Economic Development News & Updates in
Greater New Haven
Michael Jai White to Launch Jaigantic Studios in Connecticut
Michael Jai White, whose work as an an actor, director and writer includes “Arrow,” “The Dark Knight,” “Spawn” and “Mortal Kombat: Legacy,” announced the launch of Jaigantic Studios, which will be Connecticut’s first mini-major studio.

White has long wanted to return to his home state to expand the industry with a studio that will provide jobs, professional training and apprenticeships for the local community. Jaigantic will open Studio One in July, which will be operational during construction of the purpose-built studios in New Haven, Conn. It will be used for Jaigantic Studio’s slate of productions that span film, television and other commercial projects. Read More

Photo: Jaigantic
Michael Jai White
Navigating the Weekly Work Search Requirement
During the pandemic, Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby waived the mandatory work search requirement as part of Connecticut’s public health response to the pandemic. The waiver allowed claimants to receive benefits even though they were not actively looking for work.

Beginning May 30, 2021, the work search will be back in effect and will require claimants to document their efforts to find a job. Failure to look for work will result in a denial of unemployment benefits. Keeping track of your search for work will help you to meet this requirement.

 WORK SEARCH EFFORTS:

Each week you file a claim for benefits, you must:
  • Actively look for work.  
  • Make a minimum of 3 work search activity efforts per week.
  • Document all efforts to find work.
  • Be prepared to provide proof of your work search activities.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Comment Period Open
The South Central Connecticut Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Annual Update and Performance Report is now available for review and comment on the REX Development website.

The comment period ends on June 21, 2021. Comments or questions may be submitted by email to barbaram@rexdevelopment.org.
CT COVID numbers lowest in 8 months, mass vaccination sites to close down
The state’s COVID-19 positivity rate remains under one percent and experts say it’s turning a corner in the pandemic, crediting vaccination efforts across Connecticut.

In Monday’s COVID briefing, Governor Ned Lamont announced the total number of hospitalizations and the seven-day positivity rate in the state are the lowest they’ve been in eight months. With the numbers so low, the governor says he’ll be holding off on his daily coronavirus briefings for a while. His focus now turning to vaccine incentives and winding down mass vaccination sites. Read More
open_door_hanger.jpg
The Hamden Business Incubator is Sold to ConnCAT of New Haven for Expanded Training
The mission of ConnCAT is to inspire, motivate, and prepare youth and adults for educational and career advancement, through after-school arts, and job training programming. It is to create a learning environment that inspires hope, innovation, creativity, and excellence while providing a path for individuals to revitalize the landscape of the urban community.

ConnCAT will rename the Incubator as the ConnCORP Community Economic Impact Lab which will focus on minority Entrepreneurial Education and Development and Workforce Development. Read More
Borough146 Exterior
More News & Events
6/15 2-6:30 p.m. Marcum & GNHCC Real Estate & Construction Forecast 2021, presented by Regional Water Authority Read More

Groundwork: Spring 2021 Registration Ends 5/27 Read More

Dirt Pile OK’d For 101 College Construction Read More