Peter Gioia Quotations

Time does not always equate to production. Working smart does not equate to working long.

Businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to hire qualified workers to fill specific positions, especially high-tech and skilled-labor jobs, which are in demand in Connecticut. The retirement of the baby boom generation in a few years will lead to a critical shortage of workers with the skills necessary to compete in today's high-tech global economy. We need to make sure that employees entering the work force can help drive the innovation and productivity gains that our economy needs to remain competitive in the global marketplace.

This year, we have heard considerable rhetoric concerning the need to grow our economy and create jobs by many elected leaders.

Survey respondents are facing flat job growth figures and are mirroring the concerns expressed in other surveys about the national economy, which has slowed considerably from solid growth in the first three quarters of 2005. Purchasing managers are displaying mixed signals looking forward into 2006.

One of the things it will be used for is to raise awareness among public-policy and economic-development officials of the strength and importance of Fairfield County and to gauge the concerns of Fairfield County businesses compared to what we've seen from other businesses across the state.

It's going to be a comprehensive survey on business and public-policy issues, particularly those which affect Fairfield County, such as transportation, energy issues, work force and health care.

There are several hundred municipal mandates in Connecticut. Many of these are partially funded or unfunded and are problematic and unfair because they create financial burdens that cost taxpayers money. Cities and towns have only two ways to pay for these mandates: increase taxes and fees or cut programs and services.

It's evident that businesses are beginning to see slow but improving economic growth in both Connecticut and the U.S.. But they are concerned about what direction the Federal Reserve will take this year and how its actions could potentially and quickly turn slow growth into stagnation.

We're hoping this will allow for a greater awareness of the county and what it needs to continue to be the engine of Connecticut during the legislative session.

The retirement of the baby boomers and a lack of qualified job candidates are threatening the ability of manufacturers to replace skilled workers and add more jobs, even as their business prospects improve.