CERC and DECD are also behind a catchy new marketing strategy designed to promote the state's technology strengths. The adventuresome campaign, which features droll radio dialogue and humorous print spots with football and beach themes, is a departure from typically dry business ads.
“The first day the ad ran we got a call from a New Hampshire software company interested in relocating to Connecticut,” says CERC's marketing director, Tom Bradley. “I don't know whether they will or will not relocate, but the fact that they picked up the phone is a good thing.”
The campaign is intended to counter Connecticut's poor image, both inside and outside of the state, as a technology center. “The research we conducted prior to this campaign showed us that few business leaders in-state, even in the technology companies themselves, understand how attractive Connecticut is as a location and how much of a competitive advantage we offer,” says Douglas G. Fisher, manager of economic development for Northeast Utilities and chairman of CERC's board of directors.
Don't Make Kids Work So Hard, State Rep Says
Meriden State Rep. Christopher G. Donovan (D-84) says he will propose tighter restrictions on the number of hours teenagers can work during the school year. Donovan, who is chairman of the Labor & Public Employees Committee, says he wants the cap reduced from the 48 hours a week now allowed and that he will increase fines for businesses that violate the law. Fines now range from $50 to $200. An official with the state's Department of Labor has said that teenagers ought to be limited to 20 or 25 hours a week on the job.
Connecticut Computer Industry Surges
Watch out, Washington. Connecticut was second only to Washington state - home of Microsoft - in the rate of growth of its computer-services industry from 1990
to 1996.
A report from the Connecticut Policy & Economic Council says computer industry jobs in Connecticut rose from 10,791 to 19,649 during that period, an 82 percent increase. The number of computer jobs in Washington jumped a staggering 130 percent, from 15,000 to 34,000.
“Connecticut deserves more national recognition as a significant player in the computer services industry,” says Michael Meotti, CPEC's president.
Voc-Tech Plan Gets
Mixed Reviews
Gov. John G. Rowland recently proposed funneling $75 million in aid to the state's regional vocational-technical schools, but some officials are already saying it probably won't be enough. State Sen. Thomas P. Gaffey (D-13) and Frank Johnson, executive director of the Waterbury-based Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut Inc., both have said much of the money will be needed for simply repairing neglected facilities, leaving too little for revising the curriculum. Voc-tech schools have traditionally trained students to be plumbers, electricians and engineers, for instance, but Connecticut industry urgently needs workers who are highly skilled and can operate advanced computers and other high-tech equipment.
To make comments or suggestions for this column, please contact Jennifer M. Gangloff through BNH or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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