CRMA Live Broadcast series to begin September 15, 2021
Register today
Capitol news and notes
News and notes from around the state
- As you know, this year, due to the continued uncertainty around the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, CRMA has made the decision not to hold an in-person awards luncheon.
- While we are disappointed that we can’t all gather this year, we are excited about what we have in place in lieu of that in-person meeting.
- We will be having 3 engaging, topical Live Broadcasts this fall, specifically for Connecticut retailers – one in September, one in October and one in November.
- The first of these Live Broadcasts will be held next Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 12:00 noon to 1:00pm. This Live Broadcast will feature Commissioner David Lehman of the Department of Economic and Community Development and a panel of leading retailers, discussing the COVID impact on small business, and what’s ahead in Connecticut.
Register for the event today
- You can register for the September event by going here.
- While it is FREE to register, these Live Broadcasts do represent our final fundraiser of the year. All the revenue we raise will go to CRMA’s bottom line, in support of Connecticut’s retail businesses. In addition to the live hour-long broadcasts, each of these Broadcasts will be posted for later on-demand viewing on the CRMA website and on our Facebook page.
- We do hope you will find these new forum to be helpful and informative, and we hope you will also send us your feedback after each session.
- Please register today!
Capitol news and notes
- While we were away, there was a special election held for a State Senate seat in the 36th District (Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan) to replace Sen. Alex Kasser (D) who resigned unexpectedly after the end of the regular session in June.
- In a three way race, Republican Ryan Fazio emerged the victor. Fazio’s win is an important seat for the Senate Republicans as they try to close the gap with Sen. Democrats, who now will hold a 23 – 13 advantage. You can go here to read more about Fazio’s victory.
- State Comptroller Kevin Lembo has certified that revenue exceeding the cap of the Budget Reserve Fund will result in $1.142 billion to pay down pension debt. Read the announcement here.
- Connecticut tourism officials plan to spend more money than usual promoting the state’s fall foliage in an attempt help the industry. Ned Lamont launched a $1.4 million “Full Color Connecticut” marketing campaign today. Associated Press has the details here.
- The reapportionment process has begun at the State Capitol, with public hearings to be held as the committee appointed to turn 2020 Census data into new legislative districts gets underway. CT Mirror’s Mark Pazniokas has a preview of the process here.
Other news and notes from around the state
- Governor Lamont got word yesterday that Federal officials have approved changes in the compacts between Connecticut and the tribal owners of Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, clearing the way for sports betting, now expected to launch in October. Hartford Courant has the details here.
- Federal aviation officials have approved the blueprint for a major expansion at Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport, clearing another hurdle in the lengthy approval process. Connecticut Public Radio reports the story here.
- The discount air carrier Sun Country Airlines has begun twice-a-week service between Bradley International Airport and Florida’s Orlando International Airport. Fairfield County Business Journal has the update here.
- The state’s demographics are changing, in cities and towns across the state. A new Diversity Index makes the comparisons using newly released Census data. The Connecticut Data Collaborative has the numbers here.
- State health officials noted separate COVID outbreaks at a summer camp, group home, and outdoor party in August, urging residents to continue to be vigilant, particularly as the cooler fall weather approaches. CTNewsJunkie reports the latest here.
- Liberty Bank this week joined the growing number of private employers requiring workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Hartford Business Journal has the news here.