• The Connecticut Technology Council recently presented the 2009 Innovation Excellence Award to United Technologies Corp. at its annual meeting held at surgical device manufacturer Covidien in North Haven. The council named the Connecticut Economic Resource Center as its 2009 Public Policy Leader of the Year. Two retiring board members, John Kreitler, a partner with Hartford law firm Shipman & Goodwin LLP, and Vincent Kiernan, a partner at the law firm of Edwards Angel Palmer & Dodge LLP, were also honored with the 2009 Volunteer of the Year award. Both were cited for their efforts to support the council over the past six years as volunteers and consistent supporters of programs and efforts to expand Connecticut’s entrepreneurial economy.
• On Dec. 9, My Little Star Baby Products Inc., delivered thousands of My Li’l Star diapers to Goodwin College for distribution to the college’s students — the first shipment of a donation of more than 70,000 diapers (5,000 packages) worth $25,000. After Dec. 9, students with the greatest financial need can continue to receive diapers at no cost. Goodwin College estimates that at least 10 percent of students will qualify to receive free diapers under established income guidelines. All Goodwin students will be eligible to purchase diapers at a reduced price in the college bookstore.
• Saint Joseph College announced a new psychology graduate certificate program in applied behavior analysis. The ABA graduate certificate is the only Connecticut program approved by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The BACB approval acknowledges the program meets the standards of education necessary to sit for the national certification examination to become a board certified behavior analyst.
• Farmers of specialty crops in Connecticut such as grapes, asparagus, ornamental plants and Christmas trees will benefit from a $320,000 federal grant that will fund research and programs for hardier plants, improved yields and broader markets. The $320,500 grant is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Block Grant Program administered by the state Department of Agriculture. The state has distributed nearly $776,000 in USDA specialty block grants since 2006. To be eligible, projects must increase the competitiveness of specialty crops and benefit the industry and not a single producer or business.
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