CONNSTEP Manufacturing Industry Newsletter: Fall 2025

Manufacturing on the Move: The 2025 CBIA Foundation Manufacturing Tour

October in Connecticut is filled with events celebrating Manufacturing Month. Only one lasts an entire week and aims to bring awareness about the local companies, innovative products, and dedicated people at the heart of the state’s manufacturing communities.

The 2025 CBIA Foundation Manufacturing Tour traveled nearly 600 miles from Seymour to Sandy Hook, Eastford to West Haven, Enfield to New London, and Chester to Shelton, in a big, blue tour bus that was hard to miss as it passed by.

“To me, this week is about grounding us in our work, really making it real, and honoring the people that do the work,” said Beatriz N. Gutierrez, president and CEO of CONNSTEP.

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A Letter to the Connecticut Business Community

Innovation and entrepreneurship are ingrained in Connecticut’s DNA. Despite its small size, the state has one of the deepest manufacturing histories in the country, dating back over 200 years. Nicknames such as The Brass City and The Hardware City still reflect the products that historically defined their civic identities. Pioneers like Eli Whitney and Samuel Colt set the stage for modern giants like Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney, and Electric Boat to become leaders in national defense.

Thousands of manufacturers call Connecticut home. Many of them are multi-generational, family-owned companies creating vital products, providing careers, and supporting their communities. Hundreds of small and medium-sized manufacturers that are the backbone of the industry make up a robust aerospace and defense supply chain. CONNSTEP is proud to strengthen their resiliency and ensure their continued growth and prosperity.

“I like to say that Connecticut does not have a legacy of manufacturing; Connecticut is manufacturing.”

Beatriz N. Gutierrez, CONNSTEP, President & CEO

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Thank you to the Hartford Business Journal for providing a premier platform to spotlight the work we are proud to do every day on behalf of our state’s vibrant manufacturing community.

See the full issue and our feature including a letter from our President and CEO, Beatriz N. Gutierrez.

CONNSTEP Announces the Passing of Strategic Advisor and Dear Friend Jack Crane

It is with heavy hearts that CONNSTEP announces the passing of our dear friend and beloved colleague, strategic advisor, Jack Crane, who lost his courageous battle with cancer over the weekend at the age of 92.

Jack’s contributions were woven into the very identity of CONNSTEP. As its second-ever and longest-tenured employee, Jack helped build the organization more than 30 years ago when it began as the State Extension Partnership at UConn in 1994.

“Jack was CONNSTEP,” said Beatriz Gutierrez, CONNSTEP president and CEO. “He was always going to be here, and we will miss him terribly.”

“He listened deeply, guided thoughtfully, and supported unconditionally,” said CBIA President and CEO Chris DiPentima. “He was a true unicorn—one of those once in a lifetime people who leave a lasting mark on your life.”

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Building From Within: Siftex Employees Level Up Their Leadership with CONNSTEP

Providing employees with the resources to gain skills like robotics, AI-integrated production, and data analytics shifts their focus to higher-value activities. These skills, acquired through classroom instruction, digital learning platforms, and even “gamified” learning, enable employees to use problem-solving and creativity to drive innovation.

“People know that you have a clear vision for them and you are there to help them grow…that is part of your mission in life as a company and as a person,” said Katty Garcia, Siftex Equipment Company, Inc. General Manager.

When workers understand and can efficiently execute complex manufacturing processes, it leads to reduced errors, waste, and production downtime.

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