Business Closings In State Hit

Eight-Year High

HARTFORD (AP) — Connecticut officials say business closings in the state have hit an eight-year high, while new company startups have dropped to an eight-year low.

The secretary of the state’s office reported Tuesday that nearly 3,000 businesses in Connecticut closed during the second quarter of this year, the highest number of shutdowns of any first or second quarter since at least 2000.

The new data also show that about 7,200 new businesses began operating in the state in the three months ending June 30. That is 766 fewer startups than in the first quarter. Officials say such a month-to-month decline has not been seen since at least 2000.

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz says businesses nationwide are struggling with high energy prices, health care costs, and the national credit crisis.