Employee Benefits Services - CBIA
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Agency: Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA)
Program Description:
Insurance and employee benefits programs for member businesses include:
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Group health
Dental
Life and accidental death and dismemberment
Short-term and long-term disability
COBRA administration
Retirement plans
Workers' Compensation
Discount eyewear program.
Home & Auto Insurance
Program Region: Statewide
Program Contact(s):
Ken Comeau
350 Church Street
Hartford, CT 06103-1126
Phone: (860) 244-1900
Fax: (860) 278-8562
www.cbia.com/ins/
Information Resources - CWTA
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Agency: Connecticut World Trade Association (CWTA)
Program Description:
CWTA members receive a free listing in the Port Connecticut Directory.
Program Region: Statewide
Program Contact(s):
James C. Nicholas, Executive Director
52 George E. Pipkin Way
Bridgeport, CT 06608
Phone: (203) 345-2066
Fax: (203) 846-9180
NickCWTA@aol.com
NFIB MEMBERVANTAGE
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Agency: National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
Program Description:
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) gives its members a power in the
marketplace. By pooling the purchasing power of its members, the National Federation of
Independent Business gives members access to many business products and services at
discounted costs. NFIB also provides timely information designed to help small businesses
succeed.
Together, we are an influential group of small business owners. As an NFIB member, you benefit
from the purchasing power of all our members combined—that means incredible discounts on
services and tools that will help your business grow. Access workers' compensation and health
insurance, shipping, office supplies and more. Call 1-800-634-2669.
The National Federation of Independent Business’s Young Entrepreneur Foundation, Research
Foundation, and Small Business Legal Center are mission critical components of the parent
organization.
The Young Entrepreneur Foundation promotes the importance of free enterprise and
entrepreneurship to young audiences.
The Research Foundation, which developed the NFIB website, provides small business-specific,
policy-related information on issues impacting smaller firms and affects public debate by making its
findings widely available.
The Small Business Legal Center fights for small businesses in the courts and seeks to educate
small employers on legal issues.Individually, you are one independent business.
Program Region: Statewide
Program Contact(s):
1245 Farmington Avenue
#103
West Hartford, CT 06107
Phone: (800) 634-2669
Phone: (860) 216-8810
Andrew.Markowski@NFIB.org
www.nfib.com/member-benefits
Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction
Program - UI
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Agency: United Illuminating Company, The (UI)
Program Description:
This economic development program coordinates the efforts of economic development allies and
partners, including mayors, economic development officials, bankers, realtors, etc. to promote
economic growth within the region.
Available for businesses in, or considering relocation to UI's service area. Must be willing to work
within a "team concept" approach to economic development.
Program Region: Ansonia, Bridgeport, Derby, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Hamden, Milford,
New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, West Haven and
Woodbridge
Program Contact(s):
Nicole Licata Grant
Ansonia, Bridgeport, Derby, Easton, Fairfield, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull
157 Church Street
P.O. Box 1564
New Haven, CT 06506-0901
Phone: (203) 499-2461
Fax: (203) 499-2491
nicole.grant@uinet.com
www.uinet.com
Thomas Cariglio
East Haven, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, West Haven,
Woodbridge
157 Church Street
P.O. Box 1564
New Haven, CT 06506-0901
Phone: (203) 499-5931
Fax: (203) 499-2491
thomas.cariglio@uinet.com
Insurance Plans - New Britain Chamber of
Commerce
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Agency: New Britain Chamber of Commerce
Program Description:
The New Britain Chamber of Commerce offers health insurance to member small businesses, with
as few as one employee, at group rates. A variety of plans are available offering flexible benefits
and pricing to meet specific needs.
Applicant must be a chamber member in good standing and must meet the criteria of insurance
plans.
Program Region: New Britain
Program Contact(s):
Madison West
One Court Street, 4th Floor
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: (860) 229-1665
Fax: (860) 223-8341
www.newbritainchamber.com/n_benefits.html
CWTA Internet Trade & Information Service - WTCA
Online
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Agency: Connecticut World Trade Association (CWTA)
Program Description:
Through the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), Connecticut World Trade Association
(CWTA) offers an Internet-based electronic communications and information system called WTCA
Online www.wtca.org. WTCA Online, the powerful Web site of WTCA, is the easy-to-use, affordable
online service for crucial business intelligence. This one-stop trade information hub, linked to nearly
300 World Trade Centers in almost 100 countries and representing over 750,000 affiliated
businesses, delivers extensive up-to-the minute business data and reports. By using this service,
small and midsize firms can now take advantage of the same resources available to large
corporations.
The WTCA Online Trade Opportunities Database is the primary feature of WTCA Online. It gives
users the ability to post offers to buy and/or sell any product or service from a wide range of
industries. Qualified businesses who are members of CWTA can read or post for free. Currently,
non-members can read leads for free on a two week delay basis. Searches are conducted by
company name, product, category, harmonized code and location.
Through the WTCA Online Catalog, CWTA members can expand their Internet presence effortlessly
with a free Web site. WTCA Online Catalog is an Internet-based collection of catalogs showcasing
the products and services of WTCA member companies. By simply completing an easy Online
Catalog, member companies can create its own Web site catalog or those with existing Web sites
can hyperlink it to WTCA Online Catalog. This feature also provides contact information on any
prospect who views your site and access to vital marketing statistics for valuable business
intelligence. Web site creation and maintenance are available to CWTA members for no fee.
WTCA Online provides members with unsurpassed, affordable access to more than 70 brand-name
business research databases. This "pay-as-you-go" online service is ideal for managers, trade
consultants, importers and exporters who need to quickly search and retrieve information on a
"need-to-know" basis from a broad spectrum of brand name sources - without going to the time and
expense of subscribing to each service individually.
The WTC Membership Area contains extensive information on the Association and its members. A
pictorial directory of WTCs valuable member contact information, WTC services and benefits, links
to WTC home pages and an email facility for inquiries are also available.
Program Region: Statewide
Program Contact(s):
James C. Nicholas, Executive Director
52 George E. Pipkin Way
Bridgeport, CT 06608
Phone: (203) 345-2066
Fax: (203) 846-9180
NickCWTA@aol.com
www.wtca.org
CWTA Web site
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Agency: Connecticut World Trade Association (CWTA)
Program Description:
The CWTA Web site, www.wtca.org, is a member service. Many of the services, including the
trading and posting service, are free to members. It is an interactive site for international businesses
to contact the organization and its members.
The CWTA Web site is hosted by Port Connecticut. This Internet service provider now hosts Web
sites for numerous international companies and organizations.
The CWTA site includes information about the Association, the calendar of events, a list of officers
and the board of directors and membership requirements. Each CWTA member will have the
opportunity to have a Web page listing allowing a hyperlink from an existing Web site to the CWTA
Web site. Through its hyperlink to WTCA-Online, members are able to post trade leads for free.
Program Region: Statewide
Program Contact(s):
James C. Nicholas, Executive Director
52 George E. Pipkin Way
Bridgeport, CT 06608
Phone: (203) 345-2066
Fax: (203) 846-9180
NickCWTA@aol.com
www.thinkglobal.net/cwta/
Human Resources & Safety Publications,
Information and Surveys - CBIA
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Agency: Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA)
Program Description:
Publications:
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Compensation and benefits survey reports
Personnel Policies Report
Executive Compensation Report
Sample job descriptions
Sample HR policies
Compliance poster kit
Connecticut labor and employment laws
Surveys:
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Customized employee opinion surveys
Customer satisfaction surveys
HR Tools & Forms:
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Hiring
Termination
Employment checklists
Unemployment compensation
Employee handbook development software
Taxes
Employment
Workers' Compensation/OSHA
Benefit forms
Program Region: Statewide
Program Contact(s):
Phillip Montgomery
350 Church Street
Hartford, CT 06103-1126
Phone: (860) 244-1900
Fax: (860) 278-8562
www.cbia.com/hr/
Lynn Atkinson
350 Church Street
Hartford, CT 06103-1126
Phone: (860) 244-1900
Fax: (860) 278-8562
Women Presidents' Educational Organization
(WPEO) - Summary
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Agency: Women Presidents' Educational Organization
Program Description:
Through Women Presidents' Educational Organization (WPEO), a partner organization of Women's
Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), your business can apply for a certification that is
accepted by over 800 major corporations, non-profit organizations, as well as many local, state, and
federal government agencies. WBENC certification is an important marketing tool for expanding
your company's visibility among and access to decision makers in supplier diversity and
procurement offices. Many corporations require that you be WBENC certified before providing
access to their supplier diversity programs. WPEO provides certification services in New York,
Northern New Jersey and Southern Connecticut as well as Maryland, Washington, DC, and
Virginia.
Benefits of Certification
As a certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE), you will be entitled to:
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Business profile listing in the WBENC national supplier database
Access to a directory of corporations accepting WBENC certification
Use of WBENC seal on marketing materials
Participate in local and national networking events, matchmaker meetings and trade shows
with other WBE's, corporations and government offices
Opportunity to become a member of the local Forum, which advocates on behalf of WBEs
and facilitates corporate business opportunities
Opportunity to join WPEO Committees including the Certification Committee, Steering
Committee and Awards Committee.
Additionally, WBENC has several exclusive initiatives for WBEs including government agencies and
other WBEs to post RFPs and RFIs, scholarships for executive management programs including
the Tuck/WBENC Executive Management Program, and the nation's largest conference and
business fair for WBEs.
Certification Criteria
1. At least 51 percent ownership by a woman or women
2. Proof of effective management and control of the business
3. Documented evidence of contribution of capital and/or expertise
4. U.S. Citizenship or Legal Resident Alien status
WPEO maintains a stringent screening process under the guidelines of WBENC's Standards &
Procedures, which ensures that all firms are legitimately owned, managed and controlled by
women. All applicants are encouraged to read WBENC's Standards & Procedures at
www.wbenc.org.
The Application Process
You may review WBENC's certification criteria. application instructions and apply online by visiting
www.wbenc.org. Once your completed application has been submitted online, you will receive
electronic notification from the Web site and from WPEO instructing you where to mail your
supporting documentation and non-refundable processing fee. The process takes approximately 90
days once the application and all documentation have been received. The certification is valid for a
period of one year, at which time you must submit a recertification application and affidavit to ensure
the continuity of your certified status. An on-site visit is conducted initially and every three years, at
a minimum.
Program Region: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia
Program Contact(s):
Michelle Bodden-Wiggins, Regional Director of Certification
155 E 55th Street
Suite 4H
New York, New York 10022
Phone: (212) 688-4114
Fax: (212) 688-4766
lisa@womenpresidentsorg.com
www.wpeo.us
Erica Kaufman, Program Assistant
155 E 55th Street
Suite 4H
New York, New York 10022
Phone: (212) 688-4114
Fax: (212) 688-4766
certification@womenpresidentsorg.com
Yulia Avrutskaya, Program Assistant
155 E 55th Street
Suite 4H
New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 688-4114
Fax: (212) 688-4766
yulia@womenpresidentsorg.com
Emily Guthrie, Communications Assistant
155 E 55th Street
Suite 4H
New York, NY
Phone: (212) 688-4114
Fax: (212) 688-4766
emily@womenpresidentsorg.com
Community Results Center
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Agency: United Way of Connecticut
Program Description:
The mission of the United Way of Connecticut's Community Results Center is to improve
community life by providing research and analysis that helps to inform local planning and
investment and measure community change. The Center's services include community needs
assessments, asset mapping, research and evaluation. The Center supports decision-makers
engaged in human and social services, community development, workforce policy and housing. The
Center also has access to the extensive United Way 2-1-1 information and referral database of over
4,500 providers and 48,000 services which can be used to help communities better understand their
resources.
Program Region: Statewide
Program Contact(s):
Maria Dynia, Manager, Research and Evaluation
Community Results Center
United Way of Connnecticut
1344 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Phone: (860) 571-7215
Fax: (860) 571-7523
maria.dynia@ctunitedway.org
www.ctunitedway.org
New Britain Downtown District
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Agency: New Britain Downtown District
Program Description:
The mission of the New Britain Downtown District is to spearhead the economic revitalization of
downtown New Britain, through an aggressive economic development program targeted at private
sector led outreach to the commercial real estate leasing and development community. Further, the
district advocates and leads efforts directed at downtown trash removal, parking, security and small
business development issues. Finally, the district aggressively markets, advertises and promotes
downtown on a statewide bases, to attract office and retail businesses to locate there. It also
maintains the only up-to-date vacancy list of all commercial property in downtown. In addition, the
downtown district advocates for downtown business in zoning, parking and other issues before the
city council mayor and various city agencies.
Program Region: New Britain Downtown District
Program Contact(s):
Gerry Amodio
117 West Main Street
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: (860) 229-0878
Fax: (860) 229-0839
www.newbritaindd.com
Better Business Bureau
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Better Business Bureau
94 South Turnpike Road
Wallingford, CT 06492-4322
Phone: 203-269-2700 Ext. 2
Fax: 203-269-3124
E-Mail: info@ct.bbb.org
Web site: www.connecticut.bbb.org
The Better Business Bureau is a private nonprofit organization supported largely by membership
dues paid by business and professional groups which meet standards of ethical business practices.
Better Business Bureaus:
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Provide reports on business firms that will be helpful to you before making a purchase. The
BBB system responds to millions of such inquiries each year.
Provide information about charity groups and organizations
Help resolve consumers' disputes with businesses through telephone conciliation, face-toface mediation and arbitration
Promote ethical business standards and voluntary self-regulation of business practices
The Better Business Bureau provides a wide variety of helpful publications, information, and other
resources to both consumers and businesses. From consumer buying guides to business
advisories, BBB publications help people make informed marketplace decisions. Some of this
information is on the Connecticut Better Business Bureau's web site: www.connecticut.bbb.org
BBB information online includes:
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Reports on local Connecticut companies
Complaint form to submit consumer to business disputes
Publications - buying guides, pamphlets and books listed by subject
Alerts and news - scam alerts, warnings, and press articles, with local (Connecticut)
information
Business library - information about schemes which target business owners, as well as
ethical and advertising guidelines
Outside resources - listings of public and private organizations which assist consumers and
business.
Note: For further details on programs and services visit the BBB website listed above.
Connecticut Lodging & Restaurant Associations
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For information on the hotel industry in Connecticut contact:
Connecticut Lodging Association
127 Washington Avenue
4th Floor West
North Haven, CT 06473
Phone: 203-848-6029
Fax: 203-782-7755
Web site: www.ctlodgingassoc.com
The Connecticut Lodging Association provides the following information:
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Hospitality law consultations
Labor relations consultations
Full time lobbying staff at the Connecticut legislative and state agencies
Educational seminars and training
Benefit programs in insurance, telecommunications, credit card processing and printing
NOTE: The Connecticut Lodging Association is membership driven, however much of their
information is available to the general public.
For information on the restaurant industry in Connecticut contact:
Connecticut Restaurant Association
38 Hungerford Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-278-8008
Fax: 860-278-8006
Web site: www.ctrestaurant.org
The Connecticut Restaurant Association provides the following information:
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Operational trends nationally and in Connecticut
Labor relations consultations
Discount educational and certification seminars and information
Full time lobbying at the Connecticut legislature and government agencies
Benefit programs in insurance, credit card processing, payroll and marketing
Callers requesting a list of Connecticut restaurants may be referred to the association, however, the
listing contains members only.
Made in Connecticut Products
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Connecticut Specialty Food Association
195 Farmington Avenue, Suite 200
Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: 860-677-8097
Web site: www.ctfoodassociation.org or www.specialtyfood.com
Connecticut Specialty Food Association is part of the Connecticut Food Association, which runs
trade shows and meetings designed to help small businesses. The Association will provide callers
with names and addresses of Connecticut specialty food companies that are members. Membership
varies, depending on the type of company. A membership directory is also available on-line.
LYMAN Orchards Inc.
Route 157
Middlefield, CT 06455
Phone: 860-349-1793
Web site: www.lymanorchards.com
This is Connecticut's largest indoor farm market. Each day they bake apple pies and other treats.
They also have local fruits and vegetables, gourmet grocery items, and specialty candies/snacks.
*Many other farms and vineyards across the state offer foods and specialty items for sale. Consult
local Chamber of Commerce or tourist guides for locations.
The Connecticut Store
116 Bank Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
Phone: 1-800-474-6728
Web site: www.theconnecticutstore.com
Giftware and home furnishings. 50% or more of manufacturing costs are spent in Connecticut. They
have more than 200 producers.
(This same number can be used to reach the Made in Connecticut Guild,
LTD.,www.madeinct.com)