Greater Valley Chamber Events Newswire

Valley Business Network (VBN) 10/2/2024 7:45 AM - 10/2/2024 9:15 AM

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 13:24:27 GMT

This group is meeting in-person and is also offering a link to join the meeting virtually if you prefer.

Coffee & General Networking: 7:45 am - 8:00 am; Meeting starts promptly at 8:00 am.

To register to attend: please contact the Chamber Staff facilitator.

Valley Business Network is a category-exclusive networking group that meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. VBN members represent a variety of industries and professions. The group's objective is to be a forum for relationship building with the goal of helping members to grow their networks. Additionally, VBN helps members become more informed business people, by sharing their expertise and learning from educational presentations provided by members and guest speakers.

Visitors are welcome. For more information on this Business Referral Group contact the Chamber today.

Please note:
Greater Valley Chamber membership is required to belong to this referral group.
VBN membership is by application and acceptance of the Advisory Board. There is a separate yearly membership fee due upon acceptance.

Meeting times/days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc.
Snow Policy: If Shelton schools are cancelled or delayed, the meeting will be held virtually.

TIED Council Monthy Meeting 10/3/2024 8:15 AM - 10/3/2024 9:15 AM

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 12:38:32 GMT

Topic:
Presenter:

The TIED Council was developed to serve as resource of trusted advisors. It is a way to help bring an understanding of how technology can enhance business - and that is not as scary as it may seem. It is a forum for collaboration and innovation for Valley technology leaders as well as a way to bring awareness to local resources providing support, answers, education, development, and information in the technology fields. (TIED is an acronym for Technology, Innovation, Education and Development). The TIED Council coordinates regular informative seminars on technology issues affecting area businesses.

Compromised of individuals and companies including but not limited to; Cyber Security, Computer networking, Computer productivity, data usage, internet presence, social media, software training, data analytics and those not in the industry but interested in learning.

The council meets on the first Thursday of each month at 8:15 AM. Membership in the Greater Valley Chamber is required for membership in the group; however, anyone is welcome to come to any meeting to learn more about the group or about the topic of the month.

(Meeting times/days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc. Snow Policy: If Shelton schools are cancelled, or delayed, the meeting will be held virtually.)

Chamber Coffee Chat: An Introduction to Your Chamber 10/4/2024 8:30 AM - 10/4/2024 9:45 AM

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:07:56 GMT

Join us in person for our Introduction to the Chamber!

This event offers new, existing, and potential members an opportunity to make connections with other Chamber members and staff as we provide an overview of the various tools available to your organization. Register today to join us for this special open house.

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce is the voice of our business community and the premier business membership organization in the region. Each year, your Chamber helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses, professionals lead their organizations, and community leaders expand their reach in support of a vibrant business environment and a thriving local economy that benefits everyone.

As a Chamber member, you have access to a host of events and programs that will help you grow your business. Your Chamber membership provides you with cost-saving resources, valuable networking opportunities, and a chance to develop your business skills.

In addition, learn how we promote and serve the Valley business community and your individual business through policy work, advocacy, and partnerships. Your membership is an important investment in the future of our community and your business.

Please join the Staff and Ambassadors of the Greater Valley Chamber for this FREE event.

WIN PowHERful Conversations: Breaking Barriers 10/8/2024 8:00 AM - 10/8/2024 10:00 AM

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:27:41 GMT

Advance registration for this event has closed. There is limited seating available. Please email us to confirm.

Please join us for an exciting morning featuring a lively panel discussion for this special Annual WIN Council Event that benefits their Entrepreneurial Grant Program for women-owned businesses based in the six #ValleyCT communities that we serve (Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour & Shelton).

8:00 am - 8:45 am: Check-in, Networking, Buffet Breakfast

8:45 am: Program/Panel Conversation

The program features an informal panel discussion with a distinguished group of women business and community leaders from our region. In addition to the great inspiration from our panelists and networking, your reservation includes breakfast, entry in to the door prize drawing,10 raffle tickets and fun swag. Additional raffle tickets available for purchase.

The 2024 Panelists are:
Valeria Bisceglia, Education & Training Programs Advisor, Connecticut Small Business Development Center
Jordan Buchla, Doctor of Nursing Practice, 2x Powerlifting World Record Holder
Christiana Jones, Operations & Hospitality Director, Jones Family Farms / Jones Family Farms Winery
Clare Murray, Co-Founder and Executive Director, cARTie
Kristin Okesson, Senior VP and Market Manager, Connoisseur Media Connecticut
Emcee: Kathy Vass, CT Wedding Officiant, Owner, Ever After Ceremonies

The WIN (Women In Networking) Council is comprised of a dynamic group of professional women and business owners from the Naugatuck River Valley region of Connecticut. This professional networking group meets monthly throughout the year to share best practices, build relationships, and support women-owned enterprises through their Entrepreneurial Grant Program.

Just think, networking, personal and professional development while you are supporting the WIN Entrepreneurial Grant Program. Now in its 20th year, the WIN Entrepreneurial Grant has supported the dreams of 84 women-owned businesses through grants and scholarships totaling over $78,000. The initial grant of $500 allowed a young massage therapist to purchase a credit card machine to allow for safer transactions with her clients. Since that time, the program has supported the purchases of items such as commercial grade mixers, refrigerators and computer equipment to assistance with marketing campaigns, industry certifications and scholarships to WBDC training sessions with past grants ranging in size from $500 to $2,400. Due to the members’ outstanding passion for philanthropy and helping others, in 2007 the Grant Committee established the WIN Entrepreneurial Grant Fund through the Valley Community Foundation to ensure it will continue for future generations.

Proceeds from PowHERful Conversations will be used to support the 2024 Grant Awards to be announced in December.

The Women In Networking (WIN) Council was formed as a way to share hurdles unique to women in business by providing a warm, friendly atmosphere that is supportive, educational & dynamic. Members are a mix of female entrepreneurs, business owners, and key players in B2B services. They meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month -- Coffee & Networking prior to the start of the meeting. Those looking succeed, achieve & prosper through sharing individual knowledge, skills and resources are welcome.

Seeds to Leads Networking Group 10/9/2024 7:45 AM - 10/9/2024 9:00 AM

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 13:30:14 GMT

This group is meeting in-person only.

To register to attend: please contact the Chamber Staff facilitator.

Seeds to Leads is a category exclusive networking group. Their group goals are to build trusting personal and professional relationships that lead to professional referrals and business success. S2L members hold one another accountable for the services they offer and the professional handling of their cross referrals so they all may continue to grow and prosper. Guest speakers visit to educate them on issues relevant to the times. They meet the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month.

Coffee & Informal Networking 7:45 am; Meeting starts promptly at 8:00 am.

Please note:
Greater Valley Chamber Membership is required.
Guests may attend a meeting prior to joining.
There is a separate application and fee for the networking group.
For more information on this Business Referral Group contact the Chamber today.

Meeting times/days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc.
Snow Policy: If Shelton schools are cancelled, or delayed, the meeting will be held virtually.

WIN Entrepreneurial Grant Due Date 10/11/2024 5:00 PM

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:02:16 GMT

The Women in Networking Entrepreneurial Grant program provides financial assistance to women 18 years of age or older whose business is located in the Greater Valley towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour or Shelton.

The money is intended as grant-in-aid for expenses to enhance the applicant’s current business or to start a business. The grant may be used for expenses such as equipment, marketing, or training/certification/recertification courses necessary to reach the applicant's business goals.

The applications of businesses who satisfy the criteria set forth above will be evaluated on a nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of race, national origin, religious affiliation or disability.

The minimum one-time grant is $500. Greater amounts may be awarded according to business needs and available funds. Some applicants may be awarded scholarships to WBDC valued at $300 and after completing the course will be eligible to apply for a grant again the following year. Finalists will be interviewed by the Grant Committee. If selected, a W9 will be required, prior to funds being distributed.

Recipients are invited to a one-year complimentary membership to the WIN Council and are expected to report their progress to the Grant Committee quarterly.

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, October 11, 2024. Click on the Related Website link for the application.
Grant recipient/s will be announced in early December 2024.

Valley Business Network (VBN) 10/16/2024 7:45 AM - 10/16/2024 9:15 AM

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 13:24:38 GMT

This group is meeting in-person and is also offering a link to join the meeting virtually if you prefer.

Coffee & General Networking: 7:45 am - 8:00 am; Meeting starts promptly at 8:00 am.

To register to attend: please contact the Chamber Staff facilitator.

Visitors are welcome. For more information on this Business Referral Group contact the Chamber today.

Meeting times/days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc.
Snow Policy: If Shelton schools are cancelled or delayed, the meeting will be held virtually.

Healthcare Council Monthly Meeting 10/18/2024 8:00 AM - 10/18/2024 9:15 AM

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 11:51:07 GMT

Please join us for our monthly meeting.

Topic: National Disability Awareness Month
Presenter: The Kennedy Collective

Anyone interested in learning more about the monthly topic is welcome to attend.

Coffee & informal networking 8:00 am; Meeting & program start promptly at 8:15 am; Online option doors will open at 8:10 am.

If you are planning to attend as a guest, please contact the Chamber to confirm the location and to help us with our planning.

Comprised of individuals and companies in the Healthcare Industry including medical, insurance and care services, the Healthcare Council is a committee of the Greater Valley Chamber with a purpose to educate members, the business community, consumers, and government representatives on ways to reduce employee absenteeism costs, increase worker productivity and reduce overall healthcare costs. The Healthcare Council meets the third Friday of each month.

Please note:
Membership in the Greater Valley Chamber is required to become a regular member of the group.
Additional annual fee applies. For more information on the Healthcare Council contact the Chamber today.

Meeting times/days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc. Snow Policy: If Shelton School are cancelled or delayed, the meeting will held virtually only.

The location for this event is currently listed as the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. If the registration exceeds room capacity we will be moving to another location.That information will be posted here on this event listing and on the Chamber's Facebook event listing.

Seeds to Leads Networking Group 10/23/2024 7:45 AM - 10/23/2024 9:00 AM

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 13:30:26 GMT

This group is meeting in-person only.

To register to attend: please contact the Chamber Staff facilitator.

Coffee & Informal Networking 7:45 am; Meeting starts promptly at 8:00 am.

Meeting times/days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc.
Snow Policy: If Shelton schools are cancelled, or delayed, the meeting will be held virtually.

SchmoozaPalooza 2.4 10/30/2024 2:00 PM - 10/30/2024 5:00 PM

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:10:25 GMT

Online Registration has now closed for this event.
But that's ok - Walk-ins are welcome. Be sure to stop by the registration desk, grab a name tag, drop your card in for the door prize drawing and enjoy the networking!

SchmoozaPalooza is back with lots of opportunities to network!

Brought to you in partnership by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, SchmoozaPalooza is all about business in action and making connections.

Join area business professionals as they gather for networking in a spacious exhibit area at SchmoozaPalooza. Bring your coworkers, clients and friends to preview the latest products and services from exhibitors in a fun and casual networking environment. The afternoon will also include music, fun door prize, giveaways and food tastings from some of the areas best restaurants, caterers and others.

New this year! National E-Waste will be on site collecting your old electronic equipment for secure and environmentally friendly disposal.

Fee to exhibit -- For more information and/or table reservation form: Click here for Exhibitor Registration Form Caterer? Restaurant? Bakery? Click here to be a Taste of the Show Exhibitor

Free to Attend
Exhibitors
Food Samples
Fun Door Prize
Secure Electronics Disposal
Music
Giveaways
Free Ample Parking

The online registration link is for attendees only.

PLEASE NOTE: EXIBITORS MUST FILL OUT SEPARATE APPLICATION FORM. Click here for Exhibitor Registration Form Caterer? Restaurant? Bakery? Click here to be a Taste of the Show Exhibitor

EXHIBITOR LIST as of 10/28/24 3:11 pm:

10X Business and Sales Training
Accavallo & Co CPAs
Advanced Computer Technologies
AFC Urgent Care
Affiliated Associates
Albertus Magnus College
Always Best Care
AssuredPartners Northeast
BBI Technologies
BHcare
Bridgeport Regional Business Council
BrightBooks
Champagne Inspection Services
Connecticut Business Systems / Xerox
Connecticut Institute of Finance
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Connoisseur Media
Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center
Corporate Mailing Services
Courtyard by Marriott Shelton, CT
Culpeo HR
Edward Jones
ENCON Heating & AC
Esskay Four Photo Booth Co
Fairfield County SCORE
Fairfield Theatre Company
Fitness & Pilates Wellness Center
Gardiner Associates
Grade A ShopRite of Shelton
Greater CT Youth Orchestras
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
Griffin Health Services
Hodson Realty
I95 Signs
ICE CREAM EMERGENCY
Ion Bank
Just Like Home
Koala Insulation of Southern Connecticut
Lincoln Culinary Institute
Live2Lead
loanDepot
Luxury Management
M&T Bank
Massaro Community Farm
Minuteman Press
Monroe Chamber of Commerce
Moss Garden Design
Munch Eatery
Mutual Security Credit Union
National Ewaste Services LLC
National Healthcare Associates
Newtown Savings Bank
Office of the State Comptroller MyCTSavings
Paychex
Peralta Design
Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers
Primary Health of Connecticut
Ray'z Lighting
ServPro of Shelton, Naugatuck
Sherwood Enterprises
Smile Dental Center
Sound Coaching
Spice Catering
State of Connecticut DECD - Small Business Boost Fund
Strive2LiveWell Physical Therapy & Wellness
Sunset Shores Adult Day Center
Tangible Analytics Consulting
TD BANK
TEAM, Inc.
The Center for Family Justice
The Children's Community Programs of CT
The Goddard School
The Kennedy Collective
The Schegg Group
The WorkPlace
Tonya Cremin, DO, PLLC
TrinityPoint Wealth
Trumbull Marriott Shelton
Twin Peaks Counseling
U.S. Small Business Administration
Union Savings Bank
Vitalcare of Shelton
Welcome Wagon
Wesley Village

Sponsors: Bold; Taste & Special Exhibitors: Italics

HR Council Monthly Meeting: Classifying Employees Under Revised FLSA Guidelines 10/31/2024 8:00 AM - 10/31/2024 9:00 AM

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 13:04:35 GMT

Topic: Classifying Employees Under the Revised FLSA Guidelines: Ensuring Compliance and Fairness in the Workplace"

Description: Join us for an essential seminar on the revised Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines, taking effect January 1st. This session will equip employers with the knowledge to accurately classify employees as exempt or non-exempt based on updated salary thresholds and job duties. We’ll explore the implications of these changes on compensation structures and the importance of thorough documentation. Attendees will gain practical insights into training HR personnel and management for compliance, ultimately fostering a fair workplace while minimizing legal risks. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared for the new guidelines!

Presenter: Sarah Pignatello, SHRM-CP, Director of Operations & HR, Vibrant Health

Please join us either in-person or virtually.

Coffee/Networking 7:45 am - 8:00 am; Program starts 8:00 am.

Open to all area businesses - owners, managers, HR professionals and those handling HR for their business and others interested in the monthly topic.

The goal of the Chamber's Human Resource Council is to highlight current trends and tools to attract and retain a talented workforce through education and leadership development. The HR Council provides an opportunity for business owners, managers, HR professionals and others handling HR to to keep up with the latest HR trends, gain more knowledge, and meet and connect with your peers. They meet the last Thursday of every month.

Membership in the Greater Valley Chamber is required for membership in the group; however, anyone is welcome to come to any meeting to learn more about the group or about the topic of the month.

(Meeting times/days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc. Snow Policy: If Shelton schools are cancelled, or delayed, the meeting will be held virtually.)