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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | JULY 13, 2026 25 Opinion & Commentary OTHER VOICES At 250, the American Dream is still alive By Tony Sheridan A s America continues to cele- brate its 250th birthday, I find myself reflecting on another anniversary — my own arrival in this country. I came to America in 1964 as a young immigrant from rural Ireland carrying a little more than hope, deter- mination and a dream. Looking back now, I realize how unlikely my journey must have seemed. I grew up near Oldcastle in County Meath, Ireland, as one of eight chil- dren raised in a small cottage with no electricity, no running water, and no plumbing. Water was carried nearly a mile from a well. Like many rural Irish families at the time, we worked not because we wanted to but because we had to. By age 10, I was helping herd cattle and sheep, pick potatoes, feed animals and milk cows. At 14, the legal, school-leaving age, I entered the workforce. My oppor- tunities were limited. I bottled stout in a local pub, washed milk cans at a creamery, hauled grain from ships at the Dublin docks and took whatever work I could find. Education beyond basic schooling was not something people in my community expected. Survival came first. Like many young Irish people of my generation, I left home seeking oppor- tunity. After several years of hard labor in England, I faced a choice between Australia and America. America won. It was the best decision I ever made. When I stepped onto American soil, I could not have imagined where the journey would lead. Through hard work, persistence and the opportuni- ties this country provided, I became a licensed plumber and pipefitter. I earned my high school equivalency diploma. Later, I completed bachelor's and master's degrees. Along the way, I had the privilege of serving my community as First Selectman for a number of years. Today, I serve as the CEO of a chamber of commerce, chair of our local police commission and chair of our state's Airport Authority. Yet the accomplishments that matter most to me are not profes- sional titles. I met a wonderful woman, built a loving family, raised two sons and today enjoy the blessing of five grandchildren. I often hear people say that the American Dream is dead. I disagree. Has America changed since 1964? Absolutely. The economy is different. Housing costs are higher. Technology has transformed the workplace. The path to success may not look exactly as it did when I arrived. But the fundamental promise of America remains intact. What has always made this nation special is not a guarantee of success. It is a guarantee of opportunity. The American Dream was never about receiving something for nothing. It was about having the freedom to pursue a better life; about believing that where you start does not deter- mine where you finish; about knowing that effort, responsibility, education and perseverance can still open doors. While many face major chal- lenges not of their own making, the promise of America remains alive and continues to attract people from around the world. Today, immigrants make up about 15% of Connecticut's population, with more than 590,000 foreign-born residents calling our state home. Immigrants also account for more than one-quarter of Connecticut's entrepreneurs. Approximately 47,400 immigrant entrepreneurs own businesses throughout the state. Their stories are different from mine, but the motivation is often the same: a desire to build a better future for themselves and their families. As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we should remember that the strength of this nation has always come from people who believed in possibility. Farmers, tradesmen, teachers, business owners, inventors, laborers, immi - grants and generations of native-born Americans have all contributed to the remarkable story of this country. As we begin our nation's next 250 years, my hope is that we continue to preserve the values that made stories like mine possible: freedom, opportu- nity, hard work, personal responsibility and faith in the future. Tony Sheridan is the CEO of the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. Tony Sheridan Your money can make a difference. Without spending a dime. As a mutual bank, we're owned by our depositors, not shareholders. 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