A Message from our Chamber President

2020

This year has been a challenge for everyone but especially our Newington businesses. We had to figure out how to navigate the regulations and support everyone to not only survive but thrive. The Newington Chamber knew that one thing would be the same, the more we come together, the better it will be. Networking, visibility, and community is what the Chamber does best.

We boosted our social media to get the word out on how everyone can help the businesses that were closed, struggling or were offering updated safety protocols. Our weekly Wake Up Wednesday Networking meetings went virtual as we continued to connect people and businesses. When they reopened, we did new videos asking how have you adapted your business and how can people support you now.

In June, when we normally get to shut down Market Square and have a great night out with a Classic Car show, we did a car parade instead! With the help of Newington Police, we shut down multiple intersections this year! We made it all around town with Classic Cars and even businesses who decorated their own vehicles!

Normally, in November we put on our biggest event, a Silent Auction & Wine Tasting we get to host at the beautiful G. Fox Building in Downtown Hartford. We knew that would be unable to happen this year, so we made other plans. We hosted a Drive-In Movie Fundraiser featuring “Aladdin” as a great night out for families! We look forward to doing this amazing event again in the Spring.

The Chamber launched a young professionals group, New F.I.R.E., this year. We are looking forward to the Spring when we can hopefully start a few in person networking events.
Our social media has been thriving! We started “Take out Thursdays” to support the Newington Restaurants who have been so hard hit this year. We have kept the community informed on different events in town and ways to support each other and businesses.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, donated, attended, and supported events, posts, or anything this chamber was able to do this year! We look forward to taking all we’ve learned in 2020 and use it to make 2021 our best year yet!

Happy and Healthy New Year to all!

Deanna Reney
Chamber President, 2020