|
 |
 |
|
Message from the Managing Director |
|
Colleagues,
January continued with a flurry of economic meetings that organizations held
around the State. The message was changing from similar meetings in December.
The revised message was that the CT economy would feel the pinch of a slowing
economy, the impacts of the subprime, and credit crisis. This was in contrast to
what we we’re hearing from a number of our clients. Our clients had increasing
inquiries and orders. What they need from us is to deliver process and
productivity programs to improve capacity.
In February, we held our “Client Appreciation Day” during the CCSU Men’s and
Women’s basketball game. Our sponsor, Image Ink, Inc., was very pleased with the
seeing over 170 ITBD clients and their families in attendance. Image Ink printed
multiple tee-shirts to advertise the event. An owner of one of our new incubator
companies, Jodi Rossi won the Mohegan Sun sponsored “Hoop Shoot” contest while
children in attendance chased rebounds from shots missing the basket. We also
added a new employee to the ITBD, Jennifer Pelletier. She is the Assistant
Manager of the Conference Center and the Information Technology Specialist for
the ITBD. She has been a real asset to Cindy in the Conference Center helping to
automate some of her processes, revising the ITBD web site (check it out) and
providing the excellent customer service to clients requiring ITS support in the
Conference Center. |
|
 |
Jen’s help was real valuable during the March Congressman, Christopher Murphy
Workforce Economic Summit. A lively panel with representation from industry,
education and organized labor addressed the challenges faced by many businesses
in the State in finding skilled and qualified employees. There is more to come
on this topic from the Congressman’s office.
The Training and Applications area showed growth in Lean, ISO, and Six Sigma
programs this year. Capital Workforce Partners opened up training to Retail,
Banking & Finance, Healthcare and Manufacturing. ITBD received contracts in
all markets. Relationships were built with regional Workforce Boards, select
Community Colleges, the CT Center for Advanced Technology and the chambers of
commerce to enhance training delivery. Open enrollment programs were added that
had significant impact in the state.
The Conference Center had significant increases in its utilization by state
agencies, community organizations and professional development associations. The
Conference Center completed a multi-year rental agreement from the Judicial
Services agency resulting in significant increases in room rentals. This year,
the University began offering credit classes at night. Six classes were held in
the spring and four classes were held in the summer. The Conference Center had
over 54,000 people in attendance. Going forward, the university will be
utilizing the Conference Center more often.
The end of the fiscal year is quickly approaching. Our Summer Youth Employment
program is awaiting the word on funding from the New Britain School District and
Capitol Workforce Partners. Keep your fingers crossed for a positive outcome for
this because this is our FUTURE WORKFORCE. A new element in this area will be a
small program with ConnDOT as well. |
| |
|
|
|
|
