Connecticut's Future Examined at CERC's Annual Research and Policy Conference

11/20/2008

The Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) will present  a scenario of what the state’s economic and fiscal conditions will look like in the year 2020 based upon current trends at CERC’s 4th annual research and policy conference tomorrow.

Based on research conducted in 2006, CERC’s research team identified five policy areas that significantly impact economic growth – infrastructure, human capital, urban investment, business investment and affordable housing.  Through a series of facilitated discussions, attendees will have an opportunity to discuss how Connecticut can continue to grow its economy given the current fiscal situation of a structural deficit, higher costs and softening revenues to propose priorities for government spending and revenue geared toward improving the outlook for Connecticut’s competitiveness.

In the past, CERC’s research and policy conferences have focused on areas like state benchmarks, urban/suburban connectivity and how Connecticut can continue to compete on a regional, national and global level. 

This year’s research findings and conference outcomes will be contained in a conference proceedings report to be distributed to key state policymakers and available to the public online, prior to the next Legislative session. For the last three years, the Legislature has asked CERC to formally present their report findings to the Commerce Committee. One of CERC’s recommendations suggested the creation of a state-level economic development strategy inclusive of regional, local and private-sector players – which is currently underway.

Renowned author David Osborne will serve as keynote speaker and will make a presentation titled “Transforming Government: Survival in the Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis.” His latest book, The Price of Government, is a step-by-step roadmap for change, offering concrete solutions drawn from Osborne’s experience leading and advising public institutions. The book describes a radically different approach to budgeting, focusing on buying results for citizens rather than cutting or adding to prior spending programs at all levels of government.

“The subject matter couldn’t be more relevant given the current state of the economy,” said Robert Santy, CERC President and CEO. “We’ve already had a very high level of interest, in part, because we’re asking participants to set priorities for state investment to improve our economic performance over the next ten years,” he said.

Leading Connecticut companies have signed on as sponsors of CERC’s 2008 research and policy initiative including Webster Bank, New Alliance Bank and Wiggin and Dana.  Nearly 200 economic development professionals, business leaders and policy makers will attend the conference.

About CERC
Based in Rocky Hill, the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation that provides objective research, marketing and economic development services to local, regional, state and utility entities and policymakers.  CERC is a public-private partnership, funded primarily by utility and telecommunication companies, with a mission of making Connecticut a more competitive business location. Visit www.cerc.com for more info.

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