Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com November 23, 2015 • Hartford Business Journal 7 WHAT'S AHEAD: ■ 11/30: Education ■ The List: Community Colleges ■ Nonprofit Profile: HEDCO CALENDAR WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 Rising Star Breakfast with Gov. Malloy The MetroHartford Alliance's monthly Rising Star Breakfast will feature Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in December. The event, which takes place Dec. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Hilton Hartford, 315 Trumbull St., Hartford, will include an opening speech by Malloy and then a question-and-answer session with the audience. Cost to attend is $20 for members; $40 for nonmembers. For more information or to register go to: http://web.metrohartford.com/events/. 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 . TRANSPORTATION Uber continues to drop CT rates Following rate drops in Hartford last August, Uber announced it will reduce its rates by 20 percent across the rest of the state. Uber said in a blog post, "After first implementing this pricing change in Hartford in August, we've seen positive effects for both riders and partners. Riders are able to rely on Uber more than ever, and driver-partner net earnings have grown by 35 percent. So we're excited to extend these fares to all Connecticuters." David Cadden, professor emeritus in the School of Business at Quinnipiac University, said these rate reductions shouldn't be seen as a sign of weakness by the ride-sharing company. Cadden said that normally a reduction in price indicates a business is in trouble. But the professor said he believes Uber may be trying to build up some good- will among customers in case it needs to draw upon it in the future. "In a number of cities, Uber has had problems with the reac- tions of taxi companies," he said. "I think they're looking to drive business to them so that if they do face any legal or political is- sues in the future, they will have a cadre of satisfied users who they know will support them." Gov. Dannel P. Malloy 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. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Hartford brewing hopeful launches Kickstarter campaign Brewing upstart Hog River Brewing Co., which hopes to open in Hartford next year, launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding cam- paign last week seeking to raise $20,000. Hog River Brewing owner Benjamin Braddock wrote on the cam- paign page that he plans to open a taproom next year in the city's Parkville neighborhood, with enough room for 100 customers. Hog River signed a lease earlier this year for space in the Bar- ridon Building, located on the corner of Park Street and Bartholomew Avenue. It plans to have a German-style Kolsch ale and a rotation of other beers. As of press time Nov. 19 Hog River had raised nearly $17,000, according to its Kickstarter profile. HOSPITALITY & TOURISM Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun report decreasing slot revenues In the midst of seeking to add a third casino in Greater Hartford, the operators of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun reported declining October slot revenues. Foxwoods Resort Casino reported slot revenue of $38.6 million for the month of October. That is down 3 percent compared to $39.7 million in Oct. 2014. Handle for the month was $482.5 million, up 1.1 percent from the $477.2 million wagered in the year-ago period. Mohegan Sun reported a 1.6 percent decline in October slot rev- enues of $48.1 million, down about $800,000 from Oct. 2014. Its handle of $579.9 million was down $2 million compared to a year ago. The casinos combined contribution to the Connecticut Special Rev- enue Fund in October was $22 million, down $400,000 from Oct. 2014. Uber drivers have seen more business in Hartford since the company dropped its rates in August. P H O T O | C O N T R I B U T E D

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