Newsletter Archives

*** January 2019 President's News ***

Happy New Year 2019 to All of our Loyal Chamber Members

On behalf of the Board and the Staff of the Midstate Chamber, I'd like to wish all of our members and their staff a FABULOUSLY productive and profitable 2019. Please feel free to keep the staff and board in the loop as you encounter but successes and challenges in the upcoming year. Please be reminded that we are here to promote your successes and to assist with the education and information you will need to sustain and to grow your businesses. Here's to an amazing 2019...and beyond!

What a year (or fraction thereof) of Success at the Making Meriden Business Center

It is truly hard to believe that the Making Meriden Business Center (MMBC) has only been in existence since March of 2018. This "project" demonstrates the power of collaboration when the Meriden Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), the City of Meriden and the Midstate Chamber all work together towards the common goal of growing the tax base, increasing users in the district and supporting and increasing the businesses in the district. Already the Center has already begun to leave lasting mark on downtown Meriden.

David Cooley our Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) and Lisa Biesak our Main Street Downtown Fellow have hit the ground running to directly deliver the services that the district requires.

A short sample of the accomplishments are:

~ Connecting with property owners

~ Entrepreneurial events to raise awareness and to draw prospective businesses into the district

~ YuleFest 2018 (and the Committee is already working on YuleFest 2019)

~ New marketing brochures

~ Supporting the Twilight Concert Series on the Green

~ Fostering the "Artists Colony" growth of the Arts program

~ And more!

But the work is NOT done...in fact, the work is NEVER done as an active district will always be in some state of change that will constantly require the attention of professionals to serve the businesses and residents.

We will continue to support the efforts and will be working with the partners to develop a long-term sustainable solution to improving our downtown. Details to follow.

Leadership Academy of Meriden and Wallingford is scheduled to start on February 1, 2019

The Chamber is NOW accepting applications for the Leadership Academy. Please call the Chamber today! Participation will be limited to only 15 participants.

This program has been made possible with the support of both the James H. Napier Foundation AND the CUNO Foundation. THANK YOU for growing leaders and leadership in our community.

If you, your employee or a colleague might be interested, please contact the Chamber today for the application.

Chamber Board and Committees Hold Retreat

Last month our Board of Directors and Committee members came together for a brainstorming retreat to better understand the future needs of our members as we create programming AND messaging for 2019. In addition, our Board of Directors approved an annual 2018-2019 operating Budget with aggressive and attainable membership projections: our goal is to grow from 550 to 600 members by the Chamber's Annual Meeting on April 12th, 2019...and to continue to grow from there!

There was an amazing amount of energy in the room. We brainstormed the value of 100 new members, we talked about our Four Pillars and the role of each and every member in the room in growing the organization. We have had two subsequent meetings to create a solid action plan to convert the great ideas into specific steps to work towards our goals.

A very special "Thank you" goes out to Salon Nathaniel and Sonic of CT for sponsoring the retreat!

And there is an opportunity for each and every member of the MIdstate Chamber to participate. Look for details coming soon!

HOLA Celebrates 2019 with their Annual Fundraiser & Friendraiser on 01/08/2019

Please consider this as your personal invitation to come out and join us at the Silver City Sports Bar and Grill at the Four Points by Sheraton on January 8th. This event celebrates the New Year AND raises funds for the Hispanic Outreach Leaders in Action committee of the Chamber for students pursuing a college education. Please RSVP to the Chamber for this evening of celebration!