Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/552599
www.HartfordBusiness.com August 10, 2015 • Hartford Business Journal 7 REAL ESTATE Source: Hartford's Gold Bldg. has a buyer One Financial Plaza, downtown Hartford headquarters to global manufacturing conglomerate United Technologies Corp., has drawn a buyer who intends major space improvements to en- hance the skyscraper's appeal to office and retail tenants, Deal Watch Today has learned. A person with knowledge of the pending transaction would only identify last week the tentative buyer as an investor who already owns at least one other downtown city office tower. The deal for an undisclosed price is set to close within 45 days, the person said. Known as the "The Gold Building'' for the hue of its anodized glass sheathing, the 26-story, Class-A office tower at 755 Main St. is owned by Talcott Realty Investors. It went on the market in late March. The building's other tenants include Accenture, Travelers, KPMG, Conning & Co. and People's United Bank, according to CBRE-New England's online listing. WHAT'S AHEAD: ■ 8/17 Focus: Trade ■ The List: Trade Partners ■ Nonprofit Profile: CT Alzheimer's Resource Center CALENDAR TUESDAY, AUG. 18 Achieve Peak Sales Performance The Simsbury Public Library is hosting three events starting with an interactive workshop on Aug. 18 to help companies and salespeople drive business-to-business sales by developing mental strength, emotional intelligence and business acumen. Speaker Duane Cashin will work with attendees on increasing profitable sales, shortening the sales cycle and obtaining executive-level referrals. Cashin has led the sales organizations of several Fortune 500 companies and built and sold his own multi-million dollar graphics company serving clients like the NFL, MTV Studios and Rockefeller Center. The Aug. 18 event, which is free to attend, runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Simsbury Public Library at 725 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury. The following events in the series are Aug. 25 and Sept. 1. For more information or to register go to: www.simsburylibrary.info. F O R A C O M P L E T E L I S T O F G R E A T E R H A R T F O R D B U S I N E S S E V E N T S , G O T O W W W . H A R T F O R D B U S I N E S S . C O M A N D C L I C K O N ' C A L E N D A R . ' A L L C A L E N D A R I T E M S M U S T B E S U B M I T T E D E L E C T R O N I C A L L Y V I A O U R W E B S I T E , H A R T F O R D B U S I N E S S . C O M . Duane Cashin Downtown Hartford's Gold Building, 755 Main St. MANUFACTURING Pratt-powered Marine jet ready for war The U.S. Marine Corps has declared the F-35B Lightning II fighter jet — powered by an engine from East Hartford manufacturer Pratt & Whitney — ready for combat. The Marines' recent declaration makes the Corps the first mili- tary branch in history to become operational with a jet powered by next-generation F135 engine. The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy also have fighter jets powered by the engine, as do the militaries of American allies around the globe. The F-35 is meant to replace the existing generation of fighters currently in combat. For the Marines, that is the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A-18 Hornet and the EA-6B Prowler. NONPROFITS Charter Oak centers receive $450K for renovation The Connecticut State Bond Commission has approved a $450,000 renovation grant for the historic Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford. The funding will go toward the first phase of the three-phase renovation project, which will increase the center's infrastructure and improve access for the disabled. The nonprofit center is an art exhibition and performing space and was originally the state's first synagogue, built in 1876. Charter Oak will continue to raise money to pay for the first phase and hopes to start renovation in the spring. P H O T O | H B J F I L E