Events Archives - New Milford Chamber of Commerce

2023 Awards Gala brings business community together; honors Chamber business, resident

There was an atmosphere of celebration, pride, and camaraderie Nov. 4 at the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce’s 24th annual awards gala. Nearly 150 people attended the event held at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury.

The evening’s festivities included a three-course meal, a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses, a wine pull and balloon pop fundraisers, and music and dancing.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two prestigious Chamber awards. Rich’s Wings & Things, owned by Rich and Deb Vallinaggi, was recognized as the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Business of the Year Award and Tracey Morrissey, founder of Brian Cody’s Brothers and Sisters Foundation, was honored as the Distinguished Member of the Year Award.

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Photography by Janet Taub of Planet Photo

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Photography by Deborah Rose

Good Eats serves up fine food to business community at Business Scene

Local business professionals flocked to Good Eats Restaurant & Bar last night (10/17/23) to attend the Chamber’s October Business Scene.

The informal business networking event was co-sponsored by Good Eats, Sherman Chamber Ensemble and the Corporation for New Milford Economic Development.

In addition to general networking, attendees were treated to fine hors d’oeuvres prepared by Executive Chef Kevin Deluca and his staff, and had a chance to win door prizes and a cash prize.

Each sponsor addressed guests, sharing a little bit about their business/organization.

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

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.