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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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New week, new updates — your Weekly Wrap-Up is here
Simon is back with your weekly Chamber Wrap-Up, sharing the latest news, community highlights, and everything happening around town.
Catch up on the upcoming events, take a look back at last week’s standout moments, and stay connected to what’s shaping our local business community!
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Have a topic or idea you’d like to see on the Weekly Wrap-Up? We’d love to hear from
you — email us HERE
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Come meet the team, tour the space, and help us officially welcome this new addition to Milford’s dining scene.
KAOS Restaurant & Bar
354 Woodmont Rd, Milford, CT
Now open. Eat. Drink. Live the KAOS.
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Join us for a Ribbon Cutting celebration at KAOS Restaurant & Bar on
Friday, March 6th at 4:00 PM
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KAOS Restaurant & Bar is where bold American comfort food meets Italian-inspired favorites, all made fresh and full of flavor. From crispy wings and personal pizzas to hearty pastas and premium steaks, KAOS was created for those who love familiar favorites with big taste in a welcoming neighborhood setting. It’s the perfect spot for casual nights out, family dinners, and late-night bites.
Come meet the team, tour the space, and help us officially welcome this new addition to Milford’s dining scene.
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Join us for a shamrock‑spiced
St. Patrick’s Day Business After Hours with Amity Chamber of Commerce
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We’re continuing our favorite annual tradition with great food, lively conversation, and plenty of cheer—because who says business networking can’t come with a little luck of the Irish?
The evening will feature lively Irish dancing from Mulkiern Irish Dance School, live music, free Guinness glass engraving courtesy of Guinness, and tastings with a representative from Bushmills.
Guests can enjoy what many call the best corned beef and cabbage in Connecticut, plus two drink tickets.
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REGISTER NOW for good luck!
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Orange Ale House, 517 Boston Post Rd, Orange, CT
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The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce and Network of Executive Women, Milford, invite you to the
5th Annual Women's Leadership Summit Luncheon 2026
Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future
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Friday, March 27th, 2026
12 PM – 2 PM
Bin 100 Restaurant
100 Lansdale Ave., Milford, CT
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Join us for an inspiring luncheon featuring an incredible lineup of leaders and changemakers: Kara Kraus, lead organizer with Milford Pride and clinical social worker serving the LGBTQ community; Reverend Sara Smith, President and CEO of Nourish Bridgeport, attorney, and Senior Minister of United Congregational Church of Bridgeport; and Tracy Nixon Moore, Principal at Moore Potential.
The conversation will be moderated by Melissa Sheketoff, host of Melissa in the Morning on WICC 600 AM and 95.9 FM.
This is a powerful opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of a meaningful dialogue with women shaping our communities.
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We encourage you to take a moment to read the bios of our incredible panelists.
Behind every title is a story of leadership, resilience, and impact.
Get to know them — you’ll arrive inspired.
| | | The West Haven & Milford Regional Home Show is back for another year! The Home Show is Presented by Total Realty, with supporting sponsor Mauro Motors | |
Springtime is the perfect time to start planning your home improvement projects.
Meet the region’s best contractors, plumbers, electricians, landscape architects, and more — all in one convenient location.
The West Haven and Milford Regional Home Show will feature the newest ideas and trends in interior design, gardening, remodeling, home improvement, and décor.
Explore a wide range of exhibits, find fresh inspiration, and connect with industry professionals offering products and services to enhance every area of the home.
The event will also include educational seminars designed to inform and inspire homeowners. These sessions will share practical tips and expert insights on improving a home’s look, functionality, and overall market value, making the Home Show a valuable resource for anyone looking to invest in their living space.
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This event is free to attend
Saturday, April 25, 2026
11 AM thru 4 PM
Connecticut Post Mall
Center Court
1201 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT
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Vendor spots are available to Chamber Members and non-members both.
For more information, fill out the form at the link below, or email Simon with other questions!
| | | Join us for the March Lunch & Learn with Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas to discuss key business practices impacting our local business community. | |
Tuesday, March 31st, 2026
Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
Connecticut Post Mall
1201 Boston Post Rd, Suite 1100,
Milford, CT
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Topics include protecting your business from fraud, understanding new liabilities related to human trafficking within vendor and supplier relationships, and how to effectively engage with elected officials as the 2026 legislative session begins.
Free for Chamber members | $10 for non-members | Lunch is included.
Registration is required.
Presentation begins at 11 a.m..
Lunch is included and is served at noon.
Q&A follows at 12:15 p.m.
Sponsored by Southern Connecticut State University.
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Join us on our float in the Milford and New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parades!
March 14th Milford | March 15th New Haven
Open to Chamber Members only. Email Simon for more information.
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The Carroll E. Brown Scholarship & Community Awards Luncheon
Special congratulations to Chamber member Sammy Rivera on receiving the Distinguished Citizen Award.
Congratulations to all the winners honored on Saturday at the ceremony.
The luncheon was held at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven and sponsored by the West Haven Black Coalition Inc., which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
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Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave Expands to Include Certain School Employees
By Rebecca Goldberg
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Under existing law, school employees in Connecticut are generally eligible for federal unpaid family and medical leave (“FMLA”), but they have generally not been eligible for paid leave under Connecticut law.
Effective October 1, 2025, the Connecticut law will apply to employees of a public school operator or a nonpublic elementary or secondary school in a position that does not require professional certification under Chapter 166 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
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If you are reading this, you already know that membership has its benefits!
Do you have a friend who owns a business who isn't a member yet?
Share this info with them on how the Chamber can help them!
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Please join us in welcoming all of our February new members to the Chamber of Commerce family!
1 800 New Roof CT
Artrilla's Creations/GCU
Axiom IT Solutions
Bulldog Swim Academy
Concise Marketing & Communications
Mauro Motors
MRosales Insurance
Northland Roofing LLC
Results By Ross LLC
Upward Home Concepts
We’re excited to have you with us and look forward to supporting your growth, celebrating your successes, and building strong connections together in our community.
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Introducing StartSmart - A program for new and aspiring business owners
StartSmart will assist you in overcoming the roadblocks with real guidance and support.
StartSmart connects aspiring business owners with successful and accomplished business mentors who will walk you through your challenges one step at a time.
Whether you are struggling with developing a marketing strategy, acquiring funding, or even just getting a business plan on paper, StartSmart is the place for you.
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Colonial Toyota
Milford Chamber Trust Golf Classic
is back!
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2025 winners of the Milford Chamber Trust 2026 Golf Classic
Ron Hemming, Mike Fox, Kevin Hanson, and Tom Neeley
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Monday, July 27th, 2026
Race Brook Country Club
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5% Off for Foursomes registered by March 6th, 2026
Use Code "EB5" at Checkout
| 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 a Hole-In-One!
(2 Prizes!)
Great Gifts and Raffle Items
50/50 Cash Raffle
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8:30 am Registration
10:30 am Shotgun Start
Breakfast, Snacks, Happy Hour,
Early Dinner
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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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Experience The Reign,
Milford’s premier full-service event venue where elegance, ease, and unforgettable memories come together.
Located in Milford, this hidden gem is the perfect setting for timeless weddings, quinceañeras, bar and bat mitzvahs, and any milestone celebrations.
The grand ballroom accommodates up to 200 guests, with additional spaces ideal for cocktail hours and intimate events. From expert planning and stunning décor to exceptional catering, bar service, and professional staff, every detail is seamlessly handled under one roof—so you can celebrate without stress.
Book your unforgettable event today.
203-516-0552
email them at- events@thereignvenue.info
Find them on Facebook HERE
and on Instagram HERE
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Full Power Radio's Women's Health, Beauty and Bridal Show
March, 7th and 8th at the Mohegan Sun Casino, in the Earth Expo and Convention Center!
- Over 7,000 Attendees!
- Largest Women's Show in Southern New England!
- Tremendous promotional power of 28 Radio Signals and Streams and the power of Mohegan Sun, including signage and videos at the Casino 90 days prior to the show and over 750,000 email blasts to the Mohegan database.
- Over 200 Vendors and many Exhibitor Opportunities and Sponsorships.
- Special Pricing for Chamber Members!
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EMAIL CATHERINE GLASSO for details:
Catherine Galasso
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Petra Poláčkova – Classical Guitar Concert
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 - 7:30pm,
Doors 7:00pm
Master Class – Open to the public to spectate, not participate.
- Sunday, March 8, 2025 – 2:00pm
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For more information contact the Milford Arts Council at 203-878-6647 or visit: http://milfordarts.org
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Milford Arts Council (MAC)
Petra Poláčkova – Classical Guitar Concert (March 7th)
Petra Poláčkova-Master Class (March 8th)
Petra Poláčková is an award-winning Czech guitarist recognized for her expressive artistry and mastery of the Baroque and Romantic repertoire. Beginning her studies at the age of six, she trained at the Pardubice Conservatory. She later earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with honors under the guidance of Prof. Paolo Pegoraro at the University of Music and Performing Artsin Graz. She now serves on faculty at the Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt in Weimar and the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus/Aalborg.
Her appearances span Europe, the United States, Mexico, Chile, and Australia, where she has captivated audiences with her refined musicianship and commanding stage presence. Her acclaimed recordings include WEISS (2020), featuring works of Sylvius Leopold Weiss, and J.K. Mertz (Bridge Records, 2025), produced by David Starobin.
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Please join us at the Surfside Veterans Breakfast Fundraiser
It is taking place on March 7th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Offshore Restaurant.
This event aims to raise funds in support of veterans, with a suggested donation of $15. Veterans are welcome to attend at no cost.
To RSVP, kindly leave a message at
860-710-1833.
You can also contribute to this worthy cause via
Cash App ($surfsideveterans)
or Venmo (surfsideveterans).
More informaiton on Surfside Veterans?
Follow them on Facebook at SurfsideVeteransLLC
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March 18 - 22, 2026
Join Goodspeed’s Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton, Managing Director Vanessa Logan, and staff for a curated 5-day New York City excursion packed with unique experiences, big nights out, and unforgettable Broadway shows. This fundraiser supporting Goodspeed will give you time to connect and dine with Goodspeed insiders.
Itinerary includes: (subject to change)
- Round-trip coach bus transportation from The Goodspeed
- Four nights at the luxurious InterContinental hotel, centrally located in the theatre district
- Pre-show dinners at La Grand Boucherie and Sardi's, daily breakfasts and more
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Tickets to 5 Broadway shows!
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Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) A witty, feel-good NYC rom-com musical with heart.
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Giant A riveting, high-stakes drama about the legacy and consequence of Roal Dahl, starring John Lithgow.
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Cats: The Jellicle Ball The famous CATS, reimagined as a glittering ballroom spectacle that feels like a dance party.
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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee A new off-Broadway revival of the hilarious, unexpectedly moving, Tony-winning hit.
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Buena Vista Social Club Winner of 5 Tony Awards, it's a soaring celebration of Cuban music and the people behind a legendary album.
- Private tour and workshop at M&S Schmalberg Custom Fabric Flowers
- Exclusive access to talk backs, backstage tours, and more!
For more information, contact Will Kenny at 860.615.0366 or wkenny@goodspeed.org.
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Understanding Mold Remediation-
Puro Clean
Continuing Education Course
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This is a continuing education course to help with certification for individuals and companies.
You must register for this free event, and lunch will be provided by PuroClean of East Bridgeport
Thursday, March 19th
9 AM - 12 PM
Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
1201 Boston Post Rd., Milford CT
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Milford Rotary Presents: PROM REDO! March 21st!
Did your original prom deserve a second chance?
Join us for a throwback prom night celebrating the 70s, 80s, and 90s — complete with great music, dancing, and tons of nostalgia!
Break out the sequins, big hair, and retro looks, and relive prom the fun way this time — all while supporting a great cause. This community fundraiser benefits local initiatives through Milford Rotary.
Grab your friends and don’t miss the prom you wish you had!
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March 21 | 6:00–10:00 PM
Milford Yacht Club
Tickets are available, but are going fast!
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The M Factor 2: Before The Pause (Perimenopause) + Expert Q&A
By: The M Factor Film
| The M Factor 2 is a powerful new film continuing the vital conversation about women’s hormones, health, and the changes that shape this stage of life. Blending expert insights with women’s real experiences, the film looks at how perimenopause affects your heart, bone, brain, and sexual health, and the solutions helping women thrive through it. | | | |
Network of Executive Women cordially invites you to a night of Music, Bingo and great Food.
Anyone 18+ is welcome to join, regardless of gender!
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Vazzano's Four Seasons, 337 Kenyon Street, Stratford
Cost: $45 per ticket
Ticket includes 3 games of BINGO plus salad, pasta, and chicken.
Cash bar available.
Try your luck at our 50-50 RAFFLE.
| | | | All proceeds from the event go towards helping the coastal center continue in its mission to preserve local wildlife, provide a space for environmental education, and expose visitors to its many wonders. | | |
April 25th , 2026, marks a revival of Connecticut Audubon Society's 'Return of the Osprey' fundraiser gala at the Milford Point Coastal Center.
Join Connecticut Audubon staff, volunteers, and researchers as we celebrate the osprey, one of Connecticut's most iconic residents. Guests can expect to be treated to food, drink, and magnificent views from our marsh room as the sun sets over Wheeler Marsh and our resident pair of ospreys. Thanks to many kind donors, the event also includes a silent auction with art, sport memorabilia, and other items up for bids.
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