, blamed

demographic trends—specifically, an aging population

and a dearth of young, skilled workers.

When asked how burdensome certain cost factors are

for their business, respondents said the following posed

a “significant burden:”

healthcare (66%)

government regulation (48%)

state taxes (45%)

energy (35%)

local property taxes (29%)

labor (17%)

marketing (13%)

technology (9%)

90% of businesses are concerned or extremely

concerned about connecticut’s budget deficit,

and 65% say the deficit affected their long-term

business decisions.

top Priorities, challengesWhen asked about the single greatest challenge to

operating a business in northwestern connecticut,

“It is gratifying to know that businesses agree on the exceptional place we call home, but the perception

persists that ‘poor credit conditions’ have had a negative effect on the economy. The community banks throughout the region stand willing and able to assist qualified borrowers and are certainly not part of the problem, rather part of the solution.”

Tom Villanova | President & ceo,Litchfield Bancorp

BurdenSoMe oPerAtInG coStS

nSignificantburdennModerateburdennSlightorinsignificantburden

LocaL property

taxes

29%

47%

24%

Government reGuLation

48%

34%

18%

HeaLtHcare

66%

28%

6%

enerGy (eLectric, oiL, Gas)

35%

48%

18%

state taxes

45%

39%

17%

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS 5

In addition to ramping up manufacturing (cited by 34% of

respondents) and regional collaboration to attract business

investment (25%), top economic priorities for northwestern

connecticut include strengthening entrepreneurship (10%)

and improving education and municipalities to make the

area more attractive for families (10%).

outlooknine out of 10 respondents are concerned

or extremely concerned about the state’s

fiscal situation and budget deficit.

two-thirds say the deficit impacted their

long-term business decisions.

In a question on what factors will have the biggest

influence on business operations and decisions over the

next 12 months, national economic uncertainties (44%)

came in first. the state’s fiscal condition came in second

(24%), followed by the price of energy* and commodities,

lack of skilled labor, and tight credit conditions.

the greatest period of economic recovery for the region

in terms of jobs, housing, and consumer confidence

is largely predicted to occur in 2014. the next biggest

cluster of respondents thinks it will be delayed to 2016

or beyond. Fewer than 15% of respondents expect this

type of recovery for the region, state, or u.S. in 2013, and

virtually no one expects it in 2012.

though businesses by and large believe economic

conditions will remain stable over the next year, 28%

anticipate some improvement, while 15% expect

conditions to deteriorate.

Forty percent of respondents expect their revenues to

increase in 2013, and 33% foresee an increase in their

pretax profits. on the other hand, decreases in revenue

and pretax profits are projected by 18% and 32% of

companies, respectively.

Most businesses anticipate no change in the size of their

workforce; however, 22% plan to add employees, and

11% expect to lose some.

extremely concerned

Slightly concerned

concerned

not at all concerned

54%

36%

9%

1%

concerned ABout connectIcut’S BudGet deFIcIt or FIScAL SItuAtIon?

* this survey was in the field just prior to Gov. Malloy’s announcement in october of connecticut’s new comprehensive energy Strategy, a blueprint for cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy in the state.

In 2013, WHAt do you exPect oF nortHWeStern connectIcut?

nSignificantincrease nDecrease

nIncrease nSignificantdecrease

nStaythesame

number of empLoyees

21%

67%

10%

1% 1%

totaL saLes revenue

37%

43%

16%

2% 2%

pre tax profits

31%

36%

26%

6% 2%

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS6

creditcredit conditions posed a challenge for a number of

the region’s businesses.

More than one in four companies surveyed (27%) say

current credit conditions negatively impact their ability to

do business, restricting their ability to grow or increase

inventory, delaying their purchase of capital equipment,

and forcing cutbacks in their marketing budgets,

employee compensation and benefits, and workforce.

Many companies report that business has suffered

because their clients are unable to secure loans.

While 42% of respondents describe today’s lending

climate as average, 38% say it’s below average (fair

or poor). only 20% characterize it as above average

(18% say it’s good; 2% say it’s excellent).

taxes, regulatory BurdenIn an open-ended question on which federal and state

regulations most adversely impact their business,

respondents’ answers clustered in six main areas.

taxes—including state sales tax, payroll, unemployment,

personal property, and real estate taxes—are an

overriding concern, accounting for 40% of responses.*

(tax laws were characterized as “costly,” “confusing,”

and “difficult to administer.”)

other common responses:

mandated state healthcare provisions and the new

federal healthcare law (13% of responses)

labor laws (12%)

financial services regulations, including

dodd-Frank (11%)

environmental regulations (7%)

oSHA regulations (3%)

Workforce IssuesIn terms of hiring new employees over the last 12 months,

businesses in northwestern connecticut were nearly

evenly divided: 52% hired; 48% did not.

“The survey shows the need for state policymakers to focus on providing more confidence to area business

leaders by doing things like getting the state’s fiscal house in order.”

Peter M. Gioia | vice President & economist, cBIA

*In a separate question on taxes, the personal income tax was most worrisome for the greatest share of respondents (28%)—more than local property taxes (19%) or corporate taxes (18%). that is likely because a large number of companies surveyed are S-corporations, LLcs, and other pass-through entities—meaning that they pay their business taxes through the personal income tax.

dId your coMPAny HIre Any neW eMPLoyeeS over tHe LASt 12 MontHS? do you AntIcIPAte

HIrInG Any neW eMPLoyeeS over tHe next 12 MontHS?

Last 12 months next 12 months

Yes

52%Yes

38%

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS 7

the next 12 months look bleaker: only 38% plan to hire;

62% do not.

of those hiring, nearly half (46%) say they have had

difficulty filling positions.

In shortest supply are skilled manufacturing workers,

including cnc machinists, assemblers, welders, and

toolmakers. (to add to the problem, more than half of all

businesses surveyed believe the public has a negative

view of manufacturing jobs. only 26% believe there is

not a negative perception, and 23% are unsure.)

Also in demand throughout northwestern connecticut are

workers to fill positions in healthcare, management, sales,

housekeeping, and retail.

technology/computer, math/science, healthcare, basic

employability, and manufacturing-specific skills are all

seen as key capabilities for employees over the next

few years.

the quality of the region’s workforce is largely seen as

average (34%) or good (29%). twenty-six percent of

businesses describe workforce quality in the area as

slightly lower than average (26%). only about 6% of

respondents see it as poor; by the same token, only

5% call it excellent.

When asked how much training new hires need (on a

scale of 1-5, with 5 being “extensive training”), most

respondents put the level of training at 4 (33%) or 5 (24%).

the number and availability of workers in the region

presents an even greater problem. nearly 40% of

businesses say the availability of workers is poor or fair,

and 36% consider it average. one in six companies

surveyed say a lack of affordable housing hurts their

“Northwest Community Bank is pleased to once again partner with the Northwest Connecticut

Chamber and CBIA in this ever- so-important economic survey. As we continue to face many challenges in this difficult economy, this survey will provide us with the tools to navigate the current business climate and develop strategies for enhancing the economic vitality of the northwest region.”

stephen P. Reilly | President & ceo, northwest community Bank

3%5%

21%23%

29%

26%

36%

16%

34%

6%

excellent Good FairAverage Poor

HoW WouLd you deScrIBe nortHWeStern connectIcut’S WorKForce In terMS oF tHe FoLLoWInG?

nQuantity/availabilitynQuality

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS8

ability to attract and retain employees. A shortage of

young workers due to the area’s limited social/recreational

opportunities also is seen as an obstacle in attracting

employees (cited by 25% of respondents).

More than half of the businesses we surveyed (56%) said

connecticut’s aging population is a somewhat or very

significant concern in terms of their ability to maintain an

adequate workforce. one in 10 say that language barriers

are a problem for many of their workers. transportation is

an issue among 28% of employers surveyed.

Healthcarecompanies are divided on healthcare policy. While

62% do not support the federal Patient Protection and

Affordable care Act (“obamacare”), 38% do.

they are split on healthcare coverage as well: 62%

provide employee health insurance, while 38% do not.

Strategies believed to have the greatest potential for

reducing healthcare costs are tort reform to reduce

malpractice costs, a reduction in the number of state-

mandated health insurance benefits, and a greater

focus on prevention and wellness.

Social Media, Marketingnearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) use social

networking platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and

twitter, but fewer than half (48%) use them to market

their products or services.

In 2009, when we first began tracking connecticut

businesses’ use of social media technology, only 22%

believed that LinkedIn, Facebook, or twitter held any

“The near-term prospects for a sustained recovery of the national, state, and regional economies are

concerning. Collectively we have to redouble our efforts to gain operational efficiencies and identify opportunities for growth. Our elected leaders need to work with us to find the solutions to the issues raised in this survey.”

John A. O’Toole | Project Manager,economic & community relations, cL&P–yankee Gas Services

3%

17%

23%

33%

24%

1 2 43 5

on A ScALe oF 1–5, HoW MucH trAInInG do neW HIreS need?

Less training more training

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS 9

potential business benefit. A year earlier, only 29%

considered the Internet a viable strategy for growing

their business. today, 80% of northwestern connecticut

businesses use the Internet as a marketing tool.

Print ads (55% of respondents) and direct mail (41%) are

deployed less frequently.

regional resources used to market products and services

include the northwest connecticut chamber of commerce

and the northwest connecticut Arts council.

the most widely used marketing vehicle for northwestern

connecticut businesses—cited by 82% of respondents—

is word of mouth.

conclusionWhen we last conducted this survey, in 2010, businesses

in northwestern connecticut predicted that a regional,

statewide, and national economic recovery would begin

in earnest around 2012.

clearly, it is taking longer than expected for the economy

to rebound.

nearly three-quarters of the businesses we surveyed

characterize economic conditions in the region as below

average, and six out of 10 expect those conditions to

persist at least another year. respondents generally see

2014 as the year of solid recovery and growth.

to achieve growth and create jobs, they believe

northwestern connecticut must strengthen regional

collaboration, maintain and grow the area’s manufacturing

base, and invest in improvements to towns, cities, and

education. In addition, credit needs to be more readily

available so that businesses can expand to their potential.

Policymakers have an opportunity to help in the next

General Assembly session by getting the government’s

fiscal house in order and addressing high business costs,

including the cost of healthcare.

“This survey captures important feedback regarding the issues impacting the business

climate in northwestern Connecticut as well as our entire state and nation. Those who responded are obviously very much engaged in the topics, as we received close to 400 replies from a broad spectrum of industries.”

Rick O’Brien | regional President Western connecticut, Webster Bank

“Many respondents indicated deep concerns about state and local economic conditions

compounding the problems we face at the national level. These results should spur decisive action to promote strong growth in the northwest corner.”

Dave Anderson | Plant Manager, Bd

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS10

Methodologythis survey was emailed to top executives at approximately

1,100 businesses throughout northwestern connecticut in

mid-September 2012. We received 370 responses, for a

return rate of 33.6% and a margin of error of +/-5.2%.

demographicsIndustries represented in the survey:

Professional services (20%)

manufacturing (19%)

Finance, insurance, and real estate (16%)

Retail (11%)

arts and entertainment (8%)

Construction (7%)

social services (6%)

hospitality and tourism (4%)

medical (4%)

Farming/agriculture (2%)

Wholesale distribution (2%)

Most respondents are business-to-consumer companies,

with 58% identifying residents of northwestern connecticut

as their primary market. Another 10% market primarily

to tourists and visitors to the region. ten percent are

B2B companies.

More than a third of businesses (36%) are privately held,

and almost as many (29%) are family-owned. Fifteen

percent are women-owned. Average company size is

103 employees. the average age of respondents was

54 years.

the vast majority of companies surveyed (93%) are

headquartered in connecticut. Most (82%) support local

philanthropic efforts, and one-third (33%) benefit from

such initiatives.

company types include:

Privately held (36%)

Family-owned (29%)

Incorporated (28%)

Limited liability corporation (21%)

Woman-owned (15%)

Publicly held (8%)

minority-owned (1%)

Foreign-owned (1%)

ABout tHe Survey

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS 11

ABout tHe Survey

20%PROfessIONAl

seRVICes

19%MANufACTuRING

16%fINANCe,

INsuRANCe, AND ReAl esTATe

11%ReTAIl

8%

7%

6%

fARMING/ AGRICulTuRe

(2%)

WhOlesAle DIsTRIBuTION

(2%)

hOsPITAlITY AND TOuRIsM

(4%)MeDICAl

(4%)

ARTs AND eNTeRTAINMeNT

CONsTRuCTION

sOCIAl seRVICes

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS12

BdBd is a leading global medical technology company

that develops, manufactures, and sells medical devices,

instrument systems, and reagents. the company is

dedicated to improving people’s health throughout

the world. Bd is focused on improving drug delivery,

enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious

diseases and cancers, and advancing research,

discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines.

Bd’s capabilities are instrumental in combating many of

the world’s most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and

headquartered in Franklin Lakes, new jersey, Bd employs

approximately 29,000 associates in more than 50 countries

throughout the world. the company serves healthcare

institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories,

the pharmaceutical industry, and the general public.

Visit bd.com.

Alcoa, Inc.Alcoa (nySe:AA) is the world leader in the production and

management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum

and alumina combined, through its active and growing

participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa

Power and Propulsion, a business unit of Alcoa, consists

of Alcoa Howmet and Alcoa cast Products. this global

business is a leader in airfoil and structural investment

castings for the aerospace, defense, energy and

industrial markets. Its technology-leading products are

used primarily in jet engines and industrial gas turbines.

With 22 production facilities worldwide, Alcoa Power and

Propulsion employs approximately 9,000 people.

Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging,

building and construction, commercial transportation

and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering,

production and other capabilities of Alcoa’s businesses

to customers. In addition to aluminum products and

components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy

extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa®

wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment

castings, and building systems. the company has been

has been a member of the dow jones Sustainability Index

for eight consecutive years. Alcoa employs approximately

59,000 people in 31 countries across the world.

Visit alcoa.com.

ABout tHe SPonSorS

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS 13

ABout tHe SPonSorSnortheast utilities companiesnortheast utilities (nu) operates new england’s largest

energy delivery company. nu and its companies are

committed to safety, reliability, environmental leadership

and stewardship, as well as expanding energy options

for its more than 3.5 million electric and natural gas

customers in connecticut, Massachusetts, and new

Hampshire. Headquartered in Boston, MA, and Hartford,

ct, nu is a Fortune 500 company traded on the new york

Stock exchange under the symbol nu.

Visit nu.com.

Litchfield BancorpLitchfield Bancorp is a well-capitalized, $200 million,

full-service mutual institution that has served Litchfield

county since 1850. We are proud of our heritage and

the record we’ve established as a highly responsive,

customer-centric institution. our branch network includes

offices in Litchfield, torrington, oakville, Washington and

Lakeville. As a mutual bank we have no stockholders,

and our only focus is on our customers and the

communities we serve. our directors and corporators

are recognized leaders in northwest connecticut, and

we seek their advice on how we can expand and improve

our services and products.

We offer a full range of services tailored to the needs

of the northwest connecticut business community and

have a special focus on professional organizations.

Most importantly we work as partners with our

commercial clients, and that teamwork is critical to

their growth and success.

Visit litchfieldbancorp.com.

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS14

northwest community Banknorthwest community Bank is a mutually owned, state-

chartered bank resulting from the 1996 merger of Winsted

Savings Bank and northwest Bank for Savings (formerly

Mechanics Savings Bank of Winsted). As we celebrate

our 150th year in business, we continue our long-standing

tradition of helping local businesses and residents grow

and prosper. We provide an array of financial services and

products, including safe, FdIc-insured deposit products

as well as loans for any worthwhile purpose.

In addition to its headquarters in Winsted, the bank has

branches in Avon, east Granby, Granby, new Hartford,

and torrington, as well as an academic branch in

northwestern regional #7 School in Winsted.

on january 31, 2001, northwest community Bank joined

Litchfield Bancorp to form the connecticut Mutual Holding

company, the state’s first multibank mutual partnership.

collinsville Savings Society joined the connecticut Mutual

Holding company on jan. 1, 2010. this affiliation allows

all three banks to better serve their customers without

losing personal service and local identity.

northwest community Bank is managed by local

people who are committed to continuing the tradition of

supporting local charitable and educational institutions.

directors, officers, and employees serve on many

boards of organizations, including the yMcA, the

united Way, local chambers of commerce, rotary clubs,

the community Foundation of northwest connecticut,

and many more.

the bank provides its customers with products and

services that are competitive, and it does that with

personal attention, recognizing that its customers are

its most important asset.

Visit nwcommunitybank.com.

ABout tHe SPonSorS

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS 15

ABout tHe SPonSorSnorthwest connecticut chamber of commercethe chamber of commerce of northwest connecticut has

been the premier business resource for 20 towns in the

region since 1901. throughout this period, the chamber

has worked tirelessly to fulfill its mission of promoting

economic growth while enhancing the quality of life in

northwestern connecticut.

the chamber and its education Foundation have

made great strides that are reflected in the resiliency of

the business community and beyond. Highlights that

demonstrate the commitment to growing a stronger region

include the economic development corporation, School

to career Pathways, Leadership nW, jr. Leadership nW,

WoW Forum, Score, the Legislative Agenda, Workforce

Investment, the young Professionals and the chamber

on Main, the chamber’s satellite office. All are examples

of the chamber’s dedication to increasing the awareness

of the economic, educational, cultural and civic

opportunities available to all.

It is the chamber’s goal that this valuable survey report will

be utilized as a guide in overcoming the challenges that

stand in the way of building a bright future for our region,

its businesses, its residents and guests.

Visit nwctchamberofcommerce.org.

Webster BankWebster Financial corporation is the holding company

for Webster Bank, n.A. With $20 billion in assets, Webster

provides business and consumer banking, mortgages,

financial planning, trust and investment services through

167 banking offices; 464 AtMs (290 of which are owned

by Webster and 174 of which are branded); telephone

banking; mobile banking; and the Internet. Webster Bank

owns the asset-based lending firm Webster Business

credit corporation and the equipment finance firm

Webster capital Finance corporation. We also provide

health savings account trustee and administrative services

through HSA Bank, a division of Webster Bank. Member

FdIc and equal housing lender.

Visit websterbank.com.

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2012 Survey oF nortHWeSt connectIcut BuSIneSSeS16

connecticut Business & Industry AssociationcBIA is connecticut’s leading business organization, with

10,000 member companies. our public policy staff works

with state government to help shape specific laws and

regulations to support job creation and make connecticut’s

business climate competitive. our councils, committees,

and roundtables give our members forums in which to

become involved in the legislative and regulatory processes.

one of cBIA’s most important functions is to provide our

members with information to help them better manage their

businesses. We conduct training seminars and workshops;

arrange for consulting services; and hold conferences

on environmental regulations, health and safety, human

resources, compensation and benefits, taxes, energy, and

healthcare. our free telephone consulting service gives

members access to our experienced staff of professionals

on a wide range of business topics.

Many cBIA members take advantage of our employee

benefits plans, discount programs, and group purchasing

opportunities. these include innovative health and

dental insurance programs as well as other insurance

lines, retirement plans, a coBrA continuation program,

an eyewear savings plan, group energy purchasing,

and member discounts on everything from packaging

materials to background checks.

Learn more at cbia.com.

ABout cBIA

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350 Church St., Hartford, CT 06103-1126 | 860.244.1900 | cbia.com