Business owners trek to capitol

New Haven (WTNH) - Business leaders from across the state will be urging lawmakers today to help them keep their doors open.

It's Connecticut Business Day 2009 today. Shop owners from Chapel Street in New Haven will no doubt join the other New Haven Business leaders up in Hartford later this morning to plead their case to state officials to help them make it through this struggling economy.

Last week Gov. Jodi Rell spoke to business leaders in New Haven at one of the manufacturers on Long Wharf. The governor's pitch to business owners has been "we will help you."

The tough economy has made it difficult to keep people employed and for owners to maintain profits.

In New Haven, the downtown district leaders held a number of holiday strolls throughout the Winter season to get people to come down and spend money at the downtown shops like those on Chapel Street.

At the capitol this morning, business people will hear from an expert at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City. They'll find out how money from the federal stimulus can help create jobs.

Gov. Rell also recently told business leaders in Middlesex County she believes the people of Connecticut have pent up spending. She's optimistic they will start buying things soon.

The meeting in Hartford at the Legislative office building begins at 10:45 a.m.