By: Louis W. Bach, Connecticut Business and Industry Association

With the state’s unemployment rate hovering just above 9%, one would anticipate that job openings in Connecticut are few and, when a position opens up, that it is filled quickly. Connecticut’s business owners know differently. Connecticut’s energy rates, tax code, and regulatory regime all contribute to a poor business climate – the Nutmeg State hasn’t added a net job to the workforce in 20 years – yet productivity and efficiency remain high. If Connecticut is to compete in the global marketplace, its businesses must continue achieving ever greater efficiencies. Innovation requires an educated workforce, however, and too many of our students aren’t receiving the education they need to succeed in the job market. According to the 2011 CBIA/BlumShapiro Survey of Connecticut Businesses, 37% of respondents said they are having difficulty finding qualified workers. If near double-digit unemployment and unfilled job openings seem like an odd pairing, it’s because they are. This disparity underscores a growing threat to Connecticut’s long-term economic stability: Businesses cannot compete globally without a well-educated workforce. That’s why CBIA, representing thousands of Connecticut employers, is working hand-in-hand with the Connecticut Council for Education Reform. Together, we can help make sure that every student in the state receives a great education that will provide the tools they need to succeed in the workplace and throughout life. (Mr. Bach covers education and economic development issues for the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. CBIA’s 10,000 members include some of the state’s largest employers, though more than 80% of its membership is comprised of small businesses)