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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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Wednesday, April 29, 2026
5:30-7:30
The Chamber is excited to host the next EPIC Social Hour at KAOS!
Bringing together local professionals, business owners, and community members for an evening of connection and collaboration. Attendees can look forward to enjoying KAOS’s vibrant atmosphere while engaging in meaningful conversations, exchanging ideas, and building new relationships.
KAOS will be putting out a delicious array of food options for guests to enjoy. EPIC social hours offer a relaxed yet energetic setting. A perfect place to expand your network within the Milford/West Haven business community.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and support a great local restaurant.
| | | Be sure to look for the Big Dog sponsored by the Chamber! | | |
'THE BIG DOG SHOW,’ A BENEFIT FOR THE WEST HAVEN ANIMAL SHELTER, IS COMING APRIL 30:
Mayor Dorinda Borer is thrilled to announce that “The Big Dog Show,” a nationally renowned art exhibition, will take up residence near Savin Rock’s shoreline for three weeks as part of a benefit for the West Haven Animal Shelter.
Starting Thursday, April 30, a display of 20 towering dog sculptures will stand guard over the grass area along the boardwalk near Savin Rock, creating a unique destination for residents and visitors alike.
Read the full news release for more information and how to donate:
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Swing for Scholarships: Register Now!
Colonial Toyota Milford Chamber Trust Golf Classic is back!
Have a great day on the course, and help the Milford Chamber Trust provide scholarships and educational opportunities to students in our community.
Win A New Car for Hole-In-One! (2 Prizes)
Great Gifts and Raffle Items
50/50 Cash Raffle
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Welcome to R&M Cutlet CO.!
We had the pleasure of celebrating the official grand opening of R&M Cutlet CO. with a ribbon-cutting right here in Milford.
A big thank you to Mayor Rich Smith and Director of Economic Development Robert Townes for joining us for the celebration, and to all the friends, family, and Chamber members who came out to show their support.
Located at 575 New Haven Ave, R & M Cutlet Co. (est. 2025) is bringing an authentic Italian deli experience to the community. From their signature cutlets and imported Italian salumi to house-made spreads crafted with simple, fresh ingredients, they’re already making a name for themselves as “a cutlet above the rest.”
Be sure to stop by and welcome them to Milford.
Thank you to Robert Creigh for capturing the day with great photos.
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Lauralton Hall April Business After Hours
A beautiful spring evening at Lauralton Hall set the scene for our April Business After Hours.
Thank you to Lauralton Hall for hosting and to everyone who joined us to connect, network, and celebrate our local community in such a stunning, historic setting. Since 1905, this cherished Milford institution has shaped generations—and it continues to inspire.
Learn more about Lauralton Hall HERE
| | Enjoy the moments captured by Camilla Albuquerque. | | | |
The show was presented by
Total Realty Services
totalrealty.com
with supporting sponsor Mauro Motors
mauromotors.com
and supporting sponsor Comcast Business
business.comcast.com
Your support helps bring events like this to life for our community.
Photos courtesy of Robert Creigh
| | The West Haven & Milford Regional Home Show | Saturday brought a great turnout for the 2026 West Haven & Milford Regional Home Show at the Connecticut Post Mall! | |
It was a day filled with conversation, ideas, and real connections as so many of you stopped by to speak with our experts and explore what’s possible for your home!
We’re grateful to everyone who came out and made the event such a success, and we extend a sincere thank you once again to our sponsors.
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What Hypnosis Really Feels Like
(And What It Is Not)
One of the first things people say when they reach out is, “I have never done hypnosis before.” There is often a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
Some people are interested but not quite sure what to expect, while others may have seen hypnosis portrayed in ways that make it seem unusual or out of their control. Those are very normal questions to have.
Most people are surprised to learn that hypnosis is not something unfamiliar. It is actually a natural experience that people move in and out of every day. Would you like to read more?
READ MORE: CLICK HERE
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The 2026/2027 Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory is now available in print at the Chamber offices and
online 24/7!
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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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CT Foodie Fest Returns to Milford for Two Days — Featuring a Headlining Pizza Battle on May 2
Wasson Field | Milford, CT |
Friday, May 1 | 5 PM–10 PM
Saturday, May 2 | 11 AM–9 PM
Advance Tickets: $5/day | $8 at the door
Pizza Battle VIP (May 2 only): $45 (limited availability) Kids 12 & under: FREE | Event is Rain or Shine
Activities for kids, families and two high stakes athletic and food competitions Saturday Feature: Pizza Battle (May 2) Saturday also features a 3PM Tug-of-War Competition
Weekend Festival highlights include:
25+ curated food trucks and must-try bites ● Craft beer and cocktail trucks ● Live bands including Hype & Shameless, Shutdown, Jukebox Radio, and more ● Local vendors and community partners ●
More event details and ticket purchase: Click HERE
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Pantochino Productions Inc presents
The Hysterical New Musical Panto
A LAD IN MANHATTAN
Live on stage at Milford Arts Concil, The MAC
April 24 - May 10
Fridays 7:30pm Saturdays 2 & 5:30pm Sundays 2pm
Cabaret Seating! Bring your own food and drink to enjoy during the show!
BRING YOU DATE! Our shows pair well with a bottle of wine!
BRING YOUR FAMILY! This one’s perfect for all ages to enjoy!
Tickets available HERE
| | | | COMING UP ON MAY 23 - LILO & STITCH! | | | | |
Beth-El Center in Milford is launching a critical Gear Drive to support our unhoused neighbors.
After a harsh winter that destroyed many encampments and belongings.
Beth-El Center in Milford is launching a critical Gear Drive to support our unhoused neighbors after a harsh winter that destroyed many encampments and belongings.
They are collecting essential items listed in the graphic—everything from tents and sleeping bags to clothing, backpacks, and everyday necessities.
Donations will be accepted through the end of April.
With spring cleanup underway and Milford bulk pickup just around the corner, now is the perfect time to go through your basement or storage and give your unused, gently loved items a second life where they’re truly needed.
Please donate if you can, and help spread the word—every share makes a difference.
| | | Check out all the ways you can help! | |
There are some ways you can help:
1. Attend one of our fundraisers or simply share our events to help spread the word!
2. Buy a fireworks t-shirt or tote for a $20 donation (available at Randall’s).
3. Create a fundraiser.
4. Join our committee!
5. Donate a raffle prize.
6. Send a donation through mail or Venmo at
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We are so grateful for the ongoing support to help make this event possible year after year!
We appreciate the ongoing support from our community!
| | Savin Rock Fireworks Committee raises funds to ensure a spectacular 250 Years Celebration! | | | |
MOAR (Milford Orange Animal Rescue) is proud to host our Night at the Races!
This is a fun and meaningful way to support
the animals at Milford Animal Control.
Every dollar raised helps provide food, medical care, enrichment, and comfort to animals while they wait for their forever homes—and that helps move them into adoption faster.
As a volunteer-run organization, they work closely with the City of Milford and Animal Control to fund needs that go beyond the city budget, from daily care and training to improving facilities and overall quality of life for both dogs and cats.
Join us for a great night out while making a real impact for local animals. Your support truly makes a difference.
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2026 Military Academy Service Night
Hosted by the Connecticut Congressional Delegation.
This is an information session to provide students interested in attending a Military Academy.
Please share with your members, family and employees.
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Tribus After Hours
Join in the fun in a relaxing environment with your friends after work. Enjoy some craft beer, partake in the 50-50 raffle, and silent auction all to benefit the Beth-El Center.
The funds raised will support our Community Kitchen.
Thursday, May 7th
5:30 PM - 8 PM
Tribus Beer Company
100 Raton Drive
Milford CT
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Beth-El Community Kitchen is extremely low on the above items.
If Ground Coffee could be caffeinated and regular roast, that would be incredible.
Cheddar cheese can be grated or as a block.
And if you feel so inclined, gift cards to ShopRite and Costco earmarked for the Community Kitchen are always welcome!
Items can be shipped to us (90 New Haven Ave in Milford) via Amazon or dropped off any time!
Thank you for thinking of the unsheltered individuals who need our help the most right now!
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Join us at the Yale InsightsOn Conference on May 7 at Yale School of Management
Bringing together leaders from companies like HP, TikTok, Google, Spotify, Mastercard, AB InBev, and more to explore how marketing and consumer insights are evolving in the age of AI.
Designed as a learning experience, InsightsOn goes beyond trends to focus on practical ideas you can take back and apply immediately. Group discounts available for local organizations.
email victoria.ambrozaitis@yale.edu to learn more.
REGISTER HERE
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The 10th Annual Milford Artisan Market
Comes to Milford Green on
Mother’s Day Weekend,
May 9-10, 2026
(Milford, CT)- The 10th Annual Milford Artisan Market will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, 2026 from
10:00 am to 4:00 pm on the Milford Green at 168-176 Broad Street in downtown Milford, CT.
Over 160 local crafters and makers will be selling their handmade items including jewelry, crochet, décor, apparel, food products and more. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the event will have giveaways for the first 150 attendees, raffle prizes, Mother’s Day photo opportunities, dance demonstrations, free yoga classes, live music, and food vendors.
Admission is free.
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The event is sponsored by LeafFilter, Renewal by Andersen and Xfinity.
The event is organized by Artisan Events by Ally. Learn more at: facebook.com/milfordartisanmarket.
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3rd Annual Pickleball2Help Tournament
Please join us at Eisenhower Park in Milford, Saturday, May 16th
12:00 – 6:30 pm for an all-day fun event benefiting The Nick Felisko Memorial Scholarship.
Hosted by Prepared 2 Help and Scout Troops 701 & 711 of Milford.
There is a link provided for sign-ups.
A Fun day of Pickleball and Exciting Raffles.
– see flyer for full details.
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Community Happy Hour Event - see flyer for full details
Please join us for a P2H - a Milford Non-profit, sponsored event at
SBC in Milford on Wednesday, May 13th
5:00 – 8:00 pm.
Supporting – The Thanks for Giving Food Drive &
Memorial Scholarships for Local Students
$10 Door Donation
Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres – Cash Bar
Exciting Raffle Baskets
Come Together. Give Back. Make an Impact.
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Join the Walnut Beach Association Beach Market & Car Show
Presented by: Comcast and Modern Heating & Air Conditioning
This first-ever event brings together local vendors, classic and modern cars, food trucks, and a live DJ for a full, vibrant day by the beach!
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The WBA is now accepting registration for cars in the show, along with vendor spots for the Beach Market.
Click HERE for registration
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All proceeds benefit the WBA, and the WBA Joe Garbus Scholarship Fund for Jonathan Law High School students. | | | |
Join us for an Open House with Milford’s Boards & Commissions!
Come learn more about the important work these groups do, their roles in our city, and how you can get involved. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, meet members, and better understand how decisions are made in our community.
Monday, May 18, 2026
6:00 PM
City Hall, 110 River Street
We hope to see you there!
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Rock the Dock is Back!
Bridges Healthcare's 3rd annual Rock the Dock for Mental Health event is planned for Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 5:30pm at Lisman Landing, 37 Helwig Street, in Downtown Milford.
Rock the Dock will feature an evening of music by local band, The Alpaca Gnomes, and include two drink tickets and appetizers from local vendors plus a raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased HERE
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available.
Proceeds from the event, held during Mental Health Awareness Month, will support Bridges Healthcare’s mental health and addiction recovery programs that serve more than 8,000 local people each year. Learn more at bridgesct.org.
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The “Strike Out Hunger’ Duckpin Bowling event will be held on
Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Woodlawn Duckpin Bowling Alley in West Haven.
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There are two sponsorship opportunities – Event Grand Sponsor and Event Lane Sponsor.
Event Grand Sponsor is a $500 donation which entitles you to a 4-person team for one of the sessions, an Event Grand Sponsor banner with your logo displayed during the event and your logo included on all materials promoting the event – WHEAT’s website and social media platforms.
Event Lane Sponsor is a $100 donation, which entitles you to a sign with your logo displayed on one of the twelve lanes during the event.
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We are organizing a “Strike Out Hunger” Duckpin Bowling event to raise funds for WHEAT (West Haven Emergency Task Force). W.H.E.A.T is a small food pantry serving clients from West Haven, Milford, Orange, New Haven, Hamden, and beyond.
On average, WHEAT helps 225 families weekly in their battle to overcome food insecurity. The need for assistance is great and increasing daily. Creative fundraising efforts are essential to helping to stave off hunger. Every $1 donation provides approximately 2 meals for our neighbors.
The event will consist of two 2-hour sessions – 10a and 1p (with a third session added if needed) with 12 teams per session.
Entry fee is $25 per bowler with 60% earmarked for WHEAT.
We are asking you to please consider participating or becoming a sponsor to support the event.
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We also graciously accept in-kind donations. Current needs include gift certificates, memorabilia, raffle prizes, and tickets to events.
Any donations can be mailed to Evelyn Blanco, 86 Richards Place, West Haven, CT 06516.
Donations to WHEAT are tax-deductible, to the extent the law allows. WHEAT is a 501C(3) organization; the EIN# is 06-1197653.
Thank you in advance for your support in striking out hunger.
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