| | |
Serving Milford, West Haven, and
Surrounding Business Communities
| | |
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.
| | |
Stay connected, stay informed, and see what’s happening now — plus what’s coming next at the Chamber!
| | | | |
Nominations Have Closed —
It's Time to Vote!
The top nominees in each category have advanced to the voting round, where the community will decide the winners of Best of the Milford Region 2026.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE
| | | |
Voting is open from Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 12:01 AM to Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
You may vote once per day, per category, and yes—you may vote for yourself!
Be sure to vote daily and encourage your friends, family, customers, and supporters to do the same. Every vote counts.
The Best of the Milford Region 2026 are generously sponsored by Budget Transmission Center and Modern Heating & Air Conditioning.
| | | |
Fridays After Five are back
Sponsored by
Attorney Joseph Tramuta,
Minella & Tramuta Attorneys at Law
Friday June 5th we welcome
Hawkins to Fowler Field!
Hawkins seamlessly blends rock, pop, and blues covers spanning five decades.
| |
Thanks to our supporting sponsor
Weichert On the Mark Property Management
| | | |
Join us for June's Business After Hours at the Hilton Garden Inn Milford!
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
291 Old Gate Lane, Milford
$20 Chamber Members | $30 Non-Members
Space is limited,
Register Early HERE!
Connect with fellow professionals, business owners, and community leaders while enjoying great food, refreshments, and conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.
| | | |
Join us for June's EPIC Social Hour at the newly expanded and reinvented Lazy Lobster!
Join us for a fun evening in one of Milford's newest transformed spaces. Delicious seafood and light bites while networking in a relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
6 Broadway, Milford
Don't wait- REGISTER NOW
| | | |
Monday, July 27, 2026 8:30 AM
Racebrook Country Club
| |
Registration begins at 8:30 AM
with a 10:30 AM shotgun start.
Golfers will enjoy breakfast, snacks throughout the day, happy hour, and an early dinner, plus contests, raffles, prizes, and surprises along the way.
Putt for a chance to win $5,000!
Golfers will also have TWO chances to win a brand new car with a Hole-In-One, along with great gifts, raffle items, and a 50/50 cash raffle.
| | |
Tee Up for Education!
Hit the links and help support local scholarships through the Colonial Toyota Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic
For many students, financial assistance means the difference between dreaming about college and attending it. By participating in the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, you're helping local students pursue their goals and build brighter futures.
| |
There are many ways to support this important scholarship fundraiser
Every contribution, big or small, helps create opportunities for local students and invests in the future of our community.
Register your foursome here: REGISTER HERE
Sponsorship opportunities: CLICK HERE
| | | |
What a great night at our E.P.I.C. Social Hour!
A big thank you to J&K Cabinetry CT for hosting us once again and to Al Pastor Mexican Grill for the delicious taco bar.
Guests enjoyed great food, new connections, and a chance to explore the beautiful showroom at J & K Cabinetry.
| |
Thank you to everyone who joined us for another fantastic evening of networking and community building!
| | Their extensive selection of 100% solid wood cabinetry offers affordable, high-quality options for homeowners, builders, and contractors alike, with one of the largest cabinetry catalogs in the nation and more than 15 color choices available. | |
PICTURES HERE
Thanks to Brynn Costello for the photos from the evening.
| | | |
Evjoy ribbon-cutting ceremony was celebrated with friends and family, along with Sheila Carmon, W.H. Heath Department Director, CT State Rep. M.J. Shannon, and members of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“If anyone’s looking for scratch-made, healthier, premium ingredient options, then I’d love them to consider Evjoy and me. Especially cookies, I can deliver, and I can ship them nationwide, and I have giftboxes”, quote from Evelyn.
| | |
We celebrated ‘Evjoy’ Ribbon Cutting Ceremony last week!
West Haven, CT- The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the new location of Evjoy Bakery and Catering, a catering service that provides baked goods and specialty foods.
Check out PHOTOS HERE
One of the things that makes Evjoy Bakery and Catering so special is its mission to use clean and local ingredients. All foods are free from additives and artificial ingredients, making the food guilt-free and good for your gut and heart.
Evelyn built her commercial kitchen upstairs from her brother’s business, Castro Oasis, at 80 Prindle Road, West Haven, CT.
| | | |
The City of Milford celebrated the start of Pride Month by raising the Pride flag over City Hall.
The Milford Green has been festooned with pride banners as the city is celebrating the diversity of the community.
| Photos courtesy of Robert Creigh | | | | |
Chamber Health & Wellness Corner
Why Purpose Matters More Than Retirement Planning
By Connor May, CDP
Founder and CEO
Seniors Helping Seniors® Western CT
Keep reading: Click Here
| | | |
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Newsletter submissions must be received no later than 12 PM on Friday for publication on Tuesday
| | | | | |
New Haven Bank is proud to continue serving the West Haven community — and we’re excited to share an exclusive offer available only to residents and businesses of West Haven, Orange, and Milford.
For a limited time, earn 4.00% APY on a 4-Month CD at our West Haven branch.*
As your local community bank, we’re committed to helping individuals and businesses grow with competitive rates, personalized service, and banking solutions designed with our community in mind.
✔ Personal and Business Accounts Available
✔ Local Decision Making
✔ Community-Focused Banking
✔ Exclusive Offer for West Haven, Orange & Milford Residents and Businesses
Whether you’re looking to grow your savings or start a relationship with a bank that’s local and here to stay, we’d love to connect with you.
*The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 5/5/26. Limited time offer available to residents and businesses of West Haven, Orange, and Milford, CT only. Rates subject to change at any time. Minimum balance to open and earn APY is $500. Fees could reduce earnings. Early withdrawal penalties apply. Funds must represent a new deposit to New Haven Bank. CD will renew at the standard 6-month rate and term at that time.
| | | |
Volunteer & Make an Impact!
On Sunday, June 21, Family First Initiative, in partnership with the West Haven Early Childhood Council, will host Family First Fest presents Make Music Day at Old Grove Park in West Haven from 1:00 PM – 8:30 PM. This free, family-friendly community festival will feature live music, DJs, bands, dancers, poets, interactive family activities, a literacy activation zone, community resources, recycled instrument-making activities for kids, and more.
We are currently inviting family-friendly performers, volunteers, community partners, and sponsors to get involved as we continue building this community-centered event. We are also actively fundraising to help cover festival infrastructure, activities, and free public offerings for families attending throughout the day.
More information about volunteering-
CLICK HERE
| | Family First Initiative is a West Haven-based nonprofit organization focused on strengthening families through leadership development, youth engagement, mentorship, financial literacy, and community connection. | | | | | |
Xfinity is coming to the community!
Join us for two special Xfinity events in Milford, CT, from Friday, May 15 through Thursday, June 11.
Attendees can learn more about Xfinity’s fast, reliable Internet options and find the plan that works best for them. Plus, eligible Xfinity Internet customers can add one line of Mobile Select included for a year.
Xfinity team members will be on site to answer questions, share helpful tips, and walk through available offers.
Sign up during the event or explore options anytime by calling 1-800-XFINITY, visiting xfinity.com, or stopping by a local store
Find an Xfinity store CLICK HERE
| | | Upcoming events in West Haven | | CLICK HERE for more information on West Haven community events coming up! | | | Chamber Members in the community | | |
Ken Oakes (Left), owner of Ken Oakes Computer Services LLC and member of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, was recently awarded the prestigious Police Citizens Award by a local Police Department for the contribution of his specialized skills that assisted in helping solve a very serious crime.
Oakes provided technical assistance involving CCTV camera systems, evidence collection, and digital recovery in support of investigators working on the case.
“Helping people has always been part of who I am, whether it’s fixing a small business owner’s computer or stepping up when our community needs it,” said Oakes. The award marks the latest chapter in a long record of service for Oakes, who spent eight years in the U.S. Army before founding Ken Oakes Computer Services LLC. Through his business, he has helped companies across Connecticut resolve a wide range of technology issues — from network failures and data recovery to security camera installations — helping keep local operations running and protected.
| | | |
24th Annual
Downtown Milford Pirates Day is back!
Downtown Milford will transform into a large-scale pirate-themed experience across three locations (Milford Green, Lisman Landing and the Milford Historical Society)
on Sunday, June 7, 2026 for
the 24th Annual Milford Pirates Day!
Proudly Sponsored by Seven Seas Restaurant
The event features a pirate ship landing, live cannon fire, treasure hunts, live entertainment, and interactive activities throughout local businesses, with the fan-favorite “Pancakes with Pirates” breakfast experience returning by popular demand this year.
Don’t forget to dress like a pirate if you are so inclined!
More information and schedule of events: CLICK HERE
| | |
Get your "Pancakes with Pirates" tickets at the 24th Annual Pirates Day on June 7th
$15 - choose from 9AM, 10AM, or 11AM.
Get your breakfast tickets CLICK HERE
| | | Chamber Members in the community | | |
The Downtown Milford Farmers Market Season Kicks Off June 6
The Downtown Milford Farmers Market, a program of the Downtown Milford Business Association, kicks off its 2026 season on Saturday, June 6, at Wasson Field from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, continuing nearly two decades of bringing together local farmers, makers, and families in downtown Milford.
Opening Day: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Location: 108 W Main Street, Milford, CT
To Learn More: CLICK HERE
| | | |
Milford's America 250 Celebration
Mark your calendars, Milford - June 20th is going to be full of events!
America 250 Parade starts at 11AM
-From Wasson Field parking lot to the Milford Green.
Juneteenth Celebration and Cookout 1-4PM
-From the Green to Mary Taylor Church, a wonderful community gathering.
Kickoff to Summer Fireworks at Lisman Lansing Marina - 5PM music and food trucks and 9:15PM fireworks
More information on Milford's America 250 celebration: CLICK HERE
| | | | | | |
Eco Park Grand Opening
Thursday, June 11 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Old Grove Park Building
1 Palace Street, West Haven
Eco Park represents the very heart of the Land Trust's mission—protecting and enhancing our shoreline while creating opportunities for environmental education and stewardship. The celebration will include remarks from Mayor Borer, Parks and Recreation Director Mark Paine, and me, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, as well as refreshments, music, and family-friendly activities.
We hope you and your family will join us as we celebrate this important milestone and the many volunteers, partners, and supporters who helped bring the project to life. This event is free and open to the public.
| | | |
You're invited to an evening with
Jay Rowe benefiting Beth-El Center
Once again, Milford native and pianist, Jay Rowe, will be dazzling us with an evening of incredible contemporary smooth jazz. Join us as we connect over music, drinks, conversation, and most importantly, raise funds to support the programs and services of Beth-El Center!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Thursday - June 11th - 5:30PM
The Beautiful Waterfront Home of Dr. Gary Opin
30 Edgewater Place
Milford, CT
| |
| | | | |
Tee Off for a Cause!
Lauralton Hall Athletics will once again host our annual Golf Tournament at the award-winning Great River Golf Club in Milford!
Join us Monday, June 29, for a day of golf, which includes a golfer’s gift, lunch, refreshments on the course, cocktail hour, dinner, a raffle, and more!
Not swinging clubs? No problem! You can still join us! There are post-golf festivities including cocktails, dinner, awards, and a raffle/silent auction.
For more information, CLICK HERE
| | | |
3rd Annual Milford Pride on the Green!
Join Milford Pride on Saturday, June 27th, from 12-4 pm on the Milford Green.
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and our wonderful community with music, performances, food trucks, vendors and more.
This event is free to attend; all are welcome.
For more information, visit CLICK HERE
We are currently accepting sponsors and vendors for the event.
All donations to Milford Pride are tax deductible.
For more information on sponsorship or vending CLICK HERE
| | | | | | |
