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NEWS & EVENTS
Economic Opportunities and Challenges Created by Regional Health Care Trends to be Measured as Part of One Coast, One Future Initiative
Stamford, Connecticut; September 18, 2006 - - A comprehensive look at the region’s health care needs and the resultant employment and economic development opportunities in the health care industry has been launched by The Business Council of Fairfield County. The Health Care Cluster Initiative is one of six components of the One Coast, One Future consortium focusing on economic growth and job creation in the Coastal Fairfield County region. One Coast, One Future is funded by a nearly $1,000,000 federal grant procured by Congressman Shays.
"One Coast, One Future is designed to identify ways our region can develop economically,” stated Congressman Christopher Shays. “With an aging population in Fairfield County, healthcare needs, and therefore opportunities, are increasing. The Health Care Cluster Initiative will lead the way in assessing what needs we have and ways to maximize our response to those needs."
There are several demographic shifts in the region’s population that will create an increased demand for health and fitness related services. The overall demand created by one the region’s largest population segments, the aging and affluent baby-boomers, and the health services required by the rapidly growing immigrant population present multiple entrepreneurial opportunities for both the profit and non-profit sectors.
“This is the first time the region has examined the economic impacts of the health care needs of our rapidly changing population,” stated Christopher Bruhl, President & CEO, The Business Council of Fairfield County. “For the economic and physical well-being of the region we need to be prepared to serve this market with high quality, affordable, efficiently delivered services.”
An RFP for consulting services was issued earlier in the year. A team of employers, educators, health care providers, and insurers selected Holt, Wexler & Farnam to provide the professional services required to conduct the study.
The Health Care Cluster Steering Committee, supported by Holt, Wexler & Farnam, will analyze demographic data to identify emerging and future services needs and determine the region’s ability to meet those needs. This assessment will measure the economic impact of these emerging trends in the areas of health care employment, new business opportunities, housing development and higher education program expansion. Finally, a plan will be developed to assist the Economic Development leaders of Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford municipal governments to include health care services, facilities, providers and related businesses in their respective growth plans.
For more information on the Health Care Cluster Initiative please contact Lisa Mercurio at 203-705-0683.
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This project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA-funded projects are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
About The Business Council of Fairfield County
Over the past decade, The
Business Council of Fairfield County has emerged as a nationally respected
and influential regional network of business leaders, committed to
strengthening the economic vitality of our region and the performance of its
member firms through research-based public policy initiatives, information
services and network building programs. It
was formed in 1970 by the merger of three existing organizations, the oldest
of which had been founded in 1890. Today, The Business Council of Fairfield
County is a private, not-for profit corporation governed by a volunteer board
of senior executives and served by a professional staff.
It has more than 400 corporate and non-profit institution members and
1100 professional affiliate members.
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The
Business Council of Fairfield County
One
Landmark Square, Suite 300
Stamford, CT 06901-2679
General Phone: (203) 359-3220
Fax: (203) 967-8294
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