News
The Great Main Street Pumpkin Fest Arrives in Old Saybrook
Old Saybrook, CT – October 18, 2025 – Old Saybrook’s Main Street will transform into a fall wonderland as the community comes together for The Great Main Street Pumpkin Fest on Saturday, October 18th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Presented by Essex Bank, this annual celebration promises an afternoon full of family-friendly fall fun, featuring: Crafts and activities for all ages Sips and snacks Live music and shopping along Main Street A festive scavenger hunt (with one lucky prize winner!) And so much
Middlesex United Way’s Women United Opens 2025–2026 Grant Opportunity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 6, 2025 Middletown, CT – Middlesex United Way’s Women United affinity group is inviting nonprofit organizations serving women and children in Middlesex County to apply for its 2025–2026 Women United Grant Opportunity. Applications will be accepted beginning Friday, October 10, 2025, through Friday, December 5, 2025. Grants ranging from $100 to $1,000 will be awarded to support programs that strengthen childhood and youth development, empower women, and advance
Top Mistakes New Small Business Owners Make (and Smart Ways to Avoid Them)
Starting a business is an exciting leap — but also one full of potential pitfalls. Many new owners underestimate how much planning, patience, and persistence are required to build a company that lasts. By learning from common mistakes others have made, you can avoid setbacks and position your venture for long-term success. Mistake #1: Skipping a Real Business Plan Too many entrepreneurs dive in with enthusiasm but without a roadmap. A business plan doesn’t need to be 100 pages long, but it should
Duck River Garden Club Celebrates Member’s Statewide Achievement Award
News From The Duck River Garden Club Of Old Lyme Serving Old Lyme and East LymeWe are thrilled to announce that one of our members has been awarded a Certificate of Individual Achievement from the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut. Mark Comstock, local grower and owner of Hydrangea Galore in Old Lyme, has been selected for this award. Mark is also a bonsai expert, and conservationist who has worked tirelessly to assist the Lyme communities in a myriad of ways. He created an instructional class
Dream In Color Marketing Releases New Offer for Chamber Members
Your marketing to-do list isn’t going to finish itself. But when you hand it to someone who just gets it, that’s when momentum (and relief) begin. The Marketing VIP Day is a focused, high-impact experience offering expert-level marketing implementation and on-demand marketing services - built specifically for small business marketing needs. Whether you’ve been stuck doing it all yourself or you've outgrown DIY, this is the fast-track to getting it done with confidence and clarity. You bring the list. I
Join the Friends of Yale New Haven Children's Hospital for Bids & Bites
Since 1989, the Friends of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital has worked to improve the health and well-being of pediatric patients through the support of clinical care, education, and outreach. Friends fundraising efforts have given more than $3.5 million to the hospital. We invite you to join us for Bids & Bites, a casual event featuring delicious samples from trendy restaurants that generously donate their time and culinary delights. This will be our second year hosting this exciting event at The
How Small Brands Can Ride the Waves of the Seasons
Seasons come and go, but for small businesses, they can bring more than just weather changes—they bring opportunity. From back-to-school madness to spring cleaning surges and the holiday buying blitz, there are built-in rhythms that drive consumer behavior whether anyone’s ready or not. The challenge isn’t just recognizing the waves, it’s knowing how to ride them with style, tact, and intention. Seasonal promotions, done right, don’t just sell more stuff—they deepen loyalty, create momentum, and allow
Better Tools, Better Time: How Entrepreneurs Are Reclaiming Their Hours
Time isn't just money—it's leverage, sanity, and survival. For small business owners balancing invoices, customer engagement, project deadlines, and maybe even school pickups, the hours vanish fast. That's why the best founders aren’t just hardworking—they’re discerning about how they work and which tools do the heavy lifting behind the scenes. Not all apps deserve a home on the home screen, but some stand out not just for their features, but for the way they return time to the people building things from
Igniting Business Growth Through Data Insights
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, data has emerged as an invaluable asset with the potential to drive meaningful growth. Businesses that strategically transform raw data into actionable insights can secure a significant advantage, positioning themselves ahead of competitors. Effective data utilization not only uncovers key trends but also enhances the ability to make informed, agile decisions. The modern enterprise thrives on this continual optimization of business intelligence, where staying
Elevate Your Hustle: Adobe Tools to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
This Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating the tools that are fueling the success of women entrepreneurs everywhere. Running a business requires balancing countless responsibilities, and Adobe Acrobat is here to help streamline the journey. From simplifying document workflows to enhancing team communication, Acrobat is designed to help entrepreneurs work smarter, not harder. These intuitive tools make day-to-day tasks seamless, allowing business owners to dedicate their time to what truly
Thriving Together: Proven Tactics for Small Business Partnerships
In the fast-paced world of small businesses, effective collaboration isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for survival and growth. From leveraging digital platforms to maintaining a unified vision, the following strategies will not only bolster transparency and trust but also drive innovation and productivity. Read on to learn how to elevate your small business partnerships to new heights.Clear Channels Ignite Collaboration Brilliance Establishing clear and open communication channels is crucial for
