Connecticut added 1,400 jobs in September, but a surge in job openings and a labor force still well below year-ago levels underscore employers’ ongoing hiring challenges.

On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, host Amanda Marlow sits down with CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord to break down the newly released employment report.

Nord shares his insights into manufacturing’s growth, Connecticut’s labor-force shortages, workforce development, and the economic risks businesses should watch.

Also in this episode, we share highlights from the foundation’s 2026 Manufacturing Tour, which celebrated the importance of the industry to Connecticut’s economy.

During the week-long tour business leaders and public officials hit the road in a fully-branded and wrapped bus to visit 15 manufacturers and five workforce development organizations.

Episode Highlights

Payroll increases

Manufacturing growth

Professional and business services losses

Labor force concerns

Workforce development and career pipelines

Connecticut economic outlook

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