2nd Annual Destination Newtown Showcases Local Businesses

By Kaaren Valenta

The Chamber of Commerce’s second annual business showcase, Destination Newtown, filled the ballroom of the Fireside Inn on the evening of Thursday, November 10, providing an opportunity for the public and business owners to get to know each other better.

“It gets better every year. This is getting to be an event in Newtown,” said Jim Gulalo of Preferred Insurance Services, one of the organizing committee members.

The event included A Taste of Newtown during which four restaurants — My Place, Newtown Deli & Catering, Franco’s Pizza & Café, and the Fireside Inn — provided free samples of their menu offerings. They were joined by Morgan McLaughlin of McLaughlin Vineyard of Sandy Hook, who conducted a wine tasting.

Several dozen vendors took part in the four-hour expo, giving away information about their businesses. Many also held free raffles. Destination Newtown was sponsored by Curtis Packaging, Newtown Savings Bank, and The Taunton Press, with radio station I-95.

“I didn’t know what to expect last year, but we enjoyed it so much that we decided to come back this year,” said Joe Farrell, who came with his wife, Nancy. “The food is great and it is interesting to see all the different businesses that are in the area,” he added.

Organizing committee members also included Tricia Farin, Jantris Marketing Services; Becky Bowes, Promotions in Motion; Barbara Terkildsen, BTI Interiors; Cheri Ross, Ross Consulting; and Pat Linnell, Linnell Real Estate.