The Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. to honor companies at Celebrate CT - Nov. 30

Hartford, CT The Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. (CERC) has named top economic development projects, programs and leaders from throughout the state to be honored at the annual Celebrate CT! event on Wednesday evening, November 30, at The Bushnell. The 22 honorees were selected by economic development officials in each of 11 regions across Connecticut for their contribution to the state’s economy, such as consistent or growing employment levels, playing a critical role in changing the character of its community or civic engagement, strong public/private collaboration to encourage new investment, or leadership resulting in growth or improvements. The honorees include initiatives, businesses, organizations and individuals that are widely known in their communities, and some that are less well-known.

“These awards acknowledge key people, programs, and projects that are stimulating new jobs and investment in our economy,” said CERC president and CEO Robert Santy. “They are well-earned and well-deserved, and CERC is proud to recognize the 2016 honorees and their noteworthy accomplishments that are having a positive impact on Connecticut’s business environment.”

This is the 6^th year the event is being hosted by CERC, a nonprofit corporation and public-private partnership that provides economic development services, working closely with an extensive network of state, regional, local and utility partners to leverage Connecticut’s unique advantages as a premier business location.

The 2016 Celebrate CT! award honorees include: The Metro Realty Group, Ltd.; Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.; Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.; Essex Steam Train and Riverboat North Pole Express; The NY-Conn Corporation; Innovation Center/Danbury Hackerspace; Indeed.com; Norwalk ACTS; Jewish Senior Services; Opportunity Real Estate Equities; Borinquen Bakery LLC; Green Valley Hospitality Restaurant Group; Arethusa Farm Dairy and KidsPlay Children’s Museum.

Initiatives to be honored at Celebrate CT! include: City of Hartford - “Zone Hartford”; Meriden Green; Madison Center Project; Waterbury Municipal Stadium Renovation Project; 1020 Riverside Drive, Thompson; and Connecticut’s Submarine Century. Individuals being honored are Jim Ryan, retired president of the Shelton Economic Development Corporation, and Elizabeth Torres, Executive Director of the Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust.

Nearly 200 economic development and business professionals from around the state are expected to attend Celebrate CT!