CMC Report

December 2025

Following is a recap of this month’s CMC meeting from December 10, 2025.

The Connecticut Manufacturing Council (CMC) convened on December 10, 2025, with Administrator Paul Amarone opening the meeting and welcoming members alongside newly appointed Chief Manufacturing Officer (CMO) Kirti Patel. The session focused on leadership updates, workforce and technology challenges in manufacturing, and legislative priorities affecting the sector.

CMO Kirti Patel provided an introductory update, outlining his extensive background in life sciences, semiconductor manufacturing, and medical imaging leadership. In his first 11 weeks in the role, Patel has engaged broadly with Connecticut’s manufacturing ecosystem, including meetings with technical school leaders and manufacturing organizations. He expressed strong enthusiasm for the state’s entrepreneurial culture and investments in emerging technologies, while emphasizing the importance of aligning education and workforce systems with industry needs.

Patel highlighted significant workforce shortages across the manufacturing sector, particularly within defense and aviation supply chains, estimating a 5–10% labor shortfall. He also underscored challenges related to technology adoption, noting that many small and medium-sized manufacturers have yet to implement ERP systems or fully embrace digital transformation. Updates were provided on state funding initiatives aimed at advancing robotics and digital manufacturing capabilities.

Eric Gjede of Statehouse Associates and CBIA delivered a legislative update, reviewing outcomes from the recent special session and outlining upcoming special elections scheduled for January in New Britain and for the seat vacated by Kevin Ryan. He also addressed ongoing discussions around artificial intelligence regulation in Connecticut, noting Senator Maroney’s leadership on the issue alongside resistance from the Department of Economic and Community Development due to concerns about limiting economic opportunity. Members expressed interest in continuing to monitor AI policy developments.

The meeting concluded with a review of key legislative priorities for the 2026 session, including R&D tax credits, association health plans, fiscal guardrails, energy cost reduction, adjustments to high school graduation requirements, and stronger regulatory review processes. Workforce housing and potential tax relief for manufacturers were raised as ongoing concerns. Patel requested further review of the policy agenda to better contribute moving forward, particularly regarding education alignment with manufacturing careers.

The next meeting was scheduled for January 12, 2026.