Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/477238
14 Hartford Business Journal•November26,2012 www.HartfordBusiness.com W hen I recently mentioned to a friend that I had the chance to share my personal reflections of Hartford over the last 20 years, his first ques- tion was: "Are you going to write something positive?" "Of course," I said without hesitation. "I love Hartford!" Sadly, there are varying beliefs and per- ceptions about our capital city. But I am and always will be a believer. I know I'm not alone in that sentiment — otherwise the progress that we have personally witnessed and enjoyed would never have become reality. The late, great Hartford Mayor Mike Peters was by far my most favorite Hartford cheerleader. I miss his symbolic chant at the end of every speech. With a big grin on his face, he would raise his arm high in the air and shout: "Go Hartford!" MetroHartford Alli- ance President Oz Griebel would echo those same words to community and business lead- ers across the country, hoping to get them to consider Hartford as their home. Hartford was, after all, New England's Rising Star. Though that slogan has since been retired, great things continue to happen throughout Hartford that make me love this city even more. When our business was housed high up on the 23rd floor of One State Street in the early 2000s, I would look down with amaze- ment and anticipation as the Connecticut Convention Center, Marriott Hartford Down- town and Connecticut Science Center were assembled piece by piece thanks to public and private invest- ments. Those investors were believers. From those same windows, we have had the chance to view bril- liant fireworks over the Connecticut River thanks to organiza- tions like Riverfront Recapture. On that river, we have developed camaraderie and celebrated teamwork by paddling to victory in the Dragon Boat Races. During summer months, we have danced the night away to jazz in Bushnell Park. And in the winter, we have strapped on our ice skates, cast aside our fears and spun around the park's outdoor rink just before visiting the Wadsworth Atheneum to create puppets as part of First Night Hartford. Like any city, Hartford has survived heartbreaks and celebrated wins over two decades. College students and young profes- sionals are reconnecting with the city thanks to a statewide commitment to bring higher education and graduate programs to our downtown streets. Sports teams have come and gone and come back again. I remember feeling so close to the action when arena football came to the Hartford Civic Center in the late '90s. Now from the cushioned seats of the renovated XL Center, we can now confidently cheer on the Connecticut Whale, UConn basketball teams and headline musicians. Like-minded organizations and business- es are finally banding together more effec- tively than ever through initiatives like iQuilt and developers are beginning to take notice. Keeping a city alive and thriving year after year is tough work. It takes time, energy, public and private investments, and believ- ers. Hartford is a brilliant, shining city with beautiful architecture, imagination and innovation. Thanks to so many believers, the city has evolved to meet the needs of those who desire to live, work and play here. It is our city. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Build your own special memories that you, too, can cherish 20 years from now. g Kim Sirois Pita is managing principal at The Pita Group, a marketing communica- tions and branding firm in Rocky Hill. Celebrating 20 Years of Business News StorieS 20 Years of You've come to the right place Personal and business banking Local decision making Exceptional service Community focus Connecticut's Bank Toll-free 877-376-BANK | farmingtonbankct.com Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender Proud Past, Bright Future Congratulations Hartford Business Journal on your 20th Anniversary! Cheer like Mayor Mike for Hartford By Kim Pita "Remembrance" The wealth of downtown activities — from a little extra attention from Pucky at a Connecticut Whale game to taking part in Dragon Boat races — keeps the Pita family coming back for more. C O N T R I B U T E D P H O T O S