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Natural Awakenings Central-Eastern Connecticut

Empowering Business Growth: The Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Legacy of Support and Networking

Jan 31, 2024 ● By David Huck

A look down over some of the guests at the Out For Business at the Palace Theatre.

Since 1890, the Waterbury Regional Chamber has served as the region’s top resource for businesses and non-profits, acting as a network, resource and advocate. With more than 950 members, the Waterbury Regional Chamber—along with its Naugatuck Chamber, Southbury Chamber, and Watertown Oakville Chamber affiliates—serves the business interests of organizations across 13 towns in the region, as well as other strategic locations within Connecticut.

There are ample occasions for people to meet other business owners. Each year, the chamber hosts more than 65 networking events to provide opportunities for businesses of all sizes to make new connections, generate new leads, learn best practices from top professionals and bring new visibility for businesses.

Chamber President and CEO Lynn Ward being interviewed by Channel 8

From webinars, workshops, industry-leading speakers, networking events, leadership and professional development training, legislative policy updates, the latest business and regulatory news, and informative learning opportunities, the chamber is an extensive resource for a business of any size.


During a recent membership survey, 99 percent of businesses said they would recommend a Waterbury Regional Chamber membership to a fellow business owner, the chamber explained. “It’s the best, most active chamber in Connecticut,” one member said. “Its reach is unparalleled, and it’s a valuable resource that has opened new doors for me as business.”

“I never knew what a chamber did, but I went to a Waterbury Regional Chamber event on the recommendation of my father. I met so many people,” said Cathy Havican of Personalized Happenings in Waterbury. “Everyone was friendly, encouraging and so welcoming. I have grown my business by attending the networking events, and I would highly recommend any business to join.”

Top left: Stevie Sacco, owner of The Bevy Co ~ New Business of the Year ~ Top right: Charlie Berger, owner of Chatfield True Value ~ Business of the Year ~ Bottom left: Dr. John J. Zazzaro, DMD ~ Community Leader ~ Bottom right: Brian M. Jones ~ Unsung Hero ~

The chamber’s strong, working relationships with local, state and federal leaders gives the organization the opportunity to connect members with decision makers at events and programs throughout the year, while also advocating on their behalf at other times through letters of support, newspaper columns, radio time, email alerts and social media posts. By regularly gathering feedback from chamber members and learning about what issues matter most to them, the organization’s government affairs team and lobbyist are able to help shape legislation at all levels of government.


“During the 2023 legislative session, we worked hand in hand with our legislators to submit testimony and to advocate for issues important to member businesses more than 50 times. These advocacy efforts brought about tangible changes to the daily operations of our member businesses,” said Lynn Ward, president and CEO of Waterbury Regional Chamber.

The chamber’s website services as a gateway for consumers and members, offering comprehensive resources for finding business services, products, dining options and event listings, while also providing search engine optimized business profile listings for members. With more than 25,000 followers across various social media platforms, over 100,000 unique visitors to its website, an extensive email contact list and strategic ad placements, the chamber has a strong online presence that’s used to spotlight members and to educate others, said Ward. Beyond the digital realm, the chamber also publishes an annual business directory, along with specialty publications like Manufacturing Today and Health Matters, giving members additional exposure throughout the year.

An Out For Business event hosted by the Palace Theatre being featured on their marquee.

The Waterbury Regional Chamber is excited to offer a membership drive for new members joining during the month of March. Businesses will receive the following benefits and limited time offers, including being listed in a full-page ad in Republican American, upcoming magazine issues of Natural Awakenings and Health Matters, and in the chamber’s annual business directory distributed to more than 30,000 households and businesses in the region. In addition, businesses will be represented on the Waterbury Regional Chamber’s website and prominently promoted in a chamber newsletter. A complimentary Healthcare Council membership for one year ($50 value), complimentary Young Professionals membership for one year ($90 value) and free enrollment ($25 value) are also included, stated Laura Brown, the chamber’s membership director.

“Elevate your business with a chamber membership! Joining is easy,” Ward said. “Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible changes that happen when diverse talents and businesses come together. Membership isn’t just an affiliation, it’s an investment in your own success.”

Visit WaterburyChamber.com and click the “Join now” button. For more information, contact Membership Director Laura Brown at [email protected] or call 203-757-0701, ext. 305.


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