Governor Rowland: Number 13A

WHEREAS, industry cluster economic development is a highly successful means of developing a state and regional economy that is market driven and private industry led, is premised on innovation and productivity as the basis of economic competitiveness, aligns the talents and resources of business, government, academic institutions and labor, and fosters and promotes the products and services of industries that are related by a common technology, market or need;

WHEREAS, the General Assembly’s recognition of the importance of industry cluster economic development is apparent in Public Act 96-252, "An Act Concerning Cluster-Based Economic Development", in Public Act 98-203, "An Act Concerning Industry Clusters, the Connecticut- Israel Exchange Commission and a Twenty-First Century Action Plan Commission", in Public Act 97-238, "An Act Concerning Economic Clusters and Tourism", in Public Act 98-110, "An Act Providing for a Reduction of Taxes for Individuals and Businesses", in Public Act 99-173, "An Act Concerning Various Tax Reductions, Exemptions, and Credits for Individuals and Businesses", and in the General Assembly’s three year support for the industry cluster budget allocations, all indicating broad bipartisan consensus regarding the value and potential of the cluster initiative;

WHEREAS, it is our common goal to promote industry cluster economic development in order to enhance Connecticut’s economy, make Connecticut a prime location in which to start or grow a business and create secure, fulfilling and well-paid career opportunities;

WHEREAS, hundreds of senior executives from companies of varying sizes and geographic locations have committed countless time and resources to shape and implement numerous industry cluster and economic foundation strategies to improve the State’s competitive position;

WHEREAS, 7 industry clusters and multiple advisory boards have been established launching far-ranging projects dealing with such critical issues as bioscience laboratory space, transportation investment, and workforce development, to inner-city revitalization, lean manufacturing and communication strategies;

WHEREAS, the present challenging economic situation requires even stronger public-private partnerships to help develop and implement the strategies and actions that will Connecticut and its residents to achieve their full potential.

NOW THEREFORE, I John G. Rowland, Governor of the State of Connecticut, acting by virtue of the authority vested in my by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State and in the spirit of cooperation and bipartisanship demanded by the importance of the matter, do hereby, ORDER AND DIRECT:

1.	That the term of the Governor’s Council on Economic Competitiveness and Technology (hereinafter the "Governor’s Council") be extended for another two years, until December 31, 2003.
2.	That the Governor’s Council shall be co-chaired by the Governor and another person or persons designated by the Governor.
3.	That the membership in the Governor’s Council shall be designated by the Governor and shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (A) its co-chairs; (B) representatives of business, holding the title of Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer or the equivalent of the foregoing designations, drawn from key industry clusters and firms of small, medium and large capitalization; (C) the Speaker of the House of Representatives or his or her designee; (D) the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives or his or her designee; (E) the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives or his or her designee; (F) the President Pro Tem of Senate or his or her designee; (G) the Majority Leader of the Senate or his or her designee; (H) the Minority Leader of the Senate or his or her designee (I) representatives of organized labor; (J) representatives of academic institutions; (K) the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development; and (L) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management; and (M) the Director of the Office for Workforce Competitiveness.
4.	That the mission of the Governor’s Council shall be to encourage and assist private sector industry cluster activation and effectiveness, advise and assist the executive and legislative branches of Connecticut state government and the private sector on matters relating to economic competitiveness, industry cluster economic development and monitor, assess and evaluate the activation and effectiveness of industry clusters in Connecticut.
5.	The Governor’s Council shall have the following powers: (A) to obtain from any executive branch department, board, commission or other agency of the state such assistance and data as will enable it to carry out the purposes of this executive order; (B) to accept any gifts, donations, bequests or grants of funds from private entities for all or any of the purposes of this executive order; and (C) to perform such other acts as may be necessary and appropriate to carry out the objectives and purposes of this executive order.
6.	That the Governor’s Council shall hold at least two meetings each year, one in preparation for each Connecticut General Assembly session and one during or after the close of each such session.
7.	That this order shall take effect immediately.