The Chamber's Ambassador Committee began in 2012 under the leadership of Jim Cama and Kelly Therrien and is currently chaired by Lori Lodge. Ambassadors are highly visible, prestigious volunteers who serve as the Chamber’s primary liaison to new Chamber members. Considered the goodwill arm of the Chamber, the Ambassador committee plays an essential role in member communication and retention, and each Ambassador is charged with conveying member needs, questions and concerns to Chamber staff, and keeping our Chamber in line with our members’ desires. Upon their appointment, each Ambassador makes a commitment to build lasting relationships with the Chamber membership, particularly new members, in order to build a loyal, committed membership base that will continue to support, participate in, and invest in the Chamber.

The Audit Committee is chaired by Richard Parmelee and works closely with the Chamber’s team and outside auditors during the year to ensure smooth audit planning processes, 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 have 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 active 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, and other sectors. A big thank you to all the Business & Career Professionals who came out this spring to share their careers and professions with our students at the 2024 High School Career Fair Exploration Event at Wesleyan University. Sponsorship funding support for the Business & Education Partnership Program 2023-2024 School Year was provided by Eversource Energy and Pratt & Whitney. The Business & Education Partnership Program Advisory Council is chaired by Todd Corey.

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.

In 2023 the Economic Development Steering Committee was formed. The Steering Committee of the Middlesex Chamber’s Economic Development Consortium brings together economic development professionals from throughout Middlesex County in a collaborative manner to discuss the challenges facing the community, explore shared resource opportunities, and create solutions for the member communities. This committee operates with a goal of promoting and supporting a robust and appropriate economic environment in the Middlesex Chamber footprint and in so doing, grow and retain jobs, businesses, and capital investment within our region.

In 2023-2024, the Chamber’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee heavily focused on Connecticut’s move from the Transfer Act to Release Based Cleanup Regulations (RBCRs). In addition to following the move to RBCRs, the committee focused on a variety of important issues dealing with the environment, land use, energy, transportation, water and sewer infrastructure, and much more. The group, led by Chairman Tim Myjak, also advised the Legislative Committee and Board of Directors on relevant chamber policy statements, and served as the Chamber’s subcommittee lead on issues pertaining to the East Haddam Swing Bridge Project, the Rt. 9 and Rt. 17 construction project in Middletown and various other construction that either directly impacted or had the potential to impact our members, and much more.

The Committee under the leadership of Teresa Opalacz has been an important addition to the Chamber organization and serves as a valuable resource to the Chamber and President Johanna Bond. The Committee’s role allows for a much deeper dive into the finances of our organization. Members of the Committee bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table and this format provides a platform for insight into the Chamber accounting practices and finances. The group meets monthly to review financial statements and to discuss areas which may present financial opportunities or challenges for the Chamber. The Mission of the Committee is to assist in ensuring the financial sustainability of the Chamber.

The mission of the Chamber’s Health Care Council is to maintain a line of communication between the business and health care community, and to work on projects to improve the health, healthcare, and value of health care in the county. The Council, sponsored by Middlesex Health, identifies opportunities for the development and implementation of collaborative solutions that strive for an efficient, high quality and effective health care system. Throughout the years, the Council has created several programs and initiatives with the help of many dedicated business and health care representatives. Under the leadership of Kelly Smith and the Steering Team, the Council strives to educate members and engage them in dialogue about the leading-edge issues for healthcare. Again this year we promoted the “Ask Me 3...Good Questions for Your Prescription Health” Outreach Program. With support from Middlesex Health and partnering with MCSAAC, this program is designed to assist individuals to ask the right questions when it comes to the prescription drugs that they are prescribed to educate on why they are needed, what the complications can be, what are the alternatives, and most importantly, what happens if they don’t take them.

The Human Resource Council, led by Nancy Nesbitt is now in its fourth year. The council consists of 8 members representing small, medium and large companies of varying industries. The goal of the council is to provide an opportunity for HR professionals to discuss employment related topics, exchange ideas with their peers and receive professional development and training. Charged to bring engaging events and informational workshops, the council hosted informational webinars on the often confusing and multifaceted world of labor and employment law. With the passage of Public Act 24-8 (S.B. 5005): An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days in the State, during the 2024 legislative session, the council is poised to bring education and support to Chamber members as they navigate these changes.

The HR Council is committed to continuing to bring the latest information and topics to the forefront for discussion to assist our business community.

The committee aligned its efforts with the Chamber’s 2024 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 2024 legislative session saw more than 1,400 bills raised with 340 bills ultimately making it to the Governor’s desk. The Chamber tracked numerous bills, testified on 15 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 2024 legislative session was a short session and was somewhat different from past short sessions, as the legislature did not pass a traditional budget adjustment and chose to keep the original $26 billion biennium budget passed in 2023 intact. Instead of the traditional budget adjustment, the legislature negotiated with the Governor and passed an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation plan and a bond package.

The Legacy Leadership Council, co chaired by Jim Cama and Andrea Fassler, is a newly 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 Main Street Stakeholders Committee was established between the City of Middletown (Mayor’s Office, General Counsel, Police), Connecticut Valley Hospital, River Valley Services, State's Attorney, Probate Judge and downtown business stakeholders to address an increase to panhandling and loitering inside and outside of Main Street establishments. Following nearly two years of regular meetings, the Middletown Common Council unanimously passed a Public Spaces Ordinance, a revision to the former Loitering and Panhandling Ordinance, at their June 3, 2024 Common Council meeting. The revisions to this ordinance address specific concerns that have come forward with the emergence of outdoor dining. This committee will continue to meet quarterly to maintain an open dialogue to ensure Main Street continues to thrive.

The Manufacturers’ Council is dedicated to the success and sustainability of Manufacturing in our region. This council provides a network for company leaders to come together to learn from one another and create valued opportunities for its chamber members. The council hosts tours and informative meetings at different manufacturers throughout our county. The Council focuses on best practices, workforce development and other important industry topics. Commitment to our communities and to the Manufacturing Regional Sector Partnership further strengthens our mission. The Council will continue to support this vital Middlesex County industry sector.

The Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC) is a public-private partnership that brings diverse populations of the community together to reduce alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse, prescription drug abuse, problem gambling, and suicide prevention. MCSAAC continues to serve our region’s families and businesses through collaboration with the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s Prevention Committee hosts seminars on the impact of alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace. Additionally, through the Business Industry Foundation, the Recovery Employment Program (REP) continues to assist people in recovery to contribute to the economy while building successful careers and maintaining their health and to develop a network of employers who are informed about addiction, have confidence in working with employees in recovery, and whose businesses thrive on the skills and talents such employees offer. Through the 2023–2024-year, REP has taken on 102 clients, 37 of which are gainfully employed today.

The Real Estate Council, under the leadership of Nancy Currlin and Juliet Cavanaugh, once again created an atmosphere for local realtors to come together for networking, encouraging cooperation, sharing ideas, improving business relations through collaboration, and educational experiences. The council consists of 24 members throughout the county who meet monthly. The main objectives include: partnering with NHMR to offer continuing education for real estate renewal licenses, promotion of the real estate industry, legislation and referrals to the Chamber’s Legislative Committee. The committee participated in a food drive benefitting St. Vincent de Paul Middletown Soup Kitchen, held Lunch & Learn workshops on topics pertaining to the real estate market, and held its third successful Comedy Night event which raised funds for the Chamber's Recovery Employment Program. One of the favorite gatherings that the council hosts is the Annual Real Estate Luncheon which was held on Thursday, June 13th at Lyman Orchards and sponsored by Liberty Bank. At this event, attendees celebrated Carl Guild with Carl Guild & Associates, who was the named our 2024 Mary Ellen Klinck Real Estate Industry Leader of the Year Award Winner.

The Strategic Events Committee was created in 2022 with the goal of evaluating chamber activities and events. The committee, under the leadership of chairwoman Megan Bush, is busy planning for various mid to large scale events to diversify our current programming. These events would not only raise funds to benefit various chamber programs, but also to encourage member connections through fun and interactive events. While our chamber hosts over 5 large-scale events currently, we are always looking to branch out to new event options, styles, and previously untapped attendees.

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 Support the Troops and Honor the Veterans Committee includes representatives from the many veterans’ organizations in Middlesex County, along with the past recipients of the William J. Pomfret Veteran Community Service Award. The group is charged with planning and executing the chamber’s annual Support the Troops & Honor the Veterans Member Breakfast Meeting which is held every November. The 22nd Annual Support the Troops and Honor the Veterans Member Breakfast Meeting was held at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill featuring Keynote remarks from Colonel Sean Connolly, U.S. Army & Former Commissioner, State of CT Dept. of Veterans Affairs. This meeting, sponsored by Middlesex Health, was attended by over 300 people, and featured terrific remarks from our 2023 William J. Pomfret Veteran Community Service Award Recipient, Dr. Deborah Proctor of Durham. The 2023 event also featured the presentation of the chamber’s AT&T Veteran Support Champion of the Year Award to The Home Depot. The AT&T Veteran Support Champion of the Year Award is presented annually to a business or organization that supports active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families through employment, philanthropy, spousal support and other means. There is nothing more important than supporting our troops and honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans. The Chamber is very proud of our Support the Troops and Honor the Veterans Committee, chaired by Retired Army Colonel Phil Cacciola, which works diligently throughout the entire year to put this important and cherished annual event together.

The Swing Bridge Committee was established to provide a more formal communication channel between local elected officials, the Department of Transportation and the business community in the towns of East Haddam and Haddam. These meetings focus on safety issues and how to address situations where an accident has occurred, information distribution to the business communities, and continued discussions regarding the project.

The Women’s Leadership Collaborative (WLC) is the premier resource for women to engage in professional development programs to promote personal and professional growth. Their goal is to unite a diverse mix of inspirational women leaders who empower women to achieve success. Led by co-chairs Kim Kann and Nancy Boyle, the WLC creates future programming, events and educational opportunities. The collaborative presents activities throughout the year including a Women’s Leadership Conference, networking events, informative workshops and more.

The WLC's Women's Business Network is tasked with coordinating more intimate, networking style events throughout the region including speed networking sessions, mental and physical health events, and more!