Enforcement of Connecticut’s rigorous COVID-19 rules has helped maintain consistently low infection rates, but this also has the potential to harm the state’s economy
Hotels and lodging have not been asked to screen guests, though several have done so voluntarily
Health commitment has been used in tourism marketing, but pitches are limited to neighboring states
Small businesses rely heavily on the U.S. Postal Service for shipments
Delays occasioned by the pandemic and recent operational changes under the Postmaster General result in extra fees, forced refunds, and harm to reputation
E-commerce groups push back against proposed hikes to shipping prices
With shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic putting major pressure on brick-and-mortar businesses, entrepreneurs may consider whether their company can feasibly operate with just an online presence
Advantages include minimal overhead, lower operating costs
Business owners must also be aware of customer expectations and greater competition in online-only sales
Large companies with supplier diversity programs support a variety of companies, including small businesses and those run by women, minorities, or LGBTQ owners
Supplier diversity enhances a large company’s reputation while broadening the economic opportunities for partnering businesses
Diversity commitments have been receiving more attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as social justice movements
Nearly nine out of 10 employees with a 401(k) retirement savings plan received an employer match in the past year
Just 11 percent of employers suspended their 401(k) match due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and about half of them intend to restore the match as soon as economic conditions allow it
Employee contributions to retirement plans have been largely unaffected by the pandemic
