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Connecticut Trade Associations

Trade organizations support and advocate for business owners in specific industries.

  • CTNext is Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem, like an incubator helping entrepreneurs validate their ideas
  • For entrepreneurs, CTNext has unique mentor programs, seminars and onsite workspaces
  • CTNext is a support system that steps in with customized help right when entrepreneurs need it most
  • A trade association for marketing, advertising, and communications professionals in New England
  • Focused on networking, education, professional development, advocacy, and diversity
  • Hosts 30 events and programs every year
  • The state component of a national organization, with four additional regional offices located in Connecticut
  • Represents those in new building construction, remodeling, or land development, as well as their affiliates
  • Focuses on legislative advocacy, but also provides educational events and resources
  • Represents both large and small insurers in Connecticut
  • Advocates on issues affecting the insurance industry before all three branches of state government
  • Members play a role in shaping the regulatory and legislative agenda
  • Advocates for independent insurance agencies of all sizes
  • Offers a range of resources providing information on the industry
  • Training opportunities and regular events
  • The Connecticut chapter of the American Institution of Architects
  • Promotes design excellence and high-quality architecture
  • Offers resources, education opportunities, and networking and social events
  • An organization supporting credit unions in Connecticut
  • Provides educational training and networking opportunities
  • Dues-subsidized audits allow members to see if they are in compliance with rules and regulations
  • Represents hotels, motels, and other accommodations
  • Allied member program includes tourism-related businesses and vendor services
  • Offers resources and professional training as well as legislative advocacy
  • A trade organization for retailers, wholesalers, and associates in the petroleum industry
  • Supports job training and educational efforts as well as legislative and regulatory advocacy
  • Promotes fuel efficiency and environmental improvements
  • Supports efforts to improve tourism marketing of Connecticut
  • Offers a training program for hospitality workers and others on the “front line” of Connecticut tourism
  • Pursues a legislative agenda that includes better and more sustainable funding for tourism marketing
  • An advocacy group for Connecticut’s food industry
  • Represents food retailers of all sizes as well as businesses such as wholesalers and distributors
  • Addresses issues ranging from nutrition to environmental stewardship
  • A grassroots organization run by Connecticut insurance professionals
  • Promotes insurance technology through networking, education, and startup support
  • Professional services available to foster innovation in existing businesses
  • The largest professional trade association in Connecticut
  • Members work to promote and advocate the ownership of real estate in the state
  • Advocacy, legal services, and other resources
  • Brings together different segments of the commercial construction industry to advance and promote shared interests
  • Offers a variety of education and training programs
  • Members receive benefits such as safety resources and access to organized labor services
  • A nonprofit organization offering legislative advocacy on behalf of Connecticut’s agricultural workers
  • Resources and member benefits
  • For new and established agricultural businesses
  • EAMA is a non-profit organization that strengthens eastern Connecticut, southern and central Massachusetts, and Rhode Island’s advanced manufacturing industry
  • For manufacturers based in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
  • Provides member benefits and resources
  • CT PTAC solves the puzzle of government contracting
  • For Connecticut startups interested in selling their goods or services to federal, state, or local government
  • As the bridge between buyers and suppliers, proving subject matter expertise in government sector contracting and assisting clients to maximize their services and product sales opportunity.
  • Works to increase awareness of manufacturing industry in Connecticut and improve conditions for these businesses in the state
  • Activities include networking events, policy advocacy, cross-sector collaboration
  • Open to both manufacturers and non-manufacturers
  • Aerospace Components Manufacturers (ACM) is a nonprofit network of aerospace companies in Connecticut and southwestern Massachusetts
  • Works to attract global aerospace businesses to the region
  • Goal of creating more efficiency and cost-effective manufacturing of aerospace components