Fore The Love of Golf, Read This!

Build your network and your golf game.

Fore where there is golf, there is business.

Combining the best of business and pleasure, the Chamber's Annual Golf Tournament provides an enjoyable day to connect with clients or colleagues. This fun and competitive event features a challenging course, great prizes and opportunities to build professional relationships with Valley-area business leaders. Whether you come for the golf or the networking, you’re guaranteed to have a great time under the sun.

Please see attached flyer and take a shot to be a golfer, sponsor or both! Tournament entry includes: 18-holes of Golf; Cart and Green fees; Breakfast, Lunch, Beverages, Snacks on the course plus more. 

 

Tournament features the Curtiss-Ryan Honda Hole-in-One,

plus back by popular demand the early morning shot-gun start at 9:00 am

The Course: Located on nearly 300 acres of beautifully manicured turf grass, trees, watercourses and natural areas, Race Brook Country Club has long been considered one of the finest tests of golf in New England.

Click here for more details and to register or sponsor now!

Or email us today - we are happy to answer your questions.

Funds raised by this event are used to further the Chamber's mission of creating a strong local economy, promoting the Greater Valley region, advocating on behalf of local businesses, and connecting area business people.

State Guidelines for CT Businesses On Re-Opening

Sharing Link from New Haven Biz Magazine:

https://www.newhavenbiz.com/article/biz-planning-to-reopen-may-20-must-self-certify-they-are-following-covid-19-guidelines?fbclid=IwAR02_sM_2ai1sU3zGlfrWro7mlinzI9AzlwJK4SnafThLoWdI7VXQbRKZ_c

Rochelle to Host "Future Fair" Nov. 2

                      

Jaumann Receives NFIB Endorsement

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has backed Joe Jaumann the Republican and Independent candidate for State Representative in the 104th district.

“As a small business owner and Aldermen in Ansonia, I have worked hard to recharge our local economy,” said Jaumann. “The decisions made by Governor Dan Malloy and the majority have gotten in our way. But, as we do in Ansonia and in the Valley we don’t back down from a challenge. I am proud of the work Team Cassseti has done and what we have done here locally is exactly the approach we need to bring to Hartford.”

NFIB is the leading small-business association in the nation with thousands of members in Connecticut representing a cross-section of the state’s economy. Since its founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today.

(This is a press release from Jaumann's campaign)

State Rep. Themis Klarides to hold Business Friendly Forum Oct. 7

Have a sweet tooth for cupcakes? Wildflour Confections bakery in Seymour opens

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR >> Something sweet has cropped up downtown.
Wildflour Confections, a new bakery specializing in cupcakes and cakes, recently held its grand opening at the corner of Bank and Columbus streets.
Owner Alyssa DeMatteo, 24, of Seymour, held a soft opening on Valentine’s Day, and well before closing time, sold out of all her sweets. Earlier this week, the bakery’s opening was made official, complete with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, and welcoming remarks from Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell.

Read more here. 

Shoppers can enjoy Downtown Handmade Market this weekend

SHELTON= Downtown Handmade Market continues this Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kid's Week is upon us! Come dressed as your favorite princess and make sure to stop by Glitzy Twins mobile shop for mini Frozen makeovers. CrazyFun Facepainting will be joining us and bringtheHoopla is fully stocked with a perfect hoop just for you. To add to the excitement, Elsa & Olaf will be visiting between 12 and 2 p.m.
Over 35 handmade artisans will be there. To learn more, visit http://www.celebrateshelton.com.

The Grateful Dog opening grooming salon in Seymour

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR >> Professional dog groomer Robin Marketto hopes to pamper your pooch in style when she opens her new salon downtown Saturday.
The Grateful Dog will hold its grand opening at noon at 98 Main St.
Marketto, according to a press release from First Selectman Kurt Miller’s office, boasts more than 13 years of experience in dog grooming, and specializes in hand-scissoring techniques and breed-specific haircuts. She earned her certificate in dog grooming in 2000.

Read more here. 

Clean Harbors consolidates business, expands in Seymour

From left, Seymour Deputy First Selectwoman Nicole Klarides-Ditria, First Selectman W. Kurt Miller, Economic Development Director Fred A. Messore and Clean Harbors Senior Vice President Scott F. Metzger are seen during the Clean Harbors office building grand opening Thursday in Seymour. Peter Hvizdak — New Haven Register
 

By Patricia Villers, New Haven Register

Posted: 12/05/13, 5:18 PM EST | Updated: 7 hrs ago

  

SEYMOUR >> A festive atmosphere pervaded Thursday’s grand opening of the nationally known Clean Harbors, a business that provides environmental, energy and industrial services.

Clean Harbors consolidated its Milford and Bristol operations at a renovated 38,000-square-foot facility at 770 Derby Ave. The facility is adjacent to Route 8, offering the company access to major highways in Connecticut.

Customers, company officials and town leaders were on hand to learn about the Norwell, Mass.-based company, which employs more than 13,000 people nationwide.
Joseph Heron, general manager of field services, said consolidating operations makes for better management. About 60 people currently work in Seymour.
“This is a much bigger facility,” he said.

The building will be the base of operations for the company’s service and emergency response vehicles. They include vacuum and tanker trucks, excavators, boats, boom trailers and more.

The company responds to emergencies involving chemical spills, and it manages and collects hazardous waste for proper disposal. It operates 100 disposal facilities nationwide and in Canada, according to Heron.
He said the facility “is manned 24 hours” so crews can be sent out quickly in the event of an emergency.
Heron said the company is seeking to hire four to six people at the Seymour location.
“We’ll continue to hire local people,“ he said. “It helps with emergency response work.”
He said the company’s crews work closely with firefighters when they arrive at the scene of an emergency.

First Selectman Kurt Miller and Deputy First Selectwoman Nicole Klarides-Ditria were on hand to officially welcome the business to town,.
Miller said he was impressed when he met with company officials, and they asked what Clean Harbors could do to help Seymour.
He said he would be moving some of the town’s emergency equipment to the location.
Economic Development Director Fred Messore also was on hand Thursday, and has said he’s thrilled to have the business make Seymour its home.
“We are excited to see Clean Harbors select the Town of Seymour for their new field office based on our strategic location and easy access to routes 95, 84 and 91,” he said.
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President William Purcell called the company’s history “fascinating.” He said what started in 1980 as an idea has grown into a strong enterprise.
“It gives us a level of comfort if (environmental) mishaps occur,” Purcell said.

Health and Safety Manager Jon Menti gave a tour of part of the facility to vendors and customers. He said most of his highly trained strike-team members working in emergency response are former firefighters.
Menti showed visitors the three levels of protective suits used by workers at emergency situations. He said they cost $900 each and must be tested after each use, or once a year if they have not been used.

According to the company website, Clean Harbors operates four businesses:
• Technical Services, which provides a broad range of vertically integrated hazardous and non-hazardous material management services. These include collection, packaging, transportation, recycling, treatment and disposal services offered at company-owned recycling, incineration, landfill, wastewater and other treatment facilities.
• Safety-Kleen, acquired by Clean Harbors in December 2012, providing used oil collection, recycling and re-refining, parts washing and other services for the small quantity generator market.
• Industrial and Field Services, which provides industrial and specialty services such as high-pressure and chemical cleaning, catalyst handling, decoking and material processing, supported by its lodging operations in Western Canada.
• Oil and Gas Field Services serving oil and gas exploration, production and power generation industries.

I took an interesting tour of the facility with several of the company's customers as well as representatives of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce and took a few photos, posted below.

  

 

    Jon Menti, health and safety manager, talks about emergency response procedures.

    Company trucks parked inside the cavernous bay. 

Clean Harbors holds grand opening in Seymour

Clean Harbors held its grand opening Thursday at 770 Derby Ave.,  Seymour. Stay tuned for a story in the New Haven Register.

Business workshop slated at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites everyone to the interactive workshop, Grow

Your Own Business or Non-Profit Organization with Email and Social Media, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18.

           Participants will learn how to combine simple marketing strategies, practical marketing tips, and email and social media best practices to effectively generate growth.
          Attendees will work through guided exercises that allow them to apply presentation ideas and create actionable tactics they can put into use right away.
          This event is free and you will get some professional tips on how to work with tools.

          The workshop will be presented by Robert Clark, Managing Principal of LucidPoint, LLC, based in Stamford and a Constant Contact Authorized Local Expert and Solution Provider Partner. 
         He has more than 30 years of experience advising small and medium-sized businesses, Fortune 50 companies, nonprofits, associations, and industry groups on marketing and information technology.
         Clark has presented to numerous organizations of all sizes including Chambers of Commerce. 

        Registration is requested. For more information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.    

Derby library to offer social media seminar

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites everyone to Social Media Made Simple, at

6:30 p.m. March 4.

           Participants will learn how to generate more business and growth through social media.

This is a practical session designed to cover the basics of marketing your business or non-profit on the major social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and how to integrate them with your website and e-mail newsletter program.
     
Come and learn how to create a social media marketing plan that fits your business.

The seminar will be presented by Robert Clark, Managing Principal of LucidPoint, LLC, based in Stamford and a Constant Contact Authorized Local Expert and Solution Provider Partner.
         He has more than 30 years' experience advising small and medium-sized businesses, Fortune 50 companies, nonprofits, associations, and industry groups on marketing and information technology.  
       Clark has presented to numerous organizations of all sizes including Chambers of Commerce. 

      Registration is requested. For information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St.,

call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.    

Conroy joins manufacturer caucus

Lawmakers focus on job growth, training

State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, has joined the General Assembly’s Manufacturers Caucus – a group of lawmakers committed to job growth and improved training in the field of manufacturing.

“Manufacturing is such a vital part of the state’s economy,” Conroy said. "That’s why I am thrilled to be a part of the legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus. I am always on the lookout for ways to help the Valley’s manufacturers survive and thrive.”

  

Conroy noted the region is home to Naugatuck Valley Community College and Housatonic Community College, two of the state's three Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers.

She said, “There are a number of programs and tax credits on the books to help manufacturers and small business.”

Two of the more popular programs are:

§    Economic and Manufacturing Assistance Act - provides low-interest loans and incentive-driven direct loans for projects when there is a strong economic development potential. Funding may be used for purchase of equipment, furniture and fixtures, construction, leasehold improvements, training and other eligible project-related activities.

§   Small Business Express Program - provides loans and grants to Connecticut's small business to spur job creation and growth.

In addition to financial assistance there are more than half a dozen tax incentives such as the Urban and Industrial Site Reinvestment Tax Credit - a dollar-for-dollar corporate tax credit of up to 100 percent for an investment up to a maximum of $100 million in an urban area or an industrial project; minimum investment is $5 million in distressed communities and $50 million in all other communities.

Another highly sought after tax credit is focused on machinery and equipment. Businesses can get a 10 percent tax credit if they invest in machinery and equipment.  

This information is taken from a press release from Conroy's office.

Valley Chamber offers loan info from SBA

As with past storms, the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce office is fortunate to have power.

For those of you without power, you are welcome to come and use our space for everything from recharging or Wi-Fi to using our conference room for staff meetings or just to warm up. 

  

For those businesses who have suffered from this storm, we want to share this information from the CT SBA:  

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Mohegan Tribal Nation located within New London in Connecticut, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. 

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Hartford, Litchfield, Tolland, and Windham in Connecticut; Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester in New York; Kent and Washington in Rhode Island.
 

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property.
 

Businesses and private non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

The SBA may increase a loan up to 20 percent of the total amount of disaster damage to real estate and/or leasehold improvements, as verified by SBA, to make improvements that lessen the risk of property damage by future disasters of the same kind.
 

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 1.688 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA's secure website,  https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
 

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov . If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline, 800-621-3362.

Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. 

Additional details on the locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Dec. 31, 2012. The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 31, 2013.

As we get additional information to help area businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy we will share both via email and our Social Media Channels  including our Chamber Facebook business page. 

The above information was provided by Bill Purcell, President, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

FRIDAY FIVE: A recap of Valley stories this week

These are some of the stories that made headlines in the Valley during the past week.

They were written by Register reporters Phyllis Swebilius and Patricia Villers, and Register Correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich and are listed in no particular order.


Suspect in Shelton assault gets 5 years

Seymour police commissioners overstepped duties

Archbishop to bless new chapel in Orange

Ansonia eyes tax incentive for businesses


Seymour hires part-time anti-blight officer

Oxford's Talking Finger does more than talk

The Talking Finger staff includes co-founder Erik Granato, social media strategist Dana Bereza, graphic designer Chris Durso, and co-founder William DeRosa. / Contributed photo

 
Congratulations go out today to local social media marketers, Talking Finger.

The Oxford-based business placed third in a recent Facebook fan page competition sponsored by Social Media Examiner, which calls itself “the world’s largest online social media magazine.”
The contest had more than 1,800 entries.
 

Bill DeRosa of Oxford, who founded the business with Valley native Erik Granato, said last week he was thrilled the business made the Top 10. And he expressed his gratitude to the 70 people who took the time to write about their experiences with Talking Finger.

DeRosa and Granato started Talking Finger in 2010. The men say it is vital for businesses today to have a strong social media presence, and they help them achieve that presence.

However they warn that companies cannot abandon traditional marketing strategies.

Talking Finger offers seminars through the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce in Shelton. The business will be at Thursday's 2012 Business Showcase at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport.

DeRosa and Granato, as well as staffers Dana Bereza, and Chris Durso, are to be commended on their success in a less than welcoming economy.

I wish them the best as they continue to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.

Crisco to co-host business conference at Ansonia Armory

Jobs Bill highlights will be presented

HARTFORD – State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, will co-host – along with the Lieutenant Governor’s office and the state Department of Labor – the Greater Valley STEP UP Conference Wednesday. More than 100 area businesses are already registered for the series of presentations and meetings to help companies in the region better understand the Connecticut Jobs Bill and its STEP UP program.

The conference is scheduled from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Ansonia Armory, 5 State St. Highlights of the Jobs Bill enacted last fall and expanded economic development programs enacted in June will be spelled out in presentations and exhibits.

“It’s been gratifying to see widespread acceptance of the provisions of our jobs bill, with businesses from throughout Connecticut taking advantage of the direct assistance available to them,” Crisco said. “This conference is aimed at small businesses and manufacturers in our backyard to make sure they’re completely familiar with the jobs-generating, inventory expansion, and marketing assistance programs available to them as well as our newly expanded eligibility for these programs.”

Crisco said the state’s Small Business Express program is now available to companies with up to 100 employees with grants to launch new products or expand inventory, and the STEP UP job training program has new payroll incentives for employers to help them cover the costs associated with hiring and training new employees, including post-9/11 veterans.

“Area business owners could be eligible for wage reimbursement programs, job training grants, tax credits, and other direct assistance to help them expand their business and enhance their company profile,” Crisco said. “We’re very excited that so many business owners have pre-registered and hope more of them turn out for this important event Wednesday morning.”

“One of the presentations offers specifics about the payroll assistance available to those who hire post-9/11 veterans of the Armed Forces, who often need a helping hand while integrating back into civilian life,”Crisco added. “This is particularly appropriate, given the sacrifices made by these veterans in service to our nation, and the timing is serendipitous, given this week’s anniversary of those deadly attacks.” 

This was taken from a release from Crisco's office.

Shelton business group plans benefit golf tournament

            SHELTON - Join area business professionals who will be swinging their clubs this month to benefit the Recreation Camp in Derby.  Members of the Shelton Alliance BNI (Business Networking International) have organized this Charitable Donation Golf Tournament Aug. 27 at Brownson Country Club, 15 Soundview Ave.

            The Recreation Camp is a non-profit member of the Valley United Way and has continuously operated a children’s summer camp on the Housatonic River in Derby since 1917.  The camp’s mission is to provide early childhood education and water-related activities to children from Derby, Shelton, Ansonia, Seymour and Oxford during the summer.  Swimming, kayaking, canoeing and sailing are taught by Red Cross certified instructors.

            “Following along the BNI philosophy that ‘Giver’s Gain,’ each chapter reaches out in their local communities to support philanthropic causes geared to improving our quality of life,” said Cara Mocarski, President of the Shelton chapter. “In addition to helping a local charity, we want to increase awareness in the community about our dynamic business referral group.”

            “We are extremely grateful to the Shelton Alliance BNI Group for contributing tournament proceeds to the Recreation Camp in Derby,” said Camp Director Mike Drew. “Thousands of Valley boys and girls ages 5 to 15 have learned how to swim at our camp, which is situated on two acres along the Housatonic River.  The group’s generosity and support will benefit many Valley children this summer.”

            The tournament opens with registration and lunch at 11 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. and a scramble format. Cocktail hour will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. A cash bar is available.
          The individual player fee of $145 includes lunch, an afternoon scramble, a social hour and numerous golf prizes. 

            Shelton Alliance BNI members and residents serving on the golf committee include:  Paul Jensen, Dan L’Altrella, Lexanne Kroll, Tom Steeves, and Cara Mocarski.

            Sponsorship opportunities and player reservations are available by contacting Paul Jensen at 203-331-3302 or visiting http://www.bnict.com/ct-southern-shelton-alliance. Charge card payments will be accepted by calling Dan L’Altrella at 203-521-2905. Checks should be made payable to “BNI, Dan L’Altrella” and mailed to Lexanne Kroll, 8 Huntington St., Suite 124, Shelton, 06484.

            Shelton Alliance BNI is a local BNI Chapter that serves the Greater Valley area.  Local business professionals meet on a regular basis to exchange business referrals.  Membership is exclusive by profession.

            BNI is the largest business referral network n the world with more than 5,000 chapters formed since 1985.  Prospective members are always welcome to visit a meeting to learn how they can grow their business through personal referrals. For information call President Cara Mocarski, 203-331-2779. 
            
The above is from a release from Cara Mocarski.

Shelton business group organizes charitable donation golf tourney

     SHELTON - Members of the Shelton Alliance BNI (Business Networking International) have organized this Charitable Donation Golf Tournament June 25 at Brownson Country Club, 15 Soundview Ave.

  The Recreation Camp is a non-profit member of the Valley United Way and has continuously operated a children’s summer camp on the Housatonic River in Derby since 1917.  The camp’s mission is to provide early childhood education and water-related activities to children from Derby, Shelton, Ansonia, Seymour, and Oxford during the summer.  Swimming, kayaking, canoeing and sailing are taught by Red Cross certified instructors.

            “Following along the BNI philosophy that ‘Giver’s Gain,’ each chapter reaches out in their local communities to support philanthropic causes geared to improving our quality of life,” said Cara Mocarski, President of the Shelton chapter. “In addition to helping a local charity, we want to increase awareness in the community about our dynamic business referral group.”

            “We are extremely grateful to the Shelton Alliance BNI Group for contributing tournament proceeds to the Recreation Camp in Derby,” said Camp Director Mike Drew. “Thousands of Valley boys and girls ages 5 to 15 have learned how to swim at our camp, which is situated on two acres along the Housatonic River.  The group’s generosity and support will benefit many Valley children this summer.”

            The tournament opens with registration and lunch at 11 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. and a scramble format. The cocktail hour will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. A cash bar is available.

      The individual player fee of $165 includes lunch, an afternoon scramble, a social hour and numerous golf prizes. 

            Shelton residents serving on the golf committee include:  Paul Jensen, Dan L’Altrella, Lexanne Kroll, Tom Steeves, and Mocarski.

            Sponsorship opportunities and player reservations are available by contacting Paul Jensen, 203-331-3302 or visiting http://www.bnict.com/ct-southern-shelton-alliance. Charge card payments will be accepted by calling Dan L’Altrella, 203-521-2905. Checks should be made payable to “BNI, Dan L’Altrella” and mailed to Lexanne Kroll, 8 Huntington St., Suite 124, Shelton, 06484.

            Shelton Alliance BNI is a local BNI chapter that serves the Greater Valley area.  Local business professionals meet on a regular basis to exchange business referrals. Membership is exclusive by profession.

            BNI is the largest business-referral network in the world with more than 5,000 chapters formed since 1985.  Prospective members are always welcome to visit a chapter meeting to learn how they can grow their business through personal referrals. 

      For information, call Mocarski, 203-331-2779.

The above was provided by Cara Mocarski, chapter president. 

Business forum slated Thursday in Ansonia

 ANSONIA - Economic Development Commission chairman Vinnie Scarlata has scheduled another in a series of monthly forums for Ansonia merchants and business owners.
The forum will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at The Original Antonio's Restaurant, 314 Main St.
Scarlata said in an e-mail that he plans to update business owners on the second Pierre Lallement Festival of Bicycles June 3 and ask for their participation.
He also will update them on a Storefront Grant Program that would be run through the Economic Development Commission.