Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont issued an executive order (No. 26-2) on April 2, establishing the Connecticut Career Pathways Commission, which is tasked with helping create a system that will connect students to jobs in high-demand fields. The commission will be made up of unpaid volunteers, with members from the education and business communities, as well as municipal and governmental leaders, legislators, community representatives, labor unions, and students. The commission will be led by former U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.
The Bank of North Dakota is set to introduce the Roughrider Coin, the state’s newly created stablecoin, to local banks this September after state regulators approved the technology’s use in bank-to-bank transactions. Ten local banks have expressed interest in participating in a pilot program, which will facilitate instant money transfers and streamline bank-to-bank transactions, particularly internationally. The Bank of North Dakota remains the only state-owned bank in the country.
It was recently announced that Rhode Island’s Polaris MEP and 401 Tech Bridge will spin out from under the University of Rhode Island (URI) Research Foundation to form a new, independent nonprofit entity branded as Polaris. The move will allow the combined entity to expand their role in supporting manufacturers and technology-driven companies statewide. The URI Research Foundation will sharpen its focus on scientific research and technology development at the University, accelerating the commercialization of faculty discoveries and strengthening the bridge between academic research and real-world application. This renewed mission—centered on intellectual property stewardship, venture development, and catalytic collaborations with industry and government—will move forward under a new identity: URI Innovations.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey recently signed legislation creating the West Virginia Office of Entrepreneurship. This new office—which will officially open on July 1 under the leadership of the Secretary of State’s office—will provide support to existing businesses and help guide startups through the earliest stages of launching a business—including licenses, taxes, and available loans and grants.