Orange, Connecticut, November 14, 2024 — With the election season now in the history books, one of the key commitments and responsibilities of any Chamber of Commerce is to advocate on behalf of its membership to elected and appointed officials at all levels of government.
The Orange Chamber’s advocacy efforts focus on public policy, which includes existing and potential laws pertaining to economic development, ease of doing business, taxation, workforce development, infrastructure, and other initiatives that support business and the communities we serve.
As part of this advocacy, the Chamber recently shared with our members the “ReimagineCT Pledge,” which offers a 12-point policy package published by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA). According to the association, the comprehensive policy package was developed with the “input and engagement of a diverse group of stakeholders, including business, nonprofit, education, and community leaders.”
The policy offers legislative proposals to lower energy costs, provide affordable, high-quality health insurance, create jobs, offer property tax relief, and other recommendations that are intended to spur innovation and enhance quality of life.
As the Executive Director of the Chamber, a business owner, and a former corporate director, I signed the pledge as have 70 (and counting) Connecticut State senators and representatives, as well as thousands of individuals from across the state. I encourage every business owner, community leader, and government official to review the policy by visiting, https://www.cbia.com/resources/issues-policies/reimaginect-policy-pledge
Building a sustainable economy that emphasizes a positive business climate goes beyond party label. It’s not only good business sense, but common sense that benefits Connecticut.
Commemorative Bricks Are Back!
And speaking of history, here’s your chance for you, a family member, non-profit organization. or a business to become part of Orange History.
Just in time for the holidays, the Orange Chamber Commemorative Brick Program is back!
First launched in 2022 to celebrate the Town of Orange’s Bicentennial, hundreds of bricks have since been installed in front of the Orange Fairgrounds’ gazebo at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road.
Buy an engraved brick to honor loved ones. Recognize a military veteran or volunteer. Celebrate milestone birthdays, weddings, graduations, and anniversaries. Whatever you wish to commemorate, bricks make beautiful gifts and lasting tributes.
This is the FINAL installment of bricks for the designated area. There is a strict limit to the number of 4″ x 8″ and 8″ x 8″ brick orders that can be accepted.
Brick sales are open to the public and are not restricted to Orange residents or businesses.
For further information, including engraving and customization options, and to place orders, please visit orangectchamber.com and click on “Commemorative Bricks” or email director@orangectchamber.com
Welcome new members!
Since my last column, the Chamber has welcomed Supercuts (three locations), Grind Baseball, Kashmire Salon, and Steve’s Plumbing as new members.
2025 membership renewal notifications will be sent on December 1st. We thank the many members that have already committed, and we look forward to continually growing the Chamber and the value it creates for our businesses and families throughout Orange, the Amity region, and the surrounding communities.
Author: Barry Lee Cohen
Executive Director, Orange Chamber of Commerce.