Greater Valley Chamber Events Newswire

Valley Business Network (VBN) 10/1/2025 7:45 AM - 10/1/2025 9:15 AM

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:53:50 GMT

This group is meeting in-person only

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: The Cost of a Click: Protecting Your Business's Future 10/2/2025 8:15 AM - 10/2/2025 9:30 AM

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:16:19 GMT

Topic: The Cost of a Click: Protecting Your Business's Future

This presentation will help you assess your business's cybersecurity preparedness. We'll cover key vulnerabilities, effective strategies for defense, and what to do immediately after a breach. We will also examine how cyber insurance can provide a crucial financial safety net in a post-breach environment. Featured guest speaker, Stephen Bedosky, Sr. Vice President, Executive Risk Services, IMA Corporation.

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.)

WIN 5th Annual PowHERful Conversations 10/7/2025 8:00 AM - 10/7/2025 10:00 AM

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:02:48 GMT

Online registration has closed for this event. You are welcome to join us in the morning!

Celebrate the power of women in business at our annual WIN Council event! Your ticket unlocks a lively panel discussion, delicious breakfast, awesome swag, and chance to win an amazing door prize. Join us for a morning of networking and fun, and help us empower the next generation of women-owned businesses. 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).

Our 2025 Panelists are:
Hannah Perry: Creator & Founder, The Giggling Pig
Vincencia “Vee” Adusei: President, VASE Management and VASE Development
Dominika Smaga: RN, Owner, Rehydrate IV Infusion
Dr. Camelia Lawrence: Director of Breast Surgery, The Hospital of Central Connecticut and MidState Medical Center
Emcee: Kathy Vass: Owner & Wedding Officiant, EverAfter Ceremonies

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 and fun swag.

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 21st year, the WIN Entrepreneurial Grant has supported the dreams of 88 women-owned businesses through grants and scholarships totaling over $82,000. 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 2025 Micro Grant Awards to be announced in December. WIN Grant Applications are due by Friday, October 10th are available at this link.

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 10/8/2025 7:45 AM - 10/8/2025 9:00 AM

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:17:14 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.

HR Council Webinar: 2026 CT Group Health Insurance Rate Hikes: Smarter Benefits Strategies 10/10/2025 12:00 Noon - 10/10/2025 1:00 PM

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:30:43 GMT

Please join us for this special HR Council Webinar.

Fully insured group health insurance rates in Connecticut are set to climb again in 2026, with approved increases ranging from 5.1% to 17.6% from carriers such as Anthem BCBS and Oxford Health Plans. For small and mid-sized businesses, these increases strain budgets and make it harder to stay competitive in attracting and retaining talent.

In this session, Walter W. Murphy, SHRM-SCP - Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC) — will break down what these rate hikes mean for employers and share innovative strategies to manage rising costs better.

Attendees will learn:

The 2026 rate outlook for fully insured CT group health plans.
Alternative funding strategies beyond fully insured, including:
- ICHRA (Individual Coverage HRAs) to give employees flexibility and employers cost control.
- Level-funding as a bridge to self-insurance with predictable costs.
- PEOs, which reduce costs by pooling employees for bigger group buying power and Fortune 500-level benefits.
- Captives for pooling risk and stabilizing long-term premiums.
Action steps before renewal season to compare options, benchmark costs, and avoid “rate shock.”

This webinar will equip HR leaders, CFOs, and business owners with practical, cost-conscious strategies to make smarter benefits decisions in 2026.

Valley Business Network (VBN) 10/15/2025 7:45 AM - 10/15/2025 9:15 AM

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:54:05 GMT

Please note this week is a Members & Invitation Only meeting.

This group is meeting in-person only

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 10/17/2025 8:00 AM - 10/17/2025 9:15 AM

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:34:39 GMT

Please join us for our monthly meeting.

Topic: The Benefits of Medical Massage
Presenter: Sherika Henry - Medi-SSage

Join us for a conversation on how medical massage improves outcomes in oncology, palliative care and mental health. 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.

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 - those who have pre-registered will receive an email with a link to access the online meeting.

Seeds to Leads Networking Group 10/22/2025 7:45 AM - 10/22/2025 9:00 AM

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:17:27 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 2.5 10/29/2025 2:00 PM - 10/29/2025 5:00 PM

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:36:13 GMT

Please note: Online Registration is now closed. Walk-ins are welcome! Pre-registration not required.

Walk-ins are welcome!

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.

This premier tabletop tradeshow highlights some of the best from the Greater Bridgeport, Monroe, and Valley region. Local businesses across every industry showcasing their must-have products and services. And, for an added treat, attendees can indulge in Eats & Treats all around the exhibit hall - highlighting some of our region's culinary gems.

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 Eats & Treats Exhibitor

Free to Attend
Over 80 Exhibitors
Food Samples
Complimentary Coffee
FREE Secure Electronics Disposal (Computers, Phones, Printers, etc.)
Music
Giveaways
Free Ample Parking

This online registration link is for ATTENDEES only.
Please note: Online Registration Closes at 7:00 am on Wednesday, October 29th.

PLEASE NOTE: EXIBITORS MUST FILL OUT SEPARATE APPLICATION FORM. Click here for Exhibitor Registration Form Caterer? Restaurant? Bakery? Click here to be an Eats & Treats Exhibitor

Check out who is already signed up to Exhibit (Sponsors in bold; Eats & Treats in italics):

Abi's Falafel
Accavallo & Company
Advanced Computer Technologies
AFC Urgent Care
AI Growth Plan
AL-Lynn Sales
American Heart Association
Barnum Engineered Systems
Basement Boss
BBI Technologies, Inc.
Bigga Balls
Bright Brothers of the Valley
Burns Construction
CDS/195 Signs
Champagne Inspection Services
Charter of Orange
Club Pilates Shelton
Coastal Bridge Advisors
College HUNKS Moving and Junk Hauling
Connecticut Institute of Finance
Connoisseur Media Connecticut - STAR 99.9 FM, WEBE 108 FM, 99.1 WPLR FM
Core Pilates CT
Cornell Scott Hill-Health Center
Corporate Mailing Services
Courtyard Shelton
CT Media
CT Small Business Development Center
Cups of Joe
Emmett O'Brien Café 141
Evolve Computer
Express Employment Professionals
Fairfield Theatre Company
Fitness & Pilates Wellness Center
Garden Catering
GoNetSpeed
Griffin Health
GROW GROUP Shelton
Guild Mortgage/L'Altrella Group
Ice Cream Emergency
ION Bank
Just Like Home
Koala Insulation of Southern Connecticut
Kristin Egmont Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty
Loreta Daka Floral Boutique
Masonicare at Wesley Village
Minuteman Press
Munch Eatery
Mutual Security Credit Union
MyCTSavings
National E-Waste Services
National Health Care Associates
Newtown Savings Bank
Oakley Home Access
Outback Steakhouse
Paychex
Peralta Design
Relish Market & Deli
Ripton Community Broadband
Sandollar Law
Seniors Helping Seniors
ServPro Team Geaski
ShopRite of Shelton
Smile Dental Center
Spice Catering
Sterling Community Center
Strive2LiveWell Physical Therapy & Wellness
Sunstone Bookkeeping and Tax Solutions
TD BANK
TEAM, Inc.
The Center for Family Justice, Inc.
The Children's Community Programs of CT
The ERA Group
The Kennedy Collective
The Schegg Group
The Shelton Grove
Traveler On A Mission
Trumbull Marriott Shelton
Union Savings Bank
Webster Bank
Welcome Wagon
Western Connecticut SCORE

HR Council: Domestic Violence: The Hidden Business Risk Leaders Can’t Ignore 10/30/2025 8:00 AM - 10/30/2025 9:00 AM

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 19:49:22 GMT

Topic: Domestic Violence: The Hidden Business Risk Leaders Can’t Ignore
Presented in partnership with Denisse Luciano, Senior HR Manager, Centrix and BHcare Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS) Team Members

Domestic violence doesn’t stop at home. It enters the workplace, affecting safety, productivity, retention, and liability. For executives and HR leaders, ignoring the issue can result in costly lawsuits, compliance violations, and irreparable damage to organizational trust.

In this workshop, leaders will learn how to proactively safeguard their workforce while meeting Connecticut’s legal requirements. Through insights from HR and healthcare professionals, participants will gain strategies to reduce risk, strengthen workplace culture, and lead with both empathy and accountability.

What You’ll Gain:

• Learn how domestic violence impacts the bottom line through absenteeism, turnover, and productivity loss.
• Understand the legal obligations and liability risks facing Connecticut employers.
• Explore practical, executive-level strategies to protect employees and safeguard the organization.
• Hear from BH Health experts on how to identify and respond to warning signs of abuse.
• Discover why training managers and leaders is critical to compliance, culture, and retention.

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.

Please note: AI note-taking software is not permitted during HR Council meetings. These meetings are not recorded.

(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.)