CONNSTEP Manufacturing Industry Newsletter: Winter 2026

We’ve launched a new website—with a fresh, new look.

The redesigned CONNSTEP site makes it faster and easier to find the resources you need, whether you’re looking to improve operations, navigate compliance, develop your workforce, plan for growth, or advance sustainability initiatives. 

Explore success stories, register for trainings and events, connect with our team of trusted advisor, and access industry insights—all in just a few clicks. Take a look and see what’s new: connstep.org.

CONNSTEP Awarded $350,000 Federal Grant to Support Connecticut Manufacturers in Energy and Technology Sectors

CONNSTEP announced it has been awarded a $350,000 federal grant to support a new initiative designed to strengthen the competitiveness of Connecticut’s small and medium-sized manufacturers operating in critical energy and advanced technology sectors.

The announcement was made during a news conference hosted by Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. in Windsor. CONNSTEP President and CEO Beatriz N. Gutierrez was joined by Congressman John Larson and Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. President and CEO William Smith.

 Read more →

Ensuring Connecticut Is Cyber-Ready: Commerce Committee's Manufacturing Caucus

CONNSTEP President & CEO Beatriz Gutierrez was grateful for the opportunity to speak about one of the most urgent issues facing our manufacturing ecosystem today: helping small and mid-sized manufacturers achieve cybersecurity certification, particularly CMMC compliance.

With more than 1,200 defense manufacturers in Connecticut and fewer than a quarter currently ready for certification, the need to move from awareness to action—through assessments, trusted partners, workforce development, and sustained funding—has never been greater. A secure, resilient supply chain is critical not only for national defense, but for our state’s economy and local communities.

Source: LinkedIn

Beatriz was proud to join fellow speakers Chief Manufacturing Officer Kirti Patel, CBIA’s Paul Amarone, EAMA's Anthony Benoit, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT)’s Andrew Bond, PTA Plastics’ Michael Rocheleau, and CONNSTEP board member Alison Carey Lynch of Carey Manufacturing.

Follow CONNSTEP on LinkedIn for the latest updates and highlights across the Connecticut manufacturing industry.

Celebrate 25 Incredible Years of CONNSTEP at Our Special Anniversary Gala

Celebrate 25 extraordinary years of CONNSTEP in style at the historic Bushnell Performing Arts Center on March 25th! This elegant evening is your chance to connect around manufacturing’s impact, honor our shared journey, and create unforgettable memories.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, and raffle tickets can be purchased at the event, with all proceeds supporting a scholarship in memory of our colleague, friend, and manufacturing champion, Jack Crane. Your participation helps celebrate Jack’s legacy while investing in Connecticut's manufacturing future.

Kick off the night with a premium open bar (5–7:45 PM) and delicious passed hors d’oeuvres starting at 5:30 PM. Join us for a champagne toast, great music, dancing, and a dessert and coffee bar to round out the evening.

The festivities take place in the stunning Grand Foyer and Promenade Gallery, offering a perfect backdrop for networking, celebration, and reflection on 25 years of manufacturing excellence. Don’t miss this spectacular milestone event—we can’t wait to see you there!

Made in Connecticut: A Highlight of Manufacturing Across the State

Manufacturing News & Updates

CONNSTEP Events & Trainings

Upcoming Industry Events

Manufacturing Resources

CT SMARTE

Connecting manufacturers with advanced technologies to drive efficiency and growth. CT SMARTE links Connecticut’s small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) with technology partners offering practical advanced manufacturing solutions. This free program includes energy assessments, workforce development, technology workshops, trainings and funding opportunities.

• Data driven modeling
• Smart Manufacturing (SM)
• High Performance Computing (HPC)
• Energy assessments
• Training and funding resources

Master Digital Thread Manufacturing

Unlock your potential at the cutting-edge Digital Thread Manufacturing Lab.

Grants for Manufacturers

Grant programs designed to help Connecticut manufacturers acquire the skills, tools, and resources needed to keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing ecosystem.

Additional Resources

• Career ConneCT
• CBIA
• CCAT
• Connecticut Manufacturing Ambassadors
• CONNEX Connecticut
• Connecticut Office of Manufacturing
• FORGE Connecticut
• Manufacturing Skills for Connecticut
• ReadyCT