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JUNE 15, 2015
Volume 23, Number 29
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Sept. 30
Economists:
CT's budget could
dampen growth
By Gregory Seay
gseay@HartfordBusiness.com
W
ith job gains and ris-
ing home sales leading
Connecticut's econ-
omy to a first-half surge from
the ill effects of a record cold,
snowy winter, lawmakers' hefty
business and income-tax hikes
threaten to short-circuit those
and other gains in the long term,
economists warn.
First the good news: The
state's seasonally adjusted 1,200
jobs gained in April pushed the
Some economists and many business operators fear state budgetsetters' new $40 billion
budget will hamper Connecticut's economy.
Index
■ Executive Profile: PG. 5
■ Week in Review: PG. 6
■ Focus: PG. 8
■ The List: PG. 10
■ Deal Watch: PG. 12
■ Opinion & Commentary: PG. 20
FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY
Wearable Technology
A Hartford startup has developed a wearable device
that aims to improve personal safety. Find out why
angel investors have already poured nearly $1 million
in Wearsafe Labs. PG. 8
Decision 2015
This week Hartford Business Journal sits down with
Hartford mayoral candidate Joel Cruz, Jr., a city
councilman and Working Families Party member
who wants to reconnect the city's neighborhoods
and promote small businesses. PG. 3
Keno Act II
State lawmakers have once again legalized keno.
Find out what the prospects are for the bingo-like
game to actually get off the ground. PG. 16
CT benefit corp. law gains early
traction; Hartford seen as hub
By Brad Kane
bkane@HartfordBusiness.com
S
ince Connecticut created a new law last year allowing for
social benefit corporations, adoption of the novel legal status
has jumped out to a fast start and the Hartford entrepreneur-
ial community is moving quickly to become a hub for businesses
interested in promoting social good.
Connecticut last year joined the now 30 states that have adopted a
social benefit corporation law, which grants reporting advantages and
legal protections to investors and boards of directors who consider a busi-
ness's community impact, rather than just maximizing shareholder value.
Since Connecticut's law was enacted in October, 42 companies
have registered as benefit corporations, including 17 on the first day,
according to the Connecticut Secretary of the State.
By comparison, Maryland — the first state to adopt a benefit
Continued on page 16
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The coworking space at
reSET's new Parkville
offices is available to
anyone for a fee, but
members can get
unlimited access for $30
per month or a permanent
desk for $50 per month.
Social
Entrepreneurship
H A R T F O R D
MAYORAL RACE
2015
