Events
This is our combined event calendar for the Business and Community events so you can best plan your activities in the central Connecticut community. We want you to know what a vibrant and active community looks like!
October 2023

Chamber Meet & Greet
RSVP Now
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 8:30 AM
At Midstate Chamber of Commerce
Description: Join us to chat and gather information on how the Midstate Chamber can help YOUR BUSINESS GROW! Learn about our variety of programs as well as our phenomenal Committees. This event is FREE and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity!
This program is designed for "not-yet members" - feel free to invite other friends in business.
Location Info: 546 South Broad Street, Suite 2C, Meriden, 06450
Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.

Tech Talk Tuesday with Scott Gombar
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 12:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Unlock the Future of Tech in Small Business with Our Tech Talk Tuesday Webinar Series! Learn What You Don't Know.
Wondering how to stay ahead of the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of technology? Want to keep your finger on the pulse of the latest trends in technology, cybersecurity, social engineering, compliance and more?
We're thrilled to invite you to our Tech Talk Tuesday webinar series- a platform where cybersecurity, compliance, and technology are the topics and we supply the answers.
This series is for small businesses looking to stay informed and ask questions about cybersecurity, technology, compliance, and social engineering.
-Dive into fascinating topics like AI advancements, cybersecurity, compliance, cloud computing innovations, and so much more.
-Gain insights directly from an industry expert. They are here to unravel the complexities of the latest tech trends and provide answers to your most pressing tech questions.
-Engage in interactive Q&A sessions and group discussions. This is your chance to share, learn, and engage with a like-minded community.
-Set a reminder! Our Tech Talk Tuesday webinars kick off every Tuesday at 12 PM EST. A single hour packed with knowledge, insights, and innovations, all from the comfort of your own home or office.
Today's topic will be MFA & Strong Passwords
Contact Info: Sign up here

WBDC - Unleashing the Potential of Google Analytics
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Google Analytics helps you understand your website's performance and how people use it, so you can make improvements to grow your business online. In the digital age, data-driven decisions are the backbone of successful businesses. Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest iteration of the powerful web analytics platform, providing businesses with essential insights into user behavior, website performance, and e-commerce transactions. In this course, you will dive into GA4 to harness its capabilities and learn how to leverage various reports to enhance your business strategies and reporting.
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee to participate. Click here for more information or to register.

Canvas Creations Workshop
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 through Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
At Gallery 53
Description: Create colorful shoes - or tote bags - in this 2-evening workshop! Instructor Kathi Gorman will guide you in creating a unique design and then applying it to a pair of canvas shoes using permanent markers. Enjoy two fun evenings out with great people, great conversation . . . and leave with shoes that are sure to be a conversation starter wherever you go this Fall! BYOB and snacks. Participants supply their own pair of canvas shoes or tote bag.
Location Info: 53 Colony St., Meriden, CT
Contact Info: Cost is $25 for members or $30 for non-members. Click here to register.

WBDC - Marketing Fundamentals - a 7 Part Series
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 through Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Gain a comprehensive understanding of marketing and the tools to develop a strategic marketing plan. This interactive 7-session course is for business owners looking for instruction, support, and expert advice on marketing principles and the ability to put them into action. The course culminates with a peer-to-peer review session giving you access to a live focus group and actionable feedback. You will leave this course with a comprehensive marketing plan and tactics which you can put in place immediately to help grow your business.
The program is led by knowledgeable WBDC Business Advisors who provide resources, support, and motivation. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable tools that can help bring your business to the next level!
This webinar takes place on Oct. 18th, 25th, Nov. 1st, 8th, 15th, 29th, and Dec. 6th, 2023.
Contact Info: Registgration deadline is October 11th.. The cost to participate in this webinar is $99.00. Click here for more information or to register.

Hispanic Heritage Month Breakfast Celebration
RSVP Now
Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 8:00 AM–9:30 AM
At Hilton Garden Inn
Description: The Midstate Chamber's HOLA (Hispanic Outreach Leaders in Action) Committee invites you to come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with guest speaker UCONN Professor Charles R. Venator Santiago.
Mr. Santago is an associate professor with a joint appointment in the Department of Political Science and El Instituto at the University of CT. He teaches courses on U.S. legal history, legal theory, Latino and Puerto Rican Politics. He is currently working on developing a series of research projects including developing a demographic profile of Puerto Ricans in CT, the Northeast and Nationally, on an oral histories project, and a series of civic engagement projects.
***PLEASE RSVP BY OCTOBER 13th*** We have Sponsorship Options to Promote Your Business! Chamber Members: $30 in advance; $40 walk-in; Members-to-be $45. (Cancellation of reservation accepted up to 9/16/23 to avoid billing.)
PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
8-8:30 am: Registration, Networking, and Hot Breakfast Buffe
t8:30-8:50 am: Chamber Program, including Shining Star Awards
8:50-9:10 am: Charles R. Venator-Santiago's Presentation and Q&A
9:10-9:30 am: Continued Networking and Conclusion of Program
A portion of the proceeds will benefit HOLA's 2024 Education Award Fund. Sponsored by UBEO, Workforce Alliance, Hartford Healthcare - Midstate Medical Center, Liberty Bank, and Eversource.
Location Info: 1181 Barnes Rd., Wallinford, CT 06492
Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.

Marketing & Publicity Committee Meeting
RSVP Now
Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 2:30 PM–3:30 PM
At Midstate Chamber of Commerce
Description: Our Marketing and Publicity Committee Meeting is a great place to network with fellow professionals and discuss topics that are important in the marketing, communications, and publicity fields. All are welcome- we invite you to bring your questions, ideas, and expertise to this meeting where we can come together and problem solve to learn best practices and evolve in this post-Covid environment.
Location Info: 546 S. Broad St., Meriden, CT
Contact Info: RSVP to the Midstate Chamber of Commerce at 203-235-7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.

City Council & Mayoral Candidate Forum
RSVP Now
Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 6:30 PM
At Record Journal
Description: The Record-Journal and Midstate Chamber of Commerce's Government & Business Committee cordially invite you to participate in this 2022 State House and Senate Candidate Forum .
This event is open to the public and will be broadcast via livestream and recorded video at Myrecordjournal.com.
Record-Journal Editor & Senior Vice President Ralph Tomaselli will moderate.
The forum consists of three sections with the following general guidelines.
82nd and 84th House (uncontested) - Each candidate is allowed five minutes to deliver a statement, with the entire segment consisting of 10 minutes total.
13th Senate forum - Each candidate is allowed to make a two-minute opening statement. The two opposing candidates will then receive a broad range of direct questions from the moderators and a small panel of reporters. Questions will be provided by the Record-Journal and the Midstate chamber. The moderator will also ask questions selected in advance from the public. Candidate responses will be subject to time limits enforced by the moderator.
Time will be allotted for rebuttal - 83rd House forum - The format is identical to the one above. Each candidate is allowed to make a two-minute opening statement. The two opposing candidates will then receive a broad range of direct questions from the moderators and a small panel of reporters. Questions will be provided by the Record-Journal and the Midstate chamber. The moderator will also ask questions selected in advance from the public. Candidate responses will be subject to time limits enforced by the moderator.
Time will be allotted for rebuttal.
We look forward to an informative discussion of the issues!
Due to limited space, candidates are asked to attend with no more than four guests.
Location Info: 500 So Broad St, Meriden, CT 06450
Contact Info: Please RSVP via email or phone by Wednesday, Sept. 28.
Eric Cotton, Managing Editor via office: 203-317-2344 or mobile: 860-877-1221 or e-mail Eric.

Walking Tour at Walnut Grove Cemetery
Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
At Meriden's Walnut Grove Cemetery
Description: Join the Meriden Historical Society for their 4th walking tour at Walnut Grove Cemetery focusing on the Civil War period. Walnut Grove Cemetery and the Meriden Cemetery Association have been providing services in the surrounding communities of central Connecticut for over 125 years. Originally farm land in the 1800's, the 138 acres of cemetery grounds were designed to reflect the pastoral and serene setting of rolling hills and woodlands. Tree-lined roadways meander through a landscape that has many notable and historical burial sites. Special attention is paid to our veterans from all wars since the "War Between the States" in the 1860's. Tours are approximately two hours long.
Location Info: 817 Old Colony Rd., Meriden, CT
Contact Info: Each tour is limited to 20 participants. Tickets are $10 for each individual tour. Registration is required. Click here to register.

CBN-Alliance Networking Group
RSVP Now
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 8:30 AM–9:30 AM
At Hamden Regional Chamber
Description: CBNAlliance OPEN Networking Group Meeting: Join Chamber Business Network Alliance which is an OPEN LEADS Group comprised of members from the Midstate Chamber and the Hamden Chamber. All industries welcome (and multiple individuals from the same industry are welcome). Network and make new connections!
Location Info: 2969 Whitney Ave., Hamden
Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber of Commerce at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.

Tech Talk Tuesday with Scott Gombar
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 12:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Unlock the Future of Tech in Small Business with Our Tech Talk Tuesday Webinar Series! Learn What You Don't Know.
Wondering how to stay ahead of the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of technology? Want to keep your finger on the pulse of the latest trends in technology, cybersecurity, social engineering, compliance and more?
We're thrilled to invite you to our Tech Talk Tuesday webinar series- a platform where cybersecurity, compliance, and technology are the topics and we supply the answers.
This series is for small businesses looking to stay informed and ask questions about cybersecurity, technology, compliance, and social engineering.
-Dive into fascinating topics like AI advancements, cybersecurity, compliance, cloud computing innovations, and so much more.
-Gain insights directly from an industry expert. They are here to unravel the complexities of the latest tech trends and provide answers to your most pressing tech questions.
-Engage in interactive Q&A sessions and group discussions. This is your chance to share, learn, and engage with a like-minded community.
-Set a reminder! Our Tech Talk Tuesday webinars kick off every Tuesday at 12 PM EST. A single hour packed with knowledge, insights, and innovations, all from the comfort of your own home or office.
Today's topic will be Protecting Data - Personal, Sensitive, and Compliance
Contact Info: Sign up here

Flu Shot Clinic (Appointment Only)
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
At Meriden Dept. of Health & Human Services
Description: Get the flu shot, Not the flu!
Meriden Department of Health & Human services is offering Appointment Only Flu Clinics
Child doses are FREE for kids 18 and under
Insurances accepted are Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Connecticare & Cigna
$20 for self pay ($30 for Flublok), cash or check accepted
Vaccines Available: Flumist & Fluzone for children, Fluval & Flublok for adults & High Dose Fluzone for Adults aged 65+
Location Info: 165 Miller Street, Meriden
Contact Info: To make an appointment, please call 203-630-4234

WBDC - Small Business Funding "Meet the Lenders" (Bilingual)
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Are you thinking a business loan might be in your future? Have questions about what lenders look for? Join us for a panel discussion with three lenders to talk about what makes a business "bankable" and things you can begin to do now to set yourself up for success in the future.
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee to participate. Click here for more information or to register.

Beginner Crochet
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 through Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 6:00 PM–7:30 PM
At Gallery 53
Description: Crocheting may look difficult, but when you learn step-by-step with expert guidance, you'll realize that anyone can learn to crochet! In this 2-night class with popular instructor Ariana D'Avanzo, you'll learn everything you need to get started crocheting: selecting yarn, holding your yarn and hook, basic crochet stitching and more. You'll create a lovely potholder to take home! This class is Tuesday, October 24th & 26th, 2023.
Location Info: 53 Colony St., Meriden, CT 06451
Contact Info: Cost is $40 for members or $45 for non-members. Materials are included. Click here for more information or to register.

WBDC-The Startup conference for Women Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
At Housatonic Community College
Description: Learn from small business startup advisors and find out about free expert assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and its partners. Connect with local support organizations to help you plan and launch your dream.
Location Info: 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT 06604
Contact Info: This is event is free but registration is required. Click here for more information or to register.

Meriden Board of Education Candidate Forum
RSVP Now
Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 6:30 PM
At Record Journal
Description: The Record-Journal and Midstate Chamber of Commerce's Government & Business Committee cordially invite you to participate in this 2023 Meriden Board of Education Candidate Forum .
This event is open to the public and will be broadcast via livestream and recorded video at Myrecordjournal.com.
Record-Journal Editor & Senior Vice President Ralph Tomaselli will moderate.
Time will be allotted for rebuttal.
We look forward to an informative discussion of the issues!
Due to limited space, candidates are asked to attend with no more than four guests.
Location Info: 500 So Broad St, Meriden, CT 06450
Contact Info: Please RSVP via email or phone by Wednesday, Sept. 28.
Eric Cotton, Managing Editor via office: 203-317-2344 or mobile: 860-877-1221 or e-mail Eric.

Smart Buy Auto Ribbon Cutting
RSVP Now
Friday, October 27, 2023 at 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
At Smart Buy Auto Sales
Description: You heard that right! We've moved to a larger state-of-the-art facility located at 380 S Broad St. Meriden, CT 06450. Our Grand Opening event will be October 27th - 29th 2023! Stay tuned for more details. SmartBuyAuto.com203-793-7642.
Location Info: 380 South Broad Street, Meriden

WBDC Annual Gala & Awards Celebration
Friday, October 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM
At Hyatt Regency
Description: Join Women's Business Development Center's Annual Gala & Awards Celebration of 26 years of igniting ideas & empoowering women.
Keynote Speaker is Katrina Adams, Former Chair and President, United States Tennis Association
Honorary Chair is The Honorable Susan Bysiewicz, Lieutenant Governor of CT
Location Info: Greenwich, CT
Contact Info: Sponsorship opportunities are available. Click here for more information or to register.

Trunk or Treat at the Meriden Green
Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
At Meriden Green
Description: Trunk or Treat Sponsored by the Meriden Police Department Neighborhood Initiative Unit and the Meriden Parks & Rec. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Rain date Sunday October 29th.

Walking Tour - Sacred Heart Cemetery
Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
At Meriden's Sacred Heart Cemetery
Description: The Meriden Historical Society invites you to join them for their last walking tour at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Tours are approximately 2 hrs. long.
Location Info: 259 Gypsy Ln., Meriden, CT
Contact Info: Each tour is limited to 20 participants. Tickets are $10 for each individual tour. Registration is required. Click here to register.