Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com June 5, 2017 • Hartford Business Journal 7 WHAT'S AHEAD: ■ 6/12 Focus: CFO of the Year Awards ■ The List: Highest-paid executives ■ Nonprofit Profile: Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation CALENDAR TUESDAY, JUNE 13 HR & the Workplace: The Trump Impact The Connecticut Business and Industry Association is hosting a forum June 13 on the impact the Trump administration is having on human resources and workplace policies. The first 100 days of the Trump administration have set the stage for workplace policies that could significantly reset the labor and employment agenda of the past eight years. Changes will come, but it will take time to turn the ship's direction on policies affecting labor-management relations, joint employer standards, class and collective action waivers in arbitration agreements, employment discrimination, leave and employee benefits, pay equity, minimum wage and overtime, retirement and pensions, health care, occupational safety and health, job training, business immigration, job creation, and infrastructure reform. CBIA's presentation, taking place at its 350 Church St. headquarters in Hartford, aims to inform attendees about what has happened so far and what to expect regarding workplace policies coming from the White House and federal agencies, Congress, and the federal courts. Cost to attended is $26.59 for members, $53.18 for nonmembers. For more information or to register go to: https://www.cbia.com/. GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Paid leave proponents say small businesses back their effort An organization that supports establishing a paid family and medi- cal leave program in Connecticut says 77 percent of the 243 Con- necticut small business owners recently surveyed support its stance. The Campaign for Paid Family and Medical Leave touted the poll results, which were commissioned by the Connecticut Wom- en's Education and Legal Fund. Several bills in the House and Senate on paid family and medi- cal leave, including one that would provide a tax credit for busi- nesses that offer the benefit, have stalled in the legislature. Advocates are using the poll to stir up legislative support in the waning days of the session. Among other findings, the poll showed that 95 percent of small business owners believe in the importance of time off for a new child, recovery from serious ill- ness or care of an ill family member. MANUFACTURING CT vying for drone manufacturing site Drone USA Inc., a New York City-based maker of police drones, said it is actively negotiating to establish a manufacturing plant in Connecticut or other Northeast states. Drone USA makes drones and related technologies and its CEO Michael Bannon said he has met with state officials and is review- ing possible incentives from Connecticut as well as from various unnamed towns. The company has identified a specific location to build a manufacturing facility for police drones but did not say where it is or elaborate on other details. The firm said it is exploring possible locations in Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. TRANSPORTATION Draft highway projects plan proposes $3.6B in spending A $3.6 billion draft plan covering 280 state highway and road projects over the next four years would require $585.8 million in state aid to match $2.9 billion in federal funds and $61 million in local funds, according to the state Department of Transportation. The DOT released its draft 2018 Statewide Transportation Im- provement Plan (STIP) last week. Public information meetings on the many projects, ranging from the I-91/CT15 Hartford Interchange to I-95 work in the southern part of the state, are scheduled for July 11 at DOT headquarters in Newington. Of the $585.8 million in state funds, $5.9 million is programmed for public transportation operating assistance. In addition, a total of $2.8 billion (77.42 percent) would be used for highway and bridge capital programs and $821.5 million (22.58 percent) would be used for transit (rail, bus, and rideshare) capital and operating costs. Construction workers toil on a Southington bridge project that was com- pleted in 2015. P H O T O | H B J F I L E November 2, 2017 MassMutual Center • Springfield, MA The Business Innovation Expo of Western Mass is a one-day event designed to bring together businesses from a wide range of industries, highlighting innovation and economic opportunity throughout the region. Be a part of the event and showcase your products and services. Connect with thousands of business professionals and exhibitors who keep our region vibrant and competitive. RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY! CALL 413-781-8600 BUSINESS

• Cover