Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1170674
2019 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Denious will spearhead what Lehman calls "proactive and targeted outreach" to companies and industries to ensure that they are getting what they need from the state. He said in a competitive national environment, with other states always looking to attract new business, it's critical to ensure that Connecticut-based companies feel they are being heard, and that any concerns or suggestions are being addressed. Lehman also believes DECD needs to concentrate on building and maintaining areas where it has a competitive advantage and critical mass -- like Hartford's reputation as an insurance and financial hub, Eastern Connecticut's success in the defense industry, and New Haven's concentration in technology, bioscience and health care. Asked about his goals, Lehman noted that he'd like to see Connecticut become a "top-quartile performer relative to other states – certainly relative to other states in this region that we compete with." There are promising signs that the state is moving in the right direction, Lehman said, including recent changes to the Transfer Act that will make it easier for individuals to transfer contaminated real estate for cleanup and development, and a focus on facilitating development in "opportunity zones" in urban areas. He noted that the state passed "a strong budget" that kept spending in check and will limit borrowing. Lehman said ensuring that Connecticut's fiscal house is in order will encourage economic development in a more sustainable way than offering incentives for companies to come here, or to stay here. Smith said he is bullish about Connecticut's future. "As a businessman himself, the governor understands that he's got to have a sustainable long-term fiscal situation to have long- term economic growth. If businesses have tax certainty and public investment and a reduction in regulatory burden, their confidence will increase," he said. Peter Denious is president and CEO of the Connecticut Economic Resource Center. Gov. Ned Lamont (left) named Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, and retired Webster Bank CEO Jim Smith as co-chairs of the Connecticut Economic Resource Center. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT