Year in Review

The Chamber’s Ambassador Committee, established in 2012 under the leadership of Jim Cama and Kelly Therrien, is currently chaired by Lori Lodge. Ambassadors are highly visible, prestigious volunteers who serve as the Chamber’s primary liaison to new members. Recognized as the goodwill arm of the Chamber, the committee plays a vital role in communication and retention by ensuring member needs, questions, and concerns are heard and addressed by Chamber staff. Each Ambassador commits to fostering strong, lasting relationships with Chamber members—particularly new members—to encourage engagement and build a loyal, invested membership base that supports and participates in the Chamber’s mission and programs.

The Audit Committee, chaired by Richard Parmelee, collaborates closely with the Chamber’s internal team and external auditors throughout the year to ensure a smooth and efficient audit process. The committee plays a key role in the preparation, review, and presentation of the Chamber’s annual financial statements and tax filings.

The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce began an Automotive Council in 1987 to promote good business and trade among the automotive industry in Middlesex County. Under the leadership of Richard Jukonski and Michael Turner, the council has worked hard to bring hot issues and current trends to the table for discussion and resolution. Through the years, the council has maintained a partnership with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the CT Automotive Retailers Association, which provides our members with a great avenue to use when questions or problems arise.

The Business & Education Partnership Program Advisory Council facilitates the development of mutually supportive partnerships between Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce member businesses, the Middlesex Consortium of Schools, Wesleyan University’s Jewett Center for Community Partnerships, CT State Community College Middlesex, and other county School Partners for the purpose of enriching the educational process of our students to meet the demands of a constantly changing business world. One of the main goals of the partnership is to build and maintain ongoing active working relationships between businesses and schools, by providing services such as the annual High School Career Fair Expo - a Career Exploration Event that assist schools in preparing our next generation of career-ready workers for the ever-changing workforce in business, healthcare, skilled trades, manufacturing, the arts, STEM, government, other sectors, now to include AI. Thank you to all the Business & Career Professionals who joined the 2025 High School Career Fair Exploration Event at Wesleyan University, hosted by the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships. Sponsorship for the 2024–2025 Business & Education Partnership Program was generously provided by Eversource Energy and Pratt & Whitney, with the Advisory Council chaired by Todd Corey.

The Business/Industry Foundation of Middlesex County is a 501 (c) (3) foundation affiliated with the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. The Business/Industry Foundation of Middlesex County conducts educational seminars, mentoring and youth employment programs and other employment related programs to benefit businesses and residents of Middlesex County.

Programs include: 21st Century Professional Training and Development Program, Business & Education Partnership, Hal Kaplan Middletown Mentor Program, Idea Lab CT - formerly Middletown Entrepreneurs Work Space (MEWS), Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC), Recovery Employment Program (REP), Scholarship Program, Side Street to Main Street Business & Leadership Development Program, Side Street to Main Street Minority Business “KNOW-HOW” Program, and Youth at Work Programs.

Over the past year, the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce continued to support strong development activity and receive serious relocation interest in Middlesex County. Chamber President Johanna Bond and the team have continued discussions with developers and local business leaders regarding available properties and other important economic development issues. Chamber staff worked especially hard on the critically important issues of workforce development, business district parking, supporting Connecticut manufacturing, Middletown Riverfront Development, and attracting and promoting tourism. We have continuously supported businesses of all sizes and from all industry sectors through technical assistance and have done everything we can to be a constructive community partner.

The Chamber Building Committee, established in January 2023, was created to survey and address infrastructure improvements to the Chamber building. Built in 1915, the building has faced many challenges with flooding, a leaking roof and in desperate need of new windows, doors, and a first-floor renovation. Led by Tim Myjak, the committee is comprised of eight building industry professionals who will continue to develop a plan to address the improvements and identify budget needs. This group is critical to ensuring this building can meet the modern needs of today, as we continue to serve as the center for business and economic development, and to reflect the energy and spirit of the Chamber.

The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce established the Route 9 Light Removal Committee to coordinate with the Connecticut DOT on the $143 million project to remove the two downtown Middletown traffic lights, long considered safety hazards with over 500 crashes reported in recent years. Modeled after the Chamber’s Arrigoni Bridge Committee, the group, chaired by Tom Byrne, unites business leaders, municipal officials, and emergency services to maintain communication and advocate for the local business community. While widely supported as a long-term safety and economic development improvement, the committee continues to monitor and address the potential impacts on downtown traffic and commerce. Construction is expected to span three to four years.

The success of the East Haddam Swing Bridge rehabilitation project is due in large part to the work of the Middlesex Chamber’s Swing Bridge Committee. By bringing together state officials, local leaders, business owners, and the CT DOT, the committee, chaired by Bob Petzold, served as a vital communication link throughout the project. Regular meetings ensured that businesses were informed about detours, closures, and construction schedules, while also providing a forum to voice concerns and find solutions to minimize economic disruption. Thanks to this collaborative effort, the project advanced efficiently and with strong community support—demonstrating how proactive engagement can turn a major infrastructure challenge into a model for partnership and progress.

In 2023, the Economic Development Steering Committee was established. The Middlesex Chamber’s Economic Development Consortium Steering Committee brings together economic development professionals from across Middlesex County to collaborate on addressing community challenges, identify shared resource opportunities, and develop solutions for member communities. This committee works to foster and sustain a strong and suitable economic environment within the Middlesex Chamber area, aiming to grow and retain jobs, businesses, and capital investment in our region.

In 2024-2025, the Chamber’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee, under the leadership of Tim Myjak, had another successful year leading the Chamber’s work on environmental stewardship, transportation, and critical infrastructure systems. Its focus includes roads and bridges, rail and waterways, the electrical grid, natural gas pipelines, broadband, and other key assets. Beyond infrastructure, the Council emphasizes economic resilience and growth by helping members prepare for challenges such as severe weather and cyber risks, while also advocating for smart policy changes that drive redevelopment, attract investment, and strengthen the regional economy. By connecting infrastructure improvements with forward-looking policy, the Council fosters sustainable growth across Middlesex County and beyond.

The Finance Committee, led by Chair Jay Polke, has become a valuable addition to the Chamber’s organizational structure and serves as a trusted resource to both the Chamber and President Johanna Bond. The Committee plays a critical role in providing deeper insight into the Chamber’s finances, offering a platform for informed discussion and strategic oversight. Members bring extensive financial expertise, contributing to thoughtful analysis of the Chamber’s accounting practices and fiscal health. The Committee meets monthly to review financial statements and identify potential opportunities or challenges. Its mission is to support and strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of the Chamber.

The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce’s Health Care Council, sponsored by Middlesex Health, works to strengthen communication between the business and health care communities while advancing initiatives that improve health outcomes and the value of care in our region. Guided by Kelly Smith and the Steering Team, the Council develops collaborative solutions, educates members on leading-edge issues, and promotes impactful programs such as the “Ask Me 3…Good Questions for Your Prescription Health” Outreach Program, offered in partnership with Middlesex Health and MCSAAC, which empowers individuals to ask the right questions about their prescriptions to ensure safe, informed, and effective care.

The Human Resource Council, led by Nancy Nesbitt, has had another successful year. Comprised of representatives from small, medium, and large companies, the council provides HR professionals with a platform to discuss employment-related topics, exchange ideas, and engage in professional development and training. Focused on delivering engaging events and informational workshops, the council launched a four-part series highlighting the employee lifecycle. The HR Council remains committed to bringing timely and relevant topics to the forefront, supporting the business community with valuable insights and resources.

The committee, led by co-chairs Maureen Westbrook and Linda Kowalski once again aligned its efforts with this year’s Middlesex Chamber Public Policy Agenda, which was shared with all legislators in the Middlesex County delegation. The Chamber held its legislative series, with legislative leaders and members of the Middlesex County delegation at events with Chamber members. The 2025 legislative session saw more than 4,000 bills raised with over 280 bills ultimately making it to the Governor’s desk. The Chamber tracked numerous bills, testified on 30 and urged members to contact their legislators on matters of importance. The Chamber appreciates the involvement of members on important issues and know that constituent involvement and input from impacted businesses can really make a difference.

The Legacy Leadership Council, co-chaired by Jim Cama and Andrea Fassler, is a recently formed council dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of former Executive Board and Board members who have shown exceptional commitment to the Chamber's mission. The council’s role is to keep current members connected and to mentor upcoming Board and Executive Committee members, emphasizing the importance of the Chamber and sharing the lessons learned from their years of service. Being part of the Legacy Leadership Council allows these respected leaders to stay involved in a meaningful way, even with their other commitments. Their ongoing input will help ensure the Chamber continues to succeed and grow, benefiting from their wisdom and experience while preparing the next generation of leaders.

The Manufacturers’ Council focuses on the key issues impacting the manufacturing community across the county. The Council, under the leadership of Chris Dimou, hosts informative meetings at manufacturing facilities throughout the region, providing members with opportunities to share ideas, network, and learn from one another. These meetings spotlight legislative advocacy, best practices to improve operations and competitiveness, workforce development to build a pipeline of skilled workers, and initiatives to strengthen the health of the regional supply chain. Middlesex County is home to approximately 300 manufacturers, many of whom contribute to the defense industry, making this sector essential to both our regional economy and national security. The Manufacturers’ Council remains committed to supporting this vital industry and creating valuable opportunities for member manufacturers to grow and thrive.

The Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC), a public-private partnership with the Middlesex Chamber, works to reduce substance abuse, prescription drug misuse, problem gambling, and suicide through education and collaboration. Through the Business/Industry Foundation, the Recovery Employment Program (REP), under the leadership of chairman Harry Burr, supports individuals in recovery by connecting them with employers who understand and value their skills; in 2024–2025, REP has support 39 clients, now gainfully employed and contributing to both their recovery and the local economy.

The Real Estate Council, under the leadership of Nancy Currlin and Juliet Cavanaugh, continues to provide a dynamic forum for local realtors to connect through networking, cooperation, and educational opportunities. Representing members countywide, the Council meets monthly with key objectives that include partnering with NHMR to deliver continuing education for license renewal, promoting the real estate industry, and engaging in legislative advocacy through the Chamber’s Legislative Committee. This past year, the Council supported a food drive benefiting St. Vincent de Paul Middletown Soup Kitchen and The Amazing Grace Food Pantry, hosted Lunch & Learn workshops, and organized its fourth successful Comedy Night which raised funds for the Chamber’s Recovery Employment Program. A highlight of the year was the Annual Real Estate Luncheon, held June 20 at Terrazza Restaurant in Portland and sponsored by Liberty Bank, where attendees celebrated Sarah Shapiro of Shapiro Law Offices as the 2025 Mary Ellen Klinck Real Estate Industry Leader of the Year.

The Strategic Events Committee, established in 2022 and led by Chairwoman Megan Bush, was created to evaluate and enhance the Chamber’s activities and events. Plans are underway to develop new initiatives focused on mid- to large-scale events. These future events aim to diversify Chamber programming, raise funds to support various initiatives, and encourage member engagement through fun and interactive experiences. While the Chamber currently hosts more than five major events annually, the committee looks forward to exploring new event formats and connecting with previously untapped audiences.

The Strategic Planning Committee was created to explore the Chamber’s future path and develop a blueprint for the next 20 years. Under the leadership of Teresa Opalacz and Anthony Assante, the committee has been working diligently throughout the year to develop the framework for the next five year Strategic Plan. The focus of this plan will be to continue to foster economic and business growth by serving area businesses and building community prosperity through advocacy, innovation, access to leaders, connectivity and business education so that all of our members can continue to prosper and grow.

The 23rd Annual Support the Troops and Honor the Veterans Member Breakfast Meeting was held in November 2024 at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill. Sponsored by Middlesex Health, the event brought together over 300 attendees to recognize and celebrate local veterans and those who support them. This remains one of the Chamber’s most meaningful annual traditions. Keynote remarks were delivered by Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch, BG, US Army (Ret), who shared thoughtful reflections on leadership, service, and the ongoing needs of the veteran community. The Chamber was proud to present the 2024 William J. Pomfret Veteran Community Service Award to Gary Wallace for his outstanding commitment to veterans and community service. Pratt & Whitney was also recognized with the AT&T Veteran Support Champion of the Year Award for their continued commitment to supporting military personnel, veterans, and their families. This annual event is organized by the Chamber’s Support the Troops and Honor the Veterans Committee—chaired by Retired Army Colonel Phil Cacciola—and includes representatives from local veterans’ organizations and past Pomfret Award recipients. Planning is already underway for the 24th annual event, as the Chamber continues its proud tradition of honoring service and sacrifice across Middlesex County.

The Women’s Leadership Collaborative (WLC) serves as the premier resource for women seeking professional development and personal growth. Its mission is to unite a diverse mix of inspirational women leaders who empower one another to achieve success. Co-chaired by Sarah Gadsby and Nancy Boyle, the WLC develops forward-thinking programming, events, and educational opportunities throughout the year. Signature offerings include the annual Women’s Leadership Conference, dynamic networking events, and informative workshops. Additionally, the WLC’s Women’s Business Network focuses on coordinating more intimate, regionally based networking experiences. These include speed networking sessions, wellness-focused events, and other engaging opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections among professional women.