Hartford, CT — Capital Workforce Partners (CWP) marked a significant milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating its continued leadership in workforce development across North Central Connecticut.
The event brought together CWP Board Chair Rich McGeary, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, Manchester Mayor Jay Moran, and CWP President & CEO Alex Johnson, along with board members, employer partners, and municipal leaders from across the 37-town region.
Mayor Arulampalam recognized CWP’s national reputation and regional impact.
“This is a nationally recognized organization and the work that is being done in this room, that will be done in this office is work that is looked at all around the country as a leader when it comes to workforce. And we are so pleased to have that happen here in Hartford, along with regional partners across our communities in the greater Hartford area.”
Mayor Moran, of Manchester, CT, emphasized the regional value of CWP’s services.
“On behalf of the 37 municipalities in our region that benefit Alex and the staff and the board, we thank you for picking up the folks in our community every day, because you’re making a difference and you’re making their lives better. Thank you everyone.”
The celebration also featured remarks from employer partner Top Notch Flaggers, represented by Ernest Francis, who shared how engagement with CWP programs — including On-the-Job Training and hiring BEST Chance graduates — has strengthened their workforce and supported business growth.
A moving jobseeker testimonial, shared by CWP staff member Sam Staffin, highlighted the transformative impact of workforce services in helping individuals build skills, gain employment, and achieve stability. The testimonial reflected participation in an IT training program focused on cybersecurity, delivered through CWP’s Good Jobs Challenge initiative in partnership with Charter Oak State College — demonstrating how sector-based training programs are preparing residents for in-demand, high-growth careers.
President & CEO Johnson reaffirmed CWP’s commitment to the region’s economic vitality.
“We continue to build and strengthen the workforce system in the North Central region, aligning employers with talent, connecting residents to opportunity and building pathways that lead to long-term economic self-sufficiency.”
Additional distinguished guests included representatives from the Connecticut Department of Labor and municipal leaders from Windsor, East Windsor, Ellington, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Stafford, New Britain, East Granby, and Bloomfield. CWP Board Members in attendance included Pam Martinez, Stephen Martocchio, Fiona Mohring, Tom Mongellow, Fernando Muñiz, Tracy Nixon-Moore, Bridget Quinn, Marcy Reed, Vinnie Valente, Stephen Vaughan, Susan White, Jennifer DiBella, Lindy Lee Gold, and Keith Grant.
Capital Workforce Partners remains dedicated to leveraging public and private resources to support jobseekers, strengthen employer partnerships, and advance a competitive regional economy.