Autumn Business Scene was ‘festive’

Another record crowd flooded the venue for September’s Business Scene, presented by the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce.

Well more than 100 business owners, employees, and community representatives attended the Sept. 26 informal business networking event this month co-sponsored by Bakewell & Mulhare, Nicholas / Tobin Insurance, and NeJaime’s Wine & Spirits at The Hangar at Candlelight Farms in New Milford.

Expansive fabric was draped across the wooden beams – and strings of lights cast a warm glow – inside the hangar. The hard lines of wooden dining tables were softened by the autumn-colored table runners on which festive centerpieces caught the eye of guests.

Attendees conversed among themselves, forging new leads and connections, and sampled beer and wine at the tasting provided by NeJaime’s Wine & Spirits.

The beverages were complemented by the event’s fare: roast pig, cole slaw and beans served by Twins BBQ Co. in Brookfield.

As a special treat, Dean Snellback and the BluesyLand Band entertained guests with live music, and Diane Koester Sibert at Keller Williams donated homemade fall-themed cookies.

Snellback, who also performed at last month’s Business Scene, wrote on social media of the event, “Wow, what a night! Our BluesyLand Office in the hangar at Candlelight farms. A huge turnout on a drizzly night, festive indeed.”

Snellback said he was impressed with the turnout that shows support for the Chamber, and the amount of work that goes into making an event like this happen.

He added, “It’s not your ‘Parents Chamber.’ New post-pandemic creativity and passion for community.”

Door prizes and a 50/50 raffle were also held, as they are every Business Scene.

A1 Portable Toilet of Thomaston donated a portable restroom for the event.

Deborah Rose/Simple and festive centerpieces adorned each table.

Deborah Rose/Event organizers and volunteers set up for the event.

Deborah Rose/Mike Gallop, center, who heads up Twins BBQ in Brookfield, and a member of his crew prepare to serve guests fresh pulled pork sandwiches.

Deborah Rose/Jeff Kilberg and other Nicholas / Tobin Insurance staff were happy to represent the business, which was one of the co-sponsors.

Deborah Rose/Dean Snellback and The BluesyLand Band perform.

Deborah Rose/Well more than 100 guests attended the popular monthly event.

Deborah Rose/A mix of local professionals connected during the September Business Scene.

Deborah Rose/First-time Business Scene attendees from Plan B Tires in New Milford were happy to experience the ambiance and networking at the event.

Deborah Rose/Chris Setzler enjoys the food served by Twins BBQ.

Deborah Rose/The setting was inviting and festive.

Deborah Rose/Coldwell Banker was strongly represented at the September Business Scene.

Deborah Rose/It takes a team to put on a Business Scene. Above, Chamber Board member Rich Vallinaggi clears the area of food debris at the close of the event.

business scene Candlelight Farms

Rain did not deter huge turnout at networking event

The scenic views at the Aug. 8 Business Scene made up for less than favorable weather – rain. Despite early showers and then heavy rain, more than 100 business professionals attended August’s informal business networking event held at the wedding and special events venue, Candlelight Farms, in New Milford. Festivities were held in the farm’s Lower Barn, one of multiple locations on the 600-plus acre property where special events take place. Guests filled the spacious building, and also flowed out onto the Lower Barn’s wrap-around veranda that overlooks sprawling fields, woodland, and nearby mountains. This month’s event was sponsored by All American Waste. The venue, food and beverages were donated by Candlelight Farms, Rich’s Wings & Things, and Housatonic River Brewing, respectively. In addition to networking, attendees had an opportunity to win door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.