Bob Reiling, Author at New Milford Chamber of Commerce

Entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals gain insight into capital opportunities at seminar

The Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce and the Corporation for New Milford Economic Development recently co-sponsored a “Business Resources for Success” program. The presenters highlighted tools entrepreneurs, business owners and others can utilize to enhance their business.

Alexis Luna, community affair specialist with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, facilitated the Dec. 7 program that included networking, panelist presentations, a Q&A, and light dinner fare.

New Milford Mayor Pete Bass kicked off the event, sharing information about the town’s offerings. He was followed by Sandra Hernandez of the Washington, D.C., FDIC’s office, senior community affairs specialist, and Sylina Jacobs, outreach and marketing and specialist with the Connecticut District Office, Bridgeport Branch Office, of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Nelson Merchan, advisor with the Connecticut Development Center (SBDC) discussed numerous ways the SBDC can help businesses, then Will Meikle, SCORE – Western CT chapter chairman, CT associate district director, and Northeast Regional director shared with the attendees how SCORE’s volunteers can provide mentorships and more to businesses.

Oley Carpp, chairman of the Corporation for New Milford Economic Development, addressed the crowd next, discussing the multiple ways the nonprofit organization can provide funding that can help businesses grow. Bob Reiling, executive director of the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, wrapped up the guest speaker segment of the program.

Photography by Deborah Rose

Oley Carpp, chairman of the Corporation for New Milford Economic Development, left, chats with New Milford Mayor Pete Bass during the networking time at the financial program.

An assortment of light dinner fare was served

Alexis Luna, community affairs specialist with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), left, reviews the order of the program with Bob Reiling, executive director of the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce.

Edward Howard, owner of Fast Eddie’s Barber Shop in Danbury, reflects on feedback given to him by New Milford Mayor Pete Bass.

Sandra Hernandez, senior community affairs specialist and programs manager for the FDIC’s Money Smart curriculum, distributes information sheets to guests.

New Milford Mayor Pete Bass, left, welcomes guests to the program before reminding them “New Milford is open for business.”

Sandra Hernandez of the Washington, D.C., FDIC’s office, senior community affairs specialist, introduces the FDIC’s Money Smart curriculum, for which she is program manager, as fellow panelists Sylina Jacobs, outreach and marketing specialist with the Connecticut District Office’s Bridgeport Branch Office for the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Nelson Merchan, advisor with the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (SBDC), listen closely.

Presenters, from left to right, Will Meikle, chapter chair of SCORE -Western CT, Connecticut associate district director and Northeast regional director, Oley Carpp, chairman of the Corporation for New Milford Economic Development, and Bob Reiling, executive director of the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, reflect on the tips shared about accessing business resources.

Attendees from a variety of industries, including banks, made up the audience.

Alexis Luna, community affairs specialist with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) serves as program emcee.

Those who attended the program were introduced to the services offered by the Small Business Administration, which connects entrepreneurs with lenders and funding to help them plan, start and grow their business.

Guest speakers listen closely as Oley Carpp, chairman of the Corporation for New Milford Economic Development, discusses the ways the Corp can help businesses.

Sylina Jacobs, outreach and marketing specialist with the Connecticut District Office’s Bridgeport Branch Office for the U.S. Small Business Administration, asks the audience to focus on and remember key words, including “capital.”

Housatonic River Brewing serves as venue for December Business Scene

Colorful lights strung up around the interior of Housatonic River Brewing contributed to the festive spirit of Tuesday’s Chamber Business Scene. A crowd of nearly 60 business professionals gathered Dec. 12 to network – and celebrate the holiday season.

In recognition of the season of giving, Webster Bank, which co-sponsored this month’s event with HRB and the Housatonic Business Alliance, collected new toys and monetary donations to be donated to Social Services, and HBA provided live seasonal music with Bluesy Land.

In addition to general networking, attendees were treated to fine hors d’oeuvres and had a chance to win door prizes and a cash prize. Each sponsor addressed guests, sharing a little bit about their business/organization.

The Chamber Business Scene is a monthly informal networking opportunity open to the public and sponsored by Chamber members. To learn more about Business Scenes, or to sponsor an upcoming one, contact the Chamber at 860-354-6080 or email nmcc@newmilford-chamber.com.

Photography by Deborah Rose

The backdrop of a live band made for an enjoyable atmosphere.

Attendees find their way through the crowd to network with community members.

Guests enjoyed the seasonal music by Bluesy Land, provided by co-sponsor Housatonic River Brewing.

Chamber President Jennifer Birdseye and Chamber Executive Director Bob Reiling greet guests upon arrival.

Harold and Marie McCarthy, former owners of Nordica Toys in New Milford, chat amongst themselves during the festivities.

A familiar face in the community, Bob Brophy enjoys the evening’s music.

Chamber President Jennifer Birdseye and Chamber Executive Director Bob Reiling thank guests for attending the event.

Richard Herrington, second vice president of the Chamber Board of Directors, shares the mission of event co-sponsor, the Housatonic Business Alliance, for which he is a part.

Business Scene attendees found the high top tables perfect for networking.

Seasonal decor added to the holiday atmosphere.

Business professionals from a variety of industries attended the monthly event.

Guests enjoy the food, music and connecting with other business professionals.

Donations for New Milford Social Services were collected by event co-sponsor Webster Bank.

It’s official – the 2023 awards recipients have been selected!

It’s official – the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Distinguished Business and Distinguished Individual of the Year recipients have been selected. Chamber members nominated numerous businesses, organizations and individuals in the community for these prestigious titles, but two rose to the top. Congratulations to Rich’s Wings & Things for being named Distinguished Business of the Year and Tracey Morrissey for being selected as the Distinguished Individual of the Year. Both Rich’s Wings & Things and Tracey stand out in the community for their commitment to touching the lives of others in meaningful and supportive ways, while bringing awareness to vital causes and organizations. Tracey founded Brian Cody’s Brothers & Sisters Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization after losing her son due to an overdose in August 2019. Through the foundation, Tracey has created awareness about the overdose epidemic and helps those seeking recovery from substance abuse disorder. She has worked tirelessly to create programs that have become the core of the foundation’s work. They include free direct care to females who have reached out and seek recovery; a Youth Hero Scholarship Program given to a local high school student who has been impacted by the overdose epidemic; food and clothing donation drives to support local sober homes; parent support groups; participation in Narcan handouts and training activities; and legislative proposals; and much more. Rich’s Wings & Things has, since it opened in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, devoted itself to giving back to the community. Initially, the business donated, cooked, and served food to the town’s first responders during the pandemic. This was done because the owners of Rich’s Wings & Things saw the need to ensure those giving of themselves during a scary time were cared for and fed. That mindset, generosity and business model has carried through to today. The business has donated nearly $12,000 back (in sales and/or food donations), supporting local sports organizations, parks, schools, fundraiser walks and awareness events, and others, helping each group fulfill its mission to their communities.