Pulse of the Region

The Economic Impact of Travelers Championship

This week on Pulse of the Region, we are joined by Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers; Nathan Grube, Tournament Director of the Travelers Championship; Robin Kulasekararaj, Portfolio Head of the Insurance Business Unit at Cognizant; and David Griggs, President and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance. Andy and Nathan return to discuss the Travelers Championship, joined by Robin and David for a deeper look at the tournament’s economic impact. Robin highlights why Cognizant, a Founding Partner for Travelers Championship, continues to invest in the event every year, while the group explores how the tournament’s growing scale elevates both the Hartford region and the state of Connecticut on a national stage. They also discuss how the region can continue leveraging major events like the Travelers Championship to drive economic growth and vibrancy. Learn more about Travelers Championship [https://travelerschampionship.com/] Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North Hartford Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

A Preview of Travelers Championship 2026

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers, and Nathan Grube, Tournament Director of the Travelers Championship. Andy and Nathan take us inside what to expect at this year’s Travelers Championship, returning June 22–28 to TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. They share updates that will elevate the fan experience—including a redesigned wayfinder map to help visitors navigate the course with ease—and reflect on how the tournament has grown into a signature PGA Tour event. We also explore how the Travelers Championship has become a powerful showcase for Connecticut’s talent, hospitality, and community spirit, drawing national attention to the region. Learn more about the Travelers Championship [https://travelerschampionship.com/] Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

North Hartford Partnership Revisited

On this week’s bonus episode of Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Brenda Watson, Executive Director of the North Hartford Partnership, and Patrick McKenna, the Partnership’s Director of Sustainability & Real Estate. Brenda and Patrick share updates on major initiatives underway at the North Hartford Partnership, including the new Climate Resiliency Hub, expanded sustainability projects, and the launch of Grounds for Change—a social‑enterprise coffee shop at The Swift Factory. They also discuss the Partnership’s recent purchase of three multifamily homes that are being renovated to reduce environmental impact and lower rental costs for residents. The group also offers a preview of what to expect at the upcoming Sustainable Homes & Careers Expo on June 13 at the Connecticut Convention Center. Get tickets for The Sustainable Homes & Careers Expo here. [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sustainable-homes-careers-expo-tickets-1989036395402] Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

Connecticut Foodshare and Bank of America's Partnership

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, and Joe Gianni, President of Bank of America Greater Hartford. Jason shares a closer look at food insecurity across Connecticut and why summer can be especially challenging as children lose access to school meals and volunteer availability declines. We also explore Bank of America’s long-standing partnership with Connecticut Foodshare, including both financial support and hands-on employee volunteerism. Plus, learn how you can get involved and support Connecticut Foodshare year-round—from volunteering at local pantries to helping with mobile food programs across the state. Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

A Preview of Hartford Taste

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Jeannette Dardenne, Owner and Creator of Opportunity at INgroup Creative; Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO at Connecticut Foodshare; and Matt Bannister, Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Sponsorships at PeoplesBank. Jeannette, Jason, and Matt share a preview of what to expect at Hartford Taste—from food and music to art and community experiences designed to bring more people downtown and support local businesses. They also break down how advance ticketing works and explain how ticket sales directly support Connecticut Foodshare’s mission. Learn more about Hartford Taste [https://thehartfordtaste.com/] Purchase Advance Tickets for Hartford Taste [https://thehartfordtaste.com/ticket-purchase] Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].