News from December 2018


Connecticut has 41st highest home vacancy rate in nation

Connecticut posted the 41st highest home vacancy rate among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to new real estate numbers reported by ATTOM Data Solutions.

Connecticut Kmart store to close in March

A Kmart store in Connecticut will close its doors in March as part of the parent company’s restructuring plans, Sears Holdings Corp. said this week.

EVERSOURCE ENERGY: Eversource is Trimming Trees to Help Reduce Power Outages

Working closely with community leaders and tree wardens throughout Connecticut, Eversource’s team of licensed arborists is trimming trees that threaten electric reliability in towns and cities around the state.

CIGNA: Cigna Completes Combination with Express Scripts, Establishing a Blueprint to Transform the Health Care System

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI), a leading global health service company, has successfully completed its combination with Express Scripts Holding Company (“Express Scripts”) effective December 20, 2018.

CHARLES IT: Overcoming 5 common HIPAA compliance challenges

Compliance with strict industry regulations is often seen as a necessary evil, a chore that involves reams of paperwork and red tape.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF EASTERN CONNECTICUT: People's United Community Foundation Awards $18,500 in Grants to New London County Non-Profits

People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, N.A., today announced that it awarded $18,500 to New London County non-profits during its most recent grant cycle.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF EASTERN CONNECTICUT: Thames River Heritage Park Receives Grant

The Thames River Heritage Park Foundation (TRHPF) has received a grant from the Panoram Foundation for $30,000 for operational support and the development of collaborative efforts among the 17 sites that comprise the Park experience.

Yale University has most student athletes in Connecticut

Yale University ranked No. 1 for student athletic participation in the state, according to a Connecticut Business Daily analysis of college sports participation.

Connecticut building permits: September 2018

Connecticut issued 269 building permits for privately owned housing during September, according to data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Connecticut’s population dropped -0.03% from mid-2017 to mid-2018

Connecticut’s population decreased by 1,215, or -0.03 percent between July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2018, according to estimates released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Analysis: Short-term health plans in Bridgeport 58% less than market plans

The monthly cost of short-term health insurance plans in Bridgeport is $230, 58 percent below the cost of individual market plans, according to a recent analysis by the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA).v

College wrestling earned nearly $500,000 for Connecticut schools in 2016

Sacred Heart University wrestling brought in $9,853 per athlete in revenue in 2016, making it among the highest-grossing wrestling programs in Connecticut that year, according to a Business Daily analysis of U.S. Department of Education data.

Analysis: Home affordability in Fairfield County tanks

Fairfield County had the lowest home affordability index in Connecticut in the third quarter, according to an analysis of 440 counties by ATTOM Data Solutions.


EVERSOURCE ENERGY: Eversource Supports Local Food Bank

More and more people struggle with hunger every day, and it’s the Connecticut Food Bank’s mission to combat that.


GREATER NEW HAVEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Shipman & Goodwin LLP Attorney J. Dormer Stephen Appointed to BioCT Board: 12/12/2018

J. Dormer Stephen, Co-Chair of Shipman & Goodwin’s Business and Finance Practice Group, has been appointed by BioCT to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors.

GREATER MYSTIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Mystic Aquarium Makes Over 7,000 lb Food Donation to Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center Following Festival of Lights

On Friday night, December 7, nearly 5,500 guests visited Mystic Aquarium as part of Olde Mistick Village’s Festival of Lights.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF EASTERN CONNECTICUT: Coast Guard Athletics Hosts 8th Annual Women's LeadHERship Symposium

The Coast Guard Academy held its eighth annual Women's LeadHERship Symposium on Monday in the Otto Graham Hall of Athletic Excellence in Billard Hall.