Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce

Last evening, we held our first Division After Dark event of the month at Concentric Brewing Company in Portland. Attendees from the Portland and East Hampton Division, as well as members from surrounding areas, enjoyed connecting on a local level, snacking on some delicious eats, and sipping on some delicious beers provided by Concentric. A huge thank you to the team at Concentric for doing a great job welcoming our group!

This past Monday, we held our 23rd Annual Support the Troops and Honor the Veterans Member Breakfast featuring CONNECTICUT DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Commissioner BG Ron Welch, USA Ret. Commissioner Welch spoke on the importance of mental health for veterans and those currently serving, along with other important topics. To learn more about services available, please visit: https://lnkd.in/deSQ7Tvv During this great meeting, we also presented the 2024 William J. Pomfret Veteran Community Service Award to Gary M. Wallace, and the 2024 AT&T Veteran Support Champion of the Year Award to Pratt & Whitney! A big thank you to Phil Cacciola, Chairman of the Support the Troops Committee and the entire committee for working tirelessly throughout the year to make this event a success, as well as Sara Mendillo from the chamber team for her dedication to this event. We would also like to give a special thank you to Middlesex Health for their support of this incredible event.

🚀 Did you know? In 2023, Connecticut's startup growth outpaced not only our largest regional neighbors, but even some of the biggest states in the U.S. That’s right—our small state is making a BIG impact! What makes Connecticut the ultimate launchpad? It’s the unbeatable combination of: ✨ Access to one of the nation’s most skilled, educated workforces 🤝 A collaborative spirit connecting industries and sparking innovation 🚄 And the perfect location—just a quick hop to global markets like NYC and Boston! Innovation and entrepreneurship are in Connecticut’s DNA. What will you make next? #MakeItHere #Connecticut #Startups #Innovation #Entrepreneur | State of Connecticut - Office of the Governor | Ned Lamont

Join the chamber's Recovery Employment Program (REP) and the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC) for the latest installment of our Informational Addiction Seminar, "Facing the Holidays IV", scheduled for Thursday, December 5 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Hartford Cromwell. During this productive conversation, attendees will learn about the challenges people in recovery face during the holiday season as well as receive valuable tools to support those individuals. To register, visit: https://lnkd.in/e_Cb8J3D

This month, we are excited to bring back our Division After Dark events - a spin on our monthly morning Division meetings! We are trading in our coffee and bagels for drinks and appetizers to help members develop business relationships on a local level. All Chamber Division meetings in November are "going dark" and will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at locations throughout the county. Chamber members are welcome to attend other Division After Dark events for the chance to meet and network with fellow members and guests. Join our Portland and East Hampton Division during tomorrow's Division After Dark event at Concentric Brewing Company! To register, visit: https://lnkd.in/eRGWihrh To check out our full schedule, visit: https://lnkd.in/eJ3EWeA8

On Tuesday evening, our Manufacturers Council held a very successful networking social which welcomed nearly 30 representatives from throughout the manufacturing field. During this great evening, attendees were able to connect with fellow manufacturers as well as received a special presentative from Bernice Zampano of CONNSTEP. A huge thank you to all of our attendees for joining us and CONNSTEP for their support of this event. We would also like to give a special shoutout to the members of our Manufacturers Council Steering Committee, led by chairman Chris Dimou for a very successful event. We can't wait for the next event!

As we officially close out the month of October, we would like to welcome the new members that joined this past month! Welcome aboard! We can't wait to network with you at future events 😀

Yesterday we held our biannual Middlesex Chamber Job Fair! Over 30 companies were in attendance and met with job seekers from throughout the region. A special thank you to our Career Development Specialists that were on hand for Resume Critiquing! This great biannual fair would not be possible without the continued support of Connecticut Department of Labor and Workforce Alliance!

Who's joining us this evening?! Come stop by our Open House between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. to meet the staff, connect with our outstanding chamber ambassadors, network with fellow members, and learn about the various benefits, resources and opportunities that are available through your chamber membership. All new, future, and existing members are welcome to stop by between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m.! No registration required!!

Have you heard… the Middlesex Chamber is heading to Tuscany for our first ever International Travel Program! Escape everyday life and immerse yourself in Italian culture, art & cuisine from October 18-October 26, 2025! Explore the medieval town of Montecatini Terme, enjoy scenic drives through gentle rolling hills of Tuscany, admire Renaissance art and architecture of Florence, marvel at the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa, visit Piazza dei Miracoli, a World Heritage Site, including Pisa Baptistery of St. John & Duomo, explore the medieval towns of Lucca, Siena & San Gimignano, experience the magic and spectacular scenery of Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy a wine tasting in the Chianti Classico wine region, tour the eternal city of Rome, and discover the amazing Vatican City, including Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel! To receive our informational brochure and learn more, please email Haley Stafford at haley@middlesexchamber.com *this travel program is open to all including non-chamber members!