Connecticut
Semifinals: Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut » CBIA
After more than 87,000 total votes, we’re down to the top four of the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition.
Semifinal voting is underway now. The matchups are:
The single-elimination, bracket-style competition is being led by the CBIA Foundation in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing and CONNSTEP and made possible through the generous support of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.
The competition is an opportunity to showcase Connecticut’s vibrant manufacturing sector.
World-Class Workforce
“These four companies—and all 16 finalists—highlight the best Connecticut has to offer,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.
“And this is a chance to celebrate not only the products they manufacture, but the world-class workers who make them.”
During an appearance on Fox 61’s morning news, Connecticut Department of Economic Development commissioner Daniel O’Keefe noted the nearly 5,000 manufacturing companies and nearly 160,000 employees that make up the workforce.
“We’ve been able to develop this very specialized workforce over the last 100 years that make these highly engineered products.”
DECD’s Dan O’Keefe
“We make very complicated things here. We’ve been able to develop this very specialized workforce over the last 100 years that make these highly engineered products,” he said.
Semifinal voting is open through Sept. 17.
The overall winner will be announced at the Oct. 2 Connecticut Manufacturing Summit at the Connecticut Convention Center.
A group of business leaders nominated the 16 products in the first year of what will be an annual competition.
Nominations are open now for next year’s contest.
WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – A tractor trailer’s diesel fuel saddle tank ruptured on I-91 north between exits 25 and 27, state police said.
Approximately 25 to 30 gallons of fuel was released to the road surface, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. No ground soil or waterways were involved, DEEP said.
The two right lanes were closed, according to the state Department of Transportation.
No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, state police said.
Wethersfield Fire Department solidified the diesel fuel on the ground surface with Speedy Dry, DEEP said. An environmental cleanup contractor was en route for cleanup.
Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.
WESTPORT — A two-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 caused a traffic slowdown stretching for miles into Fairfield Friday afternoon, according to state officials.
The crash scene has since been cleared.
Connecticut State Police said the two-car crash was reported near Exit 17 in the southbound lanes at 3:03 p.m.
One driver was taken to the hospital for reported injuries, the agency said.
The crash closed the right lane of the highway, causing cars and trucks to be backed up for miles along I-95 into Fairfield, traffic cameras showed.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Connecticut
Joe Deko Appointed to State Legislature’s Group Studying Prepaid Funeral Contracts to Protect Consumers
- Reviewing contract structures: Examining issues related to pre-need funeral contracts and cremation service agreements.
- Strengthening oversight: Recommending stronger consumer protections and improvements to state regulation of the funeral services industry.
- Developing compensation mechanisms: Creating rules for distributing funds to affected consumers and exploring the framework for a future industry-backed guarantee fund.
Deko took to Facebook to share the news.
“I am honored to announce my appointment to the Connecticut State working group focused on reviewing and strengthening Connecticut’s prepaid funeral laws.
This important effort brings together professionals and stakeholders committed to ensuring that prepaid funeral arrangements continue to serve and protect Connecticut families while maintaining the highest standards within our profession.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience and perspective to this process and look forward to working collaboratively with fellow members of the group.
A special thank you to Senator Paul Cicarella for his confidence in me and for entrusting me with this appointment. Your support and leadership are greatly appreciated. I look forward to helping shape thoughtful policies that will benefit Connecticut families and the funeral profession for years to come.”
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