Crisco to co-host business conference at Ansonia Armory

Jobs Bill highlights will be presented

HARTFORD – State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, will co-host – along with the Lieutenant Governor’s office and the state Department of Labor – the Greater Valley STEP UP Conference Wednesday. More than 100 area businesses are already registered for the series of presentations and meetings to help companies in the region better understand the Connecticut Jobs Bill and its STEP UP program.

The conference is scheduled from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Ansonia Armory, 5 State St. Highlights of the Jobs Bill enacted last fall and expanded economic development programs enacted in June will be spelled out in presentations and exhibits.

“It’s been gratifying to see widespread acceptance of the provisions of our jobs bill, with businesses from throughout Connecticut taking advantage of the direct assistance available to them,” Crisco said. “This conference is aimed at small businesses and manufacturers in our backyard to make sure they’re completely familiar with the jobs-generating, inventory expansion, and marketing assistance programs available to them as well as our newly expanded eligibility for these programs.”

Crisco said the state’s Small Business Express program is now available to companies with up to 100 employees with grants to launch new products or expand inventory, and the STEP UP job training program has new payroll incentives for employers to help them cover the costs associated with hiring and training new employees, including post-9/11 veterans.

“Area business owners could be eligible for wage reimbursement programs, job training grants, tax credits, and other direct assistance to help them expand their business and enhance their company profile,” Crisco said. “We’re very excited that so many business owners have pre-registered and hope more of them turn out for this important event Wednesday morning.”

“One of the presentations offers specifics about the payroll assistance available to those who hire post-9/11 veterans of the Armed Forces, who often need a helping hand while integrating back into civilian life,”Crisco added. “This is particularly appropriate, given the sacrifices made by these veterans in service to our nation, and the timing is serendipitous, given this week’s anniversary of those deadly attacks.” 

This was taken from a release from Crisco's office.