The AI Tech Center project is being built during one of the most difficult and challenging economic times for Connecticut, the region and the entire global economy. As history has shown, difficult economic times do not halt the growth and evolution of new technologies, provided there is a vision and aggressive implementation public policy to drive innovation, knowledge, and the economic growth. The City of Hartford and the Greater Hartford Region has tremendous potential to for growth, due to its great location: the Connecticut River; the Interstate Highway systems; being situated less than two hours away from New York City, Boston and Albany; and a solid infrastructure built in the City dating back almost a century. It also has top rated schools (K-12), a supply of educated/skilled labor force and affordable housing. What it needs is integration, both physical and socio-economic. Most importantly is the need for a pedestrian-friendly transportation network consisting of highways, rails, buses, and airports. Continued improvement in the quality of K-12 education and aligning Hartford school graduates with a private mentorship program to help them prepare for a 2 year community college and/or 4 year college education would be a large asset for Hartford. These students, in turn, would add to the skilled/technical labor pool and help align the needs of business and industries that would employ them.

As we approach the second decade of the 21st century, we must recognize the need to diversity our economy, foster a workforce with high demand, high skill, and high growth careers in engineering, science and technology, as well as, careers in manufacturing, healthcare, finance and teaching.

With a true vision by business and community leaders, entrepreneurs and elected officials, Hartford can be the centerpiece of the creation of what is sometimes called the I-91 Economic Corridor, running from New Haven, Connecticut to Springfield, Massachusetts. With transportation plans, such as, New Haven to Springfield Light Rail, more Bus Transit and major upgrades to Railroad Stations in Hartford and by linking BDL airport more effortlessly by these various modes of service, Hartford has the potential to be a leader in the resurgence of Connecticut and thereby create thousands of new jobs, affordable and quality housing, and vibrant and exciting downtown.