Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1409819
T here may be lile in common between jet engines, hospital beds and actuarial tables — emblems of some of the dominant industries in Hartford: advanced manufacturing, health care and insurance. Yet, they share one element that makes them happy to call Hartford home: reliance on a highly skilled workforce brimming with innovative ideas. "If you want an educated workforce, you come to places like Hartford," said Gene Goddard, chief business investment officer at MetroHartford Alliance, an economic development organization for the greater Hartford region, which includes Hartford, Tolland and Middlesex counties. As home to roughly 1.2 million people, however, the Hartford metropolitan area houses more than a skilled workforce. It offers an affordable lifestyle with convenient access to urban, suburban and rural ameni- ties; headquarters and major operations for some of the country's largest companies; and an excellent educational system from the first day of preschool to the highest reaches of academia. In addition to knowledgeable workers, businesses will find a tax-friendly environment and a collaborative atmosphere where executives are willing to share their challenges and successes. "It's just not something you see in other states," said Chris DiPentima, president and CEO of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association. Family friendly Glendowlyn Thames was born and raised in Connecticut, went to school in New York City and lived for a while in South Africa. But, she said, she always knew she wanted to return to Hartford. "It's such a great place to raise a family, and I wanted my children to expe- rience that," said Thames, a mother of two and deputy commissioner for the state's Department of Economic and Community Development. Her responsi- bilities include advancing the state's economic priorities, ensuring it remains a competitive place to do business, and recruiting and retaining companies. POPULATION Hartford City: 122,105 Hartford County: 889,226 Hartford/East Hartford/ Middletown MSA: 1,201,483 Source: U.S. Census GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, 2019 Total: $105.1 billion • Finance and insurance: $21.2 billion Source: U.S. Census (Hartford/East Hartford/ Middletown MSA) EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT 91.2% high school graduation or higher 39.7% bachelor's degree or higher Postgraduate: 18% Bachelor's: 21.8% Some college: 25.4% High school: 26% No degree: 8.9% Source: Census Reporter (for people over 25 years old, Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown MSA) The right mix BY JOEL BERG HARTFORD'S APPEAL DRAWS EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES ALIKE "It used to be the case that people move to where the jobs are. But now, companies are moving to where the talent is." —Glendowlyn Thames H A R T F O R D LIVE WORK PLAY 4 HBJ HARTFORD LIVE WORK PLAY