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Report Anticipates 4.6 Million New Jobs From 5G Rollout, Including 300,000 in Manufacturing

  • “Third wave” of wireless networks expected to create 4.6 million jobs by 2034
  • Jobs would be spread across a variety of sectors, unlike previous digital revolutions where employment gains were generally limited to certain professions and cities
  • Some concerns that job creation will be offset by losses as autonomous technology, augmented reality, and other innovations undercut certain industries
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How Might the 2020 Presidential Election Impact Offshore Wind Development in the U.S.?

  • The United States lags far behind Europe in offshore wind, though several developments are now in planning in the Northeast
  • Department of Energy estimates offshore wind could generate more than enough electricity to meet U.S. consumer needs
  • Biden has set a goal of a carbon-free electric sector by 2035, while Trump Administration has shown some support for offshore wind after initial reticence
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New London Prepares Challenge to Connecticut Port Authority’s State Pier Development Plan

  • New London law director issues letter of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with opinion that Connecticut Port Authority must amend existing Municipal Development Plan before it can apply for a permit for a major upgrade to State Pier
  • Planned $157 million overhaul would establish location as a hub for offshore wind developments in the region
  • Mayor accuses Port Authority of shutting host city out of discussions and ignoring issues raised with the development
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Connecticut DECD Says Mystic Aquarium Restructuring Offers Model for Tourism Businesses Struggling During COVID-19

  • Injection of $7 million in state funds coupled with other measures such as private fundraising and debt reduction to stabilize finances of Mystic Aquarium
  • Tourism sites make up a crucial sector of southeastern Connecticut economy, but most have suffered during COVID-19
  • DECD commissioner David Lehman says theaters and other hard-hit businesses should consider restructuring as a long-term solution
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Broadband Access Becoming an Increasingly Important Amenity in Agriculture

  • Agricultural operations have increasingly adopted digital innovations that require high-speed internet access
  • Places lacking in broadband access tend to be concentrated in rural areas, which may inhibit technological advances among farmers and ranchers
  • Increased calls and efforts to enhance rural broadband access to keep up with digital solutions
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Officials Differ on Whether Targeted or Broad Stimulus is Needed to Boost Economy

  • Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell say broader stimulus is needed for economic recovery
  • Meanwhile, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow says stimulus may be unnecessary for recovery but that targeted relief could assist it
  • Additional COVID-19 relief measures have stalled in Congress due to partisan disagreements
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A Day, or Even a Week, Without Meetings

  • How scrapping meetings for a day, or even implementing a meeting-free week, can improve your company’s workflow
  • Benefits include more productivity and creative thinking, along with the possibility of concentrating on a single major task
  • Fewer meetings may be less feasible if employees are more extroverted or prone to procrastination
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House Stopgap Spending Bill Provides Exemption for Columbia-Class Submarine Funding

  • House Democrats propose bill to provide short-term government funding to avoid shutdown after Sept. 30 date, with exemption providing funds for two Columbia-class submarines
  • Funding for the submarines would normally be considered new spending, which is not be permitted under stop-gap funding rules
  • Electric Boat in Groton was awarded a $10.3 billion contract earlier this year to design and build the next generation of submarines
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Potential Supreme Court Nomination Further Narrows Odds of Stimulus, New COVID-19 Relief

  • Potential for fast-tracked Supreme Court nomination could further reduce the likelihood of Congress approving a new round of COVID-19 relief
  • Government spending bill, election campaigning could also divert attention
  • $1.5 trillion compromise proposal proposed to break deadlock, but may not satisfy either party
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Successfully Onboarding Employees When Your Company Has Gone Virtual

  • Companies rarely have virtual onboarding processes, though they have become more useful during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Those who don’t do an adequate job with bringing new employees on board are more likely to find these workers trying to jump ship
  • Regular communication, anticipating the needs of new hires, and other steps to make onboarding more successful
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