CT SB00855

Creates a Director of Manufacturing position within the Department of Economic and Community Development, appointed by the Commissioner after consultation with a state-wide manufacturing collaborative, effective October 1, 2019.

Director must have at least ten years of manufacturing industry experience (preferably as an executive of a company with fewer than 500 employees), a background in financial management, and familiarity with state manufacturing assistance programs.

Director shall define strategic goals for manufacturing growth, align state and federal investments with those goals, enhance coordination among public, private and nonprofit entities, and establish systems to measure investment effectiveness.

Director must submit a report by October 1, 2020 addressing five priorities: workforce development initiatives, establishment of an Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortium, evaluation of state-funded manufacturing programs, creation of a Regulatory Improvement Team, and promotion of manufacturers' products and services.

Establishes a separate, nonlapsing "director of manufacturing account" within the General Fund, effective July 1, 2019, to receive and expend funds for the director's duties.