Executive Director: Mary Dean
203-335-3800 ext. 118 or dean@brbc.org
Mission Statement
The mission of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce is to initiate positive change for the benefit of the business community, thereby, enhancing the quality of life in Stratford through advocacy and action in the areas of economic development, education, transportation, and the environment. The Chambers first priority has been to achieve this through retention, expansion, recruitment and advocacy of businesses that will grow jobs and increase the Towns tax base. Through its membership, the Chamber has also been
actively involved in town economics, education issues, cultural affairs, and transportation.
Message from the Chair
The Stratford Chamber of Commerce is very excited about
Stratford
’s progress over the past year and has every reason to believe that economic growth will continue into 2010. The Town of
Stratford
and the Stratford Chamber have been working closely advocating on “business friendly” solutions for local businesses such as signage. The Business Education Support Team (BEST) for over 20 years has brought the business community into the Stratford Public Schools. Raising over $10,000 in mini-grants, BEST and the chamber support
the school district by sponsoring and, recognizing four students for the Youth at its Best awards, and honoring two outstanding volunteers as BEST Friends. This year’s recipients were The Milford Bank and Myles C. Cohen of the Stratford Public Schools.
The Stratford Chamber of Commerce has a
Stratford
office in the
Visitors
Center
at the Perry House (circa 1690). The
Visitors
Center
is open daily and is designed to provide regional tourism information and promotion of the local economy. The Perry House was the Festival Headquarters again this year for the 2nd annual Birding Festival. The Birding Festival continues to grow each year and bring in tourists from out of town. To learn more about the Perry House go to the website www.perryhousestratford.org.
The chamber has also been actively involved in the Stratford Greenway. The Greenway is a town-wide pedestrian bicycle pathway that will follow the watercourse of the
Housatonic
River
through to Long Island Sound. The nine acres located on the
Housatonic
River
directly behind Frank DeLuca Field is the key focal area. The Stratford Chamber of Commerce along with member companies sponsored a bench for the seating area.
The Stratford Chamber of Commerce is supportive of an exit 33 full –interchange project which will encourage economic development through
Barnum Ave
and
Ferry Boulevard
while connecting Shakespeare Theatre and the Army Engine Plant.
The Stratford Chamber has seats on the task force for the pending construction of the
Stratford Train Station parking garage, the Economic Development Commission, the
Perry House Board of Directors and the Transit Centered Development Steering Committee.
With over 200 members, the Stratford Chamber of Commerce is a strong and vital organization that fosters good business development in
Stratford
and is a voice for all area business issues whether large or small. The Stratford Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting all of our member businesses. Whether you are a life long resident, a new community member, or just a visitor, stop and take the time to see what a wonderful town
Stratford
is and what a promising future we have.
Regards,
Tom Dillon