Hartford Business Journal

HartfordBusiness.com | February 22, 2021 | Hartford Business Journal 3 BIZ BRIEFS Letter to the Hartford Business Community My name is Tom Curtin, I am the new Publisher and owner of the Hartford Business Journal. I purchased the publication from longtime owner Joe Zwiebel in June of last year. Hartford Business Journal is part of New England Business Media, which owns several other business journals in New England. Talk about timing. Smack in the middle of the pandemic and the economy heading into a recession. However, despite the auspicious timing, it has been an energizing time for me as I am extremely passionate about publishing and the need for quality local journalism. Prior to acquiring the Hartford Business Journal, I was the Publisher of NJBIZ, a statewide business publication covering the entire state of New Jersey. I have spent my entire career in publishing and enjoy working alongside journalists who are dedicated to reporting on companies and individuals that shape the business community in which they serve — the Hartford Business Journal is such a publication, with a small, talented and dedicated team. CONNECTICUT IN MOTION A TRANSPORTATION WEBINAR SERIES: SESSION ONE THE IMPACTS OF THE COVID19 PANDEMIC ON PUBLIC TRANSIT TRANSIT AND COVID19: A FACTBASED DISCUSSION Join us on Tuesday, March 2 at 12:00 pm for the fi rst in a series of webinars exploring issues of importance to all users of Connecticut's transportation system. This webinar will explore the perception and reality of whether using transit spreads COVID-19. Dennis House, News 8 WTNH, will moderate a discussion among transportation experts who will share their fi ndings and recommendations. REGISTRATION IS FREE AND NOW OPEN ON: www.newhavenbiz.com/new-haven-biz-events/CTinMotion Moderator: Featured Speakers: Dennis House Chief Political Anchor, News 8 WTNH Richard W. Andreski Bureau Chief Bureau of Public Transportation, Connecticut Ulysses Shawdee Wu, MD Infectious Disease Specialist, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Samuel I. Schwartz Chief Executive O' cer + Founder, Sam Schwartz Consulting LLC Previously NYC's Tra c Commissioner and Chief Engineer of NYC Department of Transportation PRESENTED BY: EVENT PARTNERS: MEDIA PARTNERS: MARCH 2ND | 12 PM A lot has been written about the demise of publishing over the past several years — you've read the headlines. Look no further than the acquisition of many publishing companies by private equity firms or hedge funds in the name of "preserving" the business and professing to invest in the publication for the future. The last decade of cut after cut to newsrooms — locally and around the country — tells a different story. I understand their No. 1 goal — shareholder value. However, we have a different set of priorities. I am excited to be part of the Hartford business community working alongside those who have championed Hartford as a great place to do business. I couldn't agree more. Contrary to a recently published opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, Hartford offers many unique qualities to support a thriving business environment. At a time when some are abandoning office space, Hartford Business Journal recently renewed its commitment to the Capital City by moving into new office space at 100 Allyn St. Our deep belief in Hartford and the region will be matched by our commitment to produce high-quality print publications, digital assets as well as virtual and in-person events that serve the Hartford business community. We're blessed to have a talented team — our award-winning editorial staff, sales and marketing team, designers, event staff and admin team are all excited about the growth and opportunities that lay ahead. Our audience has never been bigger, and we feel a responsibility to contribute and be difference makers as the city, region and state regain their footing in the year ahead. I look forward to meeting or hearing from each and every one of you to explore how we can be even better at meeting the needs of the business community in Greater Hartford. I am always reachable, so please feel free to call me at 860-236-9998 x 124 or email me at tcurtin@hartfordbusiness.com. I look forward to working with you for a brighter 2021. Tom Curtin Tom Curtin foundation's COVID-19 Response Fund, which made more than 200 grants totaling $9.5 million through the end of 2020 for basic needs and improving pandemic safety at area nonprofits. The foundation also launched a $1.4 million relief program for Hartford-area small businesses that distributed 150 grants of up to $10,000 each, with some of the funding earmarked for enterprises owned by women and people of color. Czech company CZG reaches agreement to buy West Hartford gun maker Colt Czech Republic firearms manufacturer Česká zbrojovka Group SE (CZG) said it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire West Hartford gun maker Colt Holding Co. Under the deal, CZG will pay $220 million and issue about 1.1 million shares of newly issued common stock for Colt, including its Canadian subsidiary. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval but is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2021, according to CZG. Colt's headquarters is located on New Park Avenue in West Hartford.

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