Undoubtedly, 2021 continued to create economic development challenges for businesses in our region, small and large. However, the MHA, our investors, and our community experienced many successes throughout the year, too.
“The MHA remains steadfastly committed to our mission of enhancing economic development in our region. We could not do that without collaboration from our investors and our community,” emphasizes MHA President and CEO David Griggs. “We share their stories to keep our audience informed and encouraged,” he adds.
“We’re all about connections. Connections to our investors and connections to our community,” notes MHA Chief Investor Relations Officer Kate Baumann. “Storytelling plays a key role in how we connect our business community, by sharing their updates and accomplishments, sometimes through in-depth conversations. We’re proud to provide that service to our investors.”
2021 Highlights
- The MHA and the Hartford Chamber of Commerce welcomed 69 new investors
- Held more than 25 virtual and outdoor in-person events
- Produced 46 new episodes of The Pulse of the Region Cast radio show
- Posted dozens of feature stories on our website and shared via the Hartbeat newsletter and social media, highlighting interviews with leadership and industry specialists about a variety of topics
Throughout 2021, the MHA continued to connect with local business owners, community drivers, residents, and employees to find out what they enjoy most about living and working in the Hartford Region in our This Is My Hartford series. We added meaningful stories to our Homegrown CT series, which highlights why people have deliberately chosen to build their careers in the region. And this year, the MHA introduced a new series Get Up Get Out and Explore CT Municipalities, which spotlights local cities and towns throughout Connecticut.
We hope you continue to collaborate and create with us and consider becoming a MetroHartford Alliance investor if you haven’t already.
MHA Accolades
Below, some of our investors share about their involvement with the MHA in 2021:
Making Connections
“The MHA does such good things through its subsidiaries—the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, the Connecticut Health Council, and Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services (CT IFS). We’re involved in all those organizations,” says Randy Stodard, Chief Marketing Officer at Delta Dental of New Jersey and Delta Dental of Connecticut. “Our involvement with the MHA helps us get our word out to many different folks in the state of Connecticut.”
READ MORE: Delta Dental Prioritizes Oral Health and Community Engagement in CT
Strengthening Partnerships
“It comes down to having these types of conversations and being able to share best practices and talk about how we can partner together,” notes Dennis Mathew, Senior Vice President for the Western New England Region, Comcast. “Before the pandemic, we were major sponsors of various MHA events. We hope to continue to find opportunities to partner, provide support, and build on that relationship moving forward.”
READ MORE: Comcast VP Talks Community Connection
Creating Opportunities
“Being a part of the MHA gives me the opportunity to speak with key decision makers who can influence the way we shape our business going forward. I think that’s an absolute benefit,” explains UIL Holdings President and CEO Frank Reynolds.
READ MORE: Avangrid’s Frank Reynolds is Committed to the Hartford Region
Building Relationships
“The networking we get to do with other MHA members is very important to us,” says Robinson+Cole Managing Partner Rhonda Tobin. “It’s helpful to have those relationships with other corporate and community leaders in Hartford.”
READ MORE: Robinson+Cole Managing Partner Enjoys Living And Working In The Hartford Region
Expanding Conversations
“Being represented by the MHA gives us a seat at the table not only to talk about what we’re going to do differently, but to be part of the discussion around what’s happening in other industries,” emphasizes Saint Francis Hospital President Thomas Burke.
READ MORE: Saint Francis Hospital President Talks Transformational Change
We look forward to sharing more of your stories in 2022! Feel free to contact us with your ideas.