Region-Mag-Legislative-2019-Dig-Edition

THE RESOURCE GUIDE FOR BUSINESS IN THE REGION GREATER BRIDGEPORT R egion S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 The 2019 Directory of Elected Officials The BRBC Legislative Agenda Business Resources

A BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL PUBLICATION

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THE RESOURCE GUIDE FOR BUSINESS IN THE REGION GREATER BRIDGEPORT R egion SPRING 2019 The 2019 Directory of Elected Officials The BRBC Legislative Agenda Business Resources

Contents

6 | Message from President/CEO and Board Chair 9 | Your Voice is BRBC’s Voice An Overview of BRBC’s Business Advocacy Work and Legislative Agenda

10 | It’s More than Just Another Casino 12 | Public Hearing Testimony: HB7055 13 | The Directory of Elected Officials

With Updates from Bridgeport, Stratford, and Trumbull Chief Elected Officials 31 | BRBC Member Directory and Business Resource Guide 54 | Sneak Peak: Coming Soon!

SEE RESTAURANT COUPONS ON PAGES 51 & 52

A BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL PUBLICATION

Region Magazine Published by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council 10 Middle Street, 14 th Floor Bridgeport, CT 06604

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL Chair : Kate Hampford Donahue, President and CEO, Hampford Research Inc.

Immediate Past Chair : Armando F. Goncalves, Market President, People’s United Bank First Vice Chair : Patrick McDonnell, Vice President Regulatory Affairs-CT, UIL Holdings Corporation President & CEO : Dan Onofrio, President and CEO, Bridgeport Regional Business Council Secretary/Treasurer : Eric N. Hendlin, Managing Partner, DHL&S Bob Abbate, President/Creative Director, Bob Abbate Marketing Dianne J. Auger, Senior Vice President, Chief Admistrative Officer, St. Vincent’s Medical Center James A. Benson, Vice President, Merit Insurance Frank Borres, Chief Executive Officer, American View Productions LLC , Ex-Officio BCC James Connor, Human Resource Vice President, Bridgeport Fittings, Inc. , Ex-Officio SCC David Galla, Vice President, Business Banking, People’s United Bank , Ex-Officio TCC Charles V. Firlotte, President and CEO, Aquarion Company David Levine, Principal, Cohen and Wolf, P.C. , Ex-Officio BEDCO Kelli Meyer, Director, Campus Activities and Civic Engagement, University of Bridgeport , Ex-Officio Thrive Mary Beth Nelsen, President, The Right Resource , Ex-Officio WLC

Publisher: Jocelyn Paoletta To advertise or submit content suggestions or articles for consideration contact paoletta@brbc.org 203.335.3800 Pictured on Cover: Kate Hampford Donahue, BRBC Board Chair Joseph Ganim, Mayor of Bridgeport and Dan Onofrio, President and CEO, BRBC Cover and Article Photography: Elias Rosario, Special Projects Manager American View Productions

Margaret Sheahan, President, Mitchell & Sheahan PC John F. Stafstrom, Jr., Member, Pullman & Comley LLC John Temple Swing, COO and Assistant Director, The Barnum Museum , Ex-Officio LGB BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL STAFF Dan Onofrio: President & CEO Jeff Bishop: Business Development Manager Edward Lavernoich: President, Bridgeport Economic Development Corporation Erin Mercede: Director of Leadership Programs Jocelyn Paoletta: Marketing Director, Publisher Region Magazine

4 REGION | GREATER BRIDGEPORT

Advocacy Powers Business Growth for the Bridgeport Region! Commerce and Community Connect to Amplify the Voice of the Greater Bridgepor t Region in the Halls of Government

We are so proud of the depth and quality of the content we’ve put together for the spring 2019 issue of Region Magazine. Each issue of Region will concentrate on the Bridgeport Regional Business Council’s work in four primary categories or pillars that support our overall mission of growing the economy of the Greater Bridgeport Region. Economic Development, Leadership Development, Business Development, and Legislative Advocacy make up our core pillars. The BRBC team works everyday to drive economic growth, to train business and community leaders, and to increase visibility and business opportunities for our member businesses and the business community at large. The focus of the spring issue centers on our fourth core pillar, which examines how government relations and political advocacy can support and enrich businesses represented by the BRBC. One of our key functions throughout each year is to provide opportunities for our members to engage with local, state and federal legislative leaders who are instrumental in drafting and executing economic policies that impact successful commerce. And, throughout the year, BRBC provides important opportunities for the business community to engage with the legislative leaders who are instrumental in making and supporting policy. Exclusive access to elected and appointed government officials is available via events held by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and our affiliated Chambers of Commerce in Bridgeport, Stratford, and Trumbull. The seven town labor market in the Bridgeport Region includes Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Shelton, Stratford, and Trumbull. Our Engagement in Bridgeport, Stratford, and Trumbull is enhanced by the hyper-local connection we have with each of these communities via our Chamber of Commerce affiliates. That positive engagement also results in a close working relationship with the economic development departments of each

of these municipalities as well as the municipalities of Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, and Shelton. An important extension of the BRBC is our Government Relations Committee. This volunteer group of dedicated and invested BRBC members includes: Albert Carbone, UIL Holdings Corporation; Charles Scott, Tri-State Realty & Insurance; Dianne Auger, St. Vincent’s Medical Center; Michelle McCabe, The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport; George Logan, Aquarion Company; Gregg Dancho, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo; Jacqueline Blake, Bridgeport Hospital; Mark Antonini, The Center for Family Justice, Inc.; John Stafstrom, Pullman & Comley, LLC; Kelly Wade Bettuchi, AT&T; Alice Ferreira, Webster Bank; Jim Gilroy, PSEG Power Connecticut LLC; Sandi Hennequin, Bridgeport Energy, LLC; Susan Cipollaro, Fairfield University; Renee Dobos, Connecticut Housing Partners; Timothy Hodges, People’s United Bank; Tom Dillon, TBD Consulting; Dr. Rose Ellis, Housatonic Community College; Katherine Saint, Schwerdtle. This committee plans and coordinates events, initiatives, and communications that are designed to advance the collective voice of the business community in legislative circles. In the pages ahead, you will see some highlights of BRBC’s legislative work, you’ll read about an opportunity to bring jobs, drive home sales, drive apartment rentals, and grow tourism and needed tax revenue to the Greater Bridgeport Region. You’ll also find our business resource guide. This business to business resource is updated with each issue to provide you with a handy reference for all the products and services you need to grow your business. And, our 2019 Directory of Elected Officials is included in this issue as a special section. This is an important resource that we encourage you to use often. And, we at the BRBC, invite you to help us engage all the individuals we elected to represent both commerce and community in our region regularly. You are also invited to share your thoughts and concerns related to growing our local and state economy with the BRBC so that we can effectively carry the collective message of our business region to Hartford, to Washington, D.C., and to our local government officials. Want to get more involved in the BRBC’s legislative efforts on behalf of the business community?

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Kate Hampford Donahue President, Hampford Research, Inc; Board Chair, Bridgeport Regional Business Council

18-2354

6 REGION | GREATER BRIDGEPORT

REGION | GREATER BRIDGEPORT 7

Your Voice is BRBC’s Voice

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INVESTING IN A Brighter Bridgeport

The Bridgeport Regional Business Council takes very seriously its role as the voice of the business community of the Greater Bridgeport Region. Each year our Government Relations Committee adopts a series of legislative priorities or an agenda of issues affecting the business community that we, as an organization, are prepared to fully advocate for with our elected representatives. Key agenda items for 2019 are centered on economic growth via less regulation, jobs creation, workfroce development, and transportation. We strongly support: • A competitive environment for entertainment and gaming in the Bridgeport Region. • Reducing regulation and incorporating business friendly policies to help jump start the Connecticut economy and create jobs. • Advancing traffic and transportation infrastructure solutions through sound and reasonable funding mechanisms. • Spending and budget reforms that include private sector partnerships, cost saving regional initiatives and collaboration. The first item on our list above is our top priority in 2019. In the pages ahead, you will read more about how policy decisions on this issue alone can and will significantly impact jobs growth and positive economic development region-wide. As we look to address the BRBC’s Legislative Agenda over the rest of 2019, here are some highlights of the BRBC’s year so far: In January, the BRBC hosted state and local officials at a “Meet & Greet,” providing invaluable insight on issues impacting our local business community. Many of the participants are pictured on this page: State Senator Kevin Kelly; State Representative Andre Baker; State Representative Steven Stafstrom; State Representative Anne Hughes; Gregg Dancho, President, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo and Co-Chair of the BRBC’s Government Relations Committee; State Representative David Rutigliano; Kate Hampford Donahue, Hampford Research Inc. and BRBC Board Chair; Vicki Tesoro, First Selectman, Town of Trumbull; State Senator, Marilyn Moore; Mark Lauretti, Mayor, City of Shelton; and State Senator Joseph Gresko. I had the honor of serving as emcee for a gaming symposium at Housatonic Community College, as well as testifying before the state legislature in Hartford on HB7055. You can read my testimony from that day on page 12 of this publication. You’ll see L-R in the top photo above: Jeff Bishop, Executive Director, Bridgeport Chamber; myself; and Frank Borres, President of American View Productions and Board Chair of the Bridgeport Chamber. On March 20, the BRBC will proudly represent local businesses in Hartford on Connecticut Business Day. We will also be working with State Senator Marilyn Moore and other important officials on holding a Bridgeport Day in Hartford on May 14. We pledge to continue to provide exclusive access to elected and appointed government officials through a robust calendar of events held by the BRBC and our affiliated Chambers of Commerce in Bridgeport, Stratford and Trumbull. The goal is to connect businesses who want to thrive in our state and region with the legislators who can help make that happen. - Dan Onofrio, President & CEO, Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC)

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8 REGION | GREATER BRIDGEPORT

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House Bill 7055 This vision of Bridgeport can happen, only if House Bill 7055 passes; that is the bill calling for an open, competitive bidding process which ensures the state receives the best deal. A two-step legislative process begins with the creation of an independent State Gaming Commission, with responsibility to keep Connecticut’s best interests first. That’s something Connecticut has never had and likely why its gaming framework hasn’t changed in two decades. Competition is sure to bring the entire state the best deal. House Bill 7055 is a major part of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council’s Legislative Agenda which calls for jobs, workforce development, and improved transportation. Jobs More than 22% of the state's total unemployment can be found in commuting distance of Bridgeport - 19,000 people are unemployed as of December 2018. No one proposal could impact those numbers more than the Bridgeport casino plan since the Bridgeport-Waterbury-New Haven Triangle has among the largest pool of potential labor in the state of Connecticut. Beyond the 2,000 temporary construction jobs the casino resort promises to employ, there’s the 2,000 full time direct people and 3,000 indirect jobs, three shifts per day, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The jobs would be in the service industry known for training and developing people to move up the economic jobs ladder of sustainable careers. In addition, the hospitality and entertainment industry are known for developing purchasing and supplier relationships to operate its businesses successfully. Specifically, integrated resort-casinos create demand for over 200 different career categories and offer best-in-class workforce benefits and healthcare. It is also expected to help the surrounding economy by way of 3,000 indirect jobs including the support of Bridgeport’s artist community. Minorities, veterans, re-entry folks, and women may have the most to gain. Workforce Development Of course, all those jobs will require workforce development. MGM Resorts say if selected they would invest more than ten million dollars in workforce development in year one. Add to that partnerships with the robust local educational institutions such as Fairfield University, University of Bridgeport, Housatonic and Gateway Community Colleges, Sacred Heart University and the many other institutions in New Haven. The local entertainment industry should have the human resources it requires. Transportation Much of the talk about rebuilding Bridgeport is regarding transportation. Whether it’s Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, or New Haven. Some say transportation should never be a reason not to grow but rather a discussion as to how it might support growth. For the Bridgeport resort-casino concept, timing is everything. Fortunately, traveling to a resort-casino is very different from a commuter traveling during rush hour. Friday nights, Saturday afternoons and evenings are peak times for an entertainment venue. Planning will mitigate negative impacts to local communities and utilizes a range of transportation options. Other modes of transportation may include an exciting new option, a new airline proposed for Sikorsky Memorial Airport. Then of course there’s Amtrak, Metro North, the ferry, bus lines, charter buses, the thoroughfares from the North, East, and West as well as arriving pleasure boats. These options and the off-peak traveling will provide relief for Interstate 95.

Bridgeport Connecticut‘s state gaming policy hasn’t been adjusted since the 1990s. As other states have moved forward, Connecticut has stood still. Increased gaming competition might gain from updated policies that maximize potential for economic growth. The solution, Bridgeport casino proponents suggest a Bridgeport resort that will reverse the trend of declining revenue to the state. Arguably, there is no more attractive opportunity than in Southwestern Connecticut, in the state’s largest city. As the data demonstrates, Bridgeport is the ideal location for a dynamic entertainment attraction due to the market which includes 8.5 million people in New York City and 7.5 million in Long Island. That doesn’t include the affluent Fairfield County population and surrounding counties. The economic impact is estimated to include 1.4 billion dollars in total economic output. For the state the HB 7055 also requires a minimum 500 million-dollar investment and a 50 million-dollar license fee. The Reality The numbers seem to work for Connecticut and the state’s largest city when considering the Bridgeport/Fairfield County/New York market. What seems like a slamdunk to grow jobs, the real estate market, tourismdollars, the state and the region’s economy, however, is not devoid of obstacles. Politics, no doubt, will play a role as other Connecticut communities attempt to protect status quo. The idea of open bidding to see how Connecticut is best able to gain from the growing gambling industry seems a most equitable road to a prosperous economy for all corners of the state, but emotion and politics may have the day. The Bridgeport Regional Business Council Board of Directors and the Boards of its affiliated Chambers of Commerce in Bridgeport, Stratford, and Trumbull have all unanimously voted to support and fight for a fair and even-handed opportunity to bring jobs and tax base growth to the state’s largest and oft left behind city. The fight is to give the peoplewho live inour central city andher surrounding towns a real oppotunity at the vision of prosperity that we have for the Greater Bridgeport Region. Those job opportunities that will give folks a new reason to get up in the morning, work for a living wage and be a part of Connecticut’s most thought out option for our economy and quality of life.

The Vision The year is 2021 and a father on the East End of Bridgeport does what his father did in the 60s. He gets ready for work, kisses his children and leaves for the job that puts food on the table. Back then it was a job in one of the many factories that built the country’s armaments. The 2021 father is working in a new industry. He’s going to his job at the resort casino on the banks of Bridgeport Harbor. In fact, he’s one of 2,000 full time employees regularly employed at the resort and spending much of their salaries locally helping to build the economy. He leaves for work content in knowing his child’s school is better funded than it was two years prior. His wife is secure in a properly policed and safe neighborhood. Later that day a New York couple gets off the train in Bridgeport headed for a night out at the resort-casino. They are among the thousands daily who come over by air, land, and sea. Long Island tourists come off the Port Jefferson Ferry, a pleasure boater heads to the casino after eating at Boca Mediterranean at Steelpointe Harbor, and folks fly in from Florida on a new airline to the newly renovated Sikorsky Airport. The New Yorkers get on a shuttle going past Steelpointe Harbor which is buzzing with the finishing touches of construction on their residential/retail building to the right and a busy Bass Pro Shop on the left. Other visitors are taking the opportunity to watch headliners at The Bijou Theatre, Downtown Cabaret, Harbor Yard Ampitheater, Stress Factory, The Klein Memorial Auditorium and the Webster Bank Arena. Locals are excited about the added retail opportunities at the resort or just rubbing shoulders with visitors at Bridgeport Downtown restaurants or the flourishing Karaoke Bar. Also experiencing a resurgence are the long-time Bridgeport venues attracting resort-casino visitors looking for something off campus. Museums, the zoo, the beaches, and Black Rock Village have interest to those trying to soak up local culture. The new economy serves local restaurants, service stations, hotels-motels, and the marine economy which includes Boatworks next door to the resort and Captain’s Cove Marina. The ripple effect starts to impact nearby neighborhoods and downtown as housing development and values increase and people have more income for housing. An improved tax base from the eight million-dollar host fee and an increased tax base brings hope to a thriving city making all of Southwestern Connecticut an attraction for investment and growth. Even the state prospers from new out of state income. It’s more than just another casino, It’s a whole new way of life

- Frank Borres, President, American View Productions; Board Chair, Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM COMMERCIAL CASINOS TO LOCAL ECONOMIES Contributions from Commercial Casinos to Local Economies

BRIDGEPORT: A SUPERIOR LOCATION

TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE IS ALREADY IN PLACE

PROVIDING A RANGE OF BENEFITS TO AREA COMMUNITIES

TRAIN Metro-North Railroad’s 24-hour per day service connects Bridgeport to New York City, seven coastal towns in Fairfield County including Stamford to the west as well as New Haven to the east. GBT BUS Daily transit throughout the city and 10 neighboring towns. All buses are equipped to carry bicycles. FERRY The Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company operates three ferries with the capacity to carry 1,000 passengers connecting Long Island with Bridgeport. AIRPLANE Tweed New Haven Airport is four miles from Union Station, Metro-North Railroadand Sikorsky Memorial Airport is three miles from Bridgeport Station, Metro-North Railroad. CARS AND CHARTER BUSES Easy access to I-95, Rtes. 8 and 25, and the Merritt Parkway reduces surface road impact. Source:HowardSteinHudson (HSH), TrafficStudyDecember2018,page76

“The peak time of project trips will occur after 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, after the commuter peak travel periods. During other times of the day, the number of new project trips is not expected to impact corridor travel.”

NEW YORK

MARYLAND

RHODE ISLAND

NEW JERSEY (Atlantic City)

MASSACHUSETTS*

PENNSYLVANIA

● Tax Contribution: $6.9B.Fiscal year-to-date through September 2017,revenue collections totaled the above amount ● Gross Casino Gaming Revenue: $1.2B ● How Taxes Spent: Education trust fund, local impact

● Tax Contribution:

$919M – 3.53%Increase ● Gross Casino Gaming Revenue: $2B ● How Taxes Spent: Education

$320M - 2.41%Decrease ● Gross Casino Gaming Revenue: $619.1M ● How Taxes Spent: General Fund

$75M – 75%Increase ● Gross Casino Gaming Revenue: $155M ● How Taxes Spent: Local aid, healthcare payment reform initiatives, education and community colleges, transportation infrastructure,

$240M – 4%Increase ● Gross Casino Gaming Revenue: $2.6B ● How Taxes Spent: Senior citizens, disabled, economic revitalization programs

$1.3B - 0.60%Increase ● Gross Casino Gaming Revenue: $3.2B ● How Taxes Spent: Property tax relief, economic development, tourism, horse racing industry, host local government

grants, small, minority and women-owned businesses

manufacturing initiatives, debt reduction and tourism

Source:TheAGA Survey oftheCasinoIndustry, “Stateof theStates,” 2017,2017_State_of_the_States_AGA.PDF

*Data predatesopeningofMGMSpringfield

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My name is Dan Onofrio, President and CEO of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and I am here today to provide our support of House Bill 7055 on behalf of the 700 business partners and members we represent through our affiliate organizations of the Bridgeport, Stratford and Trumbull Chambers of Commerce. Bridgeport is a beautiful, vibrant city. We sometimes get lost in the shadows, but make no mistake, this is a thriving community of people. A community that wants what all of us want—the chance to work, to live, to strive for greater things. This a family community, and in Bridgeport, family always comes first. But families can’t do it alone. They need jobs. And not just run-of-the-mill jobs, or seasonal jobs, or jobs with little to no hope for growth. No. They need secure, high-paying jobs from established, reputable employers. Those employers, and the citizens of Bridgeport who would choose to work for them—that’s why I am here today. Public Hearing Testimony: Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security February 26, 2019 HB 7055: AN ACT CREATING THE CONNECTICUT GAMING COMMISSION AND CREATING A COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS FOR A RESORT-CASINO.

The Directory of Elected Officials Greater Bridgeport Region

U.S. SENATORS Richard Blumenthal (D) 915 Lafayette Boulevard, Room 230 Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) 330-0598 724 Hart Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-2823 www.blumenthal.senate.gov Chris Murphy (D) One Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor Hartford, CT 06103 (860) 549-8463 303 Hart Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-4041 www.murphy.senate.gov U.S. REPRESENTATIVES D 3 Rosa L. DeLauro (D) 59 Elm Street New Haven, CT 06510 (203) 562-3718 Rayburn House Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3661 www.delauro.house.gov D 4 Jim Himes (D) 211 State Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, CT 06604 (866) 453-0028 119 Cannon House Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-5541 www.himes.house.gov STATE OF CONNECTICUT Governor Ned Lamont (D) 210 Capitol Avenue, Room 200, Hartford, CT 06106 (800) 406-1527 | www.ct.gov/lamont Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz (D) 201 Capitol Avenue, Room 304, Hartford (866) 712-6998 | www.ct.gov/bysiewicz Secretary of State Denise Merrill (D) 30 Trinity Street, Hartford (860) 509-6200 | www.sots.ct.gov State Comptroller Kevin Lembo (D) 55 Elm Street, Hartford (860) 702-3300 | www.osc.state.ct.us

STATE OF CONNECTICUT State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden (D) 55 Elm Street, Hartford (800) 618-3404 | www.state.ct.us/ott Attorney General William Tong (D) 55 Elm Street, Hartford

STATE REPRESENTATIVES D 122 Ben McGorty (R) Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull Room 4200, (800) 842-1423 ben.mcgorty@housegop.ct.gov D 123 David Rutigliano (R) Shelton, Trumbull Room 4200, (800) 842-1423 dave.rutigliano@housegop.ct.gov D 124 Andre Baker (D) Bridgeport Room 4051, (800) 842-8267 andre.baker@cga.ct.gov D 126 Charlie L. Stallworth (D) Bridgeport Room 4050, (800) 842-8267 charlie.stallworth@cga.ct.gov D 127 John “Jack” Hennessy (D) Bridgeport Room 5002, (800) 842-8267 jack.hennessy@cga.ct.gov D 128 Bridgeport Room 4000, (800) 842-8267 christopher.rosario@cga.ct.gov D 129 Steven Stafstrom (D) Bridgeport Room 4024, (800) 842-8267 steve.stafstrom@cga.ct.gov D 130 Ezequiel Santiago (D) Bridgeport Room 4051, (800) 842-8267 ezequiel.santiago@cga.ct.gov D 132 Brenda L. Kupchick (R) Fairfield, Southport Room 4200, (800) 842-1423 brenda.kupchick@cga.ct.gov D 133 Fairfield Room 4033, (800) 842-8267 cristin.mccarthyvahey@cga.ct.gov D 134 Laura Devlin (R) Fairfield, Trumbull Room 4200, (800) 842-1423 laura.devlin@housegop.ct.gov D 135 Anne Hughes (R) Easton, Redding, Westport LOB Room 4000, (800) 240-8585 anne.hughes@cga.ct.gov Christopher Rosario (D) Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D)

(860) 808-5318 | www.ct.gov/ag STATE SENATORS Senators and Representatives Legislative Office Building

A good job is a ticket to a better life. For all of us. A ticket to purchase a generational home. A ticket to escape the challenges of debt and financial hardship. A ticket to a brighter, more empowered future for ourselves; our children; and of course, Bridgeport. That is why, as president of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, I am here today to ask you, our elected officials, to help make Bridgeport a more hopeful place. A place with a real future, where families will stay, and live, and thrive. Where people will be rewarded for hard work, raise families, and create lasting legacies. I am here today to strongly endorse a move to bring jobs, tax revenues, and local business spending to this great city. There is a skilled, enthusiastic, but underutilized workforce in this city. Our unemployment rate of 4.6% lags dangerously behind the state average, 3.2%. Where do we find the jobs to close that gap? To empower our citizens with the ability to make good on their dreams? A casino in the greater Bridgeport area is certainly a start – and that can only happen if you approve a competitive process for a commercial casino license. A moment ago, I referenced jobs, taxes, and local business spending. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and I quote, “The greatest perceived benefits [of casinos] are increased employment, greater tax revenue…and growth in local retail sales.” As the legislature continues to evolve this discussion, I look forward to helping you all as a representative of the people and businesses of Bridgeport, who stand to gain so much from a thoughtful, pragmatic partnership with, for example, MGM, and their world-class entertainment and commerce hubs. Thank you again for this opportunity to champion Bridgeport, a vibrant, beautiful city that would significantly benefit from an infusion of good jobs, tax revenue, and spending at local businesses.

300 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 D 21

Kevin Kelly (R) Monroe, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford Room 3400, (800) 842-1421 kevin.kelly@cga.ct.gov D 22 Marilyn Moore (D) Bridgeport, Monroe, Trumbull

Room 2200, (800) 842-1420 marilyn.moore@cga.ct.gov D 23

Dennis Bradley (D)

Bridgeport, Stratford Room 3600, (860) 240-8600 dennis.bradley@cga.ct.gov D 28 Tony Hwang (R) Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston, Westport Room 3400, (800) 842-1421 tony.hwang@cga.ct.gov Connecticut House Democrats (800) 842-8267 | www.housedems.ct.gov Connecticut House Republicans (800) 842-8270 | www.housegop.ct.gov D 112 J.P. Sredzinski (R) Monroe, Newtown Room 4200, (800) 842-1423 jp.sredzinski@housegop.ct.gov D 113 Jason D. Perillo (R) Shelton Room 4200, (800) 842-1423 jason.perillo@housegop.ct.gov D 120 Phil Young (D) Stratford Room 4200, (800) 842-1423 phil.young@cga.ct.gov D 121 Joseph Gresko Stratford

T H R E E R E A S O N S F O R C ONN E C T I C U T MODE RN I Z I NG GAMING P O L I C Y

MOVING BEYOND LAST-CENTURY APPROACHES

Increased gaming competition requires updated policies that maximize potential for economic growth.

NEW MARKETS O p po rtunity fo r C onnec tic ut to tap into underserved markets: ● 8 .5M people in New York C ity ● 7.5M people in Long Island ● O pportunity to leverage Tweed and Sikorsky A irports, commuter rail and water transportation

ENTERTAINMENT TOURISM D estination reso rt in B rid g epo rt would b rin g : ● Investment in tourism and attractions for visitors and new residents in Connecticut’s largest city area ● A ccess to national headliners ● Full resort amenities ● World-class restaurants and retail

ECONOMIC GROWTH E c onomic imp ac t in clud es: ● $1.4 B Total economic output ● Minimum of 2 ,0 0 0 direct jobs ● Minimum of $5 0 0 M in new, unsubsidized private c apital investment

Room 2102, (800) 842-8267 joseph.gresko@cga.ct.gov

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About the City of Bridgeport

The Time is Now – The Place is Here

- Mayor Joseph P. Ganim The Case for a Casino Gaming Entertainment Resort on the Waterfront in Bridgeport

W ith a very diverse workforce, unparalleled access to transportation options, and beautiful streets and parks all within close proximity to the powerhouse Northeastern market, Bridgeport is an ideal city to grow or start a business. The central city to theGreater Bridgeport Region is home to several of the State’s top financial andhealth care institutions, manufacturing companies, sports-entertainment venues, regional energy resource facilities, and educational institutions. The City’s Inter-modal Transportation Facility links local bus service with the Metro-North commuter line and the Bridgeport/Port Jefferson Ferry terminal. And, the City of Bridgeport owns and operates the Sikorsky Memorial Airport. Advantageously located in the middle of a confluence of highways (Interstate 95, the Merritt Parkway, Route 8, Route 25, and Route 1), the City is positioned to be a hub for continued economic development and regional business growth.

But this is not only about Bridgeport. The economic development, the number of jobs, and the amount of additional revenue that a resort-casino would bring to the region are too great to pass up. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of my constituents are strongly in support. They know the positive economic impact and the tax relief that such development would bring. They are excited about the new opportunities for entertainment, shopping, and dining that would become available to them. And everyone recognizes the importance of the employment opportunities. We are talking about many thousands of construction jobs, and at least 2,000 permanent jobs post-construction. This is an economic game-changer for so many that live in Bridgeport and throughout Connecticut. Bridgeport is growing. Even the casual observer can see the number of economic development projects currently underway in the city. A resort-casino would make Bridgeport a destination for many and would put Connecticut’s largest city on the next level. Millions of dollars in investment, millions of dollars in revenue, a stronger tax base, thousands of interim and permanent jobs, a major tourist destination with live entertainment, hotel accommodations, multiple dining options, unique retail... The time is now. The place is here.

This past February 26th, 2019, I joined with members of the Bridgeport legislative delegation in presenting testimony to the Public Safety and Transportation Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly in favor of House Bill 7055, “An Act Creating the Connecticut Gaming Commission and Creating a Competitive Bidding Process for a Resort Casino.” This Act would establish a competitive request-for-proposals process through which the State will evaluate specific proposals for casino-gaming resorts in light of the economic benefit they would produce for Connecticut. No city is better positioned thanBridgeport to create that positive impact for the state. No region is better prepared. As is the case with all development, location is key. With Connecticut’s existing casinos facing significant competition from MGM Springfield to the north and from Wynn’s Encore Boston Harbor to the northeast, Connecticut’s best location for preserving, and even expanding, its market share lies to the southwest on the coast. This is the only location from which the State can capture the Metropolitan New York and Long Island markets. And the best location to serve those markets is the Bridgeport waterfront. Right off I-95, with direct access by ferry from Long Island, by train from New York, and even by air from Sikorsky, no site is more accessible, more visible, or better suited for what we envision as nothing less than a major waterfront entertainment resort.

BRIDGEPORT

DEMOGRAPHIC|ECONOMICS OVERVIEW: For full report visit CERC Town Profiles 2018 at www.cerc.com Population 2012 - 2016: 147,022 2020 Projection: 148,729 Median Age: 33 Households: 50,367 Median HH Income: $ 43,137 ECONOMICS: Labor Force (2016) : 71,290 Employed: 64,992 Business Profile (2016) Sector Units Employment Total All Industries 2,559 42,951 23 Construction 205 1,179 31-33 Manufacturing 158 4,047 44-45 Retail Trade 297 3,266 62 Health Care, Social Assistance 308 12,492 1 Government 81 7,721

BRIDGEPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL As a chamber affiliate of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce acts as a resource with its members to promote, assist and advocate for small business. The Bridgeport Chamber is a strong supporter of all economic development efforts and sustainability initiatives in Bridgeport. Bridgeport businesses wishing to have a voice at their local business round table and who are interested in advancing positive economic growth are welcome and invited to join the conversation. Please contact Jeff Bishop, Executive Director at bishop@brbc.org to find out how you can engage in Bridgeport’s current and future economic prosperity.

Top Five Grand List

Commuters from-to: Major Employers Liberty Tax Service Bridgeport Hospital Trefz Corporation United Services St. Vincent’s Medical Center

United Illuminating Co.

Wheelabrator

Bridgeport Energy PSEG Power CT CT Light & Power

Commuters into-from :

Bridgeport Stratford Shelton Milford Trumbull Fairfield Norwalk

13,306 3,648 2,171 2,116 1,991 1,767 1,136

Bridgeport Fairfield Stratford Norwalk Stamford Trumbull Milford

13,306

4,947 3,915 3,512 2,688 2,747 2,449

The Bridgeport Harbor poised for further shovel-ready economic development -NOW!

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REGION | GREATER BRIDGEPORT 15

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City of Bridgeport Elected Officials

CITY OF BRIDGEPORT Mayor Joseph Ganim (D) Margaret Morton Government Center 999 Broad Street - 06604 (203) 576-7201 mayor@bridgeportct.gov www.bridgeportct.gov CITY COUNCIL D 130th District Christina B. Smith (D) 29 Circular Avenue - 06605 (203) 225-0044 christinabsmith@bridgeportct.gov Pete Spain (D) 280 Grovers Avenue - 06605 (475) 225-0082 Pete.Spain@bridgeportct.gov 131st District Jack O. Banta (D) 20 Cole Street - 06604 (203) 521-1623 Jack.Banta@bridgeportct.gov Denese Taylor-Moye (D) 380 Iranistan Avenue Bldg. 9 - 06604 (203) 275-6420 Denese.Taylor-Moye@bridgeportct.gov 132nd District Marcus A. Brown (D) 38 Hillside Avenue - 06604 (475) 225-0417 Marcus.Brown@bridgeportct.gov Kyle Piché Langan (D) 1286 Laurel Avenue - 06604 (475) 225-3624 Kyle.Langan@bridgeportct.gov 133rd District Jeanette Herron (D) 2649 Main Street - 06606 (203) 395-4960 jeanette.herron@bridgeportct.gov Thomas C. McCarthy (D) 135 Harlem Avenue - 06606 (203) 449-6066 Tom.McCarthy@bridgeportct.gov 134th District Michelle A. Lyons (D) 91 Jewett Avenue - 06606 (203) 414-7926 Michelle.Lyons @bridgeportct.gov AmyMarie Vizzo-Paniccia (D) 565 Goldenrod Avenue - 06606 (203) 275-6412 AmyMarie.Vizzo-Paniccia@bridgeportct.gov

137th District Aidee Nieves (D) Council President 348 Park Street - 06608 (203) 368-8569 aidee.nieves@bridgeportct.gov 138th District Karen Jackson (D) 999 Broad Street c/o LegislativeOffice - 06604 (475) 225-6594 Karen.Jackson@bridgeportct.gov Nessah Smith (D) 500 Evers Street – 06610 (203) 395-6320 nessah.smith@bridgeportct.gov 139th District Eneida L. Martinez-Walker (D) P.O. Box 55052 – 06610 (475) 422-2886 Eneida.Martinez@bridgeportct.gov

135th District Mary A. McBride-Lee (D) 125 Hillcrest Road – 06606 (203) 864-5195 Mary.McBride-Lee@bridgeportct.gov Rosalina Roman-Christy (D) 147 Yaremich Drive - 06606 (475) 225-5453 Rosalina.Roman-Christy@bridgeportct.gov 136th District Maria Zambrano Viggiano (D) 169 Oakwood Street - 06606 (475) 225-6136 Maria.Viggiano@bridgeportct.gov Alfredo Castillo (D) 1737 Noble Avenue - 06610 (203) 814-9049 Alfredo.Castillo@bridgeportct.gov

137th District Maria I. Valle (D) 561 Brooks Street - 06608 (475) 225-6164 Maria.Valle@bridgeportct.gov

Ernest E. Newton, II (D) 190 Read Street - 06607 (475) 225-6769 Ernest.Newton@bridgeportct.gov

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REGION | GREATER BRIDGEPORT 17

16 REGION | GREATER BRIDGEPORT

New initiatives streamline processes, effectively manage resources, eliminate waste and redundant efforts to lower costs and work hours Stratford Moves to Streamline for Efficiency Your elected officials in Stratford have been hard at work to introduce and advance a whole host of inititiaves designed to create value for our community of residents and businesses. These are just a few of the things we have done in Stratford this year and I am looking forward to initiating new projects in the coming year aimed at making critical savings, conservation and efficiencies. - Mayor Laura Hoydick

About the Town of Stratford F ounded in 1639, Stratford is a community rich in history and abundant natural beauty. Within an hour’s drive of New York City, Stratford is the easternmost town in Fairfield County-Connecticut’s Gold Coast. The Town is strategically located on the I-95 corridor, Route 8 and CT15 (Merritt) roadways, and Long Island Sound. Additionally, the Stratford Metro North railroad station and the Sikorsky Memorial airport add to Stratford’s uniquely convenient accessibility. With over 12,900,000 square feet of effective of commercial, industrial, retail and office space, the Town of Stratford has a diverse, thriving, growing base of successful businesses within the community. Manufacturing operations continue to thrive in Stratford, with iconic names such as Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company; Aptar, a manufacturer of cosmetic containers; Ashcroft, manufacturing pressure and temperature gauges; the Norwalk Compressor Company, manufacturing compressors; and Bridgeport Fittings, a major supplier of electrical fittings; all calling Stratford home.

1. Stratford Parks and Recreation switched over to a new cloud- based system called Rec Desk for recreation programs. This new systemhas created an efficient and easy to use online process for allowing residents and other customers to obtain permits, pay for program participation, and make park reservations online. It features a calendar for viewing every field and building in town and who is using it on any given day time. Reservations can be made for rec locations such as Boothe Park, Short Beach, all ball fields and facilities. To check Rec Desk out visit https:// townofstratford.recdesk.com/Community/Home. 2. Last fall the town deployed over 40 “BigBelly” solar compacting trash and recycle containers to replace standard trash and recycling receptacles. The Town’s Green Task Force initiated the use of this innovative new green technology which has already resulted in cleaner streets, parks and recreational areas while saving the town and taxpayers money. 3. Stratford was accepted into FEMA's CRS Program for its efforts in protecting Town residents from storm/flood-related events. The National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System (CRS) will credit the Town's efforts for going beyond the minimum flood protection standards by reducing flood insurance premiums for the community's residential and commercial property owners. Stratford is 1 of 9 municipalities in Connecticut to be granted acceptance in CRS and has been recognized as a leader in resilience efforts state-wide. After a two-year application process led by the Office of Planning and Zoning, Stratford has secured a CRS Class 8, making it one of the highest scoring municipalities in the State. The classification will become effective for Stratford residents starting May 1, 2019. Enrollment in CRS supports economic development, enhancing the community for investment. 4. A significant portion of the former Ella Grasso Center on Armory Road was transferred from the State to the Town in 2018. The pool at the Grasso Center has been open under the Town's Rec Department for community use since last April, and eventually the residential areas will be converted into senior and veteran housing in the near future. 5. Via Community Services, the town is building the capacity to bill HUSKY for counseling services in order to fill the gap from the CDBG cut of $19,000. The aim is to eventually expand behavioral health services for children/youth and their families and ultimately establish a DPH-licensed outpatient clinic in cooperation with the Health Department.

6. Regrettably Stratford lost the iconic American Shakespeare Festival Theater to a fire on January 13th. At the time of this printing the cause remains under investigation. While the loss of the theater is unfortunate, there is now a new opportunity for this location that we to be re-developed to Stratford's advantage. I formed a Shakespeare Theater Property Task Force of community residents who are charged with holding community conversations to listen to what residents want to see for this scenic location by the Housatonic River. The Town Council and I are committed complying with the direction of the deed with the focus on open space, arts, and recreational enjoyment for residents. 7. One of the vital ways a community shares its information with its residents is through its online presence. We are currently in the process of revamping our town’s website to deliver a better user design and functionality experience via a more easily-accessed framework so citizens who log on can find what they need when they need it and quickly. 8. Through our renewed relationship with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the solution to the Raymark contamination is at hand. Last year this site was selected by the EPA as one of only two Superfund sites in New England for designated accelerated action due to the redevelopment and commercial potential associated with it. By the end of this month a barrier wall will be erected at the site and a transportation road constructed to begin transportation of the contaminated soil to the ball field location where it will be capped and sealed. 9. Abandoned residential real estate can pose a challenge to any community, and in the Sidney Street section of Stratford we are turning blight into opportunity. These abandoned residential parcelswill shortlybeexperiencinga rebirth througha conversion to commercial real estate where they will flourish, provide a new economic anchor in the community, and improve the quality of life for nearby residents. 10. Lastly, we are making important moves forward with the realignment of Route 110 where it meets Route 15 by Sikorsky Aircraft. A partnership between the Town, the State, and Sikorsky Aircraft/LockheedMartin on this realignment and expansion of the road will greatly improve traffic flow and safety, while providing an opportunity to incorporate Transit-Oriented District principles of vibrant communities being compact, walkable and sustainable.

STRATFORD

DEMOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW: For full report visit CERC Town Profiles 2018 at www.cerc.com Population 2012 - 2016: 52,300 2020 Projection: 51,903 Median Age: 44 Households: 20,540 Median HH Income: $ 69, 336 ECONOMICS: Labor Force (2016) : 27,631 Employed: 26,002 Business Profile (2016) Sector Units Employment Total All Industries 1,365 25,501 23 Construction 126 1,372 31-33 Manufacturing 79 8,166 44-45 Retail Trade 133 2,087 48-49 Transportation-Warehousing 44 2,053 62 Health Care, Social Assistance 137 3,115 1 Government 25 1,975

STRATFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL Founded39 years ago as the first chamber affiliate of the BRBC, the Stratford Chamber of Commerce (SCC) works to initiate positive change for the benefit of the business community, thereby, enhancing the quality of life in Stratford through advocacy and action in the areas of economic development, education, transportation, and the environment. In partnership with local businesses, town departments, and the community, the Stratford Chamber of Commerce works to encourage Stratford’s economic vitality and to improve the quality of life in the Town of Stratford. Please contact Joan Law, Executive Director at law@brbc.org to find out how you can engage in Stratford’s current and future economic prosperity.

Top Four Grand List United Illuminatng Co. Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin

Major Employers

Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin

Ashcroft APTAR

Southern CT Gas

Second Avenue Development

FEDEX UPS

Commuters into-from :

Commuters from-to:

Stratford

4,032 3,915 1,999 1,584

Stratford

4,032 3,648 1,689 1,576 1,484 1,341 1,473

Bridgeport Milford

Bridgeport Fairfield Milford Norwalk Shelton Stamford

Shelton

West Haven

892 827 626

Trumbull Seymour

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REGION | GREATER BRIDGEPORT 19

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