To the Editor
Connecticut has finally seen the light. In order to balance the state budget, lawmakers should not be looking to increase taxes on local companies, or entrepreneurs. A better solution is to grow our corporate revenues, which in turn enhances the earnings of employees and creates additional jobs.
A major step in the right direction will be taken at the second annual Connecticut-Israel Technology Summit on June 6. Sponsored by the Metro Hartford Alliance in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, the summit will focus on international business within the life sciences, security and defense industries.
Israeli leaders in both business and government will get a first-hand look at how Connecticut, through local agencies including the Metro Hartford Alliance, the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology and several local manufacturers, is developing a skilled-workforce with specialized high-tech curriculum training. These programs, and many more in the pipeline, are the positive steps our state needs to take to develop business and grow our economy.
Connecticut is also providing seed money and low-interest loans to encourage high-tech growth. Governor Malloy has several initiatives providing tax credits for job creation and the Department of Economic and Community Development has cut away much of the red tape previously hindering small business growth. The department’s commissioner, Catherine Smith recently spoke to the Aerospace Components Manufacturers and discussed the tremendous opportunity we have to grow our international sales effort, especially in the aerospace markets. Smith also noted the unique cluster of aerospace companies in Connecticut, (75 members of the ACM) and the state’s efforts to assist in expanding international sales.
For example, the state is providing subsidies for the Farnborough Air Show in England this July to help small businesses attend. CCAT will set up a Connecticut booth which will house 15 local suppliers. The federal government as well, through the Department of Commerce, is providing expertise and guidance for international business expansion and recommending that companies better utilize the services of their offices both here and overseas.
The world is shrinking and we must compete for our piece of the future. Our local agencies and governmental departments are getting the message. Don?t tax us, promote us!
The Connecticut-Israel Tech Summit will take place from 8am to 4:30 p.m. at the Club Room Rentschler Field 615 Silver Lane, East Hartford. Register at: www.metrohartford.com
Gary Greenberg President, Birken Manufacturing Co. Bloomfield
