United Technologies is bringing back a long-time executive to serve as chief financial officer.
Akhil Johri succeeds Greg Hayes, who became president and CEO of the conglomerate last month after the unexpected departure of CEO Louis Chenevert.
Hayes said Tuesday that Johri is highly respected for his ability to communicate with Wall Street and with shareholders. Johri, 53, was CFO of Pall Corp., but he had been with United Technologies for 26 years before that, serving in various executive positions.
Confidence Returning
Business confidence in Connecticut continues to firm up, slowly but steadily, according to the latest data collected by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. Its quarterly economic and credit availability survey showed that 47 percent of executives expect their firms to remain stable, while 35 percent expect improvement. There’s less confidence about the lending environment — only a quarter of businesses questioned consider credit conditions to be good or excellent.
Manufacturing Voucher System
The state of Connecticut said small manufacturers will be able to benefit from a new matching grant voucher system. The vouchers are part of the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund, and $3.5 million will be made available. Companies can apply for vouchers of up to $50,000 to bring in outside expertise to help them grow and innovate.
Truffle Record
A Connecticut company has sold the world’s largest white truffle. The 4.16 pound fungus was discovered in Italy by Sabatino Truffles, which has its U.S. headquarters in West Haven.
It sold at auction for $61,250, but the company might be forgiven for being disappointed — it had already turned down a $1 million offer from a Chinese buyer.
The money from the auction will be donated to charity, and the truffle will get its own entry in the Guiness Book of Records.
