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Serving Milford, West Haven, and

Surrounding Business Communities

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CHAMBER NEWS & UPDATES

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.


Catch up with the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce on YouTube!


Last week we celebrated community connections and local businesses, and this week we’re gearing up for exciting events and opportunities you won’t want to miss.

CHAMBER EVENTS

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

Friday, March 27th, 2026

12 PM – 2 PM


Bin 100 Restaurant

100 Lansdale Ave., Milford, CT

Behind every title is a story of leadership, resilience, and impact.

Get to know them — you’ll arrive inspired.


Friday, March 27th, 2026

12 PM – 2 PM

Join us for an inspiring luncheon featuring an incredible lineup of leaders and changemakers:

  • Stephanie Thomas, 75th Secretary of State of Connecticut;
  • Kara Kraus, Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Lead Organizer with Milford Pride the LGBTQ community;
  • Reverend Sara Smith, President and CEO of Nourish Bridgeport, attorney, and Senior Minister of United Congregational Church of Bridgeport;
  • 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.

We encourage you to take a moment to read the bios of our incredible panelists below.


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.

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

Whether you're in the planning stage or ready to launch, this event will guide you through every step of building a strong, successful business in the West Haven and Milford Region.

Learn the essentials of starting and growing your business—from forming an LLC or corporation and securing permits to insuring your business, finding financing, marketing your brand, and hiring and managing employees, plus so much more.

StartSmart Entrepreneurial Workshop and Business Expo


Thinking about starting your own business or curious what it takes to succeed?

Join the StartSmart Entrepreneurial Workshop and Business Expo to meet top regional experts ready to help turn your ideas into reality.


Ticket's are just $15

Thursday, April 16, 2026

4:00 PM

West River Hall

37 Orlando Street

West Haven CT

The West Haven & Milford Regional Home Show is back for another year!

This year's Home Show is presented by Total Realty, with supporting sponsor Mauro Motors and Comcast Business

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.

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

Vendor Information

Vendor spots are available to Chamber Members and non-members.


For more information, fill out the form at the link below, or email Simon with other questions!

Time to Tee Up for a Great Cause.


Colonial Toyota Milford Chamber Trust Golf Classic is back!


Enjoy a great day on the course while helping the Milford Chamber Trust provide scholarships that open doors for students in our community.


Monday, July 27th, 2026

5% Off for Foursomes registered by

March 21st, 2026

Use Code "EB5" at Checkout


Where It All Begins... Race Brook Country Club Hole 1


8:30 am Registration

10:30 am Shotgun Start


Breakfast, snacks, happy hour, early dinner


Win A New Car for a

Hole-In-One! (2 Prizes!) 


*Great Gifts and *Raffle Items

*50/50 Cash Raffle



CHAMBER UPDATES

Shamrocks, smiles, and a little bit of luck!

What an amazing St. Patrick’s Day Business After Hours with the Amity CT Chamber of Commerce at Orange Ale House!

Huge thanks to Jim and the team at Orange Ale House for delicious food and great service. Special shout-out to Mulkerin School of Irish Dance for their fantastic performances, Pat Monahan for the lively music.

Congrats to the raffle winners, and a special thank-you to Harmoni Furniture for donating the Turkish Coffee Sets and to Modern beauty by Kate for the $100 gift certificate donation.

Thanks to Steve Cooper for capturing some of the magical moments.



The St. Patrick’s Day spirit was strong—here’s to good luck, good friends, and great memories!

What a fantastic day at the Milford St. Patrick's Parade!

Beautiful weather, incredible community spirit, and so many smiling faces made it a celebration to remember!

Thank you to everyone who helped bring our float together, we couldnt of done it without you!

Huge thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate and represent their business and the Chamber in the parade!

Whether you rode on our float or walked alongside, your energy made the day unforgettable.


We love seeing our community members come together!

Thanks to the Irish Heritage Society for inviting us to be part of such an incredible celebration.

Photos courtesy of Robert Creigh, Dawn Callahan, Colleen Wright.

Click HERE to learn more about David Coyle and his contributions to West Haven’s Irish community.

33rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, honoring 2026 West Haven Irishman of the Year, David Coyle


Today we were honored to help celebrate the

33rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, honoring 2026 West Haven Irishman of the Year, David Coyle, with a special ceremony on the Campbell Avenue steps of City Hall.

David, the charismatic master of ceremonies who brings West Haven’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to life, was recognized for his dedication to the community and his proud celebration of Irish heritage.

“I am equally humbled and honored to be considered, not to mention selected, for this very special recognition,” Coyle said, reflecting on the distinguished individuals who have received this honor before him.

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. 

Your experiences matter — and they help others in our community discover what the Chamber can do!


If you’ve benefited from membership, networking, attended an event, or connected with us in any way, we’d truly appreciate your sharing your story in a Google review.



Your feedback helps others find us, strengthens our visibility, and supports the work we’re doing right here in Milford and beyond. It only takes a moment, but it goes a long way.


Thank you for being part of our community and helping us grow!


 

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Newsletter submissions must be received no later than 12 PM on Friday for publication on Tuesday

More ways to connect local businesses!


The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a deal for all Members of the Chamber.

Barter Network has been in Milford for decades and has been a great way for smaller businesses to grow with limited risk. Try BNI for a year with the annual fee waived.


Understanding Mold Remediation-

Puro Clean

Continuing Education Course

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


First Congregational Church of West Haven is hosting a Diaper Drive to help provide essential supplies for local families.


Drive Dates: March 15 – April 12


Donations of diapers (all sizes), pull-ups, and baby wipes can be dropped off at:

First Congregational Church of West Haven

1 Church Street - West Haven a/k/a

464 Campbell Ave.


"Thank you for helping us share care and compassion with families who need it most."


Please contact Stacy Riccio regarding donations.

Director of Outreach Coordination

sriccio@fccwesthaven.org

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!

March 21 | 6:00–10:00 PM

Milford Yacht Club


Tickets are available, but are going fast!

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


Tickets to 5 Broadway shows!


  • Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) A witty, feel-good NYC rom-com musical with heart.
  • Giant A riveting, high-stakes drama about the legacy and consequence of Roal Dahl, starring John Lithgow.
  • Cats: The Jellicle Ball The famous CATS, reimagined as a glittering ballroom spectacle that feels like a dance party.
  • The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee A new off-Broadway revival of the hilarious, unexpectedly moving, Tony-winning hit.
  • 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.

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.

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