Press releases
02/02/2023
Governor Lamont Announces Launch of New Online Platform Connecting All Connecticut Manufacturers and Suppliers in One Searchable Solution
(HARTFORD, Conn.) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of the CONNEX™ Connecticuta free online platform that provides a one-stop shop for manufacturers in the state to connect with each other, find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities and manage their supply chains.
“Connecticut boasts some of the most sophisticated manufacturing in the world, and this new portal helps support those companies by allowing other businesses to easily find and connect with local manufacturers who make the products they need ” Governor Lamont said. “I strongly encourage every company in the state to register on this portal, post information about the products and services your company offers, and connect with new business opportunities.”
The program is jointly administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Manufacturing and CONNSTEP, the state’s leading business consulting firm. It is financed by the State Fund for Innovation in Production.
“The goal of this platform is to increase manufacturing growth by connecting Connecticut’s smaller suppliers with large manufacturers who need their services.” Paul Lavoie, Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer, said. “This is just one of the ways we are working to strengthen Connecticut’s domestic manufacturing supply chain.”
The CONNEX™ Connecticut platform will help manufacturers identify potential suppliers in the state based on their capabilities, not just current production. Results can be filtered using hundreds of unique criteria such as equipment, processes, materials and certifications to meet a manufacturer’s specific needs.
“The recent pandemic has highlighted the need to focus on strengthening our industrial base, including innovative solutions to support the supply chain in Connecticut and across the country.” Beatriz Gutierrez, President and CEO of CONNSTEP, said. “CONNEX™ Connecticut will offer manufacturers the ability to post RFIs and RFQs to the platform’s B2B Exchange Center, where qualified suppliers can directly respond to postings with their capabilities and availability. These platform features will help Connecticut manufacturers find the materials and inputs they need to meet their productivity and profitability goals, while improving supply chain optimization for downstream manufacturers as well.”
The initiative was developed with the support of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), the state’s largest business advocacy group.
“As the Connecticut state partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, CBIA has seen the success of the CONNEX Marketplace system connecting supply chains in other states.” Chris DiPentima, president and CEO of CBIA, said. “We are fortunate to have been able to facilitate the collaboration between NAM and CONNSTEP, Inc. so that every Connecticut grower now has the opportunity to use CONNEX™ Connecticut for free. Connecticut’s world-class manufacturers can now connect through one platform, strengthening the state’s manufacturing ecosystem and creating more local and robust supply chain opportunities.”
CONNEX™ Marketplace technology was developed several years ago by i5 Services to connect the US manufacturing supply chain. It is now used by manufacturers and suppliers across the country to connect with each other and find new business opportunities.
“We are thrilled that so many prominent leaders in the state are supporting the launch of CONNEX™ Connecticut,” Alan Davis, president and CEO of i5 Services, said. “This is a sign of the state’s strong leadership and commitment to Connecticut’s manufacturing industry, which is one of the pillars of the state’s economy.”
To access the portal visit portal.ct.gov/manufacturing/CONNEX.
Manufacturers who create an account before March 31, 2023 must use the promo code CTFF while signing up to get free, permanent access to the national network.
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