Hartford Business Journal

20 Hartford Business Journal • August 7, 2017 www.HartfordBusiness.com OPINION & COMMENTARY HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM POLL Are condos still an attractive living option? ● Yes ● No To vote, go online to HartfordBusiness.com. Last week's poll results: Is Hartford an attractive city for Millennials? 36.5% Yes 63.5% No OTHER VOICES Why Hartford is a good place for young professionals By Matthew Necci and Peter Meggers M uch has been written about whether Hartford can be an attractive desti- nation for those choosing where to begin their careers. Much has also been writ- ten about the purported rise and fall of the "Insurance Capital" and its inability to be a major league city. So, how can local compa- nies attract top talent to bring their family and career to Hart- ford? Look around — Hartford has plenty to celebrate and sell. Yes, we've heard it many times before, but few places on earth have access to more world-class metropolitan, enter - tainment and outdoor activities than Hartford. Want to have lunch in Manhattan and go to a show? Drive two hours and be home for dinner. Want to visit America's revolutionary past? Drive an hour and a half, stay for a game, and be home to tuck in the kids. Per- haps a day at the beach? See you in 50 minutes. We don't adequately sell our access to these destinations, but more importantly, we don't sell our own community enough. Greater Hartford is the official home, or at least spiritual one, to almost 10 For- tune 500 companies. And contrary to the thoughts of many, a single industry isn't the source of all these companies. Our cor- porate giants play in the insurance world, but they're also from the worlds of technol- ogy and utilities. Best stated, Hartford is home to some of the most innovative and dynamic employers in the nation. Outside the office, and brilliant- ly displayed by the city's iQuilt plan, how many places have access to the cultural assets we have, which are all within walk- ing distance? Spend a day at the 175-year-old Wadsworth Atheneum and follow up with a show at The Bushnell, a venue that rivals any theater you will find on Broadway. Need a day outdoors? Remember all the negative press about Dunkin' Donuts Park less than a year ago? Well, Hartford's ballpark is now considered best in class and the Yard Goats regularly sell it out. Maybe you forgot about the concerts on Mortensen Riverfront Plaza or the Greater Hartford Jazz Festival in Bushnell Park, which, by the way, attracts tens of thousands of spectators from across New England. As far as housing, we're growing in that area as well with increased investment in downtown apartment development. If city- living isn't for you, consider the impressive suburbs minutes away. Not many cities have communities like Glastonbury, Manchester, West Hartford or Wethersfield that let you be downtown in 20 minutes for work, dinner or a UConn game. Hartford's proximity to every- thing a professional needs to prosper is advan- tageous for attracting and retaining top talent. We also have a strong talent pool at our fingertips. Hartford's young professional com- munity is thriving due to organizations like MetroHartford Alliance's HYPE, United Way's Emerg- ing Leaders, and Hartford Hospital's Young Leaders Advi- sory Council. Numer- ous colleges are located downtown or within a stone's throw of the city. And that doesn't even speak to the fact that Yale, annually rated one of the world's top universities, is a 35-minute drive away, and UConn, a "Public Ivy" and one of the nation's top public universities, is 35 minutes in the other direction. What's more exciting for Hartford is UCo- nn's investment into the market with the devel- opment of its campus at the old Hartford Times building. This new campus is already serving as an inspiration for further public and private investment before students have even arrived. Con - trary to the opinions of a few, talent is the last thing we are lack- ing as a community. We can no longer dwell on what Hart- ford isn't. Instead, as employers, we must celebrate and pro- mote what it is — an energetic community where young to mid- level professionals can thrive and make names for themselves. Anyone can go to Boston, New York or Washington D.C. and try to make an impact on their communities. Some might even be successful. But in reality, most will be another "drop in the bucket" in cities too large and established to truly become a part of the community fabric. Whether you are a rising talent in the professional services community, a young entrepreneur, or a leader in the non- profit world, Hartford provides you access to the resources you need to make your mark as a community leader. As professionals, employers, and com- munity members, it is incumbent on us all to take ownership of not only helping the city get back on its feet, but to also become advo- cates for everything Hartford has to offer. n Matthew Necci and Peter Meggers are attor- neys at the Hartford office of Halloran & Sage LLP. Both reside in Greater Hartford. Matthew Necci Peter Meggers ▶ ▶ We also have a strong talent pool at our fingertips. Hartford's young professional community is thriving due to organizations like MetroHartford Alliance's HYPE, United Way's Emerging Leaders, and Hartford Hospital's Young Leaders Advisory Council. OTHER VOICES Hartford Marathon provides key economic, community value to region By Beth Shluger I n the 24 years that the Hartford Marathon has been run in Hartford, there's been no shortage of inspirational individuals, moti- vating stories, exemplary team work or dis- plays of true acts of kindness in support for others. This event brings with it a great sense of pride in our Capital City, and delivers an incred- ible positive impact. In 2016, the Ever- source Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon provided the region $14.2 mil- lion in economic value, according to Witan Intelligence. Many people hear the word marathon and automatically shut down interest in involvement — only 0.5 percent of the U.S. population has actually run a marathon (Statistic Brain Research Institute), so it's clearly not just the 26.2 mile race that makes this so special for Hartford. The annual October tradition brings out the best in the community, and it's not just about running or exclusively for athletes. Positive energy and tremendous cama- raderie are created through the participa- tion of the residents, businesses, friends, families, volunteers, fundraisers and col- leagues who come together that day. It's in the groups raising funds and awareness for local charity and community causes. The Hartford Marathon Foundation encourages participants to run, walk, vol- unteer or fundraise for a cause they support, helping to add to the more than $6.9 million raised through the event since 1994. There are 20 organizations serving as official charities for the event, long-time groups that include Connecticut Children's Medical Center and New Britain's Hospital For Special Care as well as the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, the CT Chapter of the National MS Society and the UConn Foundation. Outside of these 20 local organizations, individual and group participants support countless others, using the event as a catalyst for their good deeds in support for their communities. With the Charity 5K at the Eversource Hartford Marathon opening up more oppor- tunities for first-time runners or walkers to participate, there's no limit on who or how participants can benefit their own health and give back to others in the community. The incredible sense of pride is also cre- ated through the networks of volunteers who provide water and encouragement along the course, who spend the day in Bushnell Park helping direct and support visitors to the city, who serve up food and beer, who offer free massages or entertain the many in attendance. It takes 2,500 gen- erous and hardworking volunteers to fulfill all of the needs for race week. It's also created in the relay teams accom- plishing their goal as one. The Team 26.2 Relay brings two to five people together to achieve the marathon distance as a group, a true team-building experience that benefits colleagues, families and friends every year. It's through the support of sponsors like Eversource, United Bank, Powerstation Events and WFSB, who continue their com- mitment to a positive contribution for the region. It's also the partners that offer valu- able in-kind services such as Hartford Hospi- tal's expert medical team or the state-of-the- art communication equipment from Marcus Communications. And, with the new commu- nity partners program, small businesses can commit a lower investment and engage their employees in health and wellness while also allocating a portion of their sponsorship to a charity of their choice. The positive energy is also gained through the tens of thousands of cheering spectators lining city streets and out in big groups through West Hartford. Or those dedicated cheerleaders in small bursts along the river in East Hartford or out host- ing lawn parties in South Windsor. This is a true community-centric event, providing the opportunity for participants to achieve their personal goals while giving back. It's about raising awareness and funds for meaningful charities, increasing pride in our capital and celebrating extraordinary individuals doing good for each other. Step up and support the community on Oct. 14. There's no contribution or level of commitment too small — help keep this great event producing positive impact on the region and benefit to everyone involved. n Beth Shluger is CEO of the Hartford Mara- thon Foundation and race director of the 24th running of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. Beth Shluger

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