AdvanceCT and Delegation Led by Governor Lamont and Commissioner O’Keefe Meet with Companies in Germany

Hartford, Connecticut – July 15, 2024 – Today, AdvanceCT announced that a delegation representing Connecticut’s commercial interests will be traveling to Germany on July 15th through 19th to meet with companies in Munich, Stuttgart, and Berlin. 

The delegation includes Governor Ned Lamont, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Daniel O’Keefe, Connecticut Innovations CEO Matt McCooe, AdvanceCT CEO John Bourdeaux, and members of the AdvanceCT business development team.

Germany continues to be an important market for Connecticut, with more than 12,400 residents employed by German companies. Germany is the state’s top source of foreign direct investment (FDI). More than 100 German companies have operations in Connecticut, representing 13% of all the state’s FDI.

Germany is also the recipient of 14% of all goods produced in Connecticut, solidifying its position as the state’s #1 export destination. Connecticut’s advanced manufacturing sector is a significant supplier to German companies, particularly in aerospace, as the state produces 25% of all aircraft engine parts manufactured in the U.S. 

“The economic ties between Connecticut and Germany are clear,” said John Bourdeaux, President & CEO of AdvanceCT. “Germany is our top source of foreign direct investment and one of our top trading partners.”

“The Connecticut delegation is traveling to Germany to solidify our existing relationships with German companies and establish new ones. It is important that we demonstrate with our presence that we are invested in their businesses and in their success. Commerce must be cultivated, and strong relationships are a significant part of the process.”

The delegation will be briefing German companies on the benefits of doing business in Connecticut and establishing their North American headquarters in our state. Just a few of the attributes the team will be discussing include the fact that Connecticut is ranked #4 in the United States for most employees with advanced degrees, #1 for college readiness, and the global prominence of our 38 colleges and universities, including Yale University, the University of Connecticut, and Quinnipiac University as well as the Connecticut State College and University system. 

Connecticut has a strategic location between the major metros of New York and Boston and is located within 500 miles of States comprising over 29% of the U.S. population, 29% of U.S. business establishments, 30% of U.S. jobs, and 32% of U.S. GDP, as well as Canadian provinces with 66% of Canada’s population, 62% of Canada’s businesses, and 66% of Canada’s employment.

“We have a powerful business story to tell,” added Bourdeaux. “Telling this story in person will make it more impactful.”

About AdvanceCT
AdvanceCT is a business-driven nonprofit that works to engage, retain, and recruit businesses to Connecticut. AdvanceCT collaborates with the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and our partners to implement high impact, equitable economic development. Our team advocates for and promotes Connecticut as a location for companies to compete and grow. www.advancect.org

Press Contact:
Shirar O’Connor
646-496-7668
soconnor@advancect.org