westfaironline.com July 10, 2023
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CBIA's DiPentima on what's next for Connecticut's economy BY PHIL HALL
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Phall@westfairinc.com
ext month marks the third anniversary of Chris DiPentima’s taking on the role of president and CEO of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA). DiPentima served as chairman of the CBIA board from 2018-19 and was division president of Leggett & Platt Aerospace, which includes Pegasus Manufacturing in Middletown, at the time he was chosen to replace Joe Brennan, who led the CBIA for 32 years prior to his retirement. In this interview, DiPentima spoke with the Business Journals regarding Connecticut’s business community and the challenges it faces for the remainder of 2023. 4
CBIA’s DiPentima
Chris DiPentima; photo by Phil Hall
Latimer delivers his sixth State of the County Address BY PETER KATZ Pkatz@westfairinc.com
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here was an air of exuberance in the Westchester County Legislative Chamber on the eighth floor of the County Office Building in White Plains on June 29 as County Executive George Latimer identified some of the county's accomplishments while delivering his 2023 State of the County Address. Then, Latimer came to what he classified as "the most pressing issue of our time." Latimer's approach to dealing with that issue, the plight of immigrant asylum seekers, has stood in sharp contrast to
County Executive George Latimer delivering his 2023 State of the County address.
the position and actions taken by other county executives in the Hudson Valley. Counties from Sullivan to Putnam have issued emergency declarations and filed lawsuits to try to stop New York City from sending migrants in need of housing and social services to the Hudson Valley. Latimer has taken the position that Westchester County is here to help. "We must approach this matter with compassion, empathy and a commitment to upholding our values as a nation. Asylum seekers are individuals, just like you and me," Latimer said in his State of the County Address. "They are individuals who have fled their home countries due to persecution, violence and unimag-
inable hardships. Unimaginable. They come seeking refuge, hoping for a chance at a better life for themselves and their families. I know that we all, deep down, believe in treating them with dignity and respect, while also ensuring a fair and efficient immigration process and protecting the interests and addressing the legitimate concerns of those who already live here.” Latimer also called for an end to the bitter divisions that have been promoted by some prominent politicians. "We must rise above political ideology and work together in a spirit of cooperation," Latimer said. "We must resist the
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State of the County