The Buzz by John Rowland
Column By John Rowland
Is this the year to start your own small business? The economic recovery is still beyond many of us, companies are still not hiring and at some point unemployment compensation benefits will run out. So, what options are left? Move out of state? But are opportunities better somewhere else? Probably not, this recovery is still far off and it is national in size, although the Northeast has been particularly hard hit.
It's Time To Start Your
Own Business
By John Rowland
While many of us may still be chasing those few jobs openings out there, now is the time to start your own business. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) here at the Chamber has been sponsoring small business workshops for new startup companies here in the Waterbury area. The seminars touch on a variety of issues from writing a business plan to securing financing.
The Wrecking Ball
It is time to demolish some buildings in downtown Waterbury.
For several years I have been advocating that we knock down some blighted buildings in downtown, particularly near and on South Main Street and North Main Street.
John Rowland was born and raised in Waterbury. After graduating from Villanova University in 1979 Rowland began a remarkable political career as State Representative, Congressman and three-term Governor of Connecticut. Rowland's meteoric political rise saw him elected the youngest Congressman in America, and subsequently, at the age of 36, the youngest governor in Connecticut history. Rowland's storied political career collapsed in 2004 when he resigned as Governor under intense state and federal investigations into his personal relationships, and contract steering by his chief of staff. In March 2005 Rowland pled guilty to not paying taxes on gifts and was sentenced to a year in federal prison. In January 2008 Rowland was hired by the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce as a consultant. Rowland is also a radio talk show host on WTIC-1080 Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm. The show is called State and Church. Rowland can be reached via e-mail at jgrowland@sbcglobal.net
Governor Malloy and Business
On Inauguration Day, Governor Dannel P. Malloy proclaimed that Connecticut would become a state “open for business.” Most recently, Connecticut has ranked last in job creation compared to the rest of the country and now, more anti-business proposals are being considered.
Ten Point Plan for Waterbury
Economic Development
Economic Development is a long term progressive goal; it is not a one-shot opportunity. It’s about building a foundation and adding to it. Some recent examples: Lowell, MA, Burlington, VT and even Providence RI. These cities can show us the way, and even they are suffering through the economic recession.