Rebuild EXPO slated Saturday at Quarry Walk in Oxford

Aerial view of Quarry Walk in Oxford

OXFORD - Calling all contractors, services providers, community leaders and concerned citizens! 

If you offer a service that can help those ravaged by the flash flooding that occurred Sunday, 8/18 - please join us - bring a table along with business information to Center Rock Green at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road. 

 Are you a concerned citizen who has equipment and/or time to help out a neighbor, bring a table and meet your neighbors in need If you are a local resident or business impacted - come by and meet those businesses and individuals who can help answer your questions, provide services and/or support you in your rebuilding efforts. 

It's All About Community!

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) highlights downtown Derby business

Turnback Tuesday's Derby business theme continues:

M & M Electronics (first image). Started by Raymond G. Maheu and James J. McMahon in 1963. They offered service and sales, and the building was located at 35 Minerva St. on the corner of 3rd and Minerva Streets (second image.)

The second photo was taken circa 1960. M & M Electronics only lasted a few years, then closed their doors in 1967.

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

Ansonia Memorial Day Parade organizers seek participants

 

'Turnback Tuesday' features businesses in downtown Derby

Turnback Tuesday highlights Main Street across from Elizabeth Street in Derby.

The building on the lower left is of E. (Edward) W. Peck & Company at 136 Main, specializing in stoves, ranges, house furnishings, goods, crockery etc.

Edward, in business for 30+ years, started in 1864 at age 25. He later partnered with L. W. Booth in 1882.

The business with the horse and sleigh in front was F. W. Curtiss at 132 Main, a market having dry and fancy goods.

In the background are the frozen Housatonic River and Derby-Shelton Bridge.

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

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce readies Schmoozapalooza event

Get your network on at the event that promises to be as fun to attend as it is to say! 

Attendee Registration Now Open

SchmoozaPalooza

aka Valley Business Expo

presented by

Griffin Health, Ion Bank, Minuteman Press, Mutual Security Credit Union,

RJS Event Designs, Star 99.9 FM and WPLR 99.1 FM

Nov. 3  2-5 p.m.

6 Armstrong East Lobby, Shelton

Bring your friends, coworkers, and clients to preview the latest products and services from a variety of tabletop exhibitors in a fun and casual networking environment. The afternoon will also include music, food tastings, giveaways, cash bar and more!

 

• Free to Attend
• Free Ample Parking
• Spacious Exhibit Space (14,000 square feet)

This annual tabletop trade show highlights Valley area businesses from all industries showcasing their products and services. 

This event also features the Taste of the Valley, taste displays by area caterers, bakeries, and restaurants.

Limited Exhibitor Applications Still Available. Fee to exhibit. Tabletops are reserved on a first come, first serve basis in advance only. 

Contact Laura for exhibitor information.

This is shared from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce newsletter.

Klarides-Ditria offers info on Waterbury Regional Chamber job fair

JOB FAIR! The Waterbury Regional Chamber is hosting a job fair from 2-6 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Courtyard by Marriott Waterbury Downtown. The event is completely free for job seekers and you do not need to register ahead of time.  More than 30 businesses from a variety of industries, including manufacturing, non-profit, education, health care, and more, have already registered. WATR 1320AM will be broadcasting live from the Job Fair from 2-3:30 p.m. ***Please note that the Chamber is requiring masks be worn by everyone in attendance***

Sincerely, This is a press release from state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria.

Made in Connecticut Expo slated Aug. 14-15 at Naugatuck Event Center

WE ARE BACK!!!!!

We are beyond thrilled to come back bigger and better in 2021 for another Made in Ct. Expo.

We're bringing over 300 amazing booths all from right here in Connecticut in every category imaginable.
Food companies, drink companies, handcrafted products, manufacturers, apparel and fashion designers, artists and artisans, farm producers, local authors doing book signings, health and beauty product companies, pet companies, top local gourmet food trucks, furniture makers, upcyclers and so much more!!!
A show where it can truly be said, "There is something for every member of the family."

Please come and support local businesses and new entrepreneurs large and small producing goods, creating jobs, and supporting the local economy right here at home.

Admission is $8 for adults; children under 12 admitted free.

For booth space, sponsorship, and media information contact:
madeinconnecticutexpo@gmail.com

This is shared from a Facebook event page. 

'Turnback Tuesday' features business at Derby Junction

Turnback Tuesday highlights another business located at 14 Main St., Derby Junction.

This postcard photo was taken sometime after 1906. We know this because St. Michael's Church, in the background, had its groundbreaking in 1906. The building on the right is at 14 Main St.

John J. McEnerney Fire Insurance Co. moved the business to this location in 1896 until 1927, on the second floor or in the back of the building.

A druggist was located on the road level.

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

Rochelle shares info on Lamont's easing of COVID-19 restrictions

Friends and Neighbors, In case you missed it on Monday, Governor Lamont announced Connecticut will begin easing certain business restrictions in two phases. The first phase will start on May 1 and pushes the business curfew back from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. This phase also allows bars to reopen with no table size limits. The second phase happens on May 19 and ends all remaining business restrictions. This means curfews will be lifted and social distancing mandates will be up to businesses. Masks will still be required.

This is promising news that will depend on low rates of infections and increases in vaccination rates. Read the full announcement here.

Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, represents the 104th District. This is a press release from her office.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights businesses on Elizabeth Street in Derby

Turnback Tuesday continues from last week’s history with the front side of the three businesses featured.

This postcard from 1908 shows the corner of Elizabeth and Main Streets looking north starting with Hubbell Brothers at 2-4 followed by 6 with Graham Gilson Dentist, Mary Hanley Dressmaker, Mary F. Brodie Manicures, Frank A. Elmer Physician and Taylor & Gregory Silverware. At 8 Harry Lugg Barber is followed by Demosthenes Bros Confectionary at 10.

Up the line is Elmer T. Sharp Physician and George Comstock Optician at 12 and Morris Cerowicz Milliner at 16.

Peter Hart Variety store is 20 with The Birmingham Water Co. and Derby Gas Co. at 22 Elizabeth. Edmond Larkin Dentist is at 24, Albert Kennedy Bicycle Agency at 26 and both W. Bradley Studios and Edward Maguire Physician at 28.

Next is H.N. Atwood & Co. grocers at 30 with D.H. Kelly Plumber at 36. Derby was set up so that everything you needed was within walking distance.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library for sharing interesting local history each week.

Klarides-Ditria: Equity Match Grant Program launched for women-owned businesses

The Women’s Business Development Council and the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) launched a new COVID-19 relief program for women-owned businesses/or minority-owned businesses in CT.

The Equity Match Grant Program is designed to help businesses pivot, expand or restructure during the pandemic and beyond.

The application period is open now (Feb. 1), and continues through Feb. 15.

Grants will range between $2,500 and $10,000 for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on business. 

Applicants will be required to match 25% of the grant funding with their money. A recipient of a $10,000 grant must have invested, as a match, $2,500 in their business over the past 12 months or be able to invest an incremental $2,500 of their own funds in that purchase.

The Women’s Business Development Council raised $525,000 which DECD will match up to $500,000, bringing the total amount of funds available in the Equity Match Grant Program to more than $1 million.

Qualified Applicants
Women owned/minority owned business
Have clear and specific use for the grant money
In business with a record of sales for a minimum of two years.
Business registered in CT and in good standing with the State
Utilize online/automated financial system – POS, Quickbooks, Xero, etc.
Have established business banking relationship
Prior participation in WBDC programs or services preferred

Application Requirements
Complete and submit a WBDC Intake Form
Complete and submit a WBDC Equity Match Grant Application (will be available when the next round opens on February 1st, 2021)
Provide a Use of Funds Statement (100 words or less) with the grant amount requested, how the funds will be used, and what impact the grant will have. The Use of Funds Statement must be supported by proposals, quotes and/or paid invoices evidencing planned use.
Submit a current and complete business plan including:
Current financial statements (must include at least 2 years of Profit & Loss Statements, 2018, 2019 and YTD 2020)
3–year financial projections clearly demonstrating impact of the grant funds (2021-2023)
Submit evidence of business ownership (e.g. Articles of Incorporation/Organization)
Provide a Letter of Good Standing from the CT Department of Revenue Services (obtain here)
Provide two years of business tax returns (2018, 2019, and 2020 if available)
Provide proof of Connecticut residency (e.g. Driver’s License)
Provide a copy of the most recent bank statement for the business checking account.
Be able to “match” 25% of the amount of the grant with incremental money or money that has already been invested in the business over the last 12 months.

More information can be found on the Women’s Business Development Council website.

Sincerely, This is a press release from state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria.

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce to host webinar on Shared Work Program

Shared Work Program Webinar Thursday, December 10 at 10:00 am

to supplement lost wages. This innovative approach helps businesses to retain a talented workforce during an economic downturn and avoid the need to recruit, hire and train new labor when the economy recovers. Eligible employers include companies with two or more workers that have hourly reductions within 10 to 60 percent of normal hours, provided the hours are not related to seasonal separation. According to Chamber member Sam Simons, Co-President of Shelton-based OEM Controls, "The Shared Work program is vital for OEM Controls as it enables us to keep our highly-skilled workforce employed with their benefits. We have used this program during economic downturns and come out better and stronger-preventing layoffs and allowing us to continue the design and manufacture of our products." To learn more about Shared Work and to register for Thursday's Webinar, please click here. This is a release from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is pleased to partner with the Department of Labor in a campaign to spread awareness about the DOL's Shared Work Program. Shared Work is an Economic Relief Program designed to help businesses prevent layoffs by allowing them to temporarily reduce employee hours and use partial unemployment benefits

Derby-Shelton Rotary Club announces 2-city holiday light fight

Klarides-Ditria updates governor's order to close 'non-essential' businesses

Dear Neighbors, Here is the latest update on Gov. Lamont's decision to close "non-essential" businesses as a strategy to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The governor's order goes into effect Monday at 8 p.m.  Late Sunday, state economic development officials released official guidance designed to give business owners, their employees, and residents better understanding of what is and isn't open. Click here to read the document. For purposes of Executive Order 7H, “essential business,” means: 1. Essential workers in the 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors, as defined by the federal Department of Homeland Security unless otherwise addressed in a prior or future executive order pertaining to the existing declared public health and civil preparedness emergency. 2. Healthcare and related operations including: • biotechnology therapies • consumer health products and services • doctor and dentist offices • elder care, including adult day care • health care plans and health care data • home health care workers or aides • hospitals • manufacturing, distributing, warehousing, and supplying of pharmaceuticals, including research and development • medical marijuana dispensaries and producers • medical supplies and equipment providers, including devices, diagnostics, services, and any other healthcare related supplies or services • medical wholesale and distribution • nursing homes, or residential health care facilities or congregate care facilities • pharmacies • physical therapy and chiropractic offices • research and laboratory services, including testing and treatment of COVID-19 • veterinary and animal health services • walk-in-care health facilities 3. Infrastructure including: • airports/airlines • commercial trucking • dam maintenance and support • education-related functions at the primary, secondary, or higher education level to provide support for students, including distribution of meals or faculty conducting e-learning • hotels and other places of accommodation • water and wastewater operations, systems, and businesses • telecommunications and data centers • transportation infrastructure including bus, rail, for-hire vehicles and vehicle rentals, and garages • utilities including power generation, fuel supply, and transmission 4. All manufacturing and corresponding supply chains, including aerospace, agriculture, and related support businesses 5. Retail including: • appliances, electronics, computers, and telecom equipment • big-box stores or wholesale clubs, provided they also sell groceries, consumer health products, or operate a pharmacy • convenience stores • gas stations • grocery stores including all food and beverage retailers • guns and ammunition • hardware, paint, and building material stores, including home appliance sales/repair • liquor/package stores and manufacturer permittees • pharmacies • pet and pet supply stores 6. Food and agriculture, including: • farms and farmer’s markets • food manufacturing, processing, storage, and distribution facilities  • nurseries, garden centers, and agriculture supply stores • restaurants/bars (provided compliance with all applicable executive orders is maintained) 7. Services including: • accounting and payroll services • animal shelters or animal care or management, including boarding, grooming, pet walking and pet sitting  • auto supply, repair, towing, and service, including roadside assistance • bicycle repair and service • building cleaning and maintenance • child care services • critical operations support for financial institutions • financial advisors • financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and check cashing services • funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries • insurance companies • laundromats/dry cleaning • legal and accounting services • mail and shipping services • marinas and marine repair and service • news and media • real estate transactions and related services, including residential leasing and renting • religious services (subject to Executive Order 7D limiting gatherings to 50 people) • storage for Essential Businesses • trash and recycling collection, hauling, and processing • warehouse/distribution, shipping, and fulfillment 8. Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations including: • food banks • homeless shelters and congregate care facilities • human services providers whose function includes the direct care of patients in state-licensed or funded voluntary programs; the care, protection, custody and oversight of individuals both in the community and in state-licensed residential facilities; those operating community shelters and other critical human services agencies providing direct care or support social service agencies 9. Construction including: • all skilled trades such as electricians, HVAC, and plumbers  • general construction, both commercial and residential • other related construction firms and professionals for essential infrastructure or for emergency repair and safety purposes • planning, engineering, design, bridge inspection, and other construction support activities 10. Services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of all residences and other buildings (including services necessary to secure and maintain non-essential workplaces): • building cleaners or janitors • building code enforcement • disinfection • doormen • emergency management and response • fire prevention and response • general maintenance whether employed by the entity directly or a vendor • home-related services, including real estate transactions, closings, appraisals, and moving services • landscaping services • law enforcement • outdoor maintenance, including pool service • pest control services • security and maintenance, including steps reasonably necessary to secure and maintain non-essential businesses • state marshals 11. Vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care, and services needed to ensure the continuing operation of government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public including:  • billboard leasing and maintenance • child care services • essential government services • government owned or leased buildings • information technology and information security • logistics • technology support 12. Defense  • defense and national security-related business and operations supporting the U.S. Government or a contractor to the US government If the function of your business is not listed above, but you believe that it is essential or it is an entity providing essential services or functions, you may request designation as an Essential Business. Requests by businesses to be designated an essential function as described above, should ONLY be made if they are NOT covered by the guidance. To request designation as an Essential Business, please click here. Restrictions on requesting designation as an Essential Business: • Any business that only has a single occupant/employee (e.g. attendant) is deemed exempt and need not submit a request to be designated as an Essential Business. General information for additional resources that both employers and employees may find helpful can be accessed by clicking here.  Just as reminder, the state continues to maintain a web portal with the most up-to-date information and statistics on COVID-19, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions document that is updated regularly.  In order to provide accurate and timely information, my website has a special Coronavirus Information page that includes important local, state and federal links for your convenience. You can access the page at this link and if you have questions that are not answered by those resources, please reach out to me at nicole.klarides-ditria@housegop.ct.gov or 1-800-842-1423.  I will also be providing additional updates on my Facebook page which you can find here. Sincerely, State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Newtown Savings to host fundraiser in Shelton for Women in Networking

WINGO Night will be held at Hilton Garden Inn Shelton, 25 Old Stratford Road, Shelton.

Newsletter features 2 thriving Ansonia businesses

Dear readers,

Today we focus on two Ansonia businesses - a manufacturer and a dental practice - in our Valley Voice newsletter.

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph

Save the date: Leadercast slated May 4 in Seymour

SEYMOUR - The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce will host Leadercast 2018 May 4 in the Invictus Theater at Basement Systems, 33 Progress Ave., in Silvermine Industrial Park. The event will run from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tickets are $99 and now on sale.

Information below shared from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce website: 

"We are excited to once again be a host location for this worldwide simulcast featuring world renown speakers, authors and more. It is inspirational, experiential and transformational. 

"Leadercast Live is the world’s largest one-day leadership event, with more than 100,000 attendees participating at 700-plus locations in 20 countries around the globe. It is designed for those seeking inspiration and improvement in leadership whether you attend as an individual or with a group.

"It’s a movement that is changing the way the world thinks about leadership by building leaders worth following. In order to become those leaders to the outside, we have to lead ourselves first. We must walk the walk. 

"It’s like the flight attendants tell us: “Please remember to wear your own oxygen mask before helping others.”

"In 2018, Leadercast will focus on that very concept. How do you lead yourself effectively? How do you develop your core principles and values so that your leadership is an outpouring of your innermost self? And how much more will those who follow you benefit from your leadership when you lead yourself well?"

Current Speaker Line-up from Atlanta:

Jen Bricker - Acrobat, Aerialist, Author & Speaker
Ian Morgan Cron - Best Selling Author, Psychotherapist, Enneagram Teacher & Speaker
Catherine Hoke - Founder & CEO Defy Ventures
Michael Hyatt - Author, Speaker and CEO of Michael Hyatt & Company
Mae Jamison -  NASA Astronaut, Engineer and Physician
Jim Loehr. Ed. D. - Best Selling Author & WOrld-Renowned Performance Psychologist
Carey Lohrenz - First Female F-14 Pilot, Speaker & Trainer
Andy Stanley - Leadership Communicator & Best Selling Author
Joe Torre - Hall of Fame Baseball Manager
Tripp Crosby - Comedian, Director & Host of Leadercast 2018

Local Luncheon Speaker:
Larry Janesky, Founder, Basement Systems

Why Attend Leadercast Greater Valley Chamber?
In line with this year’s theme, “Lead Yourself”, we encourage you to attend and bring all key leaders in your organization. 

This gives everyone the opportunity to invest in themselves. They will learn to lead themselves and that will allow them to lead others more effectively. 

Take the opportunity to remove yourself from your normal business environment; it will free you up from everyday distractions to network, learn and be inspired.

The change of scenery often ignites creativity and helps leaders look at their businesses and lives in a different light. We believe spending time with attendees, vendors and experts, plus a staff whose only focus is to ensure you have a deeper level of engagement, creates a life-changing experience.

HR and CEU credits available.

Our sponsors are a part of our Leadercast culture. We are grateful to partner with businesses that are truly leaders worth following. 

Additional sponsorship opportunities now available, contact Nancie for details. 

Please note: Reservations for this event are non-refundable.