View in pdf - Brookfield Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
View in pdf - Brookfield Chamber of Commerce
InnerChamber Winter 2011/2012 The Quarterly Newsletter of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Congratulations to our newly elected Board of Selectmen: George Walker, First Selectman Bill Davidson, Selectman Howard Lasser. In This Issue President’s Corner P.3 Editor ’s Note P.4 Jodi Rell Luncheon P.4 Brookfield Craft Center P.5 Chamber Events P.6 New Members P.6 Archer Engineering Company P.7 Member Profiles P.8 Commercial Real Estate P.12 Best of Brookfield P.4 Annual Gala P.4 Selectmen Focus on Four Corners Development Our Chamber considers the development of the Four Corners vital to the economic growth of Brookfield so we asked each selectman what they feel are the most important issues in moving forward. The number one issue, they all agreed, is to produce a template or consensus, which would act as a guide for a developer, that meets the expectations of the residents. “Working with a consultant to draw up a plan that embodies all of this – a vital residential and commercial economic area with the right design and feel, pedestrian friendly with shops and restaurants that is a magnet for people to go – is the first step.” said Bill Davidson. “ Getting the embryo development going and “finding a White Knight” initial investor plus an Anchor Tennant would start the momentum building,” added George Walker. “The second step is to go out and actively market this vision to developers. We need to identify what impediments there might be in the new plan. For example, more fancy restaurants and pastry shops might be needed so that people choose the Town Center as a destination.” The First Selectman emphasized the recent zoning change to the Town Center district making it more economically feasible for a developer. An Economic Development Corporation that could act as a funding mechanism for a developer, if necessary, has been discussed, which has the added bonus of making sure that the vision is being met. Identifying the Four Corners on the Super Seven Highway with appropriate signage – gas, restaurants hotels - is a priority for George Walker. “The merchants requested it from the state but it turns out that all continued on page 13 2 www.brookfieldchamber.org Presidents Corner Dear Chamber Members, As 2011 comes to a close, I would like to take a few minutes to thank all of our members for a wonderful year. Along the way, we have formed many strong relationships and we are proud to share all of our business partners with all of our members and our members to be. I know many of you have taken advantage of our networking events throughout the year, but for those of you have not been able to attend some of the many exciting events, I personally invite you to join us. I am excited to be associated with such a group of thoughtful and motivated people. Chamber Members continuously stepped up to the plate by serving on Chamber Committees, facilitating Seminars, Lunch & Learns, and many other projects, all which contributed to making the Brookfield Business Community and the Brookfield Chamber the success it is today. As we look forward to 2012, take time to review each of your own successes and challenges for 2011 and learn from them. A few things each of you may want to review are: get you financial books in order; examine your financial documents; reconcile your cash flow statement; update your business plan; review your contact information both written and electronic; review your website; complete your annual tax filing; re-evaluate your goals from 2011 and set your goals for 2012. The Chamber Nominating Committee will be working on interviewing potential new Board Members and new Officers of the Board during the next month. In addition, each year the Chamber Board looks back at its goals and challenges as well, and goes through a formal strategic planning session, reviewing their strength and weaknesses and what the focus will be for 2012. If any of you need help with your own annual “housekeeping” please refer to our new Chamber Directory which was just released at the Best of Brookfield. In closing, as always, the Board and I would like to have your input about our Chamber. Please email you ideas and suggestion to Susan Murphy, our Executive Director. Remember, this is your Chamber. I wish you every success, Linda L Wagner, President, Brookfield Chamber of Commerce AVP, Savings Bank of Danbury Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors PRESIDENT LINDA WAGNER Savings Bank of Danbury 203-775-5288 EVENTS COMMITTEE REBECCA LOLLIE - CHAIR Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 203-798-3874 VICE PRESIDENT JACQUELINE A. SALAME Tour de Force Designs LLC 203-775-2538 EVENTS COMMITTEE STEVEN SILVER Yankee Pennysaver 203-775-9122 TREASURER RICHARD STARKINS Charter Oak Financial 203-775-4555 FINANCE COMMITTEE CHRIS WALLS Walls Law Group 203-403-2410 ECONOMIC EXPANSION MICHAEL "MICK" CONSALVO Tower Realty Corp. 203-775-5000 HON.DAVID SCRIBNER 203-775-0766 David.scribner@cga.ct.gov ECONOMIC EXPANSION JOAN LOCKE Town of Brookfield 203-775-7313 MARKETING COMMITTEE JOE GARZI - CHAIR Southridge Technology 203-431-8324 MARKETING COMMITTEE PATTY KANE Cumulus Media Danbury/I95/Y105/ESPN 203-775-1212 Ext 20 NOMINATING COMMITTEE GEORGE HOPE Energy Conservation Consulting 203-775-6590 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE LINDA McCAFFREY - CHAIR McCaffrey Realty Professionals 203-775-3634 Ext.102 NOMINATING COMMITTEE MARIE MISZEWSKI - CHAIR Regional YMCA of Western CT 203-740-3432 NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARLIE HARRISON Warwick Insurance Agency 203-775-2564 246 Federal Road, Suite D-15 Brookfield, CT 06804 203-775-8282 Brookfield Chamber of Commerce 3 Editor’s Notes The Fall edition of the Inner Chamber was received with great accolades as it was sent to all business owners in Brookfield as well as to the Chamber Members. Hopefully we will duplicate this circulation at least once a year. Many new applications for membership into the Chamber were received as a result of this effort. This was a huge undertaking and a special thank you goes out to Joe Rocky of McCaffrey Realty for reformatting a monumental mailing list, to Tom Joseph of Integrity Printing for coordinating this effort and to our Graphic Designer, Robin Dann of Studio-g for the layout of the oversized edition. This month our focus is on the development of the Four Corners in Brookfield. Most of the featured businesses are located in that area of town. The Chamber hopes that this project stays a priority of the elected officials of the Town of Brookfield as it will enhance the character of our community as well as add to a robust business tax base for town projects. 4 Hon. Jodi Rell Visits the Brookfield Chamber The former Governor of Connecticut, Hon. M. Jodi Rell visited a joint session of the Brookfield, Bethel and Newtown Chambers at a recent luncheon held at the Fox Hill Inn in Brookfield. The large and appreciative group was treated to antidotes of how Ms. Rell first learned about her appointment from Lt. Governor to Governor and how it affected her family. A resident of Brookfield for many years, Ms. Rell is now enjoying her role as parent and grandparent. Answering questions from those present, she noted that only accepting invitations for those events that she really wanted to do and prioritizing helped her balance her life while in office. The Brookfield Chamber Board of Directors with Jodi Rell InnerChamber 246 Federal Road, Suite D-15, Brookfield, CT 06804 Editors: Rich Starkins Charter Oak Financial Linda McCaffrey McCaffrey Realty Professionals Graphic Editor: Jacqueline Salame Tour de Force Designs, LLC Graphic Design: Robin M. Dann Studio-g, Creative Design & Marketing Services Photography: Dee Harris Dee Harris Photography Linda McCaffrey www.brookfieldchamber.org Printer: Integrity Printing, Brookfield Writers: Mick Consalvo Judith Pennnington Linda McCaffrey Valerie Maitland-Smith Rich Starkins InnerChamber contributed photo Brookfield Craft Center’s 36th Annual Holiday Sale Opens November 5th The Gallery set up for the Annual Holiday Sale. Since its reopening in October 2010, Brookfield Craft Center has made great strides toward reclaiming its position as a nationally recognized school for fine craft. Even with a well-deserved national reputation, the foundation of the Craft Center has always been the local community. The organization has been a fixture in Brookfield for 57 years, supporting the creative aspirations of residents as well as attracting out-oftown visitors who regularly take advantage of the unique classes that are offered year round. Students of all skill levels have explored workshops in both contemporary and traditional blacksmithing, bladesmithing, ceramics, fused glass, lampworking, jewelry-making, woodturning, weaving and fiber arts. Other areas of special interest offered by the Craft Center have included professional development, design, decorative arts, drawing and painting. As a not-for-profit school, the Craft Center relies on fundraising to support its education programs and also provide income for teaching and exhibiting artists. This year marks the Craft Center's 36th Annual Holiday Sale, the organization's primary fundraiser, which features the work of 140 talented artists, 48 of whom are new to the Craft Center. There are literally thousands of pieces of affordable fine craft, all juried and handmade in America. Typically, the sale draws customers from throughout the Northeast. The work is in a variety of media... from glass to steel, paper to pottery and wood to woven fiber. There are spectacular seasonal ornaments, An historic landmark at the Four Corners in Brookfield, the old red mill is home to several of the Craft Center’s studios. jewelry, functional and fine art, and sculptural objects. The Holiday Sale runs from November 5th through December 24th. Holiday Sale Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11 - 6, Saturday 10 - 5, Sunday 12 - 5. Open daily in December. Wood Turning, one of the many educational activities at Brookfield Craft center Brookfield Chamber of Commerce 5 InnerChamber Welcome to our New Members Events Background Investigations/ Security Consulting January 11 Baker St. Associates Al Sparaco Lunch & Learn “The Power to Change your Life” Marios Pasta Garden 12 noon – 2:00 PM Presented by: Stephanie Dalfonzo owner of Danbury Hypnosis January 18 Business Gathering Business and Sales Consulting Landscaping Supply Wholesale Loft Consulting, LLC Nery Leal Gray’s Bridge Farm & Earth Products Brendon Southard Optometry Practice 203 Gray’s Bridge Road Brookfield, CT 06804 203-775-2703 graybridge@aol.com 246 Federal Road, Suite C-12 Brookfield, CT 06804 203-775-1209 pschramm18@yahoo.com Limousine Service Real Estate Kee Limousine & I’ll Drive Livery Service Kirk Englund Kevin McCaffrey McCaffrey Realty Professionals 69 Grandview Drive Ridgefield, CT 06877 203-858-9673 neryleal@loftconsultingllc.com January 25 Positively Speaking LLC Scott Farrell February 15 Business Gathering 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM March 10 Chamber’s Annual Dinner Dance Gala Candlewood Inn, Brookfield 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Women’s Club of Brookfield Cathy Nielsen Karin Symington 10 Winding Road Brookfield, CT 06804 203-240-9607 Osgoodconstruction@ gmail.com Business and Sales Consulting Franco’s Restaurant, Brookfield 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Non-Profit Osgood Construction Drew Osgood PO Box 5091 Brookfield, CT 06804 203-775-1200 Bakerst1@earthlink.net 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Chamber’s Annual Meeting & First Selectman’s Breakfast Home Improvement 13 South Lake Shore Drive Brookfield, CT 06804 203-313-9034 Scott.Farrell@ positivelyspeaking.com 44 Old State Road New Milford, CT 06776 860-355-4509 Kenglund@keelimo.com Manfacturing Comcast Spotlight Eugene Petrillo Pharmco Products, Inc. Dayne Gomes 765 Straits Turnpike Middlebury, CT 06762 203-527-3633 Eugene_Petrillo@cable. comcast.com 58 Vale Road Brookfield, CT 06804 203-740-5021 D.Gomes@pharmcoaaper.com Medical and Dental Insurance BMW of Ridgefield Joanie Howard 746 Danbury Road Ridgefield, CT 06877 203-438-0471 jhoward@bmwofridgefield.com Greenfield Insurance Agency Marty Greenfield 5 Eustis Avenue Danbury, CT 06811 203-470-0310 MHGreenfield@hotmail.com Non-Profit March 21 Business Gathering 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM April 18 Business Gathering Chocolate Candy Emalyn Sweets Linda Sparaco PO Box 5091 Brookfield, CT 06804 203-775-1592 Emalyn.sweets@earthlink.net Brookfield Vision Care, LLC Pamela Schramm 246 Federal Road Brookfield, CT 06804 203-994-7391 Kevin@mccaffrey-realty.com Retail Cable Advertising Car Dealership PO Box 18 Brookfield, CT 06804 203-775-4452 203-775-3115 cathynielsen@earthlink.net kdsymington@netscape.net Ability Beyond Disability Kevin Bielmeier 4 Berkshire Blvd. Bethel, CT 06801 203-826-3027 Kevin.bielmeier@ abilitybeyonddisability.org Harbor Freight Tools Michael Adams 99 Federal Road Brookfield, CT 06804 203-740-0956 www.harborfreighttools.com Retail Natural Light Shop Laura LoFromento 73 North Lake Shore Drive Brookfield, CT 06804 203-417-3689 naturallightshop@gmail.com Waste Removal All American Waste Patty Oberg 182 Danbury Road New Milford, CT 06776 860-355-4386 Poberg@aawllc.com 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Toot Your Own Horn! Harbor Freight Tools, discount tool retailer, has opened a store at 99 Federal Road in Brookfield. Harbor Freight Tools operates more than 350 stores in 45 states. For information, visit www.harborfreight.com. Welcome to our new Chamber member. Southridge Technology Group, an information technology provider in Ridgefield and Brookfield, has been ranked by Inc. Magazine in its exclusive ranking of America's fastest growing private companies. The ranking places Southridge Technology Group, LLC at number 511 in informaton technology services and number 48 among the fastest growing private companies in Connecticut. Union Savings Bank will be sponsoring one of the benches at the new Kids Kingdom at the Brookfield Town Hall. 6 www.brookfieldchamber.org InnerChamber contributed photo Archer Engineering Company The Archer Engineering Company, located in Brookfield, is a full service structural engineering firm celebrating its 20th year. Kevin Archer, P.E. started the firm in 1991 after gaining experience working for firms in Washington, DC and New Canaan, CT. The dedicated and professional staff at Archer Engineering specializes in providing structural engineering for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional projects. Their clients include architects, builders, developers and individual home owners. “We approach each project at Archer Engineering in the same manner – we are solving structural problems in cost effective, buildable ways. We break the structure down to something that is simple and buildable, and this usually results in efficient and cost effective construction.” Kevin became interested in engineering while studying architecture in college. He was intrigued by the entry level structural courses that were offered to architects so he added civil engineering as a double major. After graduating with degrees in both architecture and civil engineering, he focused solely on structural engineering in graduate school. “I have found that my architectural background provides me with a better understanding of the needs and design goals of my clients.” Archer Engineering has worked on a wide variety of residential projects that have ranged from small remodels and additions to new construction of high end estates. Although their work is mainly concentrated in Connecticut and New York, they have designed projects in other Northeast locations such as the coast of Rhode Island, the Massachusetts hills, the Adirondack lakes, and the Pocono Mountains. Some homes Kevin Acher, President of Archer Engineering have included such lavish amenities as; indoor tennis courts, basketball courts, pools, theatres complete with stage, curtains and light rigging, even a basement level hockey rink! No matter the size or complexity of the project, Archer Engineering strives to accomplish the vision of the architect and the dreams of the home owner while making the structure disappear behind the sheetrock and plaster. Many commercial, institutional, and industrial projects have also been designed by Archer Engineering. A few recent projects have included: a new church complex with offices, classrooms and a day care center, the conversion of a residential building to a “Science House” with classrooms and laboratories at a private school, a new timber framed manufacturing building, and the repair of a subgrade parking structure below a 7 story hotel. “We approach each project at Archer Engineering in the same manner – we are solving structural problems in cost effective, buildable ways. We break the structure down to something that is simple and buildable, and this usually results in efficient and cost effective construction.” Archer Engineering also provides inspections and reports, investigations, and expert witness testimony. “In addition to solving the problem at hand, this gives us the opportunity to see how other design professionals and builders approach problems and allows us to learn and improve upon our work.”The Archer Engineering Company is located just off Federal Road near “the Four Corners” at 40 Laurel Hill Road. Feel free to contact Kevin Archer directly to discuss your potential project or questions at (203) 775-5673 or Kevin.AEC@charter.net. Brookfield Chamber of Commerce 7 Member Profiles Shay Miller Branch Manager Union Savings Bank “It’s good to get up and go to work!” Shay Miller says when I ask her about her job. “Big enough to help you and small enough to know you” is more than an ad campaign at Union Savings – it’s a statement about who they are and how they run their business. “It’s a family here. We want our customers to feel at home and get all the services they need in a place where they are known and valued.” Union Savings supports many local causes, including the Brookfield High School graduation party, yearbook, and sports teams; Newcomers and Neighbors, Healing Hearts and Concerts in the Park, just to name a few. When Shay isn’t helping her customers, she loves to read, especially mystery thrillers, and spend time with her family. If you’re thinking about making a change in your banking relationship, why not give Shay a call today and check out the Union Savings difference. Union Savings Bank, Four Corners 828 Federal Road Brookfield, CT 06804 (203)740-3007 smiller@unionsavings.com Mike Smith Secure Eco-Shred “Protecting your business and the environment.” Mike Smith knows a good opportunity 8 www.brookfieldchamber.org when he sees one. Six years ago he brought Secure Eco-Shred to Brookfield and has grown his business every day since. His unique security service shreds sensitive documents in his trucks onsite and 100% of the shredded material is recycled. So – he achieves two objectives for his clients – protection of privacy and a green solution. They offer services to accommodate on-going or periodic shredding needs. “For every ton of paper we shred, we save 21 trees. And our clients care about that.” Secure EcoShred has achieved the coveted National Association of Information Destruction (NAID) AAA Certification, the highest in the industry, for their secure services. A former golf pro, Mike enjoys golfing, attending rock concerts and restoring classic cars with his daughter. Secure Eco-Shred 5C Delmar Drive Brookfield, CT 06804 (203)775-4500 SecureEcoShred.com Judith Pennington, MBA, AAMS® Financial Advisor I help business owners and families build and preserve their wealth using customized investment strategies. There’s so much information out there and many do not know what to do. I help guide my clients toward their goals and filter out the information that does not apply. We decide and act together and don’t spend a lot of time worrying. Most of my clients are focused on funding college for their children and helping to create retirement income. They want a solid plan that’s easy to understand and is designed to help achieve their goals. I develop close relationships with my clients and stay in touch. “I’m in a helping profession and it’s a privilege that people let me into their lives. It’s very satisfying work.” If you’re thinking about a second opinion on your portfolio, why not give me a call today. Financial Advisor Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC 93 Lake Avenue, Suite 202 Danbury, Connecticut 06810 (203)744-6000, x344 home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/ Judith.Pennington James Joseph Village Liquor Shoppe James Joseph bought the Village Liquor Shoppe 2 years ago and has built an extensive wine collection, featuring wines from France, Spain, South America, California, and Australia. “My customers are looking for blended wines, and something a little different that they can share with friends,” explains James. “We offer value, as all wines are brand names, high quality, and sold at the state minimum price. We are the local alternative with personalized service.” In addition, he carries local wines, including DiGrazia Vineyards, and has champagne and sparkling wines for the season. James is conveniently located at Four Corners and welcomes you to come on in and let him help you select something special for the holidays. Village Liquor Shoppe 850 Federal Road Brookfield, CT 06804 (203)775-0443 InnerChamber Dennis Stone Charter Group Named “Connecticut’s Best Active Adult Community,” Newbury Village just north of Four Corners is Dennis Stone’s crown jewel of beautiful, carefree living. He has attracted homeowners from far and wide to these spacious townhomes and coach homes for their attractive location, energy efficiency, open floor plans, pool, clubhouse, and walking trails. Dennis was educated as a Civil Engineer at Lehigh University and soon followed his passion of home building by starting his own business in Brookfield in 1978. Even then, his customdesigned homes were leading edge with open floor plans, energy efficiencies, and air conditioning and he stills builds for harmonious living. If you \have family who want to be closer, or you want to trade in mowing the grass and shoveling, give Dennis a call today to tour his premier homes or discuss building a new one designed just for you. Charter Group 246 Federal Road Brookfield, CT 06804 (203)775-4333 DennisStone@charterbuilt.com Brendan Froehlich Attorney “I wanted to help people,” commented Brendan Froehlich when asked why he decided on a career in law. A graduate of Boston College and the Widner School of Law, Brendan has been a resident of Brookfield since he was 5 years old. He and his wife Katie love the Brookfield community and have made it their permanent home along with 18 month old son Owen. Attorney Froehlich specializes in Elder Law, Estate Planning as well as Residential and Commercial Real Estate. Recently, Brendan moved his practice to the conveniently located Landmark Building. Giving back to the community, he currently serves the Town of Brookfield as a member of the Brookfield Housing Authority and is a Zoning Hearing Officer. Echoing his love of baseball, Brendan also serves on the Board of Directors of the Danbury Westerners, a summer collegiate league. Brendan says his strengths are compassion, commitment and willingness to really get to know his clients so that he can best service their needs. Attorney 2 Old New Milford Road, Suite 2F Brookfield, CT 06804 (203)775-2100 Angelo DaCunha Brookfield Cleaners & Tailors Angelo DaCunha has been serving the dry cleaning, expert tailoring, and formal wear rental needs of Brookfield and area communities for 26 years. Anyone here in town with a son has probably rented a tux for the high school prom. This is a family business, with all work done right on the premises. Dry cleaning brought in before 9:30 will be ready that afternoon. The tailoring services include resizing garments, hemming, zippers, and general repair. The formalwear rental is unique in that Angelo owns the tuxedos, so a gentleman always knows exactly what he is getting and how it fits. The formalwear is appropriate for proms, weddings, cruises, and any other black tie event. So if you are looking for personalized services in a hometown business, visit Angelo’s website for a complete listing of services and you’ll even find a coupon. Brookfield Cleaners & Tailors 770 Federal Road Brookfield, CT 06804 (203)775-6183 www.brookfieldcleaners.com Amy Farley Fun Factor Amy Farley has owned Fun Factor for 14 months and loves it. She had visited with her own children and enjoyed it. “It’s a happy place! Kids are happy, parents are happy, and everyone goes home happy. What’s not to like!” Fun Factor is an indoor activity center featuring inflatable bounce houses with an emphasis on safe fun and exercise. Catering to children up to age 12, they offer birthday parties, walk in play, special events, fund raisers, and activities for campers and sports groups. A basic birthday party includes an hour of free play, a private party with a party host, all invitations, paper goods, and drinks, and then more free play. They can provide pizza as well for your group. With winter upon us, you may want to think about giving Fun Factor a try for your own family! Fun Factor 1106 Federal Road Brookfield, CT 06804 www.funfactorbf.com (203)546-8470 Brookfield Chamber of Commerce 9 10 www.brookfieldchamber.org InnerChamber Commercial Real Estate Round Up Our commercial real estate market in the Brookfield area is summarized by the famous words of head coach Hank Stram of the 1969 Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs “keep matriculating the ball down the field boys!” 2012...Make 2012...Make this this the the year you resolve to... to... Quit Smoking Smoking For Life! Group and Corporate Corporate Programs Programs Individual, Individual, Group Available with Health A vailable with Health & Wellness Wellness Specialist, Specialist, Stephanie e Dalfonzo. Stephani Dalfonzo. Danbury Danbury Hypnosis Rapid Rapid Results Results - Lasting Lasting Changes Changes The lease rates and sale prices have come down and our transactions take many more months to complete but overall our area continues to see new commercial activity. For information call (203) 797-9288 Costco is moving forward with a 15,000 square foot addition and adding a gas station to their site on Federal Road. The BJs project at southern Route 7 should begin next spring. In January a 65,000 square foot indoor Go Cart facility will be opening at Silvermine Road. Harbor Freight Tools has opened a +/- 14,000 sq. ft. store at Federal Road. The addition of new water and sewer lines coming down Route 7 will also encourage future development along Route 7. The town of Brookfield also continues to explore options to redevelop the “Four Corners” into a true Village Center. All in all, not bad activity for the area as compared to other parts of the country. Mick Consalvo, Vice President, Tower Realty Corp.– mconsalvo@towercorp.com Committee Chair for the Brookfield Chamber Economic Expansion Committee New England Environmental Tank Services, Inc Patrick Beccaria, President 458 Danbury Raod, Unit A16 New Milford, CT 06776 ph: 860-354-0500 Fx: 860-354-0046 NETanksyou@aol.com Fuel Tank Removal Installations Site Remediation Consulting Brookfield Chamber of Commerce 11 The sixth annual Best of Brookfield Trade Show boasted a new venue. The Candlewood Inn was chosen this year as the host so that all exhibits could be on one floor and parking could be improved. Forty three vendors were on hand to greet the public and other Chamber Members. The purpose of this event is to highlight local businesses and nonprofit groups who are members of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce. The Brookfield schools were also highlighted as the robotics team gave demonstrations and the students from DECA (The Marketing Club also from Brookfield High School) assisted throughout the day. Dee Harris Photography Best of Brookfield From banks to jewelry the diversity of the exhibitors was interesting. Guest enjoyed plentiful refreshments from the terrace overlooking Candlewood Lake. The committee headed by Linda Wagner (Savings Bank of Danbury) and Sandy Cerveira (Newtown Savings Bank) did a wonderful job. Platinum Sponsors for this year’s event included Manoni Chiropractic, Webster Bank, Newtown Savings and Savings Bank of Danbury. Photos by Dee Harris Photography 12 www.brookfieldchamber.org Four Corners...continued expenses would be the responsibility of the merchants.” explained Walker. “Why is it that the State can find funds to “save the turtles” but not a dime to help our merchants?” He vows to work with the State and the merchants to achieve the signage. When asked what their main goal is during the next two years the replies were diverse. The First Selectman means to continue meeting community needs by taking care of what Brookfield already has, - roads, the Town Beach and Cadigan Park. “We need a Plan for the future that is economically viable, which while respecting the tax dollar, tackles the funding for the future,” he said. George Walker is a believer in zero based budgeting and expects to hold the line on spending and taxes. “My intent is to review every line item and squeeze the most we can from the budget,” he said. “I will not support niceties which are not required.” Making sure that government is in line with what the people of Brookfield want is the top priority for Howard Lasser. “We need a sustainable business model to get our hands around the funding needed to consistently sustain our assets; a plan that is not subject to the vagaries of the political process and takes everything into consideration.” he said. Save the Date! Plans are now underway for the Chamber’s 2012 Gala Dinner Dance to be held on Saturday, March 10th, 2012 at the Candlewood Inn. An Evening In Paradise will be the theme for this spotlight event which include Bock and Blu, who will once again serenade the attendees. The evening celebrates tropical fun in the sun. Flip flops and sunglasses will be provided for all. The evening priced at $95/person will include dinner, dancing, a silent auction, open bar and our traditional grand prize. Sponsorship opportunities are available to promote your business at this well attended event. Watch for more information from the Chamber office. An Evening In Paradise March 10, 2012 Innovative & creative design solutions to fit every budget! It’s our business to make your business look good! Finally they agreed that the national economy is their biggest impediment but feel confident that they can all work together to get things done in Brookfield. Contributing Writer, Valerie Maitland-Smith 4 A memory you your Story Through Photos & Video Photos, Films, Slides & More, Transformed Into Your Own Unique Movie! Birthdays Graduations Weddings Family Holidays amemory4you.com Vacations Bat Mitzvahs 203-733-5202 sgialo@amemory4you.com Brookfield Chamber of Commerce 13 Events A full table enjoys Jodi Rell’s presentation. Linda Wagner, Chamber President, of Savings Bank of Danbury hosted the October Gathering at Panchos and Gringos. Bethel Visiting Nurse Association Inc. Serving Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown and Redding 203-792-0864 70 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT www.Bethelvna.org Office: 203-775-2564 Home: 860-354-2553 warwickagency.com 1087 Federal Road Suite 9 PO Box 26 Brookfield, CT 06804 Now in Arizona LEARN, GROW, THRIVE Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut Membership Greenknoll YMCA 2 Huckleberry Hill Road Brookfield, CT 06804 (P) 203 775 4444 School Age Child Care Greenknoll School Age Program 60 Old New Milford Road Brookfield, CT 06804 (P) 203 775 4444 ext. 103 www.regionalymca.org 14 www.brookfieldchamber.org Big enough to help me. Small enough to know me. “Union Savings Bank has the products and services to support my business, even as it grows. Plus, they’re my local community bank.” Partner with Union Savings Bank for your business banking needs. s #ASH-ANAGEMENT s #OMMERCIAL,OANS s #OMMERCIAL-ORTGAGES s $EPOSIT0RODUCTS s %LECTRONIC"ANKING s %QUIPMENT,EASING s (EALTH3AVINGS!CCOUNTS s ,INESOF#REDIT s -ERCHANT#REDIT#ARD0ROCESSING s 2EMOTE$EPOSIT s 6ISA®#HECK#ARD !NDMORE unionsavings.com 203.830.4200 866.872.1866 -%-"%2&$)# Brookfield Chamber of Commerce 15 NonProfit Org U.S. Postage 246 Federal Road, Suite D-15 Brookfield, CT 06804 P A I D Brookfield, CT Permit No. 21 Our Brookfield Team Extends Their Our Best Wishes for a Joyous Holiday Season Season...... (L) Linda Wagner, agner,, Branch Manager/AVP; agner anager/A ; (R) M Maria Bahia, ahia, Branch anch Op Operations Manager anager ....and a Peaceful and Happy New Year 154 Federal Road 203-775-5288 SBDanbury.com SBDanbury .com