Welcome to the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce

Before you rush into 2026 planning, take a moment to look back at the year your brand just lived. Every campaign, conversation, challenge, and breakthrough tells a story—and those stories hold the clues to what your brand truly needs next. December is more than a wrap-up; it’s a strategic checkpoint. A strong brand isn’t built on autopilot; it evolves with intention. Start by revisiting the moments that defined your year—successful campaigns, new partnerships, customer feedba

“Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait.” – Will Rogers “Home Dreams & New Beginnings” December reminds us that home is more than a structure, it’s where traditions are created, milestones happen, and memories settle into the walls. In my work as a local Realtor, I see firsthand how deeply connected people are to their homes. This month, families are gathering, baking, decorating, welcoming loved ones, and creating moments they’ll remember for years. And whet

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As the holiday decorations go up and the year draws to a close, December is the perfect time not just to reflect – but to plan.  For small businesses, starting 2026 strong means thinking ahead now: making sure your policies, staffing, and compliance are all lined up to support your growth and your people. Here are some key Connecticut law changes for 2026, plus a bite-sized checklist to help you kick off the year confidently. What’s New in Connecticut for 2026 1.        Minim

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 NOON LAKEVIEW RESTAURANT, LAKE ST, COVENTRY One of our most successful programs thanks to our Chair, Missy Willard, Realtor. Each month on the first Thursday at noon women business owners, community leaders, volunteers and home divas get together and share experiences and resources. This is an exceptionally motivating program where life long relationships are created. Any lady is welcome. Each month we have different speakers that present topics our c

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 8:00-9:00 AM FARMER'S COW CALFE 86 STORRS RD, RT 195, MANSFIELD Sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank Getting up early can be a drag. But we guarantee this networking group will have you not only energized but excited to get to work and grow your business. Join us on the third Tuesday of the month from 8-9:00 AM at the Farmers Cow Calfe & Creamery, 86 Storrs Rd (Rt. 195) in Mansfield. This is one of your m ost important member benefits and is highly effecti

NEW LAWS AS OF JANUARY 1 The Windham Region Chamber of  Commerce will host a lunch and learn on Tuesday, December 9 at noon at 1010 Main Street, Willimantic   to review all of the upcoming laws that take effect on January 1 and will affect your business.  We will review each law, you responsibilities and any fines and penalties for not complying.  There is a lot to know, why not enjoy lunch and get informed?  The meeting is free.  It will also be a virtual webinar for those w

The Connecticut Paid Sick Day Law will apply to employers with 11 or more employees starting January 1. Currently the law applies to employers with 25 or more employees. It will apply to all Connecticut employers the following year. The law requires employers to provide one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours of work. It has a number of reasons why an employee can take time off, has rules concerning unused time being carried over into the succeeding year, prohibits requ

MyCTSavings is the state-sponsored retirement program for employers with 5+ employees (full-time and part-time), that do not currently offer a retirement plan.  State law requires that employers not currently offering a retirement option either register and enroll in the MyCTSavings program , which is free to the business or organization, or adopt a private retirement plan, like a 401(k), 403 (b), or a SEP.   Up to this point, there have been no penalties for non-compliance.

Here is the registration link for the Walk for Warmth: https://www.runreg.com/waim-walk-for-warmth

After a building swap with the Town of Windham, the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce is back home in our little yellow building on the corner of Main and Bridge Streets.  We are excited to be back to 1010 Main Street  and want to invite the community to an open house and celebration on Thursday, November 20 from 5:30-7:00 PM .  We will be open all day for anyone who would like to stop in and say hello.  Tourism related businesses and organizations can replenish their brochu

We’re excited to offer a new way for local businesses to stay top-of-mind with thousands of engaged readers through our  Buzz  newsletters -  Quiet Corner Buzz ,  HartCo Buzz , and  Tolland County Buzz . Each county-specific newsletter highlights local news, events, and small businesses — the exact kind of community content your customers actually read. Now, we’re opening a limited number of  monthly sponsorship spots (4–6 per newsletter)  that include: ✅  Your logo featured