25 Years of CONNSTEP: Celebrating the People and Partnerships Powering Connecticut Manufacturing

On March 25, 2026, CONNSTEP celebrated its 25th anniversary with a memorable gala at Hartford's historic Bushnell Performing Arts Center. The evening brought together friends, colleagues, board members, clients, and industry partners to recognize a quarter-century of supporting and strengthening Connecticut's manufacturing community.

“As I look around the room, I see my team, but I also see so many others that are as committed to this industry as I am,” said Beatriz Gutierrez, CONNSTEP President & CEO.

The night was a celebration of the people, partnerships, and progress that have shaped our journey over the past 25 years—and of the opportunities that lie ahead for Connecticut manufacturing.

The History of CONNSTEP

CONNSTEP’s story began in 1994, when the University of Connecticut School of Business launched Connecticut’s State Technology Extension Program (STEP) to help small and mid-sized manufacturers adopt new technologies and strengthen their competitiveness.

As the initiative grew and its impact expanded statewide, it evolved into an independent organization dedicated to supporting the state’s manufacturing community.

“They help them with the marketing, they help them with the product development, they help them with getting the grants,” said Radenka Maric, University of Connecticut President. “They are instrumental in their success.”

Celebrating 25 Years

In 2000, CONNSTEP was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and designated as Connecticut’s official center for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

While our work supporting manufacturers spans more than three decades, this event proudly celebrated 25 years of CONNSTEP as an organization dedicated to helping Connecticut’s manufacturing industry thrive.

"Being part of this organization and being part of this celebration specifically, is taking a moment to pause as to where manufacturing has moved in the last 25 years, where it might go in the next 25 years, and all this organization has done in that time to bring us to where it is today," said Alfredo Fernandez, CONNSTEP board vice chair and partner at Shipman & Goodwin LLP.

The significance of this milestone was further recognized by Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, who issued an official citation honoring CONNSTEP’s 25th anniversary. We were also pleased to welcome representatives from Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam’s office as part of the celebration.

Honoring a Legacy

A special part of the evening was dedicated to remembering Jack Crane, whose contributions helped shape CONNSTEP and Connecticut's manufacturing community for more than three decades.

As CONNSTEP's second employee and longest-tenured team member, Jack devoted his career to helping manufacturers succeed and supporting the next generation of innovators.

To honor his legacy, proceeds from sponsorships and raffle ticket sales will fund a scholarship in his memory, ensuring his impact continues for years to come.

CONNSTEP extends its sincere appreciation to the organizations whose sponsorship helped make this 25th Anniversary Gala a success. Their support underscores the strong partnerships that have been instrumental to our mission and impact over the past 25 years.

Thank you, Central Connecticut State University, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), ASG Information Technologies, CBIA, Develomark, Specialty Cable Corporation, The Horton Group Merrill Lynch, Tzedakah House, LLC, NBT Bank, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and Penn Globe (Pennsylvania Globe Gaslight Co.).

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on the future. Connecticut manufacturers continue to face new challenges and opportunities—from workforce development and technology adoption to operational excellence and sustainable growth—and CONNSTEP is committed to helping them navigate what comes next.

“I think what makes me really proud is the people at CONNSTEP,” said Gutierrez. "We as a team are committed to helping manufacturers.”

The first 25 years were defined by innovation, partnership, and impact. We are excited to build on that foundation and continue strengthening Connecticut manufacturing for decades to come.

Thank you, Connecticut.