MIDDLETOWN – As we approach the end of February and look to spring, optimism abounds in Middlesex County as vaccine administration continues, COVID positivity rates and hospitalizations continue to decline, and our beloved state looks to better days.
Our chamber is very encouraged by recent news from Governor Ned Lamont that beginning March 19, if the trendlines continue to cooperate, indoor event capacity will increase to 50% of venue capacity – capped at 100 – and outdoor events will grow from 50 to 200 people.
This is very welcomed by the many event venues in our area and others who support the event industry, such as caterers, companies that rent tents and stages, artists, DJs and businesses of cleaning. All of these sectors have been hit hard by the pandemic.
This is just one of the many reasons I continue to be very bullish on Middlesex County and Connecticut. I am also very proud of my chamber team for their commitment to being a resource not only for the business community, but for the community as a whole. We will continue these efforts until the pandemic is history and will work very hard to support an economic comeback in Middlesex County and across the state.
Before previewing some important events and activities planned in advance, I would like to quickly review the past week, which has been a sprint from start to finish.
Our Legislative Committee kicked off its annual Legislative Leadership Series on Tuesday with a very well-executed event featuring Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, who did an excellent job with his remarks and participated in a productive question-and-answer session. and informative that was moderated by our Legislative Co-Chairs, Rich Carella and Maureen Westbrook.
Rich’s company, Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, also sponsored the event, which we greatly appreciate.
I would like to once again thank the speaker for joining us during this critical time, as well as Rich and Maureen for their continued support and leadership.
Our Board held its February meeting, which included a visit from DECD Commissioner David Lehman on Thursday. Commissioner Lehman provided an update from his position as the state’s economic development officer, and he’s done a great job on everything from sector rules to the state of manufacturing, tax policy and tourism. , And much more.
I appreciate his willingness to visit our group and thank him for his leadership throughout this crisis.
Finally, last week it was Taste of Middlesex County across our region. Taste of Middlesex County was a way for us to help drive much needed traffic to our participating restaurants, El Pulpo & Tapas Bar, Eli Cannons Tap Room, Relish 670 and Spread Cheese Co. in Middletown, Fire at the Ridge & Ridgeside Tavern and 1741 Pub & Grill in Middlefield, Horseshoe Tavern in Durham, Scotch Plains Tavern in Essex and Water’s Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook.
We wish them good luck and will continue to support them moving forward. I would be remiss if I did not thank Comcast Business for sponsoring this important initiative for our region. We are grateful for their continued support. The next Taste of Middlesex County is scheduled for June 21-27. Please save the dates and continue to support local small businesses as best you can.
On this week’s chamber calendar, we look forward to important meetings for our Westbrook Division, Westfield (Middletown) Division, Chamber Finance Committee, and our East Haddam and Haddam Division.
On the grand opening front, I look forward to joining House Speaker Tom Byrne, Haddam First Selectman Bob McGarry and other local leaders on Monday afternoon for a celebration for Wonder Paws.
As experienced groomers, the Wonder Paws team offers a full range of services designed to give pets the best possible care. We wish Gemmina Gorski and the entire Wonder Paws team the best of luck, and we look forward to celebrating with them on Monday.
Before I wrap up, I ask members and other interested parties on March 15 for our annual members’ breakfast with UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma. I’ll have a lot more on this event as we get closer, but it’s safe to say that we’re excited to welcome the coach back to a chamber event, this time in a virtual setting.
I’m afraid I have to end this week’s column on a sad note after the recent death of Richard “Dick” Bond at the age of 77. Dick was the father of former Portland police officer David Bond and the stepfather of House Vice President Johanna Bond. Dick Bond led a life marked by service to community, country and, above all, family.
He was a police officer in Burlington for over 35 years and served our country in the Connecticut National Guard for over 10 years. He was a loyal and honorable man who will be missed by many, especially his loving family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dick’s wife, Jacqueline, David and Johanna; Dick’s daughters, Melissa and Lori, and their wives, his seven grandchildren and a vast network of extended family and friends.
Dick Bond certainly led a full life and his family is still proud.
Larry McHugh is president of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce in Middletown.