‘If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of the potential, for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible.” Anonymous author

2017 was an exciting year for our Chamber. It started off with a complete re-branding effort that brought our Chamber a new look, new programs, initiatives and more collaborations to help us better serve our members.

Some new networking events, Business with Breakfast and Restaurant in the Spotlight, joined our already popular Business After Hours. We had some great hosts of each event this year. If you are interested in hosting one at your business in 2018, let us know, our calendar is filling up fast.

Our visibility has continued to grow, with an enhanced presence on social media and our new, updated website. Chamber President, JoAnn Ryan writes articles for the Register Citizen, Republican-American and Lakeville Journal that have been far reaching. We’re working on our Chamber Directory for 2018 and will be in touch to get your updated information soon. You may have already received a call from E&M Consulting in reference to advertising in the publication. We hope you’ll consider it as it’s a great resource for businesses and community members distributed to over 1,000 individuals each year and available on-line.

We have taken on some new exciting initiatives in 2017 including our leadership role as Director of the Workforce Investment Board’s One-Stop Operation. Pam LaRosa was hired to be the Director of the One-Stop Workforce Operation and she’s available to help with your workforce needs-give her a call! JoAnn was also appointed by the Governor to serve as Chair of the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission (CETC). CETC provides workforce-related policy and planning guidance to the Governor and the General Assembly and promotes coordination of the state’s workforce-related investments, strategies and programs.

Our collaborations grew stronger this year. We’re working closely with the Northwest Hills Council of Governments on this year’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. We continue to work with Northwestern CT Community College and are thrilled to be holding a Business After Hours there in February.

Our SCORE Chapter and Northwestern CT Community College’s Entrepreneurial Center held some wonderful seminars to help business owners last year and there are more to come in 2018 including “Cyber Security for Small Business” and “Marketing in the Digital Era”, both in January. Check out our calendar for the dates and sign up. We also launched the Learn at Lunch educational series. Topics such as social media marketing and business property taxes were covered.

Our affiliation with the Burlington Chamber has brought many new faces to our events and we’ve been happy to hold events in their town. We also continue to work with the business organizations in our region including Litchfield Area Business Association, New Hartford’s Business Council, Friends of Main Street in Winsted, and assisting in the formation of the business organization in Harwinton.

One of our biggest collaborations last year was as the co-lead with the City of Torrington on the Boston Federal Reserve Working Cities Challenge. The grant has been submitted and the next step is a presentation to the jury representing the Boston Federal Reserve on January 18th. We’ll keep you posted.

We had some very successful events in 2017 including a brand new initiative, Over the Edge, which was held in September at Torrington Towers. Prime Time House, the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council and the Chamber Education Foundation collaborated to make the event daring and fun! Our own JoAnn Ryan repelled down 14 stories while her family watched on with baited breath. The theme of our WOW! Forum this year was the “Beauty of Business” and the lineup of speakers included Linda McMahon, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration; Jahana Hayes, 2016 National Teacher of the Year; Tim Quinn, celebrity makeup artist; our own Pam Pinto, Owner of Act Natural Health and Wellness in Torrington, and more. The professional women’s conference left attendees motivated and energized. Our annual Torrington House Tour, in partnership with the Torrington Historical Society, featured six gorgeous homes and one exquisite garden. Attendees were left in awe of the wonderful history found right here in Torrington. We’re already working on the houses for the 2018 tour. If you have suggestions, let us know. Another new event, the Great Giveaway Business Expo, held in June at Chatterley’s Banquet Facility, exceeded our expectations. We’re excited to announce the date for this year’s Expo - Thursday, May 17th. Mark your calendars and plan to attend!

As always, the Chamber committees continue to work together to make Northwest Connecticut a better place to live and conduct business. Our Government Relations Committee continues to fight for pro-business legislation. Chamber Peer Groups, including the Health Council, Manufacturers’ Coalition and Insurance Committee work together to address industry specific topics. Our Membership Committee has re-organized, focusing on the roles of Ambassadors, Hospitality, Marketing & Communication and Community Representatives. The leaders of the Chamber, our Board of Directors, continue to work to make your Chamber the premier business organization in the northwest corner.

Some words of wisdom as we begin a new year. Always ask if there is a better way to build on the positive rather than challenges. Measure the value of actions in terms of service, rather than benefit to self. Life is short. Let us all resolve to make it healthy, happy and worthwhile.

Happy 2018 to you all!

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Check out our website at www.nwctchamberofcommerce.org for more Chamber happenings. *This institution is an equal opportunity provider*