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Connecticut Business Leaders Discuss Economic Challenges and Opportunities

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/26 .. scuss-economic-challenges-and-opportunities.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 2:47 GMT by inforum
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

Hartford, CT - February 26, 2026 - Connecticut business leaders recently convened at an InForum event to discuss the current economic landscape and the hurdles facing the state's businesses. The discussion, moderated by InForum President and CEO Michael Johnston, revealed a cautiously optimistic outlook tempered by significant challenges related to workforce shortages, persistent inflation, and the need for a more supportive business environment. The panel featured insights from Abbie Gluckus, partner at Murtha Cullity & Pieri; David G. Radcliffe, senior fellow at the Yale Center for Business and Economic Research; and Jonathan DaSilva, CEO of the Norwalk Economic Development Corporation.

The Growing Workforce Crisis

The most pressing issue consistently highlighted was the acute shortage of skilled workers. Panelists universally agreed that attracting and retaining talent is not just a challenge, but a critical impediment to growth for Connecticut businesses. Gluckus articulated the need for a robust "pipeline of skilled workers," emphasizing the importance of investing in training programs and apprenticeships. This isn't merely about filling positions; it's about building a sustainable future for the state's economy, ensuring businesses have access to the specialized skills needed to innovate and compete.

Radcliffe expanded on the issue, pointing to Connecticut's demographic trends as a key driver of the problem. The state is experiencing an aging population, with fewer young people to replace retiring workers. This demographic shift isn't unique to Connecticut, but its impact is particularly pronounced here. Radcliffe stressed that attracting younger residents - and keeping them - is paramount to long-term economic health. This requires a multifaceted approach, including creating attractive job opportunities, improving quality of life factors like housing affordability and access to amenities, and fostering a vibrant community that appeals to a younger demographic.

This isn't simply a numbers game. The skills gap is widening, meaning that even when people are available, they may lack the specific training needed for in-demand roles. The panel suggested increased collaboration between educational institutions, vocational schools, and businesses to tailor training programs to the evolving needs of the job market. There was a strong sense that traditional educational models need to adapt to provide practical, immediately applicable skills.

Inflation's Persistent Grip

Beyond the workforce crisis, the panel addressed the ongoing impact of inflation. While inflation rates have moderated from their peaks in recent years, rising costs continue to squeeze businesses and consumers. DaSilva noted that businesses are struggling to balance the need to maintain profitability with the desire to avoid passing on price increases to customers. He emphasized the necessity of innovation and efficiency gains to absorb these costs.

This pressure is forcing businesses to become more strategic about resource allocation, streamlining operations, and exploring new technologies to improve productivity. The pressure isn't limited to materials and energy costs; labor costs are also increasing, further exacerbating the inflationary pressures.

Creating a More Supportive Business Climate

The discussion also centered on the need for a more supportive business environment within Connecticut. Panelists argued that the state needs to actively work to attract and retain businesses by reducing regulatory burdens and streamlining processes. Reducing taxes, particularly on businesses, was identified as a potential catalyst for investment and growth.

The conversation extended beyond taxes, however, encompassing the need for improved infrastructure, access to capital, and a more predictable regulatory landscape. A streamlined permitting process, for example, could significantly reduce the time and cost associated with launching new projects and expanding existing businesses.

A Cautiously Optimistic Future

Despite the challenges, the panelists expressed overall confidence in Connecticut's long-term economic potential. They highlighted the state's strengths, including its highly educated workforce, strategic location, and access to key markets. However, they stressed that realizing this potential requires proactive measures to address the current obstacles.

The consensus was that a collaborative approach - involving government, business leaders, and educational institutions - is essential to creating a thriving business community. Investing in workforce development, addressing inflationary pressures, and fostering a more supportive business environment are not just desirable goals, but prerequisites for sustainable economic growth in Connecticut. The panel emphasized that inaction is not an option, and that bold, decisive steps are needed to secure the state's economic future.