Our News & Events

February 2, 2023

Governor Lamont Announces Launch of New Online Platform Connecting All Connecticut Manufacturers and Suppliers in a Single Searchable Solution

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of CONNEX™ Connecticut, a free online platform that provides one-stop access for manufacturers in the state to connect with each other, find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities, and manage their supply chains.

“Connecticut boasts some of the most sophisticated manufacturing in the world, and this new portal helps support these companies by enabling other businesses to easily find and connect with the local manufacturers that are making the products they need,” Governor Lamont said. “I strongly encourage every company in the state to register at this portal, post about the products and services your company offers, and get connected to new business opportunities.”

November 8, 2022

Mayor Rilling Announces Vanessa Nobre Valadares as Norwalk’s Chief of Operations and Public Works; First Woman to Lead the Department in the City’s History

Today, November 8, 2022, Mayor Rilling appointed Vanessa Nobre Valadares as the City of Norwalk’s Chief of Operations and Public Works during the Common Council meeting.

“Vanessa has served and excelled in every position within the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works,” said Mayor Rilling. “Based on her high level of expertise, impeccable work ethic and strong ability to collaborate, I am confident that she will be fantastic as the City’s new Chief of Operations and Public Works. I look forward to the progress the Department makes under her leadership.

November 3, 2022

Federal, State, Local and Community Leaders Celebrate the Grand Opening of Norwalk’s Business Development Center

Today, November 3, 2022, federal, state, local and community leaders joined Mayor Rilling to celebrate the grand opening of the City of Norwalk’s Business Development Center on 3 Belden Avenue. This week also marks the third anniversary of the launch of the City’s Small Business and Main Street (SBMS) program. Leaders highlighted how federal, state and local investments have impacted the small business community since the inception of the SBMS and how the Business Development Center will continue to support this commitment.

November 2, 2022

Mayor Rilling Announces LaToya Fernandez as the City of Norwalk’s First Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

Mayor Rilling announced that LaToya Fernandez joined Norwalk as the City’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer. November 1 was her first day with the City of Norwalk.

“As a City, we are always striving to improve and fulfill our vision of becoming a more inclusive and equitable community,” said Mayor Rilling. “Today, I am proud to have taken another step forward in this work by welcoming LaToya Fernandez, the City’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. Fernandez’s background in community engagement and cultural responsiveness will help us expand opportunities for residents across Norwalk and ensure our City best serves historically underrepresented communities. As a former educator and community leader in equity and justice, Fernandez has a track record of bringing City leaders and community members together to advance equity. I know her skill set will contribute meaningfully to the City of Norwalk, and I look forward to the progress we make.”

October 28, 2022

Statement from Mayor Rilling on Longstanding Property Owner Opening Workforce Training Center

Mayor Rilling released the following statement regarding the importance of workforce development following today’s ribbon cutting ceremony for the Workforce Training Center. The Workforce Training Center is a vocational training program located at 25 Van Zant Street and directed by the site’s owner and developer, Winthrop Baum.

October 12, 2022

Norwalk Receives $2 Million in State Funds for Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Improvements

Governor Ned Lamont announced that he approved $2 million in grant funding for the Pinnacle Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Project. The funding will be used primarily to repair sidewalks, manage stormwater, install crosswalks, underground utilities, and repave and stripe West Avenue, Merwin Street, Berkeley Street, Orchard Street, Butler Street, Quincy Street. The grant was awarded via a competitive state grant program that supports transit-oriented development and is targeted at boosting economic activity and creating jobs.