Local News & Updates

Local News & Updates

Bloomfield Chamber Announces the 2023 Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the 2023 Bloomfield Chamber Scholarship Recipients!

Jacob Joseph, from Kingswood Oxford
Lisa -Raye McCaw,  Bloomfield High School 
Savannah White, Bloomfield High School

For the second year, we honor and remember our beloved board member Patricia Estill who passed away in 2021,  a dedicated community servant with a passion for education who served on the Board of Directors for the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce and chaired the Scholarship Committee for several years.  

Jacob Joseph has been named the 2023 recipient of the Patricia H. Estill Award. Established in 2021, the award recognizes a student with outstanding academic achievement and a zeal for public service.  Jacob will begin Tulane University in January 2024.

Lisa- Raye McCaw and Savannah White will attend University of Hartford and University of Connecticut, respectively, in September. 

For more than 20 years, the Chamber has supported the education of students majoring in a variety of disciplines, helping young people further their education and overcome the financial obstacles associated with higher education.  

This scholarship is administered by the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, or national origin. Students must be a current resident of Bloomfield, CT, but do not need to attend school in Bloomfield to be eligible. To make a donation to the Scholarship Foundation and support future students, please follow this link.

 

Bloomfield Chamber Announces the 2022 Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Recipients

BLOOMFIELD, CONNECTICUT September 14, 2022 – The Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2022 recipients of the Bloomfield Chamber Scholarship Award. The scholarship program annually grants 3 awards of $1,000 to graduating high school seniors who reside in Bloomfield.  Student winners were selected based upon accomplishments in the areas of academics, leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities.  

Three recipients were each awarded $1,000 scholarships:

  • Lovelle J.,  of Metropolitan Learning Center ’22, will attend the University of Connecticut

  • Johniece J.,  of  Bloomfield High School ’22 , will attend Radford University (VA) – 2022 Patricia E. Estill Scholarship Award Winner

  • Madison P., of  CREC Academy of International Studies ’22, will attend  University of Southern California

Recipients below (left to right):

Lovelle J., Johniece J., Madison P.

In remembrance of our beloved board member Patricia Estill (1936-2021), we are proud to name Johniece J. as the first recipient of the Patricia H. Estill Award. Established in 2021,  the award recognizes a student with a zeal for public service.  Ms. Estill was a dedicated community servant with a passion for education and served on the Board of Directors for the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce for several years. 

For more than 20 years, the Chamber has supported the education of students majoring in a variety of disciplines, helping young people further their education and overcome the financial obstacles associated with higher education.  “Every year, we are increasingly impressed by the quality of our scholarship applicants and their aspirations and diverse approach to impacting change in the world around them,” said John Staunton, scholarship committee chair and vice president of Wentworth-DeAngelis Insurance Agency. “It is a privilege to help young people in our service area obtain a higher education as part of our promise to provide quality, service, and value, and we look forward to seeing their accomplishments in the years ahead.”

The 2022 winners began college this fall.

This scholarship is administered by the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, or national origin. Students must be a current resident of Bloomfield, CT, but do not need to attend school in Bloomfield to be eligible. To make a donation to the Scholarship Foundation and support future students, please follow this link.

About the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1965, the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce is a private, not-for-profit, member-driven organization. Our mission is to promote our member’s success and provide a sense of community among Bloomfield businesses. Additional information is available online at www.bloomfieldchamber.org

 

 

Covid-19 Booster Shot Vaccine Clinics

Offering: Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster.

Wednesdays and Thursdays (beginning December 8, 2021)

Call the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District at 860.561.7900. to book your appointment today!  

*No walk-ins.  You must book an appointment to receive the booster.*

What to bring:

  • License or ID
  • Health Insurance Card
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Card

 

Summary Municipal Election Results for Bloomfield – November 2, 2021

Follow the link for the Official Results

Repeal of Town Emergency Order 2021-1 
Release Prepared by: Captain Stephen Hajdasz 
Release Authorized by: Stanley D. Hawthorne, Town Manager 

In August 2021, the Town of Bloomfield issued Emergency Order No. 2021-1, which implemented a  universal mask mandate for the Town of Bloomfield due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant of  COVID-19. That Order stated the following: 

  1. Any person in an indoor public place in Bloomfield who does not maintain a safe social distance  of approximately six feet from every other person shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask  or cloth face-covering, unless they are exempt from such requirement under the Governor’s  Executive Order No. 13A. This order shall not apply to any residential dwelling. 
  2. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 13A issued by Governor Lamont, 
  3. a) Any person who fails to wear a mask or cloth-face covering as required herein, other than a  person who qualifies for exemption, shall be guilty of a violation and fined one hundred  dollars. An employer, rather than the employee, is liable for the fine for any employee’s  failure to wear a required mask or cloth-face covering while at work. 
  4. b) In any case in which a person is charged with a violation pursuant to this Order, the  procedures set forth in Connecticut General Statutes shall apply for the issuance of a State  Infraction for the fine of $100 in violation of statue. 

Since that issuance in August, the Town has been in continual consultation with the Director of the West  Hartford – Bloomfield Health District. It has been determined that a universal mask mandate is no longer  necessary due to the fact that the Town of Bloomfield has a high vaccination rate, and regional case  infection rates have dropped dramatically and continues to trend in a favorable direction. 

Therefore Stanley D. Hawthorne, the Bloomfield Town Manager, has issued an order to repeal  Bloomfield’s Emergency Order No. 2021-1 as of October 23, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.

 
Meet Josette Lumbruno of CALM MIND MEDITATION
“I am an experienced and certified meditation teacher. I developed what I call CALM MIND MEDITATION, because I believe without a calm mind it is difficult to focus on any activity, or your everyday routine. It is not what you gain from meditation but what you let go of. I offer individual and or group meditation sessions (virtually) “learn to meditate.” Here you will learn why, how, when and where to have a meditation practice. I have taught in wellness centers, at the YMCA, volunteered my sessions for military events, corporate and town wide meditation events. The course is four weeks for adults and three weeks for kids.”
For more information visit www.CalmMindMeditation.com or contact Josette at info@calmmindmeditation.com.

Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare in Talks to Merge
The Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare recently announced that the boards of both food banks are in discussions to merge as one statewide organization to more effectively serve people in Connecticut who struggle with food insecurity. 

Foodshare Board chair Beth Henry and Connecticut Food Bank past Board chair Wes Higgins have led the process for the two organizations and released a statement today regarding the progress of  the talks. “We have been engaged in a deliberate and thoughtful process to determine how we can achieve our united mission with our experienced and dedicated staff, our partner agencies, our  volunteers, and our donors. We look forward to providing an update early in 2021.” 

Camp Bow Wow Bloomfield Opens This Week
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE FIRST DAY!!
Camp Bow Wow Bloomfield opened this week!  Make your reservations today.  All services will be available when they open: daycare, night boarding, baths, & enrichment services. The team is excited to serve the community and take care of your pups! Schedule your reservation here!

Camper Requirements:

  • At least four months old
  • Spayed or neutered (if seven months or older)
  • Current on Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella vaccines
  • In good overall health
  • Wearing a quick-release collar
  • Dog and people friendly
  • Able to pass the Interview and Evaluation

Camp Bow Wow Bloomfield is located at 122 West Dudley Town Road, in Bloomfield, CT. 
Watch their video to learn more! 

Q4 Legislative Power Hour Replay
Did you miss the opportunity to hear from your delegates?
Watch it HERE now!

Thank you Senators Doug McCrory and Derek Slap, State Representative Bobby Gibson, and Mayor Suzette DeBeatham-Brown for your participation.

Mark your calendars for the next Legislative Power Hour on March 11, 2021.

Attorney David Baram was designated a Super Lawyer for 2020

Congratulations to Chamber member, David Baram!
 
Attorney David Baram was designated a Super Lawyer for 2020 published in the November issue of Connecticut Magazine.
Super Lawyers select attorneys by accepting nominations from attorneys throughout the state, evaluation by a third party research team looking at 12 key categories, review by acredentialed Blue Ribbon Panel of attorneys, and final selection.
 
Attorney Baram was one of nine attorneys in Connecticut listed a Super Attorney in the practice area of Business/Corporate.
In addition to his practice in business and corporate law, Attorney Baram practices in the areas of Residential and Commercial Real Estate, Probate and Estate Planning, Family Law, Zoning and Municipal Law, Personal Injury, and Employment Law. He is a partner in the law firm of O’Malley, Deneen, Leary, Messina and Oswecki with offices in Windsor and Bloomfield.
 
Previously he was the managing member of his former law firm Baram, Tapper & Gans LLC.

 

Total Health Gym Offers Municipality Discount to Chamber Members

Option #1: Total+ Membership 
*BEST VALUE* 
$179 One Year Paid in Full Membership – Includes unlimited classes featuring Spinning, Yoga, Zumba, Kickboxing, TRX, Full Body Bootcamp, and more. Also includes free guest privileges on Saturdays and Sundays! EXCLUSIVE ADDED BONUS: Buy one, get one half off! Receive a second Total+ membership for a family member living in the same household for just $89 and 10% off our personal training services! 

Option #2: Basic Membership 
$99 One Year Paid in Full Membership – Includes access to equipment in the club only. 

*One time $20 processing fee plus tax applied to all options at time of joining. Offer exclusive to Bloomfield Chamber Members, Town employees and municipalities only. Please present town ID at time of joining. 

 

Bloomfield Chamber welcomes new members…

Counseling For Change, LLC
34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 306
Bloomfield, CT 06002

Many Rivers Community Acupuncture, LLC
3 Barnard Lane, Suite 205
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860) 683-0011

 

Make Connecticut Count
Town of Bloomfield Encourages All Employees to Participate in US Census.

In an effort to increase Connecticut’s response rate, the Town of Bloomfield joins Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz in calling on ALL employers to encourage their workers to respond to the decennial count. In partnership with the Governor’s Office and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the Town of Bloomfield joins businesses, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and other employers to give employees 10 designated minutes to complete the 2020 U.S. Census. Get started by going to https://2020census.gov/en.html

6/9/2020
Bloomfield Chamber Welcomes Newest Members

Contours Hair & Spa
Rehoboth Church of God
Sir Speedy of Bloomfield
Marclion McMikle Insurance Agency
AA Glass, Inc
Gospelodeum, LLC
Midstate Site Development, LLC

Support Bloomfield and members of the Bloomfield Chamber. Let them know you were  referred by the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce. 

6/9/2020

CT Business Reopening and Recovery Center

Welcome to the Business Reopening and Recovery Center for the State of Connecticut. This is your one-stop resource to help your business prepare, rebuild, and grow during the State’s emergency Coronavirus response.

5/30/2020

CT Statewide Virtual Hiring Event – Employers Needed 

Connecticut’s Virtual Hiring Event will be a three day event held Tuesday, June 16 – Thursday, June 18. We are currently seeking employers interested in participating to quickly fill open positions.

Employers who are interested in participating must:
1. Have hiring needs within Connecticut
2. Have 5 or more openings
3. Have a Zoom Pro account
4. Be willing to report # of hires

To participate, employers can click on the link, https://lnkd.in/g-jTCcf , complete this intake form and a representative from Indeed will follow up with them to complete sign up. In order to provide job seekers with ample time to sign up for an interview time slot, we are asking employers to complete the intake form by 5:00pm on Tuesday, June 2.

5/27/2020

Governor’s Reopen CT Report

The governor just issued the Reopen CT Report that contains the recommendations from his advisory committee. It also lists the venues which will open in each of the four phases and what milestones need to be reached for the next phase to happen. View link below.

Governor’s Reopen CT Report 

May 21, 2020

Bloomfield to host Car Parade of Veterans and First Responders for Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2020 at 10:00 AM

Due to COVID-19 the Memorial Day Ceremonies and Town Center Parade originally scheduled for May 25, 2020 have been altered to meet the social distancing guidelines. In place of the Town Center Parade, a Car Parade of Veterans and First Responders will be held throughout town beginning at 10:00 AM, see car parade route attached. Step outside to wave and cheer on all of the parade participants as they pass by!

Wreaths will be placed at the monuments on the Town Green along with American Flags. American Flags will also be placed throughout Mountain View Cemetery. The Town encourages all residents to spend time this Memorial Day 2020 to remember and recognize those who have fallen in your own, personal way. 

May 18, 2020

Gov. Lamont Delays Reopening of Conn. Hair Salons and Barbershops; Now Targeting June 1 Reopening

Hair salons and barbershops were originally part of the state’s phase one reopening set for May 20 but on May 18, the governor announced these businesses would not be able to reopen until June. 
Learn more here.

May 15, 2020

Infrared Thermometers to Eligible Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Places of Worship

CONNSTEP and CBIA have partnered with the state of Connecticut to help distribute infrared thermometers to small businesses with 100 employees or fewer. The thermometers, which can support workplace screening and health checks, are available free to Connecticut employers with 100 or fewer employees.

Eligible businesses can request a thermometer through this website.

Requested thermometers will be distributed based on the city or town in which the business is located. Designated municipalities will contact local employers with the date, time, and location to collect requested thermometers.

May 11, 2020

SECTOR RULES FOR MAY 20TH REOPEN

Please note all businesses subject to these guidelines are required to self-certify prior to opening May 20th. The certification system will be online this week, and a link will be added to this page at that time.
Visit here for more information

May 11, 2020

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN FREE ONLINE LEARNING?

Upgrade your skills! Learn new skills! Get ready to get back to work!
The SkillUp CT program is coordinated by the Connecticut Workforce Development Council (CWDC) in collaboration with the Connecticut Governor’s Workforce Council (GWC) and the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL).

 

(May 8, 2020)

$110B in Funding Remains for Small Businesses and Non-profits

$110 billion in funding remains for the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Many Connecticut companies and non-profits have taken advantage of this program to date, with approximately 30,000 organizations approved for $2.5 billion in forgivable loans so far during this round.  

The PPP provides forgivable loans to small businesses and non-profits with less than 500 employees. 75% of the loan must be used for payroll expenses, with the remaining used on rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. More Information about the PPP can be found on the SBA website

Connecticut has more than 350 SBA-approved banks and credit unions that can help your organization secure this critical funding. If you do not have an existing banking relationship, you can also apply for this program through approved online lenders (fintechs) like PayPal, QuickBooks, Bluevine, Funding Circle, Kabbage, OnDeck, and Square. Funding for this program will not last much longer. Small businesses are encouraged to apply today. 

(May 7, 2020)

Entrepreneur Grant $5,000: NDN Foundation 

The NDN Collective is offering grants of up to $5,000 to Indigenous artists and small businesses for support during the COVID-19 health crisis. Funding is intended to assist artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses that face economic hardship. If you haven’t applied already, go here now.
Maximum Amount: $5,000
Application Deadline: 5/29/2020
 

Take the Small Business Reopening Survey

Small Business Reopening Survey, for business owners.

COVID-19 – NEWS FOR CT BUSINESSES Invitation to Participate – State of Connecticut Business Survey

A business survey, issued in partnership by AdvanceCT, the Department of Economic and Community Development, and the CBIA is now open online. The goal is to provide feedback to the state and policymakers regarding how Connecticut businesses are responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Please take the time to complete this short, (12-question) survey and share it with other Connecticut businesses. The more responses, the more meaningful the data.  The survey will remain open in the days ahead, allowing the State to track progress and hear the business community’s feedback on the crisis over a period of time.  The results of the survey will be made public.  The survey will help the State modulate its response, track business sentiment towards the crisis, and prioritize initiatives. Here is the link to the business survey: https://www.research.net/r/COVID19BizSurvey  

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