Larson Small Business, Manufacturing Tour Week in Review
HARTFORD – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) spent the past week talking about manufacturing and small business growth with local businesses and state officials.
With one more trip still scheduled for next week, here is a breakdown of the past few days:
By the Numbers:
7 events that on manufacturing and/or small business
6 first district small businesses visited
4 first district manufacturing small businesses visited
1 conference held featuring large and small manufacturers, economists and elected officials
Day-by-Day:
Tuesday, August 25
The day began with Congressman Larson being joined by Dr. Lei Chen of the American Institute for Economic Research, Dr. Fred Carstensen of the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis, Elliot Ginsberg, CEO of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology and Thomas Mayes, Vice President Manufacturing Programs – Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney for a conference on the state of Manufacturing in Connecticut at Manchester Community College.
Following the conference Congressman Larson visited with the management of a number of small businesses in Windsor and East Hartford including: Infinity Fuel Cell Inc., Bart's Drive-In Restaurant, Horst Engineering and Signal Services, Inc.
Wednesday, August 26
Congressman Larson continued his jobs and small business tour Wednesday with a trip to Supramagnetics in Plantsville. The Congressman toured the facility and spoke with Supramagnetics President Dr. Leszek Motowildo about how the federal government could best work to help promote successful manufacturing businesses like his.
Thursday, August 27
Congressman Larson wrapped up week one of his small business/manufacturing tour by meeting with small business leaders of Hartford and announcing, along with the Small Business Administration, a grant of $500,000 to the Hartford Economic Development Corporation (HEDCo). Along with the grant money HEDCo also received "microlending" status from the SBA, which will allow them to better fund small businesses throughout the city. The announcement took place at the Living Word Imprints on Homestead Avenue, which specializes in clothing printing, embroidering and alterations.
Reactions:
"Manufacturing and the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses are part of our DNA here in the First Congressional District. This week has been extremely informative and eye-opening for me. The work that these businesses are doing is revolutionary and as a government we should be doing everything we can to foster their growth, not impede it with cuts to federal programs that have been helpful in their development. As our economy emerges from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, I am confident that it is businesses like the ones we visited that will lead the recovery."
- Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01)
"Congressman Larson's continuing efforts to support and strengthen clean energy development and manufacturing in Connecticut is important to Connecticut's jobs and our nation's economy and defense.
His call to action, bringing together small and large job creators and federal and state agencies, will foster growth of technology and manufacturing in Connecticut. This coordinated effort will help keep Connecticut growing, our nation strong and will increase our share of world markets."
- William Smith, President, Infinity Fuel Cell Inc.
"We are extremely excited to enter into this expanded relationship with the SBA and to have the additional resources available to assist micro enterprises in Hartford. The efforts of Congressman Larson and his staff, on our behalf, were a key factor in securing these funds for our community. An opportunity to access capital could not come at a more opportune time for micro enterprises in our community."
- Samuel C. Hamilton, Executive Director, HEDCo