Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/881000
6 | HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2, 2017 FROM OUR PUBLISHER FROM OUR EDITOR 25 years, and we can't say thank you enough By Joe Zwiebel In November of 1992, before Facebook, before Google, before Twitter, we published the first issue of the Hartford Business Journal. We were headquartered in a small space over a pediatric dentist's office on Farmington Avenue near the West Hartford Line. The economy was terrible, and it seemed every day there was news of another round of layoffs, in a market scarred and humbled by the Colonial Realty scandal. It was a heck of a time to start a newspaper, and after a number of publishers had failed to claim the local business-to-business space, there was a palpable sense that bets had been placed on how long we would last. We persisted, and slowly, in the Land of Steady Habits, we became a habit too for readers looking for regional local business news. In 1996 we moved our publishing schedule from every other week to weekly, and that made a huge difference in our profile, and our ability to report in a timely way on the business news stories that our readers looked for. As the world changed we did as well, adding awards events like 40 Under Forty, Lifetime Achievement and Women in Business. For me personally, recognizing the people who invest their time, energy and passion to make the region a better place has been, and continues to be, one of the most satisfying aspects of the work we have done. The digital world, of course, has opened new challenges and new opportunities. Interestingly, our print readership continues to increase, but it is often digital platforms like HBJ Today and CT Morning Blend that are the first things our readers mention. And as the the world continues to evolve, wherever our readers are we will follow as we continue to explore new markets and new vertical niches such as health care, green business, manufacturing and economic development. In print, in person or online, our business is fundamentally about people. We hope this special issue provides a useful, and perhaps for some, a nostalgic look back on a distinct time in the Hartford region, and those who have shaped it. And whatever gets said about journalists and journalism these days, it is a truly noble profession. Over the years, the Hartford Business Journal has been blessed with colleagues who have cared deeply about our mission, and have given their best, conscientiously and with gusto. To all of you, staff past and present, deepest thanks. So 25 years in, so far so good, and thank you to the community of readers, advertisers and friends in the market who have been so supportive of our efforts. We truly appreciate the many ways you have supported us. We will continue to remain true to our values, while working hard to innovate and serve your needs. We're excited and enthusiastically looking forward to what the next 25 years might hold for all of us! Joe Zwiebel is the founder and publisher of the Hartford Business Journal. Change defines Hartford region over last quarter-century By Greg Bordonaro In the 21st century it seems change comes hard and fast. What may have taken decades to develop in the past, can now happen in a matter of years or even months thanks to new technologies and other advancements society has made. When putting together Hartford Business Journal's 25th Anniversary edition, change became a key theme to the publication. While a quarter-century is nothing more than a blip on the world's historic radar, a lot has happened in the last 25 years that has changed Greater Hartford's business community and landscape. Just look at the Capital City's skyline as an example. We recently celebrated the opening of UConn's new downtown Hartford campus in the former Hartford Times building. The school is in shouting distance to numerous facilities that have all been erected in the last 25 years: the Connecticut Convention Center, Science Center and Front Street Entertainment District. As Hartford Business Journal celebrates its anniversary, this publication aims to look back at the people, places and events that have shaped the region over the last 25 years. We also explore the future to try to understand what the next quarter-century may bring about. Since 1992 — HBJ's founding year — many changes have occurred. Our region has become more diverse. Industries have grown, shrunk and even disappeared. New industries have emerged. Business, nonprofit and civic leaders have come and gone, some leaving lasting impressions, while others exist only as a faded memory. In the pages that follow you'll read Lookback sections that highlight six key Greater Hartford industries — banking, education, health care and bioscience, insurance, real estate and manufacturing. All have changed dramatically thanks to technology, evolving consumer habits, shifting political and cultural headwinds, among other factors. We'll also highlight "25 Newsmakers" from Greater Hartford who have made lasting impressions on their companies, industries and the community. We also remember those who we've lost over the years. Along the way we also highlight some of Hartford Business Journal's past events and award winners. We hope you find this publication serves not only as a commemorative piece, but an informational one that tells a story of where the Greater Hartford economy and business community has been and where it may be headed. Greg Bordonaro is the editor of the Hartford Business Journal.