Posted on January 8, 2016
NAUGATUCK – State Representatives David Labriola (R-131) and Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-70) paid a visit last week to United Avionics and H.J. Bushka & Sons Lumber & Millwork located in the Naugatuck Industrial Park on Great Hill Road to discuss legislative priorities for local businesses this year.
Tom Bunk, President of United Avionics (UA), stressed that their main focus in 2016 will be to increase their economic competitiveness, bring their work force back up from one working shift to three shifts, reduce the pressure of taxes and unemployment payments, and find a way to keep their business thriving in Connecticut. As one of our state’s leading small commercial and military aerospace manufacturers, UA keeps their work base and supply purchases local. As a Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) member, UA products serve larger local corporations like General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky.
Proud coowners of their brand new H.J. Bushka & Sons facility in Naugatuck Randy and Eric Bushka discussed the hardships they’ve faced over the years as a family-owned and run business to achieve the success they’ve recently relished. With suffocating taxes as their number one obstacle, the Bushkas are also facing hefty competition from chain lumber and hardware suppliers across the state as they bolster their inventory for local customers. Their goal is to continue maintaining close relationships with programs at nearby schools and with Connecticut contractors, as well as reinforce their workforce with local help as they settle into the neighborhood.
(L to R) Coowners of H.J. Bushka & Sons Eric and Randy Bushka, Rep. Labriola and Rep. Rebimbas.
“These businesses are so vital to our area, and they are being solicited to move elsewhere,” said Rep. Rebimbas. “It’s therefore imperative that we maintain support for business-aid resources like the consulting firm ConnStep, who helps our industry leaders keep their edge in today’s challenging business climate. We want to gain jobs, revenue and a greater variety of services, not lose them to our neighboring states.”
“Creating a friendlier environment for Connecticut’s small businesses remains one of our top priorities,” said Rep. Labriola. “We must remove obstacles for our employers so they can thrive and create jobs.”
If you would like to discuss priorities for your business before the 2016 legislative session convenes in February, please contact the legislators at 1-800-842-1423 or david.labriola@housegop.ct.gov / rosa.rebimbas@housegop.ct.gov.
Rebimbas represents the 70th district of Naugatuck.
Labriola represents the 131st district of Naugatuck, Oxford, and Southbury.