CT Business Connection supports legislation

The Connecticut Business Connection, a leading provider of networking events and services for small businesses in Connecticut, is proud to announce its support for two bills geared to help small businesses currently in front of the state commerce committee. The two bills are Proposed Bill No. 5583 and 5564.

Proposed Bill No. 5583 expands the types of companies eligible for investment under the state’s angel investor tax credit. “Connecticut has a long history of putting all of its economic eggs in one basket,” said Eric Lopkin, president of the Connecticut Business Connection. “Whether it is insurance, defense, or biotech, the state can no longer afford to guess what the hot market will be and bet big on it. We must create a broad based business environment that encourages small businesses to form and hire in all sectors. This bill is an important step in that transition.” More information on this bill can be found at https://www. cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB05583-R00-HB.htm.

Proposed Bill No. 5584 establishes a small business hotline to assist small business owners in their interactions with the state. “With the various filings that the state requires, it is very difficult on business owners to determine what needs to be filed and when. The state’s website is not business friendly and while it has all the forms necessary it does not make clear which forms are required for what businesses. The hotline will make it a simple matter for business owners to find out the requirements for their specific situation,” said Lopkin. “While we look forward to legislation simplifying the morass of regulations that currently exists, this is a good start in acknowledging the burden the state places on small businesses.” More information about this bill can be found at https:// www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/ h/2017HB-05584-R00-HB.htm.

The Connecticut Business Connection is encouraging all of the businesses that attend their events to contact their representative and express their support for these bills. Lopkin stated, “It is important that business people let elected representatives know what is needed to expand the business base and increase employment opportunities in the state.”

Founded in 2009 as a grass roots organization to help businesses survive the economic downturn, the Connecticut Business Connection has evolved into a partnership between businesses, organizations, and chambers of commerce to help businesses grow and create jobs in the state of Connecticut.

Company to present annual conference

WESTBROOK » Computer Management Services, LLC (CMS), a leading provider of Sage 100 ERP and BusinessWorks business solutions throughout the New England area will be hosting its second annual Solutions2017, the premier Sage 100 User Conference. Solutions2017 will provide expanded knowledge in the Sage 100 New England market by providing education, informative breakout sessions, key exhibitors, engaging guest speakers, Sage user networking opportunities, and raffles.

New for 2017: New for this year we have added Sage 100 training sessions, an expanded venue, and business enhancing resources. CMS has also engaged Ed Kless, Senior Director of Partner Development & Strategy at Sage Software and an accomplished author, for the event’s keynote speaker. The conference is scheduled for Thursday, June 1 at the Mystic Marriott Spa and Hotel in Groton, CT. It is open to all Sage 100 users or anyone who may be interested in evaluating Sage 100 for their business organization.

This full-day conference will provide a collection of informative sessions on e-Commerce, Shipping and Warehouse Automation, Manufacturing Solutions, Sales Tax Automation & compliance, Wholesale Distribution solutions. Additionally, Sage Product Roadmaps, Electronic Document Management, Payroll / Time & Attendance streamlining the supply chain with EDI and much more. For more details on Solutions2017 and to register, visit www.cmsct.com.

For more information visit www.cmsct.com or at 800-5330595.

LVVS to host Scrabble benefit on Feb. 23

MADISON » “An Evening of Words with Friends — Minus the Electronics” hosted by Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore, will be held at the First Congregational Church of Madison Meetinghouse at 27 Meetinghouse Lane, Madison, on Thursday Feb. 23, at 5:30 p.m.

Players can enjoy the most unique format you have ever seen and some fun, refreshments and prizes.

A donation of $25 per player is requested. Call Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore at 860399-0280 or go to vsliteracy. org for information.