“Well, I was born in a small town. And I live in a small town...” ~ John Mellencamp
A Final Note from the Economic Development Director
Much has happened these past five and half years since I began as Southbury’s first economic development director. We created the department, went through a pandemic, launched online permitting, introduced a Team approach, offered educational programs, worked with planning to produce the town’s first affordable housing plan, and the 10-year POCD. The Southbury Chamber was formed in 2022.
In 2023, our town celebrate of its 350th Anniversary. Throughout all of these major and minor accomplishments, we’ve consistently engaged the business community with webinars on key issues, articles and these e-business updates. I am proud of the progress we’ve made and am confident that the future of Southbury is bright.
My thanks to the many business owners and entrepreneurs who allowed me to play a small role in their dreams. The accomplishments were made possible by the hard work and dedication of my municipal colleagues - especially the “third-floorians” - the volume of volunteers who serve on boards and commissions (Southbury runs on volunteers) especially the Economic Development Commission. Shoutout to the staff and my fellow board members of the Southbury Chamber. Last, but not least, to Digital Communications Specialist Gosia Liedlich, for her endless support with all-things-communication.
~ Kevin Bielmeier
Fin
LOCAL
BUSINESS TOURS
First Selectman Jeff Manville, EDC Chair, Jack Zazzaro, and Economic Development Director Kevin Bielmeier visited Southbury Self-Storage at 82 Poverty Rd. Owner, Rob LaBonne III led a tour of his recent expansion. Back in 2020, Rob recounted how he started this business: VIDEO.
L-to-R: Jack Zazzaro, EDC Chair; Rob LaBonne III, owner; Jeffrey Manville, First Selectman
FORGE & CT’s CHIEF MANUFACTURING OFFICER VISIT GYRE9
FORGE and Connecticut's Chief Manufacturing Officer, Paul S. Lavoie, came to Southbury's Gyre9 this month to announce grants awarded to inspiring innovators to help them navigate the journey from physical prototype to commercialization. Presentations were followed by a tour. Read about it in the New Haven Register: ARTICLE.
CHAMBER NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS to OUR HOUSE DESIGN CENTER
The Southbury Chamber held a ribbon cutting yesterday to celebrate the revamped showroom of Our House Design Center, in Playhouse Corner, at 77 Main Street North, Unit 11.
WAKE UP YOUR BUSINESS
Southbury’s popular monthly networking every 3rd Friday, 7:45 am – 9 am. Register for May 16th at Calvary Southbury, 354 Kettletown Rd HERE.
STATE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK (May 12 – 16)
Fireside Chat 2.0 with State Commissioner of DECD, Daniel O’Keefe and Southbury Economic Development Director and CEDAS President, Kevin Bielmeier. Free with registration on May 14th at 10:30 am at Goodwin University Community Room, 1 Riverside Dr., East Hartford.
CT Talent MADE
Southbury was represented at this inaugural event on April 9th organized by Anthony M. Anthony, CT Chief Marketing Officer. Governor Ned Lamont moderated a Young Talent panel, and a positive workplace culture was discussed by the CEOs of Hartford HealthCare, Bigelow Tea, and Athletic Brewing Company.
L-to-R: Southbury Economic Development Director, Kevin Bielmeier; Rachel Lenda, Director of Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism; Gioia Zack, Wethersfield Economic Development Director
SOUTHBURY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- Past Business Updates
- Economic Development Articles: READ