Meriden and Connecticut Look to Inform Small Business Owners About Incentives

State Representatives Cathy Abercrombie (D-83rd District), Buddy Altobello (D-82nd District), Hilda Santiago (D-84th District), and Senators Dante Bartolomeo (D-13th District) and Leonard A. Fasano (R-34th District) are co-hosting a Subsidized Training and Employment Program (Step-Up) Conference in Meriden.

The Step-Up Conference will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2014, at The Four Points by Sheraton Hotel located at 275 Research Parkway, Meriden, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with registration, breakfast and refreshments beginning at 7 a.m.

The Connecticut Department of Labor conference is geared towards informing small businesses about the variety of state hiring incentives, tax credits and other programs that are available to them as they work to expand and grow their businesses.

“I am excited to co-host the STEP-Up Conference here in Meriden,” Rep. Abercrombie said.  “Area businesses, regardless of their size, are welcome to join us and learn more about meaningful programs available to help them grow their business and at the same time, learn how to hire workers that will help them qualify for great incentives. This is a great program that we are proud to support and I hope to see many of our local business owners there.”

Rep. Santiago said, “Businesses are the strength of our economy and anything we do to support them makes an impact on their ability to keep growing. In talking to business owners, especially those in the Latino community, I find that many of them are not even aware that this phenomenal program exists. I encourage all area business owners to stop by and find out how Step Up can benefit them.”

“I am pleased to see the program continue in its support of businesses across the state,” Rep. Altobello said. “Step Up is a vital component in the overall effort to help strengthen Connecticut’s economy.”

“Times are tough for businesses of all sizes. This event gives local employers an opportunity to learn about resources that are out there to help them grow and support a healthy workforce,” said Senator Fasano.

Sharon Palmer, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor, will attend the conference to outline the efforts of her agency in working with small businesses.

The Presenters for the Meriden Step-Up Conference include the following:

•           The Connecticut Department of Labor-business Services Unit and Office for Veteran Workforce Development.

•           The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.

•           The Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitative Services.

•           The Connecticut Board of Regents-Advanced Manufacturing Centers.

•           The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services.

•           The University of Connecticut-Small business Development Centers

•           Access Health CT

•           Regional Workforce Investment Boards