Rochelle, Welander to host small business discussion on Facebook Live

State Rep. Kara Rochelle represents the 104th District; state Rep. Mary Welander represents the 114th District.

Rochelle offers information on CT Cares Small Business Grant Program

Small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for a one-time $5,000 grant through the Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program. The program began accepting applications as of yesterday [Thursday] at 8 p.m. Funding is expected to go quickly, so please apply as soon as possible. What documents are needed to complete the application? The goal of the CT CARES grant application is to be straightforward and easy. It is not a loan that needs to be paid back. All approved applicants will receive funding by December 30, 2020. Minimally applicants will need, if applicable: Social Security number Federal EIN number State TAX ID number Bank Routing Number Answers to frequently asked questions are available here. Click here for additional information about the program, including funding priorities, full eligibility guidelines, and office hours for applicants to access assistance with the application process. This is shared from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.

A.M. Bagel to hold grand opening Thursday in Derby

 

Ansonia mayor to hold Virtual Town Hall Thursday for business owners

Attention Ansonia Business Owners:

Mayor David S. Cassetti has scheduled a second Virtual Town Hall for 7-9 p.m. Thursday, April 23. This time we will be focusing on business relief efforts and an update on development projects in Ansonia.

As before, the event will be held on the ZOOM visual conferencing program. You can access by URL or by telephone. Remember to enter the Member ID and Password when prompted!

By URL (computer or smartphone):
https://zoom.us/j/99203114031…

By Telephone:
1 (929) 205-6099

Meeting ID:
992 0311 4031

Password:
02504


*Information shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby businessman

Turnback Tuesday features Herman Blankfield, a man who tried many business ventures. 
He started out as a peddler in 1886. In 1887, he tried his hand at confectionery. In 1889, he had a Variety Store at 76 Third St. and then moved the business to 16 Minerva St. in 1899. 
In 1900, the name changed to Second Hand Furniture. The business then was moved to 177 Main St. (shown, right hand side) in 1905 and was called H. Blankfield Furniture & Stoves. 
In 1915, the store moved again to 16 Olivia St. with Herman's wife taking it over in 1925 as Blankfield's Furniture Store. The store lasted at that location until 1936.


Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Cindy's Hair Co. holds grand opening in downtown Ansonia

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, pictured third from right, and several dignitaries welcomed Cindy’s Hair Co. to downtown Tuesday with an official ribbon cutting.

Originally based in downtown Seymour for 26 years, owner Cindy Boladz and her daughter Cassie recently relocated the business here. 

The 1,250-square-foot space offers inspiring high ceilings with exposed brick for customers and staff of six to enjoy.

Located at 50 Main St., Cindy’s Hair Co. is open Tuesday through Saturday and serves both men and women.

This is a press release from Cassetti's office.

Officials welcome Polish Pantry to Ansonia

From left, Bill Purcell, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President, owner Krystyna Skakas, Board of Aldermen President Lorie Vaccaro, Mayor David S. Cassetti, owner Agata Piastowska, and City Clerk Janet Vitarius Waugh./ City of Ansonia photo 

ANSONIA - Another new business has arrived on the Ansonia landscape with the opening of Polish Pantry at 213 Pershing Drive. 

The mother/daughter-owned business offers an extensive product line including a fresh deli, breads, pastries, cheeses, and assorted imports within their quaint new buildout.

Mayor David S. Cassetti and other dignitaries from Ansonia made it an official city greeting with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.

Cassetti welcomes Beyond A Scrub to downtown Ansonia location

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti cuts the ribbon at Tuesday's grand opening of Beyond A Scrub, 364 Main St., Ansonia.

*Stay tuned for more photos of the new business in an upcoming issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Small Business Saturday slated in downtown Seymour

Sharing from a Facebook event page: SEYMOUR - Small Business Saturday will be held from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday downtown. It is hosted by Lizzie's Corner and the Shops at Seymour. "Shop local at our Small Business Saturday event and receive a free Shop Small tote bag courtesy of American Express and the Shops at Seymour. Door prizes and refreshments will add to the fun!"

Artisan's Market to debut in downtown Shelton

SHELTON - Shoppers from near and far have fond memories of a monthly handmade market that used to be in the Conti building, 415 Howe Ave. 

Well, shoppers rejoice! 

The Conti building has announced the introduction of a new market, set to debut from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 1 to coincide with Shelton Day!

Simply named The Artisan's Market, the event is made possible with the help of a group of passionate small business tenants within the Conti building. 

True to its name, the event will feature handmade artisans showcasing their unique products, with direct and easy access from the parking lot entrance.

The Conti building is home to an eclectic mix of community-minded small businesses, each with its own character and passion. 

From manufacturing to direct-to-consumer retail, the 150+ year-old building also boasts an independent coffee shop, Shelton’s one-and-only bookstore, and even a haunted house in the basement (seasonal)! 

Check out the building’s web site at https://www.415howeave.com/directory/  for an up-to-date directory.

Crafters and artisans interested in participating in October’s market (and any future dates) should contact Kathy Benedetto, co-owner of Legends of the Heart/The Odd Piece, at kbenedetto@yahoo.com ASAP. 

Space is limited and going fast!

This is a press release from Written Words Bookstore owner Dorothy Sim-Broder.

Logan discusses minority-owned businesses on Access TV show

The latest edition of state Sen. George S. Logan’s Access TV show “The Senate Reports” features Hamden resident and Black Business Alliance President Frank Dixon, left. Logan and Dixon discuss ways to help minorities who want to start and grow Connecticut businesses. 

To contact BBA, call 203-433-5445 or email info@bbusinessalliance.org.  On the web: www.bbusinessalliance.org.  
The show can be viewed at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com and at www.AccessTV.org.
Logan, R-Ansonia, represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, and Woodbridge. He can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and 800-842-1421. 


This is a press release from Logan's office.

Gentile to host small business forum in Ansonia

ANSONIA - In honor of National Small Business week, state Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, Derby, will host a small business forum from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School.

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

Representatives from the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Labor will speak about the various programs and resources available that support small businesses. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we must continue to provide them with the necessary tools they need to thrive,” Gentile said. “I am excited to meet with small business owners and will continue to support them in the legislature.”

She will be joined by state Sen. George S. Logan, House Republican Leader state Rep. Themis Klarides, and state Rep. Klarides-Ditria.

The school is at 141 Prindle Ave.

This is a press release from House Democrats' office.

Valley lawmakers to host business forum at O'Brien Tech in Ansonia

Celebrate Shelton to launch 'around town' handmade market at Valley United Way

SHELTON - In 2014, Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Michael Skrtic, and Jimmy Tickey created Celebrate Shelton as an initiative focusing on small businesses in Shelton and the surrounding community with free, family-friendly events.

Throughout the year, Celebrate Shelton sponsors several Downtown Handmade Markets with specialty artisan vendors, the Downtown Sounds Summer Concert Series as well as a Holiday Community Tree Lighting in downtown Shelton.

This year, the Downtown Handmade Markets will be moving around town highlighting new areas, businesses and non-profits in Shelton.
The first Downtown Handmade Market... Around Town will be held Feb. 11 and 12 at the Valley United Way. 

Support Valley United Way
This particular market will focus on shopping local, and giving local as we encourage attendees to make a donation to the leading nonprofit in our community, the Valley United Way. 

"Our Valley United Way works in Shelton, Derby, Seymour, Ansonia, and Oxford to strengthen families, support senior citizens, help people in crisis, and prepare youth to succeed, and we are thrilled to partner with them for this special Downtown Handmade Market," Tickey said.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Downtown Handmade Market will feature artisan vendors - from handmade soaps to one-of-a-kind jewelry, and gifts for both men and women.  
There will also be a mini-chocolate tasting and Make-Your-Own-Valentines for children. 
Ample, free parking is located in the Valley United Way parking lot and on Grove Street.

“When we shop local, we are supporting business owners who are our friends and neighbors, while strengthening our local economy. We invite you to join us for our February Downtown Handmade Market and purchase locally-made goods just in time for Valentine's Day. Join us as we shop local, give local, and love local," Heriot-Mikula and Skrtic said.

Learn more at www.celebrateshelton.com and follow Celebrate Shelton on Facebook (www.facebook.com/celebrateshelton) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/celebshelton). 

The Valley United Way is a leading philanthropic organization serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. 
If you would like to make a contribution that will have an impact in the community, give online at www.valleyuniteway.org; or by check to Valley United Way, 54 Grove St., Shelton, 06484.


This is a press release from Celebrate Shelton.

Small business Saturday slated in downtown Seymour

Small Business Saturday is a celebration of the small shops in your area. 
It takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 

Elizabeth Anderson, owner of Lizzie's Corner Home Consignment and Gifts, 19 Bank St., Seymour, welcomes you and appreciates your support during this holiday season and throughout the year. 
She is planning a festive day of shopping with refreshments, gourmet samples, and lots of bargains!

*Sharing this info from a Facebook event page.

Shop local!

Oxford Grange to house Pop-up Market on Saturdays

The Oxford Grange is at 482 Oxford Road, Oxford.

Crisco votes for bill to support veteran-owned businesses

HARTFORD - After standing side-by-side with military veterans who are also small-business owners, state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and a bipartisan group of state senators voted unanimously today for a bill that gives veteran-owned small businesses additional bidding preferences under state contracting laws.

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr.

“My opinion is we can never do enough for our veterans, so if they own a small business in Connecticut, we should give them a preference when bidding on state contracts. It’s one more way we can give back for all of their sacrifices and their commitment to us,” Crisco said.

“The Connecticut Veterans Chamber of Commerce is grateful to Senate leadership for its support of this initiative, which is vital to our members,” said Andrew S. DiSilvestro Jr., executive vice president of the Chamber and owner/founder of Grade A Home Improvement LLC. 
“We represent a number of members, and we give a voice to the more than 40,000 veteran-owned businesses in the state that are working hard every day to grow their businesses and contribute to the state’s economy.”

The bill amends state law to allow the state Department of Administrative Services to give a 15 percent price preference to veteran-owned micro-businesses bidding on state contracts. Currently, DAS is only authorized to give up to a 10 percent preference.

If the bill passes the House and is signed into law by the governor, Connecticut will become the 12th state in the country to provide a set-aside for veteran-owned businesses when it comes to state contracting.

Today’s bill passage is the continuation of a multi-year focus by Crisco and the General Assembly - led by the Senate Democrats - to improve the lives of our veterans.

In 2011, the legislature enacted the groundbreaking “STEP-UP Employment Program for Veterans” administered by the State Department of Labor, which has helped over 400 veterans find high-quality employment.

In 2015, the General Assembly enacted several pro-veteran measures, including:

• The Veterans for Agriculture Program, which requires the state Department of Agriculture to assist vets who want to start an agricultural business.
• The Veteran’s Opportunity Pilot Program to help homeless vets find jobs, which as of August 2015 had already helped 75 homeless veterans from across Connecticut find quality employment.
• An Act Establishing the Women’s Veteran’s Program, which requires the state Department of Veteran’s Affairs to establish a program focusing exclusively on the unique needs of our returning female veterans.
• An Act Concerning Services Available to Veterans on State College and University Campuses, which improves on-campus services offered at OASIS Centers for returning vets to visit.
• Senate Bill 520, which provided significant income tax relief to veterans by fully exempting their retirement pay from taxation.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Ansonia to host small business education forum

Celebrate Shelton slates first handmade market of 2016

SHELTON - Celebrate Shelton creators Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Michael Skrtic and Jimmy Tickey have announced the first Downtown Handmade Market of the year, just in time for Valentine's Day. 

The market will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 6 at 415 Howe Ave. It will feature live music and more than 20 handmade artisan vendors. 
There is free, ample parking and admission is free. 

February handmade artisans include: 
Bead Dangle Design, Beyond Words, Crystal Teal Jewelry, Elm City Kettle Corn, Grateful Pawz, Greystone Bookworks, Hipponotic Candle, Katie's Kreations, Kilbride Creations, KnitBeadRepeat, La La Bliss Artisan Jewelry, Lilla Rose Inc., Liquid Lunch, Lisa's Soaps Naked and Natural LLC, Look & Sea, OmNomNom Jams and Jellies LLC, Origami Owl, Quark Tees, Renn's Recreations, Shimmer and Sugar, Sugar Pop Crochet, The Little Dog Laughed, The Cupcake Chick, LLC, and TJJ Sews.

The Conti Building Shops include: 
The Glass Source, BringtheHoopla, Written Words Bookstore, Periodic Tableware, Shadee Lady, Memories from Aunt Helen's Attic, Nikki's Attic, Three Bridges Coffee Shop.

For the kids: Make-Your-Own-Valentine activity.

Live music will be performed LeeAnn Lovelace and Paul Kramarz.

Celebrate Shelton, a city-wide initiative, was created by small business owners Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Michael Skrtic, and Jimmy Tickey. 

Learn more at www.celebrateshelton.com, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/celebrateshelton), and Twitter (www.twitter.com/celebshelton). 


This is a press release from Celebrate Shelton.

I'll meet you at the corner - Lizzie's Corner in Seymour

Downtown consignment shop to hold grand opening Saturday

Oxford resident Liz Pisano poses Monday in her new shop in Seymour. She's holding one of the decorative Re-Designed by Elizabeth bottles she creates. 

SEYMOUR - On Monday I had the pleasure of visiting Liz Pisano and family members as they were busy getting Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts ready for Saturday's grand opening. 
The celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Pisano said, since it is First Saturday, the monthly downtown shopping event. The shop is at 19 Bank St.

Wine stoppers, holders, and signs are for sale, as are Pisano's unique lighted bottles. 

She is accepting small furniture, home decor, wall art, new gifts, crafts, and anything wine-related. 

Fun gifts for the wine lover in your life. 

Wall decor!

Kitchen items.

Decorative soaps.

Pretty scarves hang in the window.

Brian Pisano was working hard Monday to get the store ready.

The shop offers a 50/50 split with consigners. Crafters should check with Liz Pisano for the monthly fee and commission information.

She said eventually she'll host Ladies Nights featuring chair massages and manicures. 
Pisano also is considering hosting fundraisers for local organizations, with a percentage of her sales on a particular day going to the nonprofit. 


For information call 203-888-1030.