THURSDAY: LT. GOVERNOR WYMAN TO VISIT WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN WATERBURY, BERLIN AND HARTFORD

Tour Highlights Success of Small Business Express Job-Creation Program

Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman on Thursday will visit five women-owned small businesses in Waterbury, Berlin and Hartford that have received assistance to grow and create jobs through the state's Small Business Express (EXP) program.

In the past two years, the program has loaned or granted more than $85 million in assistance to approximately 650 businesses - creating or retaining more than 8,500 jobs. Nearly 500 businesses have applications pending, and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's proposed budget includes $100 million in additional EXP funding over the next two years.

The Lt. Governor's schedule is as follows:

• Dottie's Diner II

146 Grand St., Waterbury

Lt. Gov. Arrival: 11:45 a.m.

The second location for a well-established eatery in Woodbury, Dottie's has become one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Waterbury for breakfast and lunch. Wa terbury Mayor Neil O'Leary and other Waterbury economic officials will join this stop.

• The Dutch Bulb Lady

180 Grand Street, Waterbury

Lt. Gov. Arrival: 12:15 p.m.

Originally from Holland, owner Susan Occhino earned her degree in horticulture and worked for one of the premier florists there. Upon arriving in the United States, she began a small online business from her home that provided bulbs and wedding favors. She outgrew her home and found her current retail space, which has described as a huge downtown success. Several Waterbury economic officials are expected to join this stop.

• Richards Machine Tool Co., Inc.

80 Massirio Drive, Berlin

Lt. Gov. Arrival: 1:05 p.m.

High-tech, precision machine shop, principally providing replacement components for Sikorsky helicopters. Also make some components for special forces weapons. Berlin Mayor Adam Salina will join this stop.

• LSC Distribution

30 Arbor St. B-North, Hartford

Lt. Gov Arrival: 1:55 p.m.

Importer and distributor of the Solidea brand of compression garments, designed to relieve swelling in cancer patients. Owner and cancer survivor Susan Callison recognized a business opportunity and has doubled her sales each year.

• American Masons & Building Supply Co.

3250 Main St., Hartford

Lt. Gov. Arrival: 2:35 p.m.

Distributors of Drywall, Steel building studs, insulation, acoustics, masonry and concrete. Owners Cindy Westerman and her husband Dave - a thirty-year veteran of the trade - purchased the business two years ago and have been growing sales ever since, despite competing for business with shops as far away as New Haven and Massachusetts.