www.HartfordBusiness.com • May 14, 2018 • Hartford Business Journal 3
Newsmakers
EDITORIAL
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Economic malaise
"This very weak performance
stands in sharp contrast with
all of the other New England
states whose economies have
enjoyed real growth, as have
those of New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania."
UConn economist Fred Carstensen reflecting
on newly released federal data showing
Connecticut's economy contracted by
0.2 percent in 2017.
VERBATIM
Scott Dolch | Executive Director, Connecticut Restaurant Association
By John Stearns
jstearns@HartfordBusiness.com
The Connecticut Restaurant Association has a
new signal caller in Scott Dolch, its executive direc-
tor, who's transitioning from a career in sports-re-
lated roles to representing an industry with 7,000-
plus restaurants and nearly 155,000 employees.
That's a big team for Dolch,
who was starting quarter-
back at Central Connecticut
State University and helped
lead CCSU to its first North-
east Conference champi-
onship in 2004, his senior
season before tackling jobs
that would help prepare him
to QB the Restaurant As-
sociation. They included jobs
at universities building organizations and brands,
including helping UMass Lowell transition from
Division II to Division I and University of Hartford
launch a new athletics brand identity to promote
its 17 Division I sports. He was Travelers Champion-
ship's marketing and media manager from 2009-12.
Football taught Dolch life lessons, including how
to become a leader, deal with adversity and work as
a team. On his Restaurant Association team, he's re-
sponsible for promoting, protecting and improving
Connecticut's restaurant and hospitality industry.
What inspired moving to the food industry?
The chance to make a significant impact. This
job gives me a chance to build a brand, increase
the impact our members have on the state and
develop new opportunities for future employees.
What do you most hope to accomplish as CRA
director?
Expand the association's reach, increase
services to members and provide more oppor-
tunities for those looking to enter this industry.
Building CRA's brand will hopefully increase
memberships and partnerships, while increasing
our impact with elected officials.
What's the biggest challenge and/or opportu-
nity you face in your new role?
Relationship-building is one of my strengths and
I'm working hard to meet restaurant owners and
operators who are past, present and/or future mem-
bers. Taking time to meet people in the industry will
help me succeed and help us achieve CRA's goals.
What issue are restaurateurs most concerned
about in Connecticut?
The direction of the state Capitol, as some
recent legislative mandates have made it difficult
on small businesses. I must advocate to legislators
each day that restaurant and hospitality industry
growth will benefit everyone in Connecticut.
Scott Dolch
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Moonshine moving
"Our time in East Hartford
has come to an end and we
are currently in the process of
relocating to an exciting new
location that will allow us to
expand production, age more
whiskey, and offer an even
more exciting tasting room experience!"
Onyx Spirits Company co-founder Adam
von Gootkin announcing the closure of the
moonshine maker's East Hartford tasting room
in preparation for an undisclosed new location.
