Five CT small businesses get boost from state program

Stafford Motor Speedway has been a destination for auto racing enthusiasts from across southern New England since 1970. Today, about 110 weekly automobile races, plus “monster truck” events and auto and motorcycle swap meets are hosted at the track in Stafford Springs.

Five Connecticut small businesses located in Stafford Springs, Manchester, Middlebury, North Haven, Rocky Hill have qualified for assistance through the state’s Small Business Express Program (EXP).

The program was created as a part of the bipartisan Jobs Bill passed during last year’s jobs special session to encourage business expansion and job growth.

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help the state’s small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments.

The program offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees at the time of application. It is administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

“The Small Business Express Program helps businesses that perform valuable services in their local communities, as well as companies that bring new products to national and international markets,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a press release announcing the grants.

“Whether it’s a mom-and-pop (business) on Main Street or a small tech company with big ideas, small businesses will lead the way to our economic recovery,” Gov. Malloy said.

The businesses qualifying for the grants are:

• Stafford Motor Speedway, which will combine its own $78,000 and a matching grant for the same amount to make capital improvements, including repair of a deteriorating racetrack surface. The company has been a destination for auto racing enthusiasts from across southern New England since 1970. Today, about 110 weekly automobile races, plus “monster truck” events and auto and motorcycle swap meets are hosted at the track in Stafford Springs. The project will retain four jobs.

• Onyx Spirits Company of Manchester plans to invest $165,235, plus a $100,000 matching grant, in hiring and training employees, increasing production capacity and expanding distribution throughout New England. Connecticut’s first legal “moonshine” distiller, Onyx has exceeded sales targets for statewide distribution since selling its first case of ultra premium American moonshine in October 2011.

• Enermore, LLC in Rocky Hill is receiving a $150,000 loan and a $100,000 matching grant. The funds will be invested with $1,450,000 of company money to develop a new line of consumer natural skin care products and market them domestically and internationally. Enermore is creating three new jobs.

• North Haven Ceramic Tile & Floor Covering qualified for a revolving loan in the amount of $100,000, which will help the company purchase additional inventory and hire subcontractors to meet increasing demand for its services. The company will retain ten positions.

• Weise Choice Tree Services, a licensed tree care company in Middlebury, is receiving a revolving loan of $26,000, a matching grant of $26,260, and investing company funds of $26,260 in the latest mobile access software for crews in the field, computers and other machinery and equipment. The company will add one position.

For more information on EXP or to apply for the program, visit the Small Business Express Program web page at http://www.ct.gov/ecd/cwp/view.asp?a=3931&q=489792 or contact Michelle Lugo at DECD at 860-270-8052 or Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov

Posted May 10, 2012 based on a press release from Gov. Malloy’s office

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Connecticut gets $6 Million from settlement with drug company

Abbott Laboratories allegedly offered and paid illegal remuneration to health care professionals and long-term care pharmacy providers to encourage them to promote and/or prescribe Depakote

Connecticut Atty. General George Jepsen said Monday (May 7) the state will receive approximately $6 million from settlements with Abbott Laboratories in relation to charges the pharmaceutical company marketed the prescription drug Depakote for uses not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Depakote is approved by the FDA for treatment of seizure disorders, “mania” associated with bipolar disorder and to prevent migraine headaches.

According to complaints, Abbott also marketed the drug for behavioral disturbances in dementia patients, anxiety, conduct disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and drug withdrawal, attention deficit disorder, autism and other psychiatric conditions – uses the FDA has not deemed to be effective.

According to the allegations in the complaint, Abbott Laboratories promoted Depakote for unapproved uses by:

• making false and misleading statements about the safety, efficacy, dosing and cost-effectiveness of Depakote for some of these uses;

• improperly marketing the product for use in nursing homes;

• and by offering and paying illegal remuneration to health care professionals and long-term care pharmacy providers to encourage them to promote and/or prescribe Depakote.

Abbott Laboratories’ marketing for non-FDA approved uses allegedly resulted in false claims to Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs.

Jepsen said these settlements “will serve as a deterrent to other companies who seek to benefit unfairly from government healthcare programs.”

“Most importantly, they will help to protect consumers who were prescribed an expensive drug with little evidence the drug could help their condition,” Jepsen said.

In the settlements, Abbott has agreed to pay the involved states and the federal government $800 million in civil damages and penalties.

Connecticut’s share of Medicaid claims is more than $3.9 million.

Connecticut will also receive $499,000 for state-funded benefit programs administered by the state Department of Social services.

Social Services Commissioner Roderick L. Bremby said, “Our claims data indicated a significant and inappropriate impact on Medicaid expenditures, a factor that will now be mitigated by this major settlement.”

The company has also agreed to a $700 million criminal fine and forfeiture for violating the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Another $100 million settlement with 45 states and the District of Columbia, resolves civil consumer protection claims that the company engaged in unfair and deceptive practices by illegal off-label marketing of Depakote.

Connecticut’s share of the consumer protection settlement is more than $1.5 million, including $150,000 for the state Department of Consumer Protection’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said, “The funding that the settlement provides for Connecticut’s Prescription Monitoring Program will directly benefit patient health by assisting pharmacists and physicians to better monitor potentially dangerous drug interactions and prescription errors.”

Abbott also agreed to enter into a corporate integrity agreement with the federal government.

For a period of five years, Abbott must also limit:

• the creation and use of responses to requests by physicians for non-promotional information about off-label uses of Depakote;

• dissemination of reprints of clinical studies relating to off-label uses of Depakote;

• and use of grants and continuing medical education.

It must also disclose payments to physicians and register and disclose clinical trials.

The healthcare fraud settlement was based on four qui tam cases, filed under federal and state false claim statutes that were consolidated and are pending in U.S. District Court in Virginia.

Assistant Atty. General Thomas Saadi handled the consumer protection settlement for the Attorney General with Assistant Atty. General Phillip Rosario, head of the Consumer Protection department.

Consumers can make inquiries of the Attorney General’s office by calling 860-808-5318 during office hours or sending email to attorney.general@ct.gov You can also follow the office on Facebook at Attorney General George Jepsen and on Twitter @AGJepsen

Posted May 8, 2012, based on a press release

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Say adieu to UConn Memorial Stadium – to make way for basketball facility

The University of Connecticut Board of Trustees has approved $800,000 for the demolition of Memorial Stadium and related work. The site, adjacent to Gampel Pavilion, will be cleared to build a new basketball development center for the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The stadium was built in 1953 and was home to UConn football games until the program moved to Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT. Photo source: Wikicommons - public domain photo

The University of Connecticut Board of Trustees has approved $800,000 for the demolition of Memorial Stadium and related work.

The site, adjacent to Gampel Pavilion, will be cleared to build a new basketball development center for the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Memorial Stadium was where the UConn football team played its home games before it moved to Rentschler Field in East Hartford in 2003.

The stadium has been rarely used outside of joggers using its steps for a workout, but the field has been used for athletics and intramural programs.

Demolition work is expected to begin in early spring.

Trustee Francis Archambault Jr. said the new basketball facility has been “in the works” for more than a year and has long been a need for the men’s and women’s basketball programs.

“Both Hall of Fame coaches (women’s basketball Head Coach Geno Auriemma and men’s basketball Head Coach Jim Calhoun) have been frustrated with the inability to practice as much as they would like,” said Archambault.

University officials plan to construct a 70,000-square-foot facility.

The project will be paid for solely through donations, of which the university has gotten approximately $17 million so far. It is expected to cost approximately $40 million.

It will have practice gyms, locker rooms, coaches’ offices and areas for academic support and training.

The building will be set up similar to the $48 million Burton Family Football Complex. That facility opened in the summer of 2006.

The goal is to finish construction of the basketball facility by late 2013 or early 2014.

Archambault said the new basketball facility would help the university “stay competitive” when recruiting student athletes.

The basketball facility is one of many athletic department projects planned for the campus. UConn also plans to improve facilities for softball, baseball and soccer.

Reportedly, $1 million has been raised for the baseball project and $4.5 million has been raised for the soccer project.

The goal is to finish all of the athletic department projects by 2014.

Although the basketball facility project is important, Archambault said there are other “more pressing needs” on campus, such as the need for a new recreational facility.

Archambault said another top priority is addressing the need for academic space, which is being addressed through the construction of two new classroom buildings.

One of these opened in the fall and the other is expected to be finished this summer.

The buildings are or will be used by departments in the Arjona and Monteith academic buildings.

Posted March 4, 2012 as edited and added to by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

Related link: “Memories of Memorial Stadium,” UConnHuskies.com http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110602aaa.html

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Actor Billie Jean Young to perform at ECSU

Young’s captivating, award-winning one-woman show recaptures the breadth and majesty of Hamer’s brave journey from a downtrodden field worker to a victorious champion of civil and human rights

Actor and poet Billie Jean Young will present at Eastern’s University Hour Series from 3 to 4 p. m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29 in the Student Center Theater.

Young’s presentation will include a performance of the one-woman show, “Fannie Lou Hamer: This Little Light.”

The public is invited. Admission is free.

Young’s captivating, award-winning one-woman show recaptures the breadth and majesty of Hamer’s brave journey from a downtrodden field worker to a victorious champion of civil and human rights.

In 2004, to coincide with the Democratic National Convention, Young performed her re-enactment of the speech Hamer presented at the 1964 Democratic National Convention.

Young is a resident of Perry County, AL, where she serves as an artist-in-residence at Judson College in Marion.

Posted Feb. 28, 2012

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Rep. Hurlburt joins Willington parent on Special Education Day

Catherine Britschock of Willington, a member of the Special Education PTO Alliance, talks with Rep. Bryan Hurlburt at a meeting with Gov. Malloy on Feb. 28, 2012. Courtesy photo

State Rep. Bryan Hurlburt, (D-Ashford, Tolland and Willington) joined constituent Catherine Britschock of Willington at the State Capitol today (Feb. 28 ) to help raise awareness of the importance of special education services to the lives of thousands of Connecticut children.

Britschock and Rep. Hurlburt were joined by Gov. Dannel Malloy, parents, families and educators from around the state at a reception sponsored by the Special Education PTO Alliance.

Britschock is the mother of a special education student and helped organize the event.

“Equal access to educational opportunity is an individual right and societal responsibility,” Rep. Hurlburt said. “The Special Education PTO Alliance does a great job ensuring that the voices of children with learning disabilities are heard and I am proud to work with them in support of this important mission.”

Posted Feb. 28, 2012

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High winds could cause damage, outages in parts of Connecticut

Gov. Malloy will open the state's Emergency Operations Center Saturday morning, Feb. 25, to respond to any emergencies resulting from high winds, forecast to reach as much as 48 mph. Photo source: NOAA gov web site, shows effects of a "macroburst" in 2006

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced today that he will partially activate the state’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 8 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 25) to respond to any emergencies that might arise as a result of high winds forecast for tonight and early Saturday.

Currently, a High Wind Warning has been issued for Windham, New London and Southern Middlesex Counties for overnight. The strongest winds expected after daybreak tomorrow.

A High Wind Warning is issued for forecasts of sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph and gusts possibly in excess of 58 mph.

A less serious alert, a Wind Advisory, has been issued for the rest of the state.

The EOC will be staffed by the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Division of the State Police, Department of Public Health, Department of Transportation, Military Department, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, State Fire Coordination, and the state’s utilities.

Posted Feb. 24, 2012

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Local enterprises qualify for new Small Business Express grants

Connecticut Casket Company, based in Willimantic, CT is one of five small businesses to recently qualify for state EXP grants aimed specifically at companies with fewer than 50 employees. Besides caskets and urns, the company also makes keepsake necklaces with glass beads that are infused with the ashes of your loved one (including your four-footed family members). Each one is unique and can be made in any color. Photo source: Connecticut Casket Company web site

Five small businesses have qualified for grants through the state’s Small Business Express Program (EXP) to expand their businesses and create jobs.

EXP is part of the bi-partisan jobs bill passed during the October 2011 special legislative session. Administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the program offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees.

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help qualified small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments.

According to DECD Commissioner Catherine Smitt, “This program is about getting working capital out the door quickly and efficiently so that our smaller companies can put it to work for them immediately and start putting more of Connecticut’s residents to work… This program is building momentum; we’re constantly getting new submissions from interested business owners and we’re approving new applications every day.”

The five small businesses that most recently qualified for the program are:

Connecticut Casket Company started designing, making and selling custom, environmentally-friendly caskets in Willimantic in 2010.

The company, which will retain three employees and hire three more within a year, will receive a $100,000 grant to buy equipment, improve the shop, train workers and expand its inventory. Connecticut Casket also will receive a Job Creation Incentive loan of $250,000.

“This investment will be a big help to the Connecticut Casket Company. It will allow this Windham business to hire more workers and grow our local economy,” said State Rep. Susan Johnson (D-Windham). “Governor Malloy is clearly focused on the needs of small businesses in eastern Connecticut and I want to thank him for his strong support.”

Said Sen. Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn), “Bill Covey and his employees represent the small business success story that is critical to Connecticut’s economy… The programs we passed last year are making a difference at a time when our businesses need it the most.”

Wooden-it-be-Nice, Inc., a consignment furniture company based in Marlborough with a facility in Glastonbury, provides a retail solution for selling second-hand furniture and accessories.

The company will use its $11,500 grant in working capital for inventory and processing, marketing and job creation/retention efforts, including training.

State Rep. Pam Sawyer (R-Andover, Bolton, Hebron, Marlborough) said, “This new approach, giving grants to small businesses in a short time frame, often in small amounts, can have a big impact on a company. Wooden-it-be-Nice is a perfect example. It is what was envisioned when the jobs bill passed last October.”

State Sen. Steve Cassano (D-Manchester), who represents Glastonbury, Manchester, Bolton and Marlborough said, “Our October investment in growing Connecticut jobs and its economy is paying off, and paying off handsomely. And it doesn’t make a difference if you’re a high-tech medical device manufacturer or a furniture consignment shop – if you’re a small business looking to expand, if you’re looking to hire, Connecticut is here to help.”

State Rep. Prasad Srinivasan (R-Glastonbury) called Wooden-it-be-Nice “an exemplary member of the Glastonbury business community.”

Norwich Printing Company was founded and incorporated in 1992 as part of the Minuteman Press Franchise and has since grown from a two-person operation to eight full-time employees. The company plans to grow even further by using its $48,357 grant to buy four new pieces of equipment.

“I am so happy that the Norwich Printing Company is getting this funding to expand its production capabilities,” said State Sen. Edith Prague (D-Columbia). “News like this is proof that the Governor’s jobs bill is working, which is why I voted for the measure last October. This is wonderful news for the Norwich community, and the Governor should be commended for his vision for job creation.”

Elka Precision of Plainville designs and manufactures hydrostatic spindles, tables and slides that improve grinding accuracy and reduce grinding times for the overall improvement of machined products.

Elka Precision plans to begin an aggressive campaign to market its products overseas, including European and Asian markets.

The company, which plans to hire eight new employees, will receive a Job Creation Incentive loan of $250,000 to use for equipment, training, travel and other related expenses.

My Three Sons (Petrini Six Enterprises) is an indoor family entertainment center in Norwalk. The company will use a $50,000 grant from DECD to purchase new equipment that will increase customers and revenue.

For more information on EXP or to apply for the program, visit the Small Business Express Program website or contact Michelle Lugo at DECD at 860-270-8052 or Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov

Posted Feb. 21, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

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Save a life and win money for your heating bill

Patients need blood every day, including during the winter season when blood donations often decrease. Photo courtesy of American Red Cross

The need for blood is always with us, but the chance to save a life and win $200 to pay down your winter fuel bill comes to an end on March 1.

As a special thank you, all those who come in to donate blood at American Red Cross blood drives in Connecticut during the month of February will be eligible to win free heat for a month.

Weekly drawings will be held from Feb. 1 through Feb. 29, 2012. ($200 maximum, paid directly to your utility provider. Prize is not redeemable for cash and is non-transferable.)

Patients need blood every day, including during the winter season when blood donations often decrease.

Each donation of blood can help to meet the daily needs of patients in Connecticut hospitals.

Across the country, on average, 44,000 blood donations are needed each day to help trauma victims, surgical patients, burn victims, patients with blood disorders and many others.

Who can donate?

Potential blood donors must be at least 17 years old, meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on your height) and be in generally good health.

Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

Did you know? Eligible donors can give whole blood every 56 days.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit http://www.redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive at a convenient location near you and to make an appointment.

Posted Feb. 20, 2012

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