Verizon Wireless is to close two call centers in Connecticut, affecting 550 workers. The two sites that will be shuttered are in Wallingford and Meriden. Verizon will offer the affected employees new positions outside of the state. Those who don’t relocate will be eligible for a separation package.
The company is also closing call centers in Nebraska, New York, and Maine.
PURA Chief Takes on Cybersecurity
The chairman of the Public Utility Regulatory Authority is to step down from his post. Governor Dannel Malloy appointed Arthur House to be the state’s first head of cybersecurity.
House has already dipped his toe into the subject – he authored a report last spring, proposing a plan to strengthen the state’s efforts at cybersecurity.
He will now travel to Ukraine on a fact finding mission. That country saw hackers shut down a power grid in December of 2015. House has said he believes an attempt to take down critical infrastructure such as public utilities in the United States is inevitable. It’s not yet been announced who will replace House on the three-member PURA board of commissioners.
Stanley's $2 Billion Acquisition
Stanley Black & Decker will make cuts of up to $90 million in annual operating costs, as it acquires the tools business of Newell Brands. The $1.95 billion acquisition is the largest in recent years for the New Britain-based company, and the first for CEO Jim Loree.
Investors seemed to like the announcement, sending Stanley’s stock up more than four percent on the markets at one point. Newell makes a wide range of tools from industrial saw blades to screwdrivers.
Businesses: Steady as She Goes
A new survey of businesses in Connecticut says most are expecting a stable environment in the next six months. Almost 50 percent of businesses say they see no change ahead, while 35 percent expect improvements in business conditions; 17 percent are anticipating a deterioration.
The Connecticut Business and Industry Association, which conducted the survey, says it's seeing a wait-and-see attitude to the future.
