Economic Development Newsletter
JUNE 2026
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Three-Day Workshop
Machine Modeling Intensive
Wednesday, June 23-25th, 2026 | 9am-4pm
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology
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CCAT in partnership with Third Wave Systems will guide engineers, machinists, and programmers to deliver complex, high-value components faster while maintaining stringent quality standards within a model-based engineering (MBE) workflow.
Traditional trial and error machining approaches often lead to delays, scraps, and cost overruns. By understanding heat generation and material stress during the machining process, engineers gain insights that are difficult or impossible to capture through physical machine trials alone. This hands-on workshop will show participants how to evaluate machining strategies, reduce cycle times, and determine toolpaths with confidence before ever cutting a single chip.
| Managing Growth Without Losing Control
Wednesday, June 24th | 12pm | Virtual |
Tour CCAT's Technology + Training Facilities
Wednesday, June 24th| 2-5pm
East Hartford | In-person
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Explore CCAT’s Talent & Training Accelerator and Advanced Technology Center during a guided tour showcasing advanced technologies, hands-on training, and applied engineering expertise designed to support manufacturers.
Attendees will explore hands-on training environments, see advanced manufacturing technologies in action, and connect with the team helping manufacturers evaluate, implement, and integrate capabilities across digital, additive, automation, robotics, precision machining, and metrology.
Participants may register for one or both tour sessions.
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Keep Your Business Safe from Fraud
Thursday, June 25th, 2026 | 1-2pm | Live Webinar
Free | Registration Required
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Fraud prevention is not about fear, complex technology, or assuming “it won’t happen to me.” For small businesses operating in fast-moving, real-world environments, protecting your business is something far more practical—and far more essential.
A strong approach to fraud awareness is built intentionally, rooted in education, vigilance, clear processes, and shared responsibility. When successfully implemented, it becomes a critical layer of defense—protecting your finances, your reputation, and the people behind your business.
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Learn actionable strategies that any small business owner, employee, or leader can apply immediately. Drawing from real-world fraud trends and risk management practices, discover how to:
- Recognize the difference between fraud and scams—and understand how criminals manipulate both systems and people to gain access to money and information
- Identify common threats such as business email compromise, fake invoices, check fraud, and identity theft before they impact your business
- Spot red flags and suspicious patterns in everyday transactions, communications, and vendor interactions
- Implement simple but effective internal controls like segregation of duties, verification processes, and routine account monitoring
- Build a “human firewall” by training employees to pause, question, and verify before taking action
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Use AI to Strengthen Your
Small Business Marketing Voice
Thursday, July 9th | 1-2pm | Live Webinar
Free | Registration Required
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Small business owners have something national brands can’t replicate -- authentic relationships, community trust, and personal stories. Yet many struggle to create consistent social media content that feels genuine rather than generic.
By taking a practical, case-study approach, see how AI tools can help small businesses create more, and better, content without losing their unique voice. Explore how everyday moments, customer interactions, and real experiences can be transformed into engaging social media posts that strengthen connection and trust.
Rather than relying on polished but impersonal AI-generated content, discover how using AI as a creative partner can amplify what already makes a small business stand out -- the personal, local, and authentic elements customers value most.
Learn practical strategies for turning ideas into meaningful stories, streamlining content creation, and using AI tools in ways that support authenticity instead of replacing it. The result is a more effective and sustainable approach to social media marketing that helps businesses stay visible, relatable, and connected to their communities.
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Lamont Releases $5M for Nonprofit Security Grants
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By David Krechevsky
June 9, 2026
Gov. Ned Lamont announced Tuesday that the state will release another $5 million in funding for a grant program designed to help nonprofits strengthen security measures and protect against potential acts of violence, terrorism and hate crimes.
This is the fourth round of funding for the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which was launched in 2021 and is administered by the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Eligible nonprofits will be able to apply for grants beginning in July. The program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations that face an elevated risk of being targeted because of their mission, activities or identity, officials said. Faith-based organizations and houses of worship are among those eligible to apply.
The program helps organizations obtain financial assistance for security improvements while supporting the state’s broader public safety goals, Lamont said in a statement.
Since its creation, the program has distributed $5 million in grants during each of three previous funding rounds in 2021, 2023 and 2024. The latest allocation brings the state’s total commitment to the initiative to $20 million.
Organizations may receive up to $50,000 per site for security-related upgrades identified through security assessments. Eligible projects include infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases intended to harden facilities against threats.
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Business Engagement Unit
CT Department of Labor
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HEDCO Microloans Tailored to CT Small Business Owners
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Driving Web Traffic that Matters
Using Search, Ads & Analytics to Market Your Work
Friday August 14th, 2026 |12:15-2:15pm
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Francesca Olsen, discusses what is happening behind the scenes of your website and provides strategies for how to make it work for you.
This workshop is best suited for artists of all disciplines who have already spent some time exploring web-based marketing tools and have a stand-alone website or sell their work on a web-based platform.
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Many small commercial and industrial businesses don’t have the time, financial resources, or in-house expertise necessary to analyze and reduce your energy usage. The Small Business Energy Advantage Program can help. Utility-authorized contractors will come to your business and perform a no-cost, no-obligation assessment of your facility that includes lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration systems.
Program Features
- No-cost energy assessment
- The comprehensive proposal includes all eligible energy efficiency measures, complete with material and installation costs and estimated savings
- No obligation to install - no upfront costs
- Incentives cover up to 80% of the total project cost
- Zero-interest and low-cost financing for the balance of installed cost* (payable on your monthly electric bill, so you only have one monthly payment)
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One-year warranty on contractors’ parts and labor
Don’t wait—call today to start saving. Your investment will deliver energy cost savings, year after year. Call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873) for more information.
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Ji Tea is now opened at 5 Sedgwick Road, just south of West Hartford Center.
Congratulations to Danny and Gao who founded Ji Tea to introduce their approach to milk tea.
Ji Tea was built around a carefully selected menu of house-brewed teas, specialty coffee and small eats.
Their space is designed for slow mornings, quality, balance and casual conversations.
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Spitz Mediterranean Street Food Back in 2006, two college kids from Minnesota and Utah named their restaurant after the vertical broiler that cooks proteins to a perfection.
Touted as real food, made from scratch, served quick, in a place you actually want to hang out! Check out their from scratch recipes with portions that matter.
Congrats to Paige and Nick for opening the first CT franchise! Can't wait to try EVERYTHING!
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Mindful Transformations - is moving back to West Hartford Center to 16 Brace Road!
A group mental health practice with two Connecticut locations (17 Talcott Notch Road, Farmington) dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and families.
They specialize in perinatal mental health, women’s mental health, therapy for children and teens, and EMDR therapy.
Congratulations to Samantha and her team who are committed to creating a supportive, welcoming environment where clients can heal, grow, and thrive.
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Legrand announced the acquisition of Indiana-based Girtz Industries - manufacturer of custom-engineers modular power enclosures used in data centers.
Gritz employs about 300 people and generates $80 million in annual revenue.
Congratulations to Legrand and their growing acquisitions in the data center infrastructure sector and announcement of their third deal in less than a year!
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Comcast opened their second Xfinity Store in West Hartford at 345 North Main Street in Bishop's Corner (first location at 1253 New Britain Avenue).
Xfinity stores are designed so consumers can see products in action like -
- Xfinity Internet
- Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile
- Xfinity X1
- Xfinity Home Solutions and more!
Thank you for choosing West Hartford to expand your services to reach
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Tax Bills were Mailed June 15th, 2026
Payment Due: July 1st, 2026
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First installment of taxes due on July 1st
The first installment of real estate, personal property, and motor vehicle taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2025, is due and payable on July 1, 2026.
The quickest way to pay the taxes is: online at www.westhartfordct.gov/tax, by mail in an envelope enclosed with the bill; or mail to Town of West Hartford, 50 South Main St Rm 109, West Hartford, CT 06107; or drop in the Town Hall secure deposit box located on the brick façade of the building, south of the main entrance.
Payment can be made in person at the Town Hall Revenue Collection Center, Room 109. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office will be closed on Friday, June 19th, and Friday, July 3rd, 2026.
If payment is not made by Monday, August 3, 2026, the tax bill becomes delinquent and subject to interest at the rate of 1½% per month or fraction thereof retroactive to July 1, 2026. August interest is 3% (1½% for July; 1½% for August). Minimum interest charge is $2.
FAILURE TO RECEIVE A BILL DOES NOT INVALIDATE THE TAX OR THE INTEREST. If you do not receive a bill, please contact the Revenue Collection Office at 561-7474, x4.
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