Business & Chamber News, Member Spotlight, Events & More |
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Important Small Business News |
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SBA to Provide One Year 8(a) Program Extension to Participants Due to COVID-19 |
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Any firm that participated in the 8(a) Program between March 13, 2020, and September 9, 2020, has the option to extend its program participation for one year from the end of its program term;
- Firms that were terminated, early graduated, or voluntarily withdrew from the 8(a) Program during this period are not eligible for the extension; and
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Firms admitted to the 8(a) Program on or after September 10, 2020, are not eligible for the extension.
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Shuttered Venue Operators Grant |
The SBA is committed to ensuring the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program launches as quickly as possible to deliver critical economic aid to America’s live venue operators and promoters, independent theaters, cultural institutions, talent representatives, and other eligible entities. What is an “eligible entity” for an SVOG? Eligible entities include:
- Live venue operators or promoters
- Theatrical producers
- Live performing arts organization operators
- Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
- Motion picture theater operators
- Talent representatives
Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. More questions can be answered in the recently updated FAQ document: www.sba.gov/support-shuttered-venue-operators-grants-faq.
A preliminary informational webinar about the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program was held on Thursday, January 14, and is on SBA’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/PdfQGb6z-gg.
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City of Milford Funding Program |
The City of Milford’s Department of Economic and Community Development has partnered with Connecticut’s Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) to offer a Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program (MEAP). |
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The MEAP program, funded through the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is intended to provide small businesses with the tools for expansion and growth in order to create and sustain viable and productive small businesses in Milford.
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Sign up for Conversations with Colleagues |
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Webinar Dates & Speakers:
2/4/2021
What can businesses expect in the upcoming CT legislative session?
Senator James Maroney
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2/11/2021
What is a lobbyist and do I need one?
Chat with Milford resident, Peter Smith, a lobbyist, about the world of pollical advocacy.
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2/18/2021
Thinking of a business incubator for your office space? Here is the how-to with
the creator of the very successful Hamden Business Incubator: Dale Kroop,
former Economic Development, City of Hamden.
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2/25/2021
What is the future of co-working space? with Jerry Kiley, Business Owner
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3/4/2021
How can the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce assist your business?
Pam Staneski, Executive Director, Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce
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3/11/2021
Reference Librarian Diana Preece, will go over all of the resources the
Milford Library has to offer local business.
Additional dates and speakers will be added, stay tuned to future emails!
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Member Spotlight: Mark Davis, Westcott and Mapes, Inc. |
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How many years have you been in business?
Westcott and Mapes has been in business since 1916, 105 years. There have been a lot of changes, the type of work we do and our expertise is constantly evolving. It is amazing to think that as a company we have made it through two world wars and two pandemics. I have been working as civil engineer since 1987, 34 years. No world wars, but many changes in how we do our work and how we get the job done.
What is a typical day like for you?
I am usually up at 5:30, catch-up on the news and weather, get started on my daily half-pot of coffee. I often have calls and email to deal with before I head to the office. Once in the office I check that our several projects are on track. Proposals for new work, schedules and budgets for ongoing work. I may have plans, designs, or calculations done by our junior staff to check and ensure quality. Frequently, there will be an on-site construction meeting to attend to ensure the work is on track and being done according to plan. I may also need to spend time preparing for a municipal meeting or hearing. Occasionally, a minor “crisis” will develop with one of our projects that needs to be resolved. Towards the end of the day, I sometimes focus on administrative tasks like bills, invoices, financial reports, etc. I like finishing the day by reviewing the tasks to be done the next day, so nothing falls through the cracks.
What motivates you?
I like to see things get built. It is very satisfying to see something constructed that never existed before and knowing we were a part of it. I like that our projects are various and nothing we work on is quite the same as anything else. Every site, every property is entirely unique and needs its own solution. Whether it be a new roadway, sewage pumping station, apartment building, college dormitory, restaurant, retail outlet, seawall, residential development, medical center, athletic field; nothing is like anything else and each presents its own challenges to be overcome.
Why are you a Chamber member?
To make connections with people. To get to know our community. I really miss our events and am eager to put an end to our Zoom world and return to our in-person gatherings.
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What is an interesting fact about your business most people do not know?
We were found in 1916 by Harry R. Westcott and Colonel Milton C. Mapes in New Haven. They had been engineers with United Illuminating Company. Their early work included the old English Power Station situated on an island in the Mill River which you can see as you cross the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge.
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Do you have any advice for business owners?
There have been times over the course of my career when the situation, the task at hand, the obstacles to be overcome seemed pretty overwhelming. My approach in these circumstances has always been to simplify, ask myself ‘what must I do to be successful’, try to focus on the one thing or sequence of tasks I need to execute to ensure the outcome. My advice would be to focus and execute; achieve your goal.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your time?
I try to hike the blue-blazed trails in Connecticut when I can. You know there are miles of them all over the state. I also spend way too much time learning Linux, building my home network and internet-of-things. The next project I am thinking about is building my own Alexa that does not horde my data and try to sell me things I do not need. I also like to do my own investment research. I find the wide range of products, innovation, and ways people do business to be fascinating. I enjoy learning the details of how they do it.
How long have you lived in Connecticut?
Over 30 years now, half my life. When I first moved here to be near my ex-wife’s family I consider myself to be from Idaho where I grew up. After graduating from West Point and serving in Germany during the 80s I ended up in Connecticut, really by circumstance. Except for a few years living in Saskatchewan, Canada I have been here ever since. I consider it home now.
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A Special Thank You To The Following Members Who Joined The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2020:
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AG Productions
185 Broad Street, Unit D
Milford CT
917.580.1387
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Core 5, Inc
575 Boston Post Rd.
Orange CT
203.969.4491
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Flipside Burgers & Bars
1 Schooner Lane
Milford CT
203.283.7282
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Allstate-The Perrella Agency
193 Bridgeport Avenue
Milford CT
203.378.0391
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CT Solar Power, LLC
211 East Main Street, Unit 24B
Branford CT
203.627.8089
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Golden Hill Rehab Pavilion
2028 Bridgeport Avenue
Milford CT
203.877.0371
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Animal Clinic of Milford
100 Gulf Street
Milford CT
203.882.8311
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Curaleaf
255 West River Street
Milford CT
203.874.4673
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Good Morning Cupcake
252 Melba Street
Milford CT
203.969.5993
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Arts in CT Corps
64 Ridge Street
Milford CT
203.936.8567
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D.F.C. of Milford LLC
920 South Colony Rd
Wallingford, CT
203.269.3971
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Green Olive Properties Management
Orange CT
203.795.3748
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Aspen Partners
26 Ward Street
Milford CT
203.521.7733
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DiBella’s Subs
1440 Boston Post Rd
Milford CT
203.874.0222
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Guaranteed Rate Affinity-
Mortgage Lending
171 Broad Street
Milford CT
203.231.5518
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CappuGino’s Coffee & Shakes
20 Commerce Park
Milford CT
203.626.2662
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Dogtopia of Milford
40 Quirk Rd
Milford CT
203.951.9970
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Healthforce Training Center
554 Boston Post Rd, Unit 1
Milford CT
203.606.3532
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Center Rehab & Sports Therapy
155 Hill Street
Milford CT
203.882.9384
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Edward Jones-Joseph Borelli
84 Ranchwood Drive
West Haven CT
203.843.3740
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HomePro Match
60 Silvermine Rd
Seymour CT
888.898.7021
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Cloud Advantage, LLC
167 Cherry Street
Milford CT
203.463.2672
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E’Lan By Dominique Renee Salon
185 Broad Street
Milford CT
203.231.6052
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Key Realty of Connecticut
354 Woodmont Road, Unit 17
Milford CT
203.301.4419
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Composition Materials Co.,Inc.
249 Pepes Farm Rd.
Milford CT
203.874.6500
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EnviroPRO
630 Orange Center Rd
Orange CT
203.521.5999
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Kimberly Restaurant
501 New Haven Avenue
Milford CT
203.878.1910
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Literacy Volunteers of Southern CT
16 Dixon Street
Milford CT
203.878.4800
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Silver Sands Pizza
415 Boston Post Rd
Milford CT
203.882.0220
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WREN Connecticut Inc.
1522-24 Boston Post Rd
Milford CT
203.584.9350
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Milford National Lou Gehrig
Little League
Milford CT
203.212.6134
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SourcePro Eng. LLC
1036 Naugatuck Avenue
Milford CT
203.414.8603
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Milford Preschool
35 Mathew Street
Milford CT
203.874.5666
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Staples Inc. Milford Store
1371 Boston Post Rd
Milford CT
203.878-6078
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My Bar & Grille
12 Broad Street
Milford CT
203.693.3010
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Stone Harbour Capital
440 Wheelers Farm Rd, 304
Milford CT
203.204.2538
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New York Life Insurance Company
99 Hawley Lane, Suite 1400
Stratford CT
203.940.3158
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RobThomasUSA
985 East Broadway
Milford CT
203.641.1714
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Planet Fitness
177 Cherry Street
Milford CT
203.795.4401
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Tiny Forest
221 Forest Rd
Milford CT
203.446.6404
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Prindle Hill Construction
554 Carriage Drive
Orange CT
203-795-4401
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Tri-City Heating & Cooling
50 Furniture Row
Milford CT
203.874.8279
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Sara Georgas Creative
31 West Orland Street
Milford CT
203.767.9015
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Village Bistro at Beach House
141 Merwin Avenue
Milford CT
203.882.0022
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ACU-CARE-Dr.Seligson
75 New Haven Avenue
Milford CT
203.645.2691
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Wesley Village
580 Long Hill Avenue
Shelton CT
203.225.5024
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Customers are more likely to shop at a business that is a member of the Chamber—why?
Confidence and Trust. 2020 was certainly a hard year, yet so many incredible local businesses continued to join the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you for joining during such a difficult year! We are here for YOU!
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The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Our New 2021 Members: |
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Justice of the Peace
Eileen Cavanaugh
203-795-1410
Getting hitched for the 1st time or recommitting yourself to each other—call Eileen!
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Touchdown Nutrition
750 Boston Post Rd
Jennifer Langlois
203-874-1883
Score a touchdown when you order a delicious smoothie or shake!
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SkinAct Aesthetics LLC
31 Cherry Street, Suite 100
Carolyn Rojo
203-399-9949
The home of skincare and aesthetics!
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Solace Massage LLC
203 Broad Street
Tina Quatroni
347-738-1431
Restoring Balance …to the mind and body connection!
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The Julia Seraphine Agency
69 Carlson Drive
Julia Seraphine
203-927-3948
Optimizing your social media strategy!
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Walnut Beach Beauty Bar
16 Broadway
Melissa Wasik
203-770-9034
Lashes, brows, facials and more!
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Drazen Rubin Law LLC
245 Cherry Street
Franklin Drazen & Steven Rubin
203-877-7511
Life can take you in many directions, let us guide you through them!
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Rotary Club of Devon
P.O. Box 421
Albert May, President
Service Above Self!
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Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce Welcomes A Familiar Face as Director of Membership & Marketing! |
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The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce and welcome Simon McDonald as the Chamber’s Director of Membership & Marketing. Simon comes to the Chamber with over 30 years of experience in helping businesses get noticed. He has been a member of the Chamber for many years, representing our sales sector as a Board Director, chairing the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee, as well as volunteering at the Annual BIC golf tournament. Simon understands the importance of a vibrant business community, and as a resident of our area he embraces the Chamber motto of LIVE/WORK/PLAY—shopping, dining, and enjoying all that is offered throughout the region.
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He will be responsible for our new membership, retention, and growth, along with fostering positive relations with merchants, businesses, residents, local and state governmental agencies. Additionally, he will be coordinating and executing all Grand Openings and New Business/Member Ribbon Cuttings. Finally, he will be charged with the planning, promotion, and implementation of our annual events and business programming that develops volunteer leaders and enhances our community’s quality of life. Simon can be reached at smcdonald@milfordct.com or at (203) 878-0681.
Simon moved to Milford in January 2001 as a part of the startup, Ticket Magic, and
immediately fell in love with the little city with a big heart. He has raised two
children, from his first marriage, and created lasting memories for his two stepchildren. From summers at the beach and weekends hiking, to pirate days and
duck races, Milford has always felt like home. Simon lives with the love of his life,
Tiffany Whitaker, and they both plan on retiring to Milford in the future— after all,
there is nowhere better to go.
Please join me in offering him your best wishes as he takes on this important role
in our organization.
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Happy 100th Birthday to the Bridgeport Hospital - Milford Campus! |
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Milford was a small town of 5,000 residents in 1920 when the Milford Hospital Society was formed to create a non-profit health and medical center for the community. Thanks to their efforts and a substantial gift of property by the town’s oldest citizen, Judge Charles Beardsley, Milford Hospital opened on January 17, 1921.
As part of Yale New Haven Health, the Bridgeport Hospital-Milford Campus offers local access to the resources of a world-class health system.
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Member Happenings & Events
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