Gov. Malloy Learns About Life Being 'Half Full' in Stamford

Governor Dannel P. Malloy stopped in Stamford Monday to be reminded that, in life, the more Half Full you are, the better.

The governor stopped in to Hall Full Brewery at 43 Homestead Ave. on a day he was visiting small businesses throughout the state to check in on one of the recipients of the Small Business Express Program (EXP).

The EXP program provides grants and loans to Connecticut businesses to help support their growth and expansion, especially in regards to increasing the size of their workforce. Hall Full Brewery, which has been open for a couple of months now, has used the fund to hire two additional workers, and hopes to add three more in the coming months.

"We're looking to make great investments in the jobs and facilities here," said Conor Horrigan, founder and "Chief Beer Philosopher" of the brewery. "We were contacted by the governor's office to see if we'd like to be a stop on his tour today, and I mean, we're in his home town and we're a brewery. It couldn't be a more perfect end to the day."

Malloy stopped in to sample a small variety of the goods being manufactured on-site and received a guided tour through the facilities to review where all the product was made and processed.

"There's a certain reality that new jobs come from small and new businesses," Malloy said. "When we can have them come together, it hits a sweet spot."

Malloy said the EXP Program has dolled out 103 loans and grants in its first year alone and touted that the state is is making sure it's competitive in the surrounding area. Additionally, the governor said he anticipates program is expected to create and retain 7,600 jobs if it receives the funding for the next two years.

"We're making moves to make the job market in Connecticut that much brighter," Malloy said. 

Horrigan said the program has really allowed Half Full Brewery to continue to give back to a community that continues to support it so strongly.

"It's been wonderful and it's a testament to the City of Stamford, who really takes care of their own," he said. "We've really had a tremendous response, and most places in the community are now carrying our product."

Then asked if his visit made him see the glass as half full, the governor quipped, "It was before I got here."