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Serving Milford, West Haven, and
Surrounding Business Communities
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Welcome to your weekly Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce newsletter!
We’re excited to share the latest events, news, and resources designed to help your business thrive.
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The Weekly Wrap Up will be back for 2026!
A new video will be out next week and Michael & Simon will catch you up on all the things to look forward to this coming year!
With a busy calendar already taking shape, you won’t want to miss what’s ahead.
Check back next week and start the year informed and connected.
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Tune in, give us a like, share with your community, and subscribe for weekly updates!
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StartSmart Interview
Simon sits down with Jorge Santiago, President and CEO of the Milford Bank.
They share the vision behind the new SmartStart program.
Learn how this initiative is designed to support growth, strengthen connections, and create new opportunities for businesses in the Milford region.
Tune in to hear what inspired the program and what it means for members moving forward.
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Annual Meeting
and Awards of Distinction
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Tickets will NOT be sold at the door
Join us as we mark another outstanding year in our community.
The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Annual Meeting and Awards of Distinction at Stonebridge Restaurant.
This annual event is sponsored by Milford Bank.
Together, we’ll highlight the individuals and organizations whose contributions strengthen the Milford and West Haven region.
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Thursday, January 15th, 2026
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Stonebridge Restaurant
Milford, CT
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Ribbon Cutting at 11:00 AM
50 Broad Street, Suite 6, Milford, CT
Open House- 11 AM-1 PM
| | Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration and Open House | |
The Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to celebrate Always Best Care Senior Services of Milford, CT new ownership and 12 years of serving the greater New Haven area.
Join us for the grand re-opening open house and ribbon cutting!
Parking is available in the lot behind the building
Come meet the team, connect with the community, and celebrate this milestone with us!
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Lunch and Learn
Marketing - Experts Advise
Expand your marketing knowledge from the experts in Marketing.
Create the right marketing plan to attract the customers your business needs to thrive. Get tips on branding and ways to reach the right audience and stop wasting your marketing dollars on the wrong avenues for your business.
Come meet the team, connect with the community, and celebrate this milestone with us!
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This is a free event for Chamber Members, but you still must register prior to the day of the event.
Open to Non-Members- $15
NO tickets will be sold at the door.
Lunch will be provided
By Al Pastor Mexican Grill
Genorously sponsored by Southern CT State University.
| | | 4th Annual Regional Chamber of Commerce Bridal Expo | |
We’re thrilled to announce the 4th Annual Regional Chamber Bridal Expo, returning this year at the stunning Racebrook Country Club in Orange.
Sunday, February 1st
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We’re currently looking for vendors across all wedding categories
From venues, catering, and bakeries to bridal gowns, menswear, florals, décor, rentals, photography, videography, entertainment, transportation, beauty services, jewelry, and honeymoon planning.
If your business serves couples, we’d love to connect with you.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce to Host StartSmart Business Expo on February 19, Presented by Milford Bank.
Milford, CT — Aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners are invited to take the first step toward business success at the StartSmart Business Expo, hosted by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce on February 19, 4:00 at West River Hall, 40 Orlando Street, West Haven, as part of the Chamber’s StartSmart Initiative.
The StartSmart Business Expo is designed to provide individuals considering starting a business, and those in the early stages of ownership, with practical guidance, expert insight, and essential resources needed to build and sustain a successful business.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn best practices across key areas of business development, including website creation, social media strategy, marketing planning, permitting and licensing requirements, insurance needs, financing options, and cash flow management. Local professionals and subject-matter experts will be available throughout the event to answer questions and offer real-world advice.
“The StartSmart Business Expo is about helping entrepreneurs start strong and avoid common pitfalls,” said a representative of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Whether someone is still exploring the idea of business ownership or has already taken their first steps, this event provides valuable tools and connections to support long-term success.”
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The Expo is open to individuals interested in starting a business in any industry and serves as a forum to learn the foundational elements necessary to create a sustainable enterprise.
The StartSmart Initiative is part of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, economic growth, and small business development throughout the region.
StartSmart is a program designed to create a platform for new business owners to team up with established local experts for complementary mentorship and advice.
If you would like to sign up to take advantage of this program, please click HERE
For more information about the StartSmart Business Expo or the StartSmart Initiative, please contact the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce.
203-878-0681
SMcDonald@Milfordct.com
| | | 6 Ways Your Chamber Can Help You Win in 2026! | |
The start of a new year begs for reflection and plans.
We make promises and resolutions and say things like, “This year will be THE year.”
But unless you win the lottery, making this year radically different requires work and change. Those two things aren’t always easy or sustainable, especially when you’re looking at revenue goals, marketing plans, staffing realities, and that lingering question in the back of your mind:
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How do I grow without burning myself out?
We have an easy answer to that question.
If you’re a chamber member, there’s a good chance you aren’t making the most of your benefits. We get it. Life gets in the way. You’re busy. Maybe you attend an event here and there. You skim the emails. You tell yourself you’ll “use it more this year.”
This is that year.
Because chambers in 2026 aren’t just about ribbon cuttings and business cards. Chambers are quietly helping businesses solve real problems.
Here are six ways to tap into that value in a strategic way that makes the most of your limited time.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Newsletter submissions must be received no later than 12 PM on Friday for publication on Tuesday
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The winter issue of Milford Living is out now!
Copies are available at the Chamber, or check it out online!
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Sat, Feb 21st, 2026 | 6 PM
The Building Complex
150 Front Avenue
West Haven, CT
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Christine's Creations Sip n' Snip
Brought to you by Christine’s Creations, Sip n’ Snip is a hands-on floral design workshop where guests create their own custom arrangement from start to finish.
Led by Christine’s Creations, this guided experience is perfect for beginners and flower lovers alike, blending fresh florals, simple design techniques, and personal creativity in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Your ticket includes all floral materials, step-by-step instruction, a finished arrangement to take home, light refreshments and appetizers, and one drink ticket from Sea Side Sips Mobile Bar.
Come solo or with friends and enjoy a creative night out. Spots are limited, and ticket sales close February 9th.
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St. Mary School Pre-K through Grade 8 Open House
St. Mary School invites prospective families to experience the difference a SMS education makes at our Pre-K through Grade 8 Open House on Monday, January 27, from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Rooted in faith, academic excellence, and a deep sense of community, St. Mary School offers a nurturing environment where students are known, supported, and challenged to grow both intellectually and spiritually. During the Open House, families will tour our campus, meet our dedicated teachers and staff, learn about our strong academics, enrichment programs, and student support services, and discover how St. Mary School partners closely with families to help every child thrive. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing what makes St. Mary School a place where children grow with confidence, purpose, and heart.
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Sat, Feb 21st, 2026 | 6 PM
The Building Complex
150 Front Avenue
West Haven, CT
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