Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com November 16, 2015 • Hartford Business Journal 7 WHAT'S AHEAD: ■ 11/23 Focus: Advertising, Media, Marketing ■ The List: Largest Advertising/PR firms ■ Nonprofit Profile: Wadsworth Antheneum CALENDAR THURSDAY, NOV. 19 Building a Culturally Competent Workplace As the workforce of the 21st century becomes more diverse, businesses and organizations of all kinds need to be able to handle rapidly evolving demographics to ensure a workplace that is welcoming, cohesive and productive. Central Connecticut State University is launching a program to help called "The Culturally Competent Workplace" conference on Nov. 19, at 8:30 a.m., at CCSU's downtown campus in New Britain. Featured speakers include: Robin P. McHaelen, from True Colors Inc.; Joelle A. Murchison, from The Travelers Cos.; Rosa Rodriguez and Nicholas D'Agostino, from the CCSU Office of Diversity and Equity; Jane Fried, CCSU professor of counseling education and family therapy; and Jason Sikorski, CCSU associate professor of psychological science. The conference is geared toward business owners and managers, HR and diversity professionals, and anyone interested in developing an inclusive, diverse and more productive workplace. Cost to attend is $245. For more information go to: www.ccsu.edu/coned or call 860.832.2277. HOSPITALITY & TOURISM Food market set next to 777 Main apts. A boutique food market in the shadow of downtown Hartford's 777 Main St. high-rise apartments will open early next year, say both the landlord and the store's owner. The Greenway Market will occupy 2,200 square feet at 71 Asy- lum St., in vacant retail space on the ground floor of the parking garage adjacent to the former Bank of America tower now home to 290 luxury apartments, according to 777 Main's owner-devel- oper Bruce Becker and the planned store's owner Ankit Harpaldas. The permanent presence of a downtown food market or su- permarket is seen by apartment landlords, tenants and others as a way to make downtown living more convenient and attractive. Tentatively set to open within the next 90 days, Harpaldas said his seven-days-a-week market will employ three to five and carry a limited assortment of comestibles, including eggs, milk, bread, and fresh meat, seafood and produce. It also will feature a deli counter, providing "healthier food options,'' Harpaldas said. This is Harpaldas' latest downtown retail venture. Six months ago, he said he opened the Capital Spirits package store at 73 Pratt St. REAL ESTATE What are CT's most affordable, expensive housing markets? If you want a good deal to buy a home in Connecticut the Capi- tal City is the place to house hunt, according to a report by Cold- well Banker Real Estate, which ranked the affordability of 78 real estate markets in the state. The Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report named Hartford the most affordable market in Connecticut, with an average listing price of $129,736, while Greenwich ranked as the most expensive market in the state, with an average listing price of $1.3 million. The report analyzes more than 81,000 four-bedroom, two- bathroom home listings across 2,700 markets to better address how much a home in one market would cost if the same home were located elsewhere in the country. Waterbury ($132,233), New Britain ($178,350), East Hartford ($182,738), and Bridgeport ($198,972) rounded out the top five most affordable housing markets in Connecticut. Westport ($1,056,316), Wilton ($789,112), Weston ($770,917), and Fairfield ($713,425) rounded out the top five most expensive Connecticut markets. Nationwide, Newport Beach, Calif., is the priciest place to live with the average list price for a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home at $2,291,764. CT's foreclosure inventory declines The percentage of mortgaged Connecticut homes in foreclo- sure was stagnant in September, but down slightly from a year prior, according to CoreLogic. The foreclosure inventory stood at 1.9 percent in September, which was the same rate in August. In September 2014 foreclo- sure inventory was 2.6 percent. Nationally, the foreclosure inven- tory rate is 1.2 percent. There were 5,621 foreclosures completed over the past year in Connecticut and the state's serious delinquency rate was 4.6 percent at the end of September, CoreLogic said. Robin P. McHaelen H ealth insurance is the most important benefit you offer and it's a big part of your budget. You need an insurance program that not only meets the needs of your employees but also helps you control costs. CBIA Health Connections — the most successful private insurance exchange for small business — is the solution. With Health Connections you simply set your contribution level then let your employees choose a plan from Aetna, ConnectiCare, Harvard Pilgrim, or UnitedHealthcare. From medical and dental plans to life, disability and vision options, there's something for everyone with CBIA Health Connections. Contact your agent for a quote or call 860.244.1900. Who do small businesses choose for health insurance? Richard P. Ramondetta President Alloy Specialties, Inc. Manchester CBIA Health Connections allows me to offer my employees a valuable benefits package while helping to control our medical benefits budget. 777 Main St., Hartford. H B J P H O T O | G R E G O R Y S E A Y

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