March meetings, activities planned

The Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce is offering activities, meetings and special offers this month. Vist nwctchamberofcommerce.org/ for full details and registration information.

March 2: Small Business Council meeting, 8 a.m. The Small Business Council has been established for the small business owner/manager – the decision makers – to discuss challenges, share solutions and work as a back-office consortium. Many small business owners have issues that they stumble upon throughout their workday that they may not have experience with – but another small business owner does. The Chamber’s Small Business Council is a resource for the owners and managers so they can keep their businesses running smoothly. To be added to the Small Business Council, email Lauren@nwctchamberofcommerce.org.

March 3: WOW Advisory Committee, 8:30 a.m. The WOW! Forum Advisory Committee works all year long to plan the annual WOW! Women’s Forum held on the first Friday of October at the Warner Theatre in Torrington. The WOW! Forum is a full day professional women’s seminar featuring keynote speakers, meals, networking and a silent auction. Women from all over Connecticut attend the event each year. The committee selects the speakers, theme for the day, meal options, and works on the silent auction. To serve on the committee, email Lauren@nwctchamberofcommerce.org.

March 4: Membership Committee Meeting, 8 a.m. Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Committee is a group of dedicated individuals who assist the Chamber staff throughout the year. Under the Membership Committee umbrella, there are three distinct groups: Member Ambassadors, Hospitality and Community Representatives. To join the committee, email Lauren@nwctchamberofcommerce.org.

March 5: Manufacturers' Coalition Meeting, 8 a.m. The Manufacturers’ Coalition, a group comprised of individuals from manufacturing companies in the Northwest corner, meets on the first Friday of every month. All members of the business community are welcome to attend. Meetings focus on specific areas of interest including: employee recruitment and retention, workforce development, on-the-job training programs and grants, legislative updates that affect manufacturers, facility tours, sharing of best practices, and the development of industry-specific curriculum for local educational institutions. To be added to the Manufacturers’ Coalition, contact Lauren Zordan at 860-482-6586 or lauren@nwctchamberofcommerce.org

Important message:

Regarding PPP, from David Lehman, Department of Economic & Community Development, david.lehman@ct.gov, 860-500-2310.

Recently White House announced targeted changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that will provide minorityowned businesses, “momand-pop” businesses, and very small nonprofits with access to the support they need. Businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees had a two-week exclusive window to apply for PPP loans starting Feb. 24, giving lenders and community partners more time to work with the smallest businesses to submit their applications and ensure these organizations are prioritized. I encourage you to act quickly. Unless the federal government extends the deadline, the PPP will expire on March 31.