Greater Valley Chamber Events Newswire

Valley Business Network (VBN) 3/4/2026 7:45 AM - 3/4/2026 9:15 AM

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:55:49 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.

Tech+ Council: The Cost of Bad Communication Technology 3/5/2026 8:15 AM - 3/5/2026 9:15 AM

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:19:15 GMT

Topic: The Cost of Bad Communication Technology
Learn how broken and misused tools quietly damage employee and client trust.
Presenter: Renny Noel of Ripton Community Broadband

The Tech+ 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. The Tech+ 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.)

Coffee Chat: An Introduction to Your Chamber 3/6/2026 8:30 AM - 3/6/2026 9:45 AM

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:17:12 GMT

Online registration has closed for this event. Walk-ins are welcome. Hope you can join us.

Powering Your Business Strategy

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce invites you to a free, in-person gathering to connect directly with our staff and Ambassadors. In 2026, the Chamber remains the vibrant voice of our business community and the region’s premier hub for professional growth.

Whether you are an entrepreneur scaling your vision, a professional leading an organization, or a community leader expanding your impact, we are here to help you navigate the year ahead. Our mission is simple: to foster a thriving local economy and a dynamic business environment where everyone wins.

Why attend?

Forge New Connections: Meet fellow members and local professionals in a relaxed setting.
Share Your Story: Introduce your organization and discover new avenues for collaboration.
Go Behind the Scenes: Learn exactly how we advocate for your interests and build partnerships that drive your business forward.

Your membership is more than a line item—it’s a strategic investment. Join us to unlock a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and skill-building programs designed to make 2026 your most successful year yet.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Join us and experience the Chamber difference!

WIN - Women In Networking Council Monthly Meeting 3/10/2026 9:00 AM - 3/10/2026 10:00 AM

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:03:22 GMT

This month's topic: Women and Money: Our Longest Relationship

Presenter: Bette Lynn Paez, Financial Planner, Warner Wealth, LLC

This group is mostly meeting in-person and offers a link to join the meeting virtually if you prefer for those meetings. There are a few meetings during the year when they will meet offsite from the Chamber office and those will be in-person only.

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.

In addition, WIN developed an Entrepreneurial Grant Program for Women In Business in the six Valley communities served by the Greater Valley Chamber. a variety of fundraisers to support this grant and their fund with the Valley Community Foundation. Since the Grant was created over $78,000 has been distributed to 86 women-owned businesses in our #ValleyCT. They also have a named fund through the Valley Community Foundation.

Please note:
Greater Valley Chamber Membership is required to belong to the group.
Area women in business are welcome to attend one meeting as a guest prior to joining.
There is a separate annual fee to belong to the group. For more information 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 held virtually only.

Economic Outlook 2026 3/11/2026 7:30 AM - 3/11/2026 9:30 AM

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:54:16 GMT

Online Registration has closed for this event. Limited walk-ins are welcome.

Please join us for breakfast and a conversation with our two distinguished guests about a range of issues impacting YOUR business and the outlook for the national, state and local economy.

Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA

Patrick Flaherty, Director of Research and Information, Connecticut Department of Labor

Check-in & Breakfast: 7:30 am - 8:00 am

Program: 8:00 am - 9:30 am

Valley Business Network (VBN) 3/18/2026 7:45 AM - 3/18/2026 9:15 AM

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:56:01 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.

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.

Connecticut Business Day 2026 3/18/2026 9:00 AM - 3/18/2026 12:00 Noon

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:57:38 GMT

Join hundreds of your fellow business leaders in Hartford Wednesday, March 18 for Connecticut Business Day 2026.

You’ll hear from legislative leaders about their session priorities and positions on business-related issues.

And we’ll equip you with the tools and resources necessary to actively engage with lawmakers.

The policy decisions made by lawmakers in the coming year will shape the long-term strength and sustainability of Connecticut’s economic recovery and job growth.

Make your voice heard—your presence at Connecticut Business Day sends a strong message that businesses are a part of the solution.

$25 per person

AGENDA

9 am | Check-In & Networking

10:30 am | Opening Remarks

Katie D’Agostino, President & CEO, Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce; President, Connecticut Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives
Brian Montanari, President & CEO, HABCO Industries; Chair, CBIA Board of Directors
Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA

10:45 am | Session Priorities: Legislative Leaders

Moderator: Megan Glander, External Affairs Manager, East Area, Crown Castle USA
Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven)
House Speaker Matt Ritter (D-Hartford)

11:50 am | Closing Remarks

Chris Davis, VP, Public Policy, CBIA

12 pm | Adjourn

CBIA’s 2026 Connecticut Business Day is made possible through the generous support of AT&T, with additional support from Crown Castle.

Healthcare Council: Alliance for Suicide Prevention 3/20/2026 8:00 AM - 3/20/2026 9:15 AM

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:25:30 GMT

Please join us for our monthly meeting.

Topic: Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Presenter: Taylor Gainey, Alliance for Prevention and Wellness, a program of BHcare

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 3/25/2026 7:45 AM - 3/25/2026 9:00 AM

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:51:44 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: Internships and Mentoring 3/26/2026 8:00 AM - 3/26/2026 9:00 AM

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:37:33 GMT

Topic: Internships & Mentoring
Presenter: Rhonda McEwen-Thompson

Internship and mentorship programs help organizations build a strong pipeline of future talent while creating meaningful development opportunities for current employees. These programs bring forth fresh ideas and new perspectives that spark innovation and strengthen workplace culture. Join this presentation to discover how investing in emerging talent, and empowering employees to coach and lead, can advance your organization and how you can be influential in shaping the future.

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.)

A Conversation with the Valley Legislative Delegation 3/27/2026 7:30 AM - 3/27/2026 9:30 AM

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:39:54 GMT

Online registration has closed for this event. We welcome you to join us in the morning.

The legislative session is moving fast. Now is the time to get up to speed on the policy priorities and regional issues that will shape our business community this year. Join us for this important discussion about the challenges facing our businesses and how we’re advocating for a stronger region.

Check-in, coffee, and networking - 7:30 am
Program - 8:00 am