Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/477238
www.HartfordBusiness.com November26,2012•Hartford Business Journal 7 Celebrating 20 Years of Business News United For Hartford: Honoring The Past, Celebrating The Present And Envisioning The Future Mike Matteo Executive Vice President, UnitedHealth Group O n behalf of UnitedHealthcare, I'd first like to congratulate the Hartford Business Journal on its impressive 20th anniversary milestone. Since 1992, the Hartford Business Journal has served as a vital source of information for our region, connecting the business community through sto- ries that educate and inspire economic growth and community development. Our two organizations have a shared commitment to improving the communi- ties in and around Greater Hartford and growing our stature as a great place to live and work. As a lifelong Connecticut resident — born and raised in Middletown — the health of our community is near and dear to me. And I don't just mean physical health. We are a region rich in both history and innovation with impressive cul- tural, recreational, educational and economic opportunities. I share the passion of so many others in our capital region who are doing their part to make Hartford a better all around destination for visitors and residents, as well as a place where businesses and their employees want to grow. UnitedHealthcare is a national health and well-being company serving nearly 40 million Americans with a simple mission – to help people live healthier lives. Locally, through our family of businesses, 4,200 Connecticut employees are work- ing to make it easier for nearly 1 million residents across the state to get the care they need, while personalizing and simplifying their health care experience. Through a combination of benefits coverage and access to other health-related services, we are strengthening the bond between patients and physicians and modernizing technology to improve consistency and connectivity among health care participants. Our company has had a strong presence in our capital city for more than 20 years and recently deepened its commitment to the Hartford region by investing $35 million to renovate the landmark CityPlace building and keeping our 2,000 employees downtown. Hartford has long been home to the country's leading health care and financial services companies and we're proud to continue that tradition through our active contributions to the city's development, reinforcing its status as the Insurance Capital of the World. As we join the Hartford Business Journal in commemorating their anniversary and how the business community has evolved over the last two decades, I'd like to thank all those who continue to make our capital city a premier location to live, work and visit. It's an honor and a privilege to work alongside the Hartford Business Journal and so many other local partners to enhance our business cli- mate while strengthening our communities. This milestone marks a perfect and timely opportunity for us all to honor our past, celebrate the present and envision our future. 20 Years Of Connecting Business To Business T his publication marks the 20th anniversary of the Hartford Business Journal. Yet, the content is not about HBJ. It is a narrative looking back at the past and looking forward to the future of the entire business community. It is a chronicle of the accomplishments and challenges over the last 20 years. It is about the future and what leaders in our community see that will shape our current view, and anticipate the future. Many of us have spent hours and hours looking through the archives of our past issues. Three themes emerge: • Our region has become more diverse; • We have risen above many challenges; • We have visionaries who help see and dream for the future. We work every day to deliver news, business information and connections to the marketplace. We have a passion about this region that we share with local busi- ness owners and leaders. We don't think a lot about Des Moines, or Providence, or Grand Rapids or Las Vegas. Instead, we focus on the 61 towns around the capi- tal city, and decisions that affect the entire state. We focus on Hartford — Mark Twain's city, and Ella Grasso's city, and Samuel Colt's city, and Mayor Peters' city. Since many of you know us by our BY THE NUMBERS or LISTS, I'd like to use that format to thank so many people who have made this an amazing 20 years. First, thank you to our loyal audience. Without you we would have no reason to get up in the morning. We thrive on interaction with our print and on line readers, with our event attendees, award winners, and nominators. Second, thank you to our clients. One of the rewards of this "look back" is to see how many companies have grown with us. Many businesses we wrote about in the early years are now using our products to build their business. Third, thank you to the many groups and associations who have partnered with us to focus on ideas and events. We have always operated on the belief that one plus one equals three when it comes to working with others. Fourth, thank you to the many members of business community who give us information, perspective and scoops. Without you, news doesn't happen. Fifth, thank you to our own HBJ team of dedicated and passionate editors, reporters, designers, account managers and project managers, both past and present. In our current team of 20 people, we have more than 155 years of busi- ness experience working at the Hartford Business Journal. Yes, readers, clients, community, and our team have all been working together to bring each other the best in business. We are friends, colleagues, and want what's best for the Hartford region. What a great passion that we share together. Now I invite you to read on. We are sure that you will find memories in these pages that you had forgotten all about, and maybe a thought or two about where we are heading. With over 20 years of material, we may have missed something that stands out to you. As always, I welcome your feedback. We are an organiza- tion devoted to innovation. We welcome your ideas on how to continue to deliver strong business connections. We look forward to serving the business people of this wonderful place that we are so proud to call home — for many years to come. Gail Lebert Publisher, Hartford Business Journal From our Publisher: