Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1542466
18 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | JANUARY 12, 2026 Partnering for Connecticut's future It Starts Here At NBT Bank, we are honored to partner with the business community and proudly sponsor the Hartford Business Journal/New Haven Biz Economic Outlook Survey once again. This annual survey provides essential insights into how local leaders view the challenges and opportunities shaping the year ahead. The 2026 survey reflects cautious optimism among Connecticut business leaders. More than three-quarters anticipate economic improvement, though workforce challenges remain significant, with nearly half planning to raise wages to attract talent. Revenue and profit growth projections are modest, driven primarily by new customers and product innovation. Expansion plans are limited, and most firms do not intend to raise capital or make major investments in property or equipment. Taxes, inflation, and labor shortages continue to be key impediments to growth. Respondents foresee stable office space needs, rising healthcare costs, and a mild economic slowdown rather than a full recession. Overall, businesses are preparing for incremental growth amid persistent structural challenges. Here at NBT, we're focused on growth, too. With more than 100 employees based in Connecticut, we proudly serve Hartford County from three locations, two in West Hartford and one in Glastonbury, and four locations in Litchfield County. We are excited to announce the opening of a new branch in Torrington in 2026. NBT Bank is a $16 billion regional community bank with a network of 175 locations across seven states in the northeast. We offer a full range of commercial banking services, including treasury management and tailored lending solutions, as well as wealth management and retirement planning services for businesses of all sizes and industries. Our local decision-making capabilities allow us to respond quickly, and our focus on building strong relationships ensures personalized service. Our team is deeply committed to Connecticut, and community involvement is a core value at NBT Bank. We believe living that value strengthens our communities. In addition to volunteering our time, NBT Bank supports more than 100 local nonprofits in Connecticut alone. As we begin this new year, we extend our sincere thanks to the communities we serve and to our customers for their continued partnership and support. Together, we will navigate challenges and create opportunities for sustainable growth. Regards, Andreas Kapetanopoulos Regional President, NBT Bank Member FDIC HartfordBusinessJournal_Letter_12_2025.indd 2 HartfordBusinessJournal_Letter_12_2025.indd 2 12/18/25 1:31 PM 12/18/25 1:31 PM