“All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away.” ~ Pa Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life
A Note from the Economic Development Director
As we close the door on 2024, it is time to reflect on the year that has been and give thanks. The Southbury Economic Development Commission (SEDC) began the year with monthly Small Business Seminars collaborating with Newtown Savings Bank on Marketing, Financing, Business Planning & Cybersecurity. The Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS) awarded Southbury Gold level recognition for Best Practices in Land Use & Economic Development. Sustainable CT awarded Southbury with Silver certification, recognizing efforts led by Sustainable Southbury.
The Arts & Culture Sub-committee of the SEDC hosted events and activities all year long, culminating in their inaugural Artist of the Year Awards ceremony at Riverview Cinemas.
We celebrated the openings of many businesses in town with ribbon cuttings often led by the Southbury Chamber, who offered many opportunities to gather, network and celebrate the business community, including the Annual Chamber Awards and the Festival of Wreaths. My appreciation goes out to all my fellow board members, including Michael Ferreira of Southbury.com, Danielle Hawthorne of Southbury Neighbors magazine, and board chair, Charlie Berger of Chatfield True Value.
I am grateful for my fellow municipal employees who work diligently each day to assist people with getting their projects over the finish line. I thank Gosia Liedlich, my MVP and Southbury’s Digital Communications Specialist. But most of all, I thank YOU, the business community of Southbury. Your drive, passion, and generosity to the community inspires me every day. May you have a wonderful holiday and a very happy new year! ~ Kevin Bielmeier, ecodevdirector@southbury-ct.gov.
LOCAL
SOUTHBURY HOLIDAY BUSINESS CONNECTION - December 20, 2024
Southbury and nearby local biz peeps, you are invited! Join us this Friday 7:45AM - 9AM for a fun, festive network gathering. Bring a friend! https://facebook.com/events/s/southbury-holiday-business-con/604082545421114.
2024 SOUTHBURY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
With the “12 Days of the Southbury Holiday Gift Guide” well underway, don’t wait to check out all of the many gift ideas available this year at Southbury’s shops, restaurants and other local businesses that are ready to share the holiday spirit with you, for a limited time only. Go to Southbury.com/promo/southbury-holiday-gift-guide.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
The Town of Southbury is publishing a Business Directory online. If your business is located in Southbury and you would like to be included, submit it for approval here: www.southbury-ct.org/business-submission.
CHAMBER NEWS
FESTIVAL OF WREATHS
This year’s favorite holiday event was bigger and better than ever, with more entertainment and prizes to give away! Held by the Chamber once again at the Heritage Hotel Golf, Spa, and Conference Center, it was great to see hundreds from the community come out for a special evening of 50 auctioned decorated wreaths, dance highlights from The Nutcracker, photos with Santa and The Grinch, music, drinks and dinner. See the photos: https://www.southburychamber.com/photo-gallery.html.
ARTS AND CULTURE
HOLIDAY AT THE MOVIES IN SOUTHBURY
Visit Riverview Cinemas, located at 690 Main Street South. Tickets at RiverviewCinemas8.com
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT ON: ANN’S PLACE
Since 1991, Ann’s Place has been serving communities in Connecticut and the Hudson Valley. Now they serve Southbury. It provides help and hope to those living with cancer and to their loved ones. Their clinical social workers, facilitators and wellness experts provide a host of services aimed at improving quality of life during and after cancer.
Ann’s Place relies on the generosity of donors to be able to continue providing these services free of charge.
Their mission is to provide comfort, support and resources to people living with cancer and to their loved ones. We assist you and your loved ones to create a unique pathway through cancer to improve your quality of life. At Ann's Place, all are welcome.
Last fall, Ann’s Place held an incredible event, titled ‘Through the Lens’, at the Heritage Hotel. Here are some photos from this event: Through the Lens.
Learn more at: www.annsplace.org.
SOUTHBURY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT