Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1544198
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 6, 2026 3 BIZ BRIE FS Robotic-assisted surgery, designed for you Saint Francis Hospital is leading the way in robotic surgery, bringing the most advanced technology in the region to patients across greater Hartford. As the first hospital in the greater Hartford area to acquire the Da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System, Saint Francis is setting a new standard for innovation, precision and minimally invasive care. Saint Francis surgeons are highly experienced in robotic-assisted procedures across specialties such as surgical oncology, thoracic surgery, bariatrics, urology, gynecology and general surgery. The Da Vinci 5 also complements the hospital's future in robotics and minimally invasive technologies, reinforcing its commitment to delivering state-of- the-art care. Learn more at TrinityHealthOfNE.org/Robot A rendering of the new UConn basketball locker rooms planned for Gampel Pavilion. The retailer amended a 2016 agree- ment tied to a $7 million low-interest state loan, extending its headquar- ters commitment through 2038 and adding a requirement that its Norwich facility remain in Connecticut through 2035. Previously, only the headquar- ters was covered. The company must still meet job targets tied to the deal, including retaining 326 positions and creating 125 new jobs. Bob's reported 531 headquarters employees as of late 2025 and recently went public. Norwalk beverage maker Reed's CEO steps down after less than a year Norwalk-based beverage maker Reed's Inc. announced on March 24 that CEO Cyril Wallace has stepped down after less than a year in the role, as the company continues efforts to improve its financial performance. The company named Chief Operating Officer Neal Cohane interim CEO, and said a search for a permanent successor is underway. Cohane, a longtime company executive, joined Reed's as COO in January. The leadership change follows another difficult year for the soda maker. Reed's reported 2025 net sales of $34.1 million, down from $38 million a year earlier, while its net loss widened to $15.8 million. Chief Marketing Officer Tina Reejsinghani is also departing. AHL team set to leave Bridgeport after 25 years The New York Islanders plan to relocate their American Hockey League affiliate from Bridgeport to Hamilton, Ontario, beginning with the 2026-27 season. The move, which requires AHL Board of Governors approval, would end the team's 25-year run in Bridgeport, most recently as the Bridgeport Islanders. The franchise will play in Hamilton's TD Coli- seum, an 18,000-seat arena that recently underwent a $300 million renovation. Team officials said they will work with Bridgeport city leaders on a transition plan for the 10,000-seat Total Mortgage Arena following the team's departure. The multiphase project is being funded through non-tax revenue generated by state-issued UConn 2000 bonds. Phase 1 includes a full roof replacement and construction of a new basketball game day suite with locker rooms, sports medicine space and media areas. Future work, expected to begin in 2027, will add premium seating and donor-focused spaces aimed at generating revenue. Gampel Pavilion is the primary home for UConn's men's and women's basketball programs. Bob's Discount Furniture extends CT HQ commitment through 2038 Bob's Discount Furniture has agreed to keep its headquarters in Manchester and distribution center in Norwich under a revised state economic development deal. The facility will consolidate teams from three Connecticut locations into one site and is expected to open by the end of 2027. Henkel's North Amer- ican headquarters is in Rocky Hill. PURA approves $2.4B Aquarion sale Connecticut regulators have approved the $2.4 billion sale of Aquarion Water Co., reversing a denial issued four months ago. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority on March 25 voted 3-0 to approve the deal, which will transfer the utility from Eversource Energy to the newly created Aquarion Water Authority, a quasi-public entity affiliated with the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority. The decision follows a Superior Court ruling that limited PURA's authority to block the transaction. Aquarion serves about 226,000 customers statewide, and the deal shifts oversight away from PURA once it closes. UConn begins $99M Gampel Pavilion renovation The University of Connecticut has begun a $99.4 million renovation of Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, with the first phase expected to be completed by November 2026. Cyril Wallace