CTCPA Town Hall Meeting: A Business Update from the Secretary of State
Overview
Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas made history when she was sworn in as Connecticut’s 75th Secretary of the State in 2023 as the first Black person elected to the office. She leads one of Connecticut’s oldest constitutional offices - established in 1639 - and one of its most wide-ranging, overseeing elections, the state’s business registry, and official public records.
In this Town Hall Meeting, Secretary of State Thomas covers three timely topics of interest to business leaders:
- Business Fraud: Current fraud trends affecting businesses and practical steps to protect your organization.
- Human Trafficking Awareness: Recent legal developments and what business owners need to know about potential liability when working with vendors or suppliers involved in trafficking.
- Civic Engagement: How businesses can benefit from civic engagement and promote nonpartisan civic participation among employees, customers, and the community.
You must register to attend and receive CPE credit.
Objectives
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
Stephanie Thomas, State Rep District 143, Legislative Office Building
Stephanie Thomas was sworn in as Connecticut’s 75th Secretary of the State on January 4, 2023, making history as the first Black person elected to the office. She leads one of Connecticut’s oldest constitutional offices - established in 1639 - and one of its most wide-ranging, overseeing elections, the state’s business registry, and official public records.
Since taking office, she has led a sweeping modernization of Connecticut’s elections, including the successful implementation of early in-person voting and securing a historic $20 million investment in new voting technology. Under her leadership, Connecticut has built on its strong foundation to further establish itself as a national model for running elections that are transparent, bipartisan, and grounded in public trust.
Secretary Thomas has also emerged as a national voice on election administration and civic engagement. In 2025, she testified before Congress on voter access and election security and now serves on the Executive Board of the National Association of Secretaries of State. She is frequently sought out by the media for her ability to explain complex election issues in clear, practical terms.
A former small business owner and state legislator, she has also championed efforts to modernize business services, support entrepreneurs, and expand civic engagement through initiatives like the CEO (Civically Engaged Organization) program and Power of Civics.
She holds a B.A. from New York University, an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from The New School and resides in Norwalk.
Member Price $0.00