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40 n e w h a v e n B I Z | J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 9 n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m T H E L O O P A G E N D A T he dawn of 2019 brings a new governor, new adminis- tration and new state legis- lature. What does that mean for Connecticut's economy, job growth and the state's overall business climate? e Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), the state's largest business group, hopes to shed light on these questions when it hosts its 2019 Economic Summit + Outlook, a statewide conference presented by CBIA in cooperation with the MetroHartford Alliance and spon- sored by Webster Bank. Neal Keating, chairman, president and CEO of Bloom- field-headquartered aerospace manufacturer Kaman Corp., will keynote the confab. A panel of leading economists, including Moody's Analytics' Emily Mandel, the University of Hartford's Susan Coleman, state budget analyst Manisha Srivastava and CBIA economic adviser Peter Gioia, will examine the prospects for the state's economy and share solutions for addressing Connecticut's fiscal and economic challenges. e event kicks off at 7 a.m. with a networking breakfast, while the program runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon. 2019 Economic Summit + Outlook, 7 a.m.-noon Jan. 4 at Hartford Marriott Downtown, 200 Columbus Blvd., Hartford. $130 ($100 CBIA, MetroHartford Alliance members, $50 students). Registration. 860-244-1900, cbia.com. Celebrating Small Business In 1935, 24-year old Harold Webster Smith borrowed mon- ey from family and friends and opened First Federal Savings of Waterbury, a savings and loan dedicated to helping people build and buy their homes. He served as CEO until 1987 and as chairman of the board until 1995 when First Federal was renamed Webster Bank in his honor. His legacy is an enduring one: Smith's son, James Smith, retired as Webster Bank's CEO just last year. During his tenure Webster Bank (NYSE: WBS) grew from a stock-market capitalization of $30 million to about $4.5 billion today. And the senior Smith's vision and works remain alive today through the Brass City and the region. To honor his legacy, the Water- bury Regional Chamber's annual Harold Webster Smith Awards are presented to small companies and entrepreneurs that share his passion for business development and commitment to economic progress in the Waterbury region. roughout his career, Smith served as an inspiration — and, in so many cases, an investor — for countless small-business owners, and the each year the Waterbury chamber recognizes companies that share his ideals. 2019 Harold Webster Smith Awards, 7:45-9:30 a.m. Jan. 24 at Aria Wedding & Banquet Facility, 45 Murphy Rd. Prospect. $50 ($35 members). Registration. 203-757- 0701, waterburychamber.com. Yale Philanthropy Conference At its essence, philanthropy is driven by values. Philanthropists put money behind their ideals by investing in causes, organizations and leaders, with the ultimate goal of leaving a lasting positive impact for future generations. But is the philanthropic sector New Year, New Economic Outlook? Evans Hall, Yale School of Management. Kaman Corp. Chairman and CEO Neal Keating. living up to its potential? Does it truly embody its values in grantmaking and beyond? Held annually, the Yale Philanthropy Conference is an interdisciplinary forum for current and future leaders focused on the business of social change. is conference is the only convening of the nonprofit and philanthropic sector planned entirely by MBA students at the Yale School of Management. Bringing together thinkers, students and professionals from leading institutions and foundations across the country, the conference is intended to foster discussions about the role of philanthropy in contemporary society, strengthen professional networks, build the management acumen to necessary for vibrant institutions and cultivate leadership in the social sector and beyond. Yale Philanthropy Conference, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 pm. Feb. 22 at Edward P. Evans Hall, Yale School of Management, 165 Whitney Ave., New Haven. $85 ($75 Yale faculty/staff, $30 students). Registration. Yalephilanthropyconference.com. n Harold Webster Smith