Newtown's Economic Development Department and the Newtown Chamber of Commerce are manufacturing a new partnership focusing on retaining and growing manufacturing and other large commercial enterprises in town, and attracting those companies to become more involved with the local chamber.The Newtown Bee that he was overseeing a strategic chamber effort this year to bring in the expertise and support that the town's larger companies can offer.Breakfast RecapUpcoming Eventschboothlibrary.org or call 203-426-8552.newtown-ct.com. Or reach Ms Brickfield at chamber office at 203-426-2695 or e-mailing her.by email.

Representatives of both organizations were on hand when the Newtown Economic Development Commission hosted its fourth annual spring breakfast event for midsize businesses and manufacturers April 28 at Rock Ridge Country Club.

According to Economic Development Coordinator Betsy Paynter, more than 50 attendees representing more than a dozen Newtown companies dined and heard from speakers in various disciplines regarding workforce development and retention, and state programs and schools that will support and staff local industry in the coming years.

First Selectman Pat Llodra kicked off the event by thanking the business attendees for running their businesses in Newtown and confirming that the EDC continues to be their advocate for success in town.

Newtown Chamber of Commerce Business Development Director Helen Brickfield said the event was a good one for exposing larger local industry leaders to the growing chamber organization.

"Chambers thrive when they work with their members to help grow their business and talent," Ms Brickfield said. "The Manufacturers Breakfast is an opportunity to promote membership benefits and meet local business leaders."

Newtown Chamber of Commerce President Tim Haas previously told

"It is exciting to meet business that choose Newtown as their home base," Mr Haas said. "Our member businesses provide goods and services to these business and their employees. But at the same time, chamber membership gives companies immediate access to local business resources."

Both Mr Haas and Ms Brickfield stressed that chamber volunteer opportunities can serve as an incubator for a company's top talent pool.

"The chamber board, committees, and membership are loaded with leaders and mentors with world-class education, business training and real business experience," Mr Haas added. "These employees can serve the business community and grow their leadership skills."

This year's speakers at the breakfast included Dr John B Clark, the new president of Western Connecticut State University discussing internship opportunities; Department of Labor representatives explaining their range of worker and grant programs; and a spokesperson from the network of state technical high schools covering how they are training the state's next manufacturing workforce and how the industry is evolving.

The Department of Community and Economic Development presented its Small Business Express program, which provides funding and grants for expanding businesses that are creating jobs.

The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) discussed benefits and activities at the state level, and the Connecticut Procurement Technical Assistance Program (CT PTAP) provided information and support on how businesses can contract work from the federal and local governments.

The chamber also provided information on the various benefits the organization is delivering to Newtown area businesses and their employees.

Ms Paynter said that the EDC looks forward to this annual event to provide resources to local midsize businesses and manufacturers and help their growth in Newtown.

"The Newtown EDC would like to thank Newtown Savings Bank for being a sponsor of this important event," she said.

The chamber's next event is a special Business After Hours gathering on May 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Café Xpresso, 150 South Main Street.

All local business professionals and chamber members are invited to expand their network and build new connections through this after-hours event. There is a $10 charge to attend, and includes an assortment of hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and soft drinks.

Owners Marie and Bob Schlump will be offering tours of the facility throughout the event. Those interested in attending the Business After Hours may register online at newtown-ct.com or by calling 203-426-2695.

A Brown Bag Business Hour program is also rolling out at the C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, in partnership with the Newtown Chamber of Commerce and the Newtown Economic Development Commission.

On Tuesday, June 14, the C.H. Booth Library Brown Bag Business Hour will present "Know Before You Build: The Basics of Business Construction Projects," with speaker Scott Orlando.

He will expand upon and explain the basics of choosing and contracting with an architect or designer, defining the scope of work, getting comprehensive bids from appropriate contractors, having a fair construction contract, making sure that what you have contracted for is what you get, and getting it done without undue hassle.

This brown bag event will take place from noon to 1 pm in the large meeting room.

Anyone engaged in the entrepreneurial, home office, and small business community is welcome to attend this fun and informative hour while they eat, learn, and network - just bring a lunch and business cards; no registration necessary.

For more information on this event, visit

Learn more about Newtown Chamber events and opportunities at its Facebook site (Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc), and by visiting

Anyone needing information to contact or learn about the manufacturers breakfast speakers and content can contact Ms Paynter at 203-270-4281 or