StartSmart Program, what exactly is it?

Simon sits down with Jorge Santiago, President and CEO of the Milford Bank.

They share the vision behind the new StartSmart 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.

Have you heard the CT Buzz about the upcoming 4th Annual Bridal Expo?

“CT BUZZ,” Host Natasha Lubczenko welcomed Simon McDonald, Director of Membership & Marketing for the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, to share details about the upcoming 4th Annual Regional Bridal Expo.

Tomorrow!

Wednesday, January 21st

Ribbon Cutting at 11am

Open House 11am-1pm

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!

Join the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce for a Lunch & Learn:

Marketing – Experts Advise

Wednesday, January 28th

11 AM thru 1 PM

Expand your marketing knowledge with insights from experienced marketing professionals and industry leaders. Attendees will gain practical takeaways to help their business and personal brand stand out.

Panelists:

Bob Abbate, BAM Marketing

Michael Baker, Michael Baker Digital

Dr. Swapna Gantasala, Southern Connecticut State University

Dr. Venugopal Gantasala, Associate Dean, SCSU School of Business

Emily Haverl, Channel 8 WTNH

This is a free event for Chamber Members, but you still must register before the day of the event. 

Open to Non-Members- $15

NO tickets will be sold at the door.

Sponsored by Southern Connecticut State University

Lunch will be provided 

By Al Pastor Mexican Grill

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

Last call to secure a vendor space!

We are seeking a select few more vendors

.

If you are interested, and your business serves couples, we’d love to connect with you about a possible vendor spot.

Questions? Email Simon Here

Sponsored by:

Modern Beauty Wellness and Aesthetics

February Business After Hours:

Love your Local Network

Join us for February Business After Hours and Love Your Local Network, an evening focused on connection, community, and supporting a local organization making a real impact.

February's BAH is hosted at WHEAT Inc..

674 Washington Ave, West Haven.

The event is also supported by New Haven Bank

Enjoy great conversation, meaningful connections, and food catered by The Breakwall.

A small act can make a big impact.

Share the love by bringing a donation of non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, or a cash contribution.

Wednesday, February 11th, 2026,

from 5 to 7 PM

Pricing: Members $10 | Non-members $15.

We greatly appreciate if you can register ahead of time.

This ensures we have plenty of food and beverages!

StartSmart Entrepreneurial Workshop and Business Expo

Tickets are $15 per attendee.

When: Thursday, February 19th, 2026

4:00–7:00 PM

West River Hall, 37 Orlando Street,

West Haven, CT

Thinking about starting a business or ready to take the next step?

Join us for the StartSmart Entrepreneurial Workshop and Business Expo, a practical, expert-led event designed to help turn your ideas into a successful business.

This event connects aspiring and new business owners with regional experts who will guide you through the essentials of launching and growing a business in the Region.

Whether you’re still in the planning phase or preparing to launch, you’ll gain clear direction, resources, and real-world insight.

Questions? Email Simon Here

What a wonderful evening celebrating our business community at the Annual Meeting and Awards of Distinction for the Regional Chamber of Commerce at Stonebridge Restaurant.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night such a success.

We’re grateful to Stonebridge for the excellent food and service, and to Mayor Rich Smith, State Rep. Kathy Kennedy, State Representative MJ Shannon, and Steve Fontana for being a special part of the presentations.

A special thank you to Mayor Rich Smith for delivering the evening’s keynote speech.

Congratulations to all of our award winners, and thank you to our presenters for helping honor their achievements.

A sincere thank you to our sponsors: Presenting Sponsor The Milford Bank, and Supporting Sponsors Wanda Carlson - State Farm Insurance Agent,

Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Smarthome and Theater Systems.

Congratulations to our honorees:

Dick Popilowski, Kapusta Lifetime Heritage Award;

Erin Eberhardt, Board Director of the Year;

Modern Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC, Small Business of the Year;

Donna Kydes, Chamber Ambassador of the Year;

Xfinity, Event Sponsor of the Year;

Steven Saleski of Steve's Plumbing, LLC, Rising Entrepreneur Award;

All in For Milford, Business Community Impact of the Year, dedicated to Jamie Rude;

Riva Bar & Restaurant, Economic Development Partner of the Year;

and The Milford Bank, Charitable Business of the Year.



We also appreciate Rachel Black Photography for capturing the evening so beautifully.

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: 

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.

The winter issue of Milford Living is out now!

Copies are available at the Chamber, or check it out online!

Sat, Feb 21st, 2026 | 6 PM

The Building Complex

150 Front Avenue

West Haven, CT

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.

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.

Sat, Feb 21st, 2026 | 6 PM

The Building Complex

150 Front Avenue

West Haven, CT