Conn. cracks down on unregistered businesses

The crackdown, which generated more than $1 million in fines, involved businesses ranging from small family-owned companies to corporations with national and international holdings.

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced the effort Wednesday, saying it helps level the playing field for businesses that follow the rules.

"Connecticut companies are put at a competitive disadvantage when out-of-state businesses that don't register properly compete," Bysiewicz said.

The review covered the budget year that ended June 30 and resulted in fines ranging from $165 to more than $20,000, she said.

Blumenthal said the largest fine was $22,380, paid by Florists Transworld Delivery, also known as the flower-delivery service FTD. A message was left Wednesday for a spokeswoman at the company's headquarters in Downers Grove, Ill.

Kemira Chemical Inc., whose North American headquarters are in Kennesaw, Ga., paid the second-highest fine of $17,805. A spokeswoman there referred questions to its international headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, where no one answered the phone late Wednesday.

Ensuring that all companies register before doing business in Connecticut helps authorities enforce regulations on workplace safety, wages, environmental protection and other issues.

It also helps consumers and state officials hold the companies accountable for problems without having to sue in other states, Blumenthal said.

"Registration makes a real, practical difference in the lives of ordinary citizens," Blumenthal said.