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On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, host Amanda Marlow sits down with CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord to break down the newly released employment report. Nord shares his insights into manufacturing’s growth, Connecticut’s labor-force shortages, workforce development, and the economic risks businesses should watch. Also in this episode, we share highlights from the foundation’s 2026 Manufacturing Tour, which celebrated the importance of the industry to Connecticut’s economy. During the week-long tour business leaders and public officials hit the road in a fully-branded and wrapped bus to visit 15 manufacturers and five workforce development organizations. Episode Highlights • Payroll increases • Manufacturing growth • Professional and business services losses • Labor force concerns • Workforce development and career pipelines • Connecticut economic outlook Headlines You May Have Missed • Connecticut Workers Among Top Five Earners (https://www.cbia.com/news/economy/connecticut-workers-top-five-earners) • Election 2026: Connecticut Sample Ballots (https://www.cbia.com/resources/issues-policies/election-2026-connecticut-sample-ballots) • SBA, Pentagon Launch Financing Initiative (https://www.cbia.com/news/small-business/sba-pentagon-financing-deal) The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you’d like to hear.

On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, we take you inside the important discussions that took place during the CBIA Foundation’s Oct. 1 Made in Connecticut: 2026 Manufacturing Summit. The summit brought together 550 business leaders and public officials for important conversations about what Connecticut manufacturers are doing today and what they’re working on to build a stronger tomorrow. The episode features a discussion from a panel of manufacturers breaking down the findings of the CBIA Foundation’s 2026 Manufacturing Report. RSM US LLP’s Brian Deming, Carey Manufacturing’s Alison Carey Lynch, Mica Corporation’s Jaclyn Epstein, and Forum Contract Manufacturing’s Mark Polinsky shared their perspectives on rising costs, workforce challenges, trade disruptions, and rapidly evolving technology that continue to pressure manufacturers. In a separate panel, executives from Connecticut’s largest manufacturers share how they’re using artificial intelligence. RTX Pratt & Whitney’s Pete Bradley, General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Gary Cooper, and Sikorsky’s Paul Link shared insights on how AI is shaping everything from process optimization to workforce transformation and competitive advantage with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology’s Amy Thompson. And we share some of the headlines you may have missed, including new GDP data for Connecticut, draft recommendations from Gov. Ned Lamont’s Career Pathways Commission, and the winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut. Episode Highlights 2026 Connecticut Manufacturing Report • Rising materials, healthcare, labor, and energy costs • Workforce challenges • Attracting, retaining, and training talent • Manufacturing growth outlook How AI Is Shaping Manufacturing’s Future Best uses for AI • Best uses for AI • Measuring AI’s ROI • How AI is changing the worker experience • The role of AI in the future Headlines You May Have Missed • Manufacturing, Finance Drive Robust Second Quarter Growth (https://www.cbia.com/news/featured/manufacturing-finance-drive-q2-gdp-growth) • 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut Winner Crowned (https://www.cbia.com/media-center/2026-coolest-thing-made-in-connecticut-winner-crowned/) • Career Pathways Commission Releases Draft Modernization Plan (https://www.cbia.com/news/featured/pathways-commission-draft-modernize-system_

On this episode of the BizCast, we're taking you inside the important discussions that took place during the CBIA Foundation’s Sept. 17 The Connecticut Economy Conference in Hartford. Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican challenger Sen. Ryan Fazio shared their economic agendas with the more than 430 business leaders, public officials, and lawmakers who packed the room. Lamont and Fazio spoke separately with CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima to make their pitch—addressing affordability, economic growth, and competitiveness. In a separate panel, business leaders broke down the findings from the foundation's 2026 Survey of Connecticut Businesses, which gives insight into overall business sentiment and the challenges employers are facing. CBIZ' Michael Brooder discussed the survey's findings with U.S. Fabricating president Tom McGwire, Loureiro Engineering president David Fiereck, and The Walker Group co-CEO Jessica Rich. The discussion highlighted the most significant challenges employers are facing and what they’re doing to keep business moving. Episode Highlights Sen. Fazio, Gov. Lamont • Affordability • Spending and taxes • Energy costs • Healthcare costs • Regulatory Reforms • Workforce Survey of Connecticut Businesses • Business climate • Cost pressures • Workforce challenges • Retaining workers • Embracing AI Headlines You May Have Missed • 2026 Summer/Fall Connecticut Consumer Outlook (https://www.cbia.com/resources/economy/2026-summer-fall-connecticut-consumer-outlook) • State Agency Overtime Hits Record $338M (https://www.cbia.com/news/issues-policies/state-agency-overtime-hits-record-338m) • August Jobs Report: Supply, Demand Gap Widens (https://www.cbia.com/news/economy/august-jobs-report-supply-demand-gap-widens) • Regulators Approve 2026 Health Insurance Rate Increases (https://www.cbia.com/news/issues-policies/regulators-approve-2026-health-insurance-rate-increases)

From payroll growth to rising unemployment and a shrinking labor force, Connecticut is facing a complicated jobs market.    Add growing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, one of Connecticut’s most important trading partners, and businesses have a lot to think about. On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, host Amanda Marlow sits down with Quinnipiac professor of international business Mohammad Elahee and CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord. Elahee and Nord break down the conflicting signals in the state’s jobs market, factors contributing to the shrinking labor force, and how Connecticut businesses are navigating federal trade uncertainty. Episode Highlights -Breaking down conflicting jobs data -Outmigration, aging population, and workforce challenges -Workforce skills gaps -Growth industry sectors -Investment and economic development -Navigating tariff and trade uncertainty Headlines You May Have Missed  -CBIA Releases 2026 State Legislative Voting Records (https://www.cbia.com/news/media-center/cbia-releases-2026-state-legislative-voting-records) -US DOL Issues Unemployment for Striking Workers Warning (https://www.cbia.com/news/issues-policies/us-dol-unemployment-striking-workers) -The Lee Company Acquires Two Facilities (https://www.cbia.com/news/manufacturing/lee-company-acquires-new-facilities)

Voting is officially underway for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition. The single-elimination, bracket-style challenge showcases Connecticut’s world-class manufacturing industry. On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, we introduce you to the 16 Connecticut-made products that are competing head-to-head in the bracket. The public will vote weekly to decide which products advance each round, until the winner is announced Oct. 1 at the at the Made in Connecticut: 2026 Manufacturing Summit. The products in this year’s bracket represent the breadth of Connecticut manufacturing, from medical and safety devices to aerospace components, food products, consumer goods, household items, and more. Episode Highlights Medtronic Hugo Robotic-Assisted Surgery System Eljen Corporation Geotextile Sand Filter  Martin Rosol’s Kielbasa  Inline Plastics Safe-T-Fresh Packaging  The Lee Company Satellite Propellant Isolation Valve  Whelen Engineering Company Arges Remote Spotlight  Ti-Trikes Roadster 750  Accurate Lock and Hardware JAM for Accurate Designer Hardware  RBC Bearings Satellite Bearing Cartridge  Sheffield Pharmaceuticals Dr. Sheffield’s Toothpaste  Waterbury Button Company Santa Claus Brass Button  Chapco-Fastcorp Dippin’ Dots DIVI Vending Machine  BD BD Syringe Poly-Tech America Tilt-N-Deploy  Calzone Case Co. Calzone Go Live Workstation  Omar Coffee Breakfast Blend  Headlines You May Have Missed  Connecticut 2026 Primary Election Results (https://www.cbia.com/resources/issues-policies/connecticut-2026-primary-election-results) Survey: AI Anxiety Tops Employer Concerns (https://www.cbia.com/news/hr-safety/survey-ai-anxiety-tops-employer-concerns) Freight Projections: Rail Expands, Trucking Stays Dominant (https://www.cbia.com/news/economy/freight-projections-rail-expands-trucking-stays-dominant)

What’s the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut? Voting gets underway Aug. 20 for the third annual competition highlighting our state’s manufacturing industry. (https://www.cbia.com/coolest-thing/) Ahead of the competition, CBIA and competition supporter CliftonLarsonAllen visited the 16 companies in the running for this year’s title to showcase the products. On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, host Amanda Marlow sits down with CLA’s Brett Bushnell and Matt Gaieski to talk about the competition, this year’s contenders, and the importance of Connecticut’s manufacturing industry. Episode Highlights: -Overview of the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut -Manufacturing’s role in Connecticut -Depth, diversity, and pride of Connecticut manufacturing -Workforce challenges Headlines You May Have Missed -Slow Job Growth, Higher Spending Signal Budget Risks (https://www.cbia.com/news/issues-policies/slow-job-growth-higher-spending-budget-risk) -US Navy Awards Electric Boat Record $77B Contract (https://www.cbia.com/news/manufacturing/navy-awards-electric-boat-record-contract) -First Phase of $1.6B Metro-North Upgrade Launched (https://www.cbia.com/news/economy/first-phase-metro-north-upgrade) The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you’d like to hear.

How did Connecticut achieve its highest-ever CNBC ranking? On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima joins Amanda Marlow to break down CNBC's 2026 America's Top States for Business rankings and what they mean for Connecticut's economy. Connecticut reached its highest-ever ranking in the 20-year history of the report, climbing five spots to number 23 overall. DiPentima and Marlow discuss what's driving the state's gains, why workforce challenges remain a concern, and what Connecticut must do to remain competitive. Despite Connecticut's progress, DiPentima says the state must continue addressing workforce challenges while building on recent economic gains. "We need to focus on the things that helped with the improvement, the business friendliness, the economic growth, and then work on the things that the scorecard shows we're clearly having challenges with, like workforce," DiPentima said. Episode Highlights -How permitting reforms, regulatory improvements, and public-private collaboration helped drive recent progress -Why workforce challenges pushed Connecticut's workforce ranking from eighth to 25th -What Connecticut can learn from top-performing states and the long-term strategies needed to remain competitive -Why business-friendly policies and economic growth take time to show up in national rankings Headlines You May Have Missed -CBIA Response to June 2026 Employment Report: https://www.cbia.com/news/media-center/cbia-response-to-june-2026-employment-report -Pentagon Suspends CMMC Program: https://www.cbia.com/news/manufacturing/pentagon-suspends-cmmc-certification -QuantumCT Wins $15M NSF Award: https://www.cbia.com/news/economy/quantumct-wins-15m-nsf-award -2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut: https://www.cbia.com/coolest-thing/ The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you’d like to hear.

New data is shedding light on the state of Connecticut’s economy and labor force. On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord joins host Amanda Marlow to talk about new Connecticut Department of Labor data that highlights the mismatch between increased job openings and a shrinking labor force. Connecticut job openings jumped 2.6% in May to 87,356—however, since May 2025, 37,700 people have left Connecticut’s labor force. Nord breaks down some of the reasons for this mismatch and what needs to be done to address Connecticut’s economic challenges. He also shares insights into a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report showing Connecticut’s economy expanded 1.8% in the first quarter of 2026.

One of the most important issues for Connecticut residents and businesses is the rising cost of energy, a major factor driving the state's affordability crisis. On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord sits down with host Amanda Marlow to talk about a new report about the relationship between natural gas and electricity prices. Produced by the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis on behalf of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, the report claims the state has become more polluted and has more expensive electricity because of the adoption of natural gas over the past 25 years. Nord shares his concerns about the report and offers an analysis of Connecticut’s energy infrastructure. Episode Highlights: Drivers of high energy costs Natural gas in Connecticut Long-term cost, infrastructure, and environmental picture Need for an “all of the above” approach https://www.cbia.com/news/issues-policies/natural-gas-does-not-make-electricity-more-expensive Headlines You May Have Missed What’s Happening to Connecticut’s Labor Force? (https://www.cbia.com/news/economy/connecticut-labor-force-shrinking) Healthcare Tax Proposal ‘Unfairly Targets Employers’ (https://www.cbia.com/news/issues-policies/healthcare-tax-proposal-unfairly-targets-employers) New Business-Related Laws Take Effect July 1 (https://www.cbia.com/news/issues-policies/new-business-related-laws-july-1)

Navigating Connecticut’s complex workplace laws is always at the top of mind for employers and HR professionals. In this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA associate HR counsel Delmarina Lopez (https://www.cbia.com/about/delmarina-lopez/ ) joins host Amanda Marlow to answer some commonly asked questions. The episode also features highlights from the 2026 National Civics Bee Connecticut State Finals. The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you’d like to hear .

What does Connecticut need to do to prepare high school students for the careers of today, and tomorrow? That’s the mission of the newly formed Connecticut Career Pathways Commission. In this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima joins host Amanda Marlow to break down the commission. DiPentima is one of the 30 members of the commission selected by the Lamont Administration—which also includes representatives from the business, education, and public sectors. Episode Highlights: • Commission members and goals • Miguel Cardona’s role and leadership • Tight timeline • Breaking down silos • Creating pathways for students who don’t go to college • Importance of collaboration with the business community 2026 Human Resources Conference The episode also features a portion of a conversation into the state’s expanded paid sick leave and FMLA laws with Connecticut Department of Labor attorneys Jennifer Devine and Heidi Lane. Headlines You May Have Missed • Rising Unemployment, Shrinking Labor Force Cloud Job Gains • Ari Santiago Appointed Interim CSCU Chair • A New Era for Regulatory Reform? The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you’d like to hear at [email protected].

Connecticut’s 2026 General Assembly session ended with limited progress and key decisions that will drive costs even higher. In this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA vice president of public policy Chris Davis joins host Amanda Marlow to discuss the business community's wins and losses from the session.

As Connecticut’s 2026 legislative session enters its final days, lawmakers are debating several major bills with far‑reaching implications for employers. In this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA senior policy director Paul Amarone joins host Amanda Marlow to break down HB 5003, a sweeping workforce bill. The conversation explores what the massive, 120-page bill—which now awaits action in the Senate after winning House passage April 28—means for employers. Many of HB 5003's mandates failed as standalone bills in previous sessions due to their economic impact, yet are now bundled together with positive workforce development sections, making the bill difficult for legislators to navigate. Amarone highlights key areas of concern, provisions that support workforce development, and the negotiations that shaped the final product. Episode Highlights—HB 5003 What the bill includes Areas of concern for employers Positive workforce development measures How the bill was crafted Headlines You May Have Missed Sweeping AI Mandates: The state Senate approved far reaching legislation imposing new mandates on employers that use AI in hiring and employment decisions. Strengthening Microtransit Services: Momentum is building around legislation aimed at improving commuter access and strengthening workforce participation across Connecticut. February Jobs Report: Connecticut lost 4,200 jobs in February, erasing January’s gains and underscoring troubling trends in the state’s labor market. Tariff Refunds Available: Connecticut businesses may now apply for refunds on federal tariffs that were ruled illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court. Workforce Summit The episode also features inspiring voices from the next generation of Connecticut’s workforce. During the 2026 Workforce Summit, ReadyCT executive director Shannon Marimón welcomed students and young professionals who have benefited from the state’s career pathway programs—sharing firsthand stories of opportunity and growth. The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you’d like to hear from by emailing [email protected].

Health care affordability, Connecticut’s economy, and workforce development are front and center on this episode of CBIA BizCast. CBIA Policy Director Grace Brangwynne joins host Amanda Marlow to discuss the defeat of legislation allowing small businesses to form association health plans. Association Health Plans allow small businesses to come together, pool their risk, and purchase affordable, high quality health insurance through a trade association or local chamber of commerce. Marlow was also joined by CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord to break down new economic data and highlight the foundation’s newly released Connecticut Workforce & Education Strategy Blueprint. The episode also features a portion of a conversation between Nord, former U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Electric Boat’s Willie Barber, and Economic Leadership’s Kat Saunders highlighting the blueprint. And the episode highlights a recent news conference on a push to expand the R&D tax credit to pass-through entities at Burke Aerospace. The event included Gov. Ned Lamont, Burke president and CEO Brittany Isherwood, DECD commissioner Dan O’Keefe, and CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima. Episode Highlights Small Business Healthcare • What are Association Health Plans? • Why did the legislation fail? • What’s next for small businesses and their employees? Economic Update • Connecticut added 5,300 jobs in January • Connecticut’s economy expanded 2.4% in 2025—12th fastest in the country Workforce Blueprint • Release of CBIA Foundation’s Connecticut Workforce & Education Strategy Blueprint • Panel discussion on strengthening high school-to-career pathways, aligning education and industry needs, and overcoming fragmentation in Connecticut’s workforce system • Panelists include: o Miguel Cardona, former U.S. Secretary of Education o Willie Barber, Electric Boat o Kat Saunders, Economic Leadership R&D Tax Credit for Small Business • News conference highlighted efforts to expands Connecticut’s R&D tax credit to pass-through entities • 6% credit helps small firms invest in innovation and jobs • Supports small business growth in Connecticut The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you’d like to hear from by emailing [email protected].

Connecticut lawmakers continue to grapple with affordability challenges facing small businesses—and energy costs are a major focus this legislative session. In this episode of the CBIA BizCast, host Amanda Marlow highlights proposed legislation aimed at reducing energy costs, along with key business and policy developments from across the state. Small business owners, lawmakers, and business organizations are calling attention to Senate Bill 2—a democrat priority bill that supports local tourism and cut the state sales tax on energy for many small businesses. The bill passed out of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee on a bipartisan vote. The episode also features a portion of a conversation between some of Connecticut’s top women in healthcare from CBIA’s When Women Lead conference, which brought nearly 800 attendees to Hartford last month. Episode Highlights—SB 2 - CBIA VP of public policy Chris Davis breaks down the sales tax exemption on energy - CBIA senior policy director Pete Myers testimony before the Finance Committee - Business leaders, lawmakers, business owners, and advocates speak at a news conference in support of SB 2’s tourism provision. Speakers include: - Bruce Becker, Hotel Marcel - First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Old Saybrook - Aubrey LaMonica, Eli Cannon’s and Tate’s restaurants - Sen. Cathy Osten, (D-Baltic) - Scott Dolch, Connecticut Restaurant and Hospitality Association - Rep. David Rutigliano, (R-Trumbull) - Mayor Shari Cantor, (D-West Hartford) - Joe Delong, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities - Rep. Farley Santos (D-Danbury) Headlines You May Have Missed - Small Business Award: West Hartford-based Derek Ezovski, president of Outsourced Risk Management Solutions, has been named Connecticut’s 2026 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. - Electric Boat Expansion: General Dynamics Electric Boat plans to hire 8,000 workers across Connecticut and Rhode Island as part of historic growth and investment. - Trade Impacts: New federal data show exports grew just 1.9% in 2025, while imports surged ahead of newly imposed tariffs. Episode Highlights—When Women Lead - Resilience and navigating challenges - Advocating for women in the healthcare industry - Advice for women in leadership The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you’d like to hear from by emailing [email protected].