The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
‘Connecticut Made’ logo aimed at boosting businesses
HARTFORD — A new logo declaring “Connecticut Made” may soon grace the labels of many local products.
As the state wrangles with the issue of attracting and retaining businesses, legislators Wednesday unveiled the logo they hope will drive consumers to buy local and raise awareness about Connecticut entrepreneurs and manufacturing.
“Let’s be proud of what we make,” said Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin. “This logo is just one way to show it off.”
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy gave the new logo a modest review.
“We should not be requiring manufacturers to do anything, but we should be promoting our state.”
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy
“I think made in Connecticut is fine,” he said. “We should not be requiring manufacturers to do anything, but we should be promoting our state.”
Lawmakers passed a bill last year to develop the logo. From breweries to bakeries to electronics, the logo will aim to bring attention to Connecticut businesses large and small.
“This Connecticut Made initiative will support businesses that make their products locally,” said state Rep. Caroline Simmons D-Stamford, who chairs the legislative commerce committee. “It is a simple and effective way to showcase the many wonderful products our businesses make here in Connecticut and it will support local jobs and grow our economy.”
The new logo leverages the state brand, ‘Connecticut is still revolutionary,’ said Christine Castonguay, director of branding for the state Department of Economic and
Community Development.
“Still revolutionary for our state means that we are still innovating, we are still creating, still evolving,” she said.
Two Roads Brewing in Stratford, Connecticut Cookie Co. in Fairfield, Lorca in Stamford, Calcutta Kitchens in Norwalk and Altek Electronics in Torrington
are among a list of companies that have already expressed interest in using the logo on their products, legislators said.
“Connecticut has a rich manufacturing base,” said Sabrina Beck, vice president of Altek Electronics of Torrington. “We have a well-educated work place and we have employees who like to work hard. This made in Connecticut program will help raise awareness
for all that Connecticut has to offer.”
Altek plans on adding the logo to the boxes their electronics are shipped in, Beck said.
Carroll Hughes, executive director of the Connecticut Package Store Association, said his organization is committing a few thousand dollars to set up “Connecticut Made” sections in their liquor stores.
The logo will be free for download online by Connecticut businesses. Businesses will be on their honor that they are located in and registered in the state and meet on all state requirements for their product.
About 24 other states have logos promoting local products, Simmons said.