The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Another busy week is on tap
On the Chamber meeting front, this week features important meetings of our Westbrook Division, our Arrigoni
Bridge & Saint
John Square Project Committee,
All Middletown
Division, and Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council.
The Westbrook and All Middletown Division meetings will feature the final two chamber legislative candidate forums for 2020. I would like to once again thank all of the candidates in Middlesex County who are seeking public office. We appreciate their support of these forums, and their willingness to run and to serve.
The Arrigoni Bridge & Saint John Square Project Committee is tasked with making sure that access to the bridge is not compromised during the construction, and that emergency and other critical vehicles can access the construction zones at all times. The chamber is, of course, also monitoring the economic impact of the projects. I once again want to thank Middletown Fire Chief Rob Kronenberger and Portland Public Works Director Bob Shea who are serving as cochairmen of this important chamber committee. We look forward to another productive meeting on Tuesday.
This week also features meetings of the Metro Chamber Executive Work Group on Tuesday, and the Connecticut Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives on Thursday. I will attend Tuesday’s virtual meeting with my fellow chamber executives from around the state, and chamber vice presidents Jeff Pugliese and Johanna Bond will attend
Thursday’s virtual CACCE meeting. I continue to appreciate the great work of our chamber colleagues from all over the state of Connecticut.
A busy week of virtual chamber gatherings wraps up on Thursday night with a special Halloween presentation from the chamber’s Women’s Leadership Collaborative titled, “Ghosts and Legends of the Connecticut River Valley.” Attendees will learn about the legends, ghosts, and myths of the Connecticut River Valley from WLC Chairwoman Lauren Middleton and the New England Legends Podcast. This is a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween in this unique and challenging year of 2020. I thank Lauren and the entire WLC for its continued good work.
This is also shaping up to be a busy week on the business development front: Tuesday afternoon features a ribbon cutting celebration for Body of Needs in Middletown. I look forward to joining Mayor Ben Florsheim, chamber Chairman Tom Byrne, CBB Chairwoman Pam Steele and other local dignitaries for the event. Body of Needs day spa offers a combination of massage and body treatments. They are a welcome addition to Main Street and we wish Kevin Chapman and his team nothing but the best as they move forward with this new local business.
On Wednesday, Jeff Pugliese will travel to Southington for the grand opening celebration of ProShield Glass Tinting’s new location. ProShield Glass Tinting
has over 25 years of industry experience installing distinctive looks that enhance the appearance of any glass. We appreciate their commitment to our chamber, and look forward to supporting them at their new location. Finally, on Thursday I will join a number of local dignitaries for a ribbon cutting celebration at The Central, 363 Main Street. Trevor Davis and his team have been investing in this important downtown building for many years now, and the commercial space inside is full of tenants that are contributing to the vibrancy of our downtown. I look forward to checking out the updates to the building, and celebrating its success on Thursday morning.
I would like to close this week’s chamber column by offering a preview of a major chamber event that is coming up fast. The 19th Annual Support the Troops and Honor the Veterans Member Breakfast Meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 2. The Member Breakfast Meeting, being held virtually for the first time, is sponsored by Middlesex Health. We look forward to welcoming Major General Francis J. Evon, Jr., adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, as keynote speaker. Two awards will be presented at the event, the William J. Pomfret Veteran Community Service Award, and the AT&T Veteran Support Champion of the Year Award.
This year’s recipient of the Pomfret Award is Gerald E. “Jerry” Augustine of Middletown. Jerry is a deserving recipient who has made us all proud with his service to country and community. This year’s recipient of the AT&T Award is The Connecticut National Guard. The chamber is so proud of the work that the Connecticut National Guard has done during this very challenging 2020. From pandemic response, to storm response, and more, the guard has been there for the citizens of our state. We are so grateful for their efforts, at home, and around the world. Thanks to the wonderful support of Middlesex Health, all veterans and troops that are currently serving can attend this event free of charge. Please call the chamber to register, 860-347-6924 or email info@middlesexchamber.com. Whenever I mention our Support the Troops event, I have to thank Phil Cacciola and his outstanding committee for their year-round effort to make this event work, along with Vin Capece and Middlesex Health for making it possible. We look forward to another great one.
Have a safe and healthy Halloween, and remember, the sun always shines in Middlesex County.