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Articles by Christopher Fortier
2023 Practice Management TechReport
The ABA TechReport 2023 pairs data from the 2023 Legal Technology Survey Report, which surveyed practicing attorneys, with analysis, observations, and predictions from experts in the legal technology field. Respondents noted Microsoft products as common use in communications, documents, general office software, with notable exceptions.
Sportswear manufacturer in senator's weekly spotlight - The Bristol Press: Business
LogoSportswear manufactures customized apparel, such as T-shirts, sweatpants, aprons, team jerseys and accessories for small- and medium-sized businesses, schools, teams and leagues. Founded in 1995, the company operated in Cheshire for 20 years before moving to a larger facility in Wallingford in 2015.
One of New Britain’s last survivors of Iwoa Jima dies - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“I will never forget the day in 2015 I had the privilege of interviewing Stan in his parlor, hearing him tell his story of Iwo Jima,” said Dennis Buden, local public relations consultant, executive director of House of Heroes Connecticut, and founder and director of the Golden Kielbasa Veterans Open.
City's top 20 tax-delinquent property owners owe over $500K - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Topping the list is the company that owns the property at 177 Columbus Blvd., occupied for more than 15 years by CVS Pharmacy. According to records, the city is owed $142,088.63 in real estate taxes, a bill accrued in the last three years by both the site’s current and previous owners. One Seventy Seven purchased the 1.2-acre site in 2015 for $5.4 million.
Nzinga Center event to honor area leaders - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
It will include live music, poetry, dance and tributes to the honorees. Soul singer Betty Harris, Nzinga’s Daughters and the QANC Watoto Youth program will be among the performers, organizers said The event was renamed in 2014 to honor the late Constance Renee Wilson “Connie” Collins, an African-American woman, for her “lasting contribution to the Greater New Britain community,” said Dayna Snell, the center’s executive director.
Activists to stage protest rally against Manafort Sunday - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The protest is scheduled to take place from noon to 2 p.m. in the area of the East Street entrance to Route 9, adjacent to Central Connecticut State University. According to organizers, the rally will serve to demonstrate against Manafort Jr., the former Trump campaign head and onetime strategist for Ukraine’s ousted pro-Russian leader Victor Yanukovich.
Activist group will protest Paul Manafort Jr. Sunday - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The protest is scheduled to take place from noon to 2 p.m. in the area of the East Street entrance to Route 9, adjacent to Central Connecticut State University. According to organizers, the rally will serve to demonstrate against Manafort, Jr., the former campaign head and one-time strategist for Ukraine’s ousted pro-Russian leader Victor Yanukovich.
Stanley Dabrowski, who fought at Iwo Jima, dies - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
“I will never forget the day in 2015 I had the privilege of interviewing Stan in his parlor, hearing him tell his story of Iwo Jima,” said Dennis Buden, a local public relations consultant, executive director of House of Heroes Connecticut and founder and director of the Golden Kielbasa Veterans Open.
New supermarket’s ribbon-cutting set for early April - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
A full-page ad in Sunday’s Herald, printed in both English and Spanish, bills the store as “the most complete supermarket in the area” and details its departments with photos of several brand name products, including canned goods, diapers, juices, seasonings and beer. The city location will include, in part, a deli, a seafood market, and sections for meat, produce, dairy and frozen foods. The ad says the store will open in the spring.
Murphy lauds Jackson Laboratory - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Jackson Laboratory, headquartered in Maine, is a nonprofit biomedical research institution dedicated to discovering the precise genomic causes of and cures for devastating human diseases. Its new 183,500-square-foot facility in Farmington is on the campus of the University of Connecticut Health Center.
City's RadioShack store to close - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Friday’s announcement that the electronics retailer will shut down stores in 46 states and Puerto Rico came one week after its second bankruptcy filing. The closures will affect locations with the “lowest sales velocity and highest rent,” according to Business Insider magazine. The outlets set to go dark account for 36 percent of the chain’s stores, according to the magazine, which reported that 187 stores would close immediately and another 365 would go out of business by the first week of April.
Weekend Best Bets - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
NEW BRITAIN — New Britain High School students head under the sea to bring "Disney’s The Little Mermaid" to the stage for a two-night run beginning tonight. The theater production is based on the 1989 animated film adaption of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. NBHS senior Jasmine Colapietro stars as Ariel while Celeste Gigliotti plays Ursula, Dominique Jackson is Sebastian and Manny Benitez takes on the role of Prince Eric.
The Bristol Press
The $1.95 billion transaction was first announced in October. The Newell tools unit includes the industrial cutting, hand tool and power tool accessory brands Irwin and Lenox. “With the completion of the Newell acquisition, we have further bolstered our presence in the global tools industry,” said James M. Loree, Stanley Black & Decker’s president and chief executive officer.
Barnes Group acquires Gammaflux L.P. - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Gammaflux is headquartered in Sterling, Va. and has offices in Illinois and Germany. While primarily serving the plastic injection molding industry, the company also provides temperature control solutions for blow molding, extrusion, and thermoforming applications. Its end markets include packaging, electronics, automotive, medical, and household products. "We look forward to adding Gammaflux control systems to our Molding Solutions business," said Scott A.
Barnes Group acquires Gammaflux L.P. - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Gammaflux is headquartered in Sterling, Va. and has offices in Illinois and Germany. While primarily serving the plastic injection molding industry, the company also provides temperature control solutions for blow molding, extrusion, and thermoforming applications. Its end markets include packaging, electronics, automotive, medical, and household products. "We look forward to adding Gammaflux control systems to our Molding Solutions business," said Scott A.
Business digest - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
NEW BRITAIN — Elizabeth Rodriguez, the manager of the McDonald’s restaurant on Martin Luther King Drive, was recognized last week with an Outstanding Restaurant Manager Award, one of only 15 awarded in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The award is presented to managers who “display outstanding performance in leadership, commitment to customers and dedication to running their restaurant to the highest quality,” according to company officials.
Shelton manufacturer in Murphy's spotlight - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Founded in 1981 by husband and wife Ernest and Josephine Osso, Prestige provides powder coating and military specification painting services to the commercial, industrial and military aerospace industries. Prestige works closely with customers including Sikorsky, General Dynamics, Boeing, GE and Honda Aerospace. The company employs 25 Connecticut residents out of its 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
Mofongo to bring flavors of Caribbean downtown - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Sidestepping construction workers and kicking up dust as he walked the gutted site, the city native indicated the imminent locations of order counters, television screens and windowside tables. Placeres talked of warm, upscale decor, granite countertops and furniture that will complement tiling and a recently uncovered hardwood floor. Eyeing exposed walls and missing ceiling tiles over the sounds of hammers and electric saws, one is left to take Placeres’ enthusiastic word for it.
Things to do in and around New Britain this weekend - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Here’s a look at a few of the events taking place this weekend in and around New Britain: The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre this weekend continues its run of the comedy "The Seven Year Itch." Written by George Axelrod and directed by Kris McMurray, the show stars local actors Meagan Palmer and Alex Papacoda. The play is best remembered as a 1955 film starring Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell.
Wait ends today for hungry fans of Cracovia Restaurant - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Just in time for the Lenten season, the restaurant known for its Polish-American cuisine as a leading business in the Little Poland district is ready to find its niche at the west end of West Main Street. The kitchen has been humming since the restaurant passed its final inspection late last week.
Musician to enhance Irish atmosphere at sash ceremony - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The committee for the local contingent has selected Joan Kelly-Coyle parade marshal and Neil Foster parade honoree for this year’s event, set to step off from the state Capitol at 11 a.m. March 11. Kelly-Coyle is a lifelong city resident who has shared her time, talent and culture with numerous local organizations, including the Hospital of Central Connecticut. For the past 27 years, she has volunteered more hours than any other person at the HOCC campuses in New Britain or Southington.
Long-delayed grocery opening now set for March 30 - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Ashli Pacheco of the New York-based America’s Food Basket confirmed that store representatives are now expected to host a ribbon cutting with city officials on Thursday, March 30. Pacheco, the company’s human resources director, said management at the location in the Four Star Plaza continues this week to make hiring decisions ahead of an anticipated mid-March soft opening. She said 32 to 40 employees will initially staff the new supermarket.
Asking price for New Britain office complex slashed - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The 114-year-old One Grove Place, at 1 Grove St., was put up for sale with a price tag of $10 million in December by owner 4702 Second Avenue Corp. of New York. As of Friday, the price has dropped to $8.9 million. That’s about $700,000 more than the company paid for the six-story building and 4-acre property in 2008.
New Britain theater stages well-known play tonight - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
A staged reading of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues,” which opened Friday at the downtown venue, will run for one additional performance at 8 p.m. tonight. The HITW production is directed by Stayce Pelton. “The Vagina Monologues” is an episodic play that debuted off-Broadway in 1996. The performance comprises several monologues that touch on matters related to the female experience.
Polish musicians to perform at CCSU Sunday - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Pawe? Konik and Micha? Biel will appear as part of the department’s Alex and Regina Rudewicz Polish Music Series at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The free concert will take the stage at Founders Hall in the Davidson Hall Building on the CCSU campus. Konik is a Polish baritone currently studies voice at Yale School of Music, according to CCSU.
Community Foundation of Greater New Britain loses, adds 2 board members - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
New to the foundation board are Jessica Hernandez, coordinator of community engagement at Central Connecticut State University, and Nina Jankowski, long-time owner of the Real Estate Exchange in New Britain. The pair fills the board posts once held by Jack Miller, retired president of CCSU, and Patricia Walden, recently retired executive vice president of Central Connecticut Senior Health Services.
Holiday weekend offers much for New Britain's arts-minded - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The Hole in the Wall Theater wraps up its run of “Travesties” this weekend. The show, hailed as a “carnival of farcical hi-jinks, impassioned debates, vaudeville acts, and other theatrical surprises,” is directed by Alex Kirstukas and produced by Christina Giannelli. The final performance is at 8 tonight. General admission tickets are $20, $15 for students and seniors with ID. For more information, or to order tickets, call 860-229-3049 or visit hitw.org. HITW is at 116 Main St., New Britain.
Albert Boscov dies; headed store chain with nearby outlet - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Boscov’s CEO and vice chairman, Jim Boscov, said in a statement that his uncle died Friday of cancer at his home in Reading, Pa., “surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters.” Albert Boscov was credited with driving the growth of the business established by his father in 1914 to sales in excess of $1 billion and employing more than 7,500 people. The chain’s website lists 45 stores in Pennsylvania and six other states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Ohio.
City of New Britain announces parking ban - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The parking ban will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. tonight and will likely continue through to Thursday afternoon, according to a release from the New Britain Police Department. Parking will be prohibited on all city streets while the ban is in effect.
Good financial outlook helps city keep bond rating - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The rating agency, a subsidiary of S&P Global Inc., also affirmed the City’s GO bond outlook as “stable.” In January 2016, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the city’s bond rating to “A+”— the city’s highest bond rating from the agency since 2008. “We are fortunate that rating agencies continue to recognize the positive changes taking place inside and outside of City Hall to make us stronger financially and to continue growing development,” said Mayor Erin Stewart.
Panel OKs zoning changes for transit-oriented development - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The recommendations amend various sections of city zoning ordinances related to transit-oriented development and create new districts in the vicinity of the rapid-transit bus stops at East Street and East Main Street. Aldermen will consider moving forward with the modifications during tonight’s regular council meeting. The four new transit-oriented development regions would cultivate primary and secondary districts along portions of East and East Main streets.
Free manufacturing program through Human Resources Agency of New Britain application deadline is Feb. 14 - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
According to HRA, there are slots available for the free program, offered in conjunction with Tunxis Community College. Income guidelines do apply. Training includes four weeks of class time at Tunxis followed by paid on-site training at a Bristol manufacturer. HRA leaders said the need for skilled manufacturing employees is growing exponentially in Connecticut and this training will provide participants with the skills to gain entry level employment with state manufacturers.
The Bristol Press
The Platt family founded the company in Waterbury in 1797 as a grist mill. Over time, it expanded its capabilities and services, and today the business manufactures zinc wires, strips and rods, as well as deep drawn metal stampings, eyelets and custom terrazzo flooring for the lighting accessories, communications, aerospace, sensing devices, control valves, automotive and electronics industries.
Central Connecticut Communications
The Platt family founded the company in Waterbury in 1797 as a grist mill. Over time, it expanded its capabilities and services, and today the business manufactures zinc wires, strips and rods, as well as deep drawn metal stampings, eyelets and custom terrazzo flooring for the lighting accessories, communications, aerospace, sensing devices, control valves, automotive and electronics industries.
Free manufacturing program through Human Resources Agency of New Britain application deadline is Feb. 14 - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
According to HRA, there are slots available for the free program, offered in conjunction with Tunxis Community College. Income guidelines do apply. Training includes four weeks of class time at Tunxis followed by paid on-site training at a Bristol manufacturer. HRA leaders said the need for skilled manufacturing employees is growing exponentially in Connecticut and this training will provide participants with the skills to gain entry level employment with state manufacturers.
Bridge work testing patience of West Main business owners - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
That was one of the prospects contemplated by 20 people who gathered at King Pizza on Saturday to air their criticism of the project, two years ago after it began. State Sen. Terry Gerratana, the event’s organizer, said she has become increasingly frustrated by the work at the intersection of West Main and Burritt streets, both as a legislator and a motorist. Living on nearby Lincoln Street, she said the ongoing bridge rehab long ago became a thorn in the side of the area’s economy – and patience.
4,000-year-old tablets on display at Bristol Library - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The collective gray hair and life experience – along with the ability to take the ribbing – was too easy for longtime friends around the table to question who was on hand when the 4,000-year-old clay tablets on display nearby were originally created. While it was all in good fun, Bristol residents Joe Morozuk and Paul Dinoia were quiet as they took a second look at the eight otherwise unassuming pieces of ancient clay exhibited behind glass.
Over $200,000 in scholarships available - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Scholarships are available to 2017 high school senior class students in New Britain, Berlin, Plainville and Southington, with select scholarships available to students in Farmington, Newington and Wethersfield. Several scholarships are also available to local students already enrolled in the higher education program of their choice. In 2016, the Community Foundation awarded 74 scholarships from 47 donor-established funds totaling $198,600.
Gerratana to meet with frustrated West Main Street business owners - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Gerratana is inviting those affected by the detours and road blocks resulting from the bridge rehabilitation project to air their concerns from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at King Pizza, 534 West Main St. The reconstruction of the bridge over the Pan Am Southern Railroad began in late January 2015. According to the DOT, the project calls for a significant upgrade and replacement of deteriorated areas of the structure.
Local artist to take part in benefit - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Kayla Farrell will host "Fortitude," an evening of live music and art, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Royal Mane Hair Studio at Salons by JC, 333 North Main St. in West Hartford. Live entertainment featuring co-op member Maciah MdotLive Clark will be hosted by Tara T-Quest Little. Also taking the stage will be Brittana VersatilePoetiq Tatum, Kasia Lavon Hollins, Rebel Nation: Pocah TheRebel and Romain Agyeman Folson.
CCSU president confirms plan for building in New Britain's downtown - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
In a morning email correspondence, Toro said the purchase of 233-235 Main St., known as The Plaza, will be acquired by the state and provided to the university without utilizing higher education funds. “As a result, CCSU will receive all of the operational funding we are scheduled to receive from the state,” she wrote.
Plaza-CCSU deal? University may take over downtown landmark - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
NEW BRITAIN — The prospect of Central Connecticut State University increasing its presence in the central business district, for years an aspiration of City Hall, is on track to becoming a reality. Though city, state and CCSU officials declined to comment, The Herald has learned that the state Department of Administrative Services is in negotiations to purchase the seven-story office building at 233 Main St., known as The Plaza. CCSU President Zulma Toro on Jan.
CCSU on track to buy downtown NB building - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Though city, state and CCSU officials declined to comment, The Press has learned that the state Department of Administrative Services is in negotiations to purchase the seven-story office building at 233 Main St., known as The Plaza. CCSU President Zulma Toro on Jan. 18 told the Student Government Association of a “surprise” development. According to minutes from that meeting, Toro said, “On Jan.
'All Over the Map' lures artists from all over Connecticut - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
An opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday will allow the public to view the work and meet the artists. The Stockman Gallery, on the second floor of the Trinity-on-Main Annex at 19 Chestnut St., will host the exhibit through March 17. “It’s a co-op show, but I did not want this to be work by members of the co-op,” said Stephen Hard, gallery manager. “I am frequently troubled hearing the idea that a New Britain gallery should only be showing works by New Britain artists.
Democrat Berriault to seek Common Council seat - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The 27-year-old law student established an exploratory committee last month. At the time, he was considering a run for mayor or one of the 15 Common Council seats that will be open in the fall. In a press release announcing his intentions to run for the council, Berriault faulted the administration of Mayor Erin Stewart for poor high school graduation rates, the sale of the Patton Brook well, high taxes, crime and homelessness, and other problems. “I am running ...
Business, adversity among topics for 14th Central Authors - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
All readings take place at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays at the CCSU bookstore in the Student Center. The program is free and open to the public with no ticket or reservation required. Free parking is available in the Student Center Garage on Ella Grasso Boulevard. Central Authors returns on Feb. 8 with Marianne Fallon, an associate professor and author of “Writing Up Quantitative Research in the Social and Behavioral Sciences.” The remainder of the season will comprise: n?Feb.
Lawmaker questions roadside commemorations' process, costs - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
About three miles north, the late Marine’s name is connected to a memorial dedicated a year earlier — a pocket park where Sunnyslope Drive intersects with Pendleton Road, complete with a monument, flagpole and the handprints of Letendre’s young son captured in cement. Meanwhile, a similar memorial at Corbin Avenue and Lincoln Street has honored the memory of Marine Lt. Sherrod E. Skinner since 1954, two years after he was killed in action during the Korean War.
Central Connecticut Communications
The company posted sales of $11.41 billion over the past year, representing growth of 2 percent from the previous year and meeting predictions of economic analysts. Profits were up 9 percent to $965.3 million, or $6.61 per share. Profits in the fourth quarter — October to December — rose 2 percent, with revenue of $2.9 billion. Though the figure is about 3 percent higher compared to the same period in 2015, the reported net income of $255.5 million was down 4 percent.
Ann Dandrow, 8-term state legislator dies - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
"I was very sad to hear of Ann’s passing," Michael Riccio, chairman of the Southington Town Council, said Thursday. "Her leadership in local and state politics helped to get Southington to where we are today. The town is forever indebted to her for what she did for us." During her 16 years as the state representative from the 30th House District — representing Southington and Berlin — Dandrow earned a reputation for championing legislation for the handicapped, the elderly and newborns.
Ann Dandrow, 8-term state legislator, dies - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“I was very sad to hear of Ann’s passing,” Michael Riccio, chairman of the Southington Town Council, said Thursday. “Her leadership in local and state politics helped to get Southington to where we are today. The town is forever indebted to her for what she did for us.” During her 16 years as the state representative from the 30th House District — representing Southington and Berlin — Dandrow earned a reputation championing legislation for the handicapped, the elderly and newborns.
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