“Business!" cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. “Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The deals of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!” ~ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
A Note from the Economic Development Director
It’s the time of year to take stock, reflect and give thanks, and what a year it has been! 2023 was Southbury’s 350th Anniversary. I give collective thanks to our 350th Steering Committee for all of their time and dedication to this year-long celebration. Further thanks to all the many organizations and volunteers who helped along the way. The list is long but it is included in the 350th Anniversary Commemorative Book, available soon at the Town Clerk’s office. Many thanks to the Economic Development Commission, especially the Arts & Culture Sub-committee, for their incredible work this year on a myriad of projects and events. My fellow 3rd-floorians in Town Hall’s Building and Land Use Departments daily helping folks move their projects to fruition with steadfast diligence. My thanks to the Southbury Chamber ~ my partners in all-things-business ~ led by Charlie Berger and Lynn Ward. I’m honored to serve on the board and appreciate all you do to elevate the business community. Sustainable Southbury for their ongoing efforts to provide a more sustainable community. Gosia Liedlich, once again my MVP, the town’s Digital Communications Specialist, who went way above and beyond all year long with the 350th Anniversary, setting a new high bar for work ethic. Last, but not least, my thanks to YOU, the business community of Southbury. Your hard work and passion, comradery and cross-promotion, and generosity to the community, continues to inspire and sustain me each day. To all, may you have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year! ~ Kevin Bielmeier, ecodevdirector@southbury-ct.gov.
LOCAL
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY – The Local Gourmet
The Chamber, EDC and local dignitaries came together for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the 5th anniversary of The Local Gourmet! From make your own charcuterie boards to freshly-made lunches and prepared dinner options, locally-made gluten free options, and more, Christy and her team have you covered! Located at 316 Main St South, Ste A. www.thelocalgourmetct.com.
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY – River Glen Health Care Center
A ribbon cutting was held with the Southbury Chamber and Economic Development Commission, to celebrate their Partners APS on-site pharmacy going live. Visitors saw cutting-edge technology in action, experiencing tomorrow’s pharmacy, today. River Glen, a CareOne affiliate, is located at 162 South Britain Road in Southbury.
SMALL BUSINESS SEMINAR - Marketing for Small Business
The first of three Small Business Seminars will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 12 – 1:15pm at Town Hall in room 205. It will be a discussion on overall marketing strategy, storytelling, and effective messaging across print, digital and social media, with a panel of area marketing professionals and small business owners offering a ‘real world’ perspective.
Lunch provided by The Local Gourmet. This series is co-hosted by Newtown Savings Bank and Southbury Economic Development Commission.
No cost, with registration. Go to www.southbury-ct.org/Small-Business-Seminars.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
On Tuesday, December 12th on the way to Arlington National Cemetery, the Wreaths Across America Convoy stopped at Southbury for a community remembrance ceremony at the Southbury Veterans Memorial Park. The convoy and its escorts were welcomed to Southbury by local dignitaries, first responders, as well as local members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. The ceremony was hosted by American Legion Post 147. Photos.
350th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
350th Anniversary Commemorative Book
Get a Piece of History with the souvenir 350th Anniversary Commemorative Book. The price is $25.00 with proceeds benefiting the Southbury Historical Society. This keepsake will be available beginning Wednesday, December 27th (while supplies last) at the Southbury Town Clerk or Southbury Historical Society. More info at www.southbury-ct.org/350-book.
2023 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
As you explore Southbury and the surrounding areas, you'll discover artisanal boutiques, offering handcrafted pottery, handwoven textiles, and locally made jewelry. With over 100 gift ideas for everyone on your list this year, our shops, restaurants and other local businesses are ready to share the holiday spirit with you, so please enjoy our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide.
For details, visit www.southbury.com.
SOUTHBURY CHAMBER – Festival of Wreaths
This holiday favorite was held by the Chamber once again at the Heritage Hotel Golf, Spa, and Conference Center. It was great to see the community come out for a wonderful evening of auctioned decorated wreaths, music, photos with Santa, drinks and pasta dinner
NOW PLAYING in SOUTHBURY
Now Playing at Riverview Cinemas located at 690 Main St South. Buy online at: Buy Tickets
SPOTLIGHT ON NONPROFIT: The Healing Chickadee
Sisters, Terry Clarke Murphy and Deb Clarke, know what it means to be children in grief, having experienced the tragedy and loss of their brother at a young age. In their acknowledgement of the lingering effects of their pain, they have collaborated to create The Healing Chickadee. They have devoted the last five years to getting this project across the country and even as far reaching as England. Their main focus has been grief centers, teachers, counselors, social workers, and funeral directors. Their material includes a little chickadee (a physical adorable bird), a program for healing, and videos.
An introduction to the program: Intro Video. Learn more at www.thehealingchickadee.com.
SOUTHBURY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT