Page 2 – New Milford Chamber of Commerce

Happy times had at Designer Bag Bingo

The Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce hosted its third Designer Bag Bingo fundraising event June 1. Enthusiastic Bingo players flocked to the VFW hall for the event that included 10 rounds of Bingo, each with one chance to win a designer bag, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and nearly 20 raffles. The next Designer Bag Bingo event is scheduled for fall.

Deborah Rose/The prize for one of the rounds of Bingo is presented.

Deborah Rose/Bingo players maintain their focus.

Deborah Rose/This winner said his girlfriend was going to be very happy after he won this bag.

Deborah Rose/A local resident sports a smile after receiving her door prize from The Gift Shop of New Milford.

Deborah Rose/A variety of door prizes were presented.

Deborah Rose/One round of Bingo brought multiple players forward to duke out the winner of a handbag.

Deborah Rose/Beautiful blossoms added color to the hall for the festivities.

Deborah Rose/Ten rounds of Bingo were played.

Deborah Rose/A variety of raffle prizes were donated for the event.

Deborah Rose/Attendees vied for nearly 20 raffle prizes.

Deborah Rose/A variety of designer bags were featured at the event.

Deborah Rose/Bingo players hold their concentration as numbers are called.

Deborah Rose/Ten Chamber members sponsored the designer bags.

Business professionals network at town park

The May Business Scene was sponsored by the Town of New Milford at one of its parks.

Business professionals enjoyed the outdoor networking event at Clatter Valley Park.

Rich’s Wings & Things catered the evening offering, while Housatonic River Brewing provided beverages.

Mayor Pete Bass welcomed guests and highlighted the park as one of the many parks townspeople can use.

Deborah Rose, editor and photographer for NewMilfordNow.org, the municipality’s community and tourism site, addressed the crowd and highlighted the features of the town’s website: a community calendar to which the public can submit events; a directory of places to shop, eat, explore, and play in town; and stories and photographs about the people, businesses, and happenings in the community.

“The site showcases all the positive attributes about the town,” she said.

Also among the guests were several Town Council members.

After the short presentation, door prizes were awarded and the winner of a 50/50 was announced.

Photography by Deborah Rose

The Town of New Milford, which operates NewMilfordNow.org, was the sponsor of this month’s event.

Chamber volunteers prepare the welcome table for guests.

Rich and Deb Vallinaggi, owners of Rich’s Wings & Things, begin setup of the array of food.

A hanging basket was one of the door prizes.

Businessman Ivan Shiffman, right, took a moment to catch the mayor’s ear during the event.

Chamber Treasurer Scott Mulhare, left, speaks with fellow Chamber director Brandon Sprague.

Local businessmen enjoyed a variety of hot food, including wings, burgers, macaroni and cheese bites, and more, during the event.

New Milford Mayor Pete Bass thanks the crowd of business professionals for attending the evening’s event.

Guests pause to listen to Chamber President Jennifer Birdseye share a few words about upcoming Chamber programs.

New Milford Police Officer John Toromanides joins a few of the Police Cadets after they assisted with parking at the park.

Trio of companies team up for networking event

The April Business Scene was co-sponsored by Planet Photo, CRIANA and New Milford Printing.

A great showing of members of the business community attended the event at The Bleacher, where both Planet Photo and CRIANA have offices.

Each business provided an assortment of food and beverages, and showcased the offerings and services they provide.

Garry Boros of New Milford Printing, Janet Taub of Planet Photo and Diana LeRoi-Schmidt of CRIANA each addressed the crowd.

Door prizes were awarded and the winner of the 50/50 raffle was announced.

The next Business Scene is May 11.

Photography by Deborah Rose

Kimberly Cross of KTC Marketing, and her husband, center, chat with fellow guests.

A smorgasbord of appetizers were served at Planet Photo

A mix of business professionals made new connections at the monthly event.

A portion of the crowd of attendees gather to hear Chamber President announce the winner of the 50/50.

Members of the business community mingle during the informal networking event.

The Cue serves up BBQ for Business Scene

For those of you who couldn’t make it to the March Business Scene, co-sponsored by two nonprofit organizations, you missed:

meeting event co-sponsors New Milford Refugee Resettlement and MVP-SOS representatives, who talked about their mission and why they do what they do, and why summer camps are so important to the youth they serve;

hearing from Park & Rec and Social Services staff on how the families they serve are positively impacted by the financial support of NMRR and MVP-SOS; and

indulging in wings, sliders and other delicious appetizers served up at The Cue, which was the venue for the evening.

Non-prroft organizations are an integral part of the fabric of our community, providing vital support and resources in a variety of areas.

The event was jam-packed and held at The Cue.

To learn more about New Milford Refugee Resettlement and how you can support them, visit here.

To lean more about MVP-SOS and how you can support them, go here.

Photography by Deborah Rose

Guests listen closely as representatives from MVP-SOS address the guests.

Attendees enjoy catching up with each other at the monthly event.

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.

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.

Gallery 1

Photography by Janet Taub of Planet Photo

The Chamber is represented at the November 2023 Awards Gala by, from left to right, Second Vice President Richard Herrington, First Vice President Tammy Reardon, Patti Oberg, Deb Faust (past director), Kristin Gizzi, Executive Director Bob Reiling, Wayne Locke, President Jennifer Birdseye, and Rich Vallinaggi.

Gallery 2

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.