David Kluskiewicz

This morning’s “Rising Star” breakfast presentation by the Governor didn’t inspire much confidence. It came in the wake of sobering study, conducted by the Connecticut Economic Resource Center. Some of the findings included:

• For the five sectors showing the biggest declines, the average 2005 wage was more than $63,000 versus almost $36,000 for jobs in the sectors with the most growth.
• Connecticut ranked 48th among the best states for entrepreneurs in 2006, down from 43rd in 2005. In 2006, the Hartford metropolitan area ranked 50th out of the 50 largest metros that are best for entrepreneurs.
• Between 1990 and 2000 Connecticut had the largest relative shrinkage in the 18-34 year age cohort of any state in the nation. The state had a 23 percent decline in this age group, equating to a loss of more than 200,000 individuals. This is a critical cohort of individuals who are completing their education, embarking on their careers and establishing families.

Though it’s discouraging, this study underscores how important a culture of innovation is for us and our future. This may not be silicon valley, but Connecticut has its share of creators. Connecticut is remarkably well educated and, as one of the wealthiest states in the nation, has the potential to develop serious businesses for the future.