Connecticut is one of several states partnering with a new nonprofit organization to help workers thrive in an AI world and support job growth in the new tech economy. On Monday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut is joining Arkansas, Maryland, and Utah in partnership with RAISE US , an organization bringing together states, employers, workers, and educators to build a workforce infrastructure that supports and trains workers to succeed in a future shaped by AI and emerging technologies. “We need to ensure that Connecticut workers and Connecticut jobs benefit from these breakthroughs and do not get left behind,” said Lamont . In May, Lamont signed legislation to help prepare Connecticut’s workforce with the developing technical skills related to AI by establishing new training programs. “Through this partnership with RAISE US, we are committing to take practical next steps to ensure our state has the policies, coalitions, and resources in place to help workers gain new skills, support families through periods of change, and connect people to growing careers,” said Lamont. RAISE US was co-founded by former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and former Governor of Rhode Island, Gina Raimondo, and former Indiana Governor, Eric Holcomb, the co-chair of the organization’s board of directors. According to a press release from Lamont’s office, RAISE US recognizes that emerging technologies are reshaping the economy and require a collaborative approach that brings together state partners, employers, education and training providers, and innovative public policy. “America has a technology strategy for leading the global AI competition. It does not yet have a people strategy—and we cannot lead without one,” Raimondo said. “If we build the best AI systems in the world and leave millions of Americans behind, we won’t have won anything.” Raimondo acknowledged that while AI will create new jobs and industries, it could also bring significant workforce disruption. The RAISE US website cites projections that AI will create a net 78 million new jobs worldwide by 2030, and that workers with AI skills earn, on average, 68% more than workers without those skills. “We shouldn’t fearmonger, but we can’t pretend our training and worker support systems are ready, either. It’s time for innovative and practical solutions,” said Raimondo. “RAISE US gives state leaders a playbook that connects more Americans with the skills and careers needed in the years ahead,” said Holcomb. He emphasized that workforce development is an “all hands-on-deck moment”, not an issue divided along political lines. “I learned this work gets done at the state level, in partnership with employers—not by mandates from Washington,” said Holcomb. The press release states that RAISE US is partnering with leading global technology companies and labor groups, and is building a set of partnerships to support its research, policy, and employer-engagement work with numerous research and consulting groups. “We’ve assembled the country's leading companies, best economists, and philanthropy at a scale rarely seen—all to advance new ideas and incentives, pilot them with governors and business, and scale what works,” said Raimondo. "I want the workforce of Connecticut to look at the years ahead and see opportunity, not uncertainty,” said Lamont.  For Connecticut manufacturers, the initiative could help strengthen the pipeline of workers with AI and advanced technology skills as companies continue adopting automation and digital manufacturing tools.
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On March 25, 2026, CONNSTEP celebrated its 25th anniversary with a memorable gala at Hartford's historic Bushnell Performing Arts Center.
Phoenix Manufacturing, Inc., founded in 1989, is a privately held family-operated small business in Enfield, Connecticut, specializing in precision machining for the aerospace industry. What began as a two-person operation in a 2,000-square-foot building has grown into a company with over 100 employees operating out of a 114,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. As a contract manufacturer, Phoenix specializes in complex, tight-tolerance components, supported by more than 40 CNC machines and a multi-axis mill/turn line. The company provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions—from engineering consultation through full-scale production—serving commercial aviation, spaceflight, and defense markets for both domestic and global customers, including leading aerospace and defense OEMs. A defining element of Phoenix’s growth has been its strategic investment in advanced manufacturing technology, particularly palletized machining centers. Since 2017, the company has added 11 machining centers integrated with palletized systems, enabling unattended, automated production and significantly expanding machining capacity. This automation journey has positioned Phoenix to better meet increasing customer demand while maximizing machine utilization. Phoenix’s commitment to quality is central to its operations and customer relationships. Managing more than 600 active part numbers, the company strives for 0 parts per million (PPM) defects and 99% on-time delivery (OTD) for major OEM customers. Its quality management system is certified to ISO 9001 and AS9100 Rev D standards, and Phoenix also holds NADCAP certifications in Nonconventional Machining and Nondestructive Testing, reflecting a rigorous, inspection-driven approach to delivering consistent, high-quality results.  Guided by a mission to deliver high-quality, cost-effective products through advanced technology and an uncompromising commitment to quality, Phoenix continues to invest in innovation, automation, and the next generation of manufacturing leadership.
Founded in 1959, Projects Inc. is a Glastonbury, Connecticut-based manufacturer specializing in precision-machined components for aerospace, industrial, and commercial applications. With 102 employees, the company operates out of 66,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space and supports customers across a range of industries, including aerospace and power generation. Projects Inc. has deep roots in the aerospace industry, where it has provided high-quality machining services for decades. Since 1996, the company has supplied FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) components to the aviation sector. Projects Inc. received FAA Repair Station Certification in 1984. As a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, Projects supports customers with repair solutions that help keep critical aerospace equipment operating safely and efficiently. Its customer base includes major aerospace companies such as Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney, and GE Aerospace, along with airlines including United, Delta, American, and Lufthansa. Projects Inc. is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – approved. The company is also AS9100D and ISO 9001: 2015-certified, reflecting its commitment to quality, consistency, and industry standards. With capabilities that include prototyping, CNC machining, EDM, laser cutting, and grinding, Projects Inc. offers a broad range of precision manufacturing services supported by advanced in-house equipment and technical expertise. Today, Projects Inc. is recognized as an experienced supplier of high-quality components, with a long-standing focus on quality, reliability, and customer service.
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