Chamber of Commerce headlines tell our story

I am about to begin my 20th year as President & CEO of the NW CT Chamber of Commerce. It is humbling to lead the largest business organization in northwest Connecticut and to serve 21 cities and towns. Together we have tackled critical issues, initiated many programs, created and sustained a strong business community and impacted thousands of live. You may enjoy the journey:

First Outing on August 21, 1902; Endorsed UCONN Branch in Torrington in September 1956; Supported Construction of Route 8 in May 1958; The Torrington Chamber of Commerce becomes the Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Connecticut on July 8, 1967 to accommodate the towns throughout the county; Moved into Commerce Building at 333 Kennedy Drive on May 30, 1990. In collaboration with the Community Foundation of NW CT, the Chamber opened its door to the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council June 2003;

Worked with leaders from the public and private sector to form the Northwest Connecticut Economic Development Corporation in December 2003.

The 1st Annual WOW! Forum brought hundreds of women and high school seniors to The Warner Theatre for a business and career development day for women in September 2004. 2006 continued at an accelerated pace. The highlight: Destination China, a collab

oration with the Seitz Corporation and UConn Family Business Program. Chamber petition in 2009 supported NCCC’s Nursing Program and garnered over 1000 signatures.

Manufacturing in Northwest Connecticut is highlighted through the creation of the Manufacturer’s Coalition in September 2013. The first ever Torrington House Tour, a collaboration of the Torrington Historical Society and the Chamber’s Education Foundation held in September 2015. We traveled to Cuba in April 2016, following the tradition of trips to China, Japan, Spain, the Rhine and Ireland.

Chamber introduces new brand, logo and initiatives in January 2017…Business Working Together; Went “Over the Edge” with Arts Council and Prime Time in September 2017.

Direction and leadership of the Northwest Regional Workforce One-Stop Operation through Workforce Investment Board was awarded to Chamber in 2017.

Chamber president is named to Connecticut Board of Regents of Higher Education in 2018.

Business leaders and friends joined Chamber on trip to South Africa in April 2018.

First-ever 40 Under 40 celebrated by Chamber in July 2018, to honor outstanding Young Professionals. The Chamber Travel Program continued with trips to South Africa, Portugal and Greece. The Chamber collaborated with the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Program in January 2019 to introduce students to the manufacturing careers throughout the region.

Chamber Leads Groups form in response to small businesses searching for introductions to clients. Groups 1,2, 3 and 4 are well underway meeting bimonthly at the Chamber. Supported the Connecticut Chamber Health Care Coalition introducing a Health Insurance Solution to Chamber members.

A Small Business Advisory Council formed in April 2019 to support businesses with less than 10 employees recognizing the need to strengthen local

business. The Chamber collaborated with partners to prepare for Healthcare Summit, Economic Forum and the 15th Anniversary of WOW in the fall of 2019. Joined fellow travelers traveling to Greece and Scandinavia.

COVID-19 arrived that fall and shut down the state in March, 2020. Chamber continued to provide resources, support, guidance, meetings, webinars and virtually any worthy project to maintain and sustain the entire business community. 2021 began yet another outstanding year recovering from the pandemic preparing for the Economic Forecast, Celebration of Success, WOW and Leadership NW.

This amazing journey continues at a rapid pace with your welfare and success in the forefront. You are encouraged to join us so that you can be recognized in the next newsworthy headline.