Conference Center - Building 8
100 West Campus Drive, Orange
Free and Open to the Public
ORANGE, Connecticut, June 9, 2026— The Amity Chamber of Commerce is holding its second annual “Amity Chamber Business Symposium & Expo” on July 22nd, at Yale West Campus, 100 West Campus Drive, Orange, from 3:30 pm- 7:00 pm.
Both the symposium and the expo are free and open to the public due to the generosity of this year’s sponsors and Amity Chamber Corporate Partners, including Avangrid (Diamond level) and The Milford Bank (Platinum level), along with Amity Chamber members and Silver sponsors, Signarama – Orange, 7-Brew Drive Thru Coffee, and Beers Hamerman, Cohen, & Burger (BHC&B).
Amity Chamber of Commerce CEO, Barry Lee Cohen, said, “This year’s event has been meticulously developed to engage, inform, excite, and empower businesses, non-profit organizations, and the community!”
“Bring your colleagues, customers, friends, and family. Whether your objective is to obtain economic and business updates, refine your go-to-market strategies, or sample some fantastic, free food from our F&B Chamber members, this year’s program offers resources, education, networking, and business opportunities to improve your organization’s operations, culture, and bottom line!”
The program will begin with the business symposium. The primary focus of this year’s symposium reflects the current, evolving international landscape, which has presented economic challenges, financial implications, as well as opportunities for businesses of all sizes and scopes. The heightened importance of how businesses position and communicate their brand to engage, create customer value, and increase ROI will also be presented. Attendees are strongly encouraged to be seated by 3:15 pm for what will be a prompt start and an extremely impactful symposium experience.
To register for the Amity Symposium and Expo, please click here .
Symposium speakers and their respective presentations include:
Daniel H. O’Keefe
Commissioner, Department of Economic and Community Development
Chief Innovation Officer, State of CT
“Navigating Economic Crosswinds: Business Opportunities and Challenges“
With the ongoing Iran conflict, Mideast instability, tariffs, and rising business costs, Commissioner O’Keefe will discuss the potential challenges and impact on the state’s economy, as well as business expansion and opportunities.
Sean Scanlon
State of Connecticut Comptroller
“Connecticut’s Economy Today: Financial Trends and Impact on Small Business”
Comptroller Scanlon will share an update on Connecticut’s finances and economic outlook and the impact on Connecticut’s small businesses.
Morgan Nyerick
Director of Connecticut Statewide Marketing & Tourism
“Shaping Connecticut’s Story: How Perception Drives Growth”
Connecticut is experiencing a measurable shift in how people perceive our state, and the momentum is just beginning. In this session, Ms. Nyerick will explore how perception influences economic growth, talent attraction, tourism, and business development. Blending marketing insights, state initiatives, and real-world examples, this conversation will examine the role we all play in shaping Connecticut’s narrative and future.
Eric Lopez
Founder and CEO of Arrowhead Leadership Consulting – 2023 CT Veteran-owned Small Business of the Year
Colonel (Retired); Graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point; Four-time Bronze Star Medal Recipient
“Leading Across The Generations”
As Gen Z rapidly reshapes the workforce, many organizations experience increased friction, shifting expectations, and a growing disconnect across teams. Lopez will challenge common assumptions about younger leaders and reveal what drives performance, engagement, and accountability across generations. You’ll walk away with clear, practical strategies to lead without compromise—strengthening alignment, elevating standards, and unlocking the full potential of every generation in your organization.
Additional presenters to be announced.
The Expo portion commences at 5:30 p.m. and will include over 20 businesses and organizations that span transportation, public utilities, food and beverage, home improvement, real estate, finance, and more.
The Expo has been purposely designed for networking with colleagues and friends, one-on-one discussions, or bringing the family to explore leading businesses throughout the Amity region.
An eclectic expo floor offers an exceptional mix of well-established and leading corporations, as well as iconic and rising-star brands. From PEZ Candy, Jimmy John’s, Barrio Burrito Bar, and Duck Donuts, to Tweed-New Haven (HVN), Coldwell Banker Realty, Regional Water Authority, and many more, an abundance of meaningful business knowledge, fun, and collaboration is FREE and will not disappoint, and includes:
7Brew Silver Sponsor
Arrowhead Leadership Consulting
Avangrid Diamond Sponsor
Barrio Burrito Bar
Beers, Hamerman, Cohen & Burger, P.C. Silver Sponsor
Coldwell Banker
Colonial Properties
Crest Lincoln of Woodbridge
Duck Donuts
Jimmy John’s
Liberty Bank
Merchantics
Milford Auto Group
Orange Ale House
PEZ Candy Inc.
Regional Water Authority
Signarama Silver Sponsor
The Milford Bank Platinum Sponsor
TUFF Shed
Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – CT District Office
West Shore Associates Promotional Products
Partial Listing; Subject to Change
Free and Open to the Public. Register Today!
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – CT District Office will also be stationed on the Expo floor for attendees to learn about FREE and low-cost resources available to assist with business plans, accessing capital, and other great opportunities available to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The Amity Chamber is tremendously grateful to Avangrid, The Milford Bank, and all our Corporate Partners, which also include Yale West Campus, Coldwell Banker Realty, Roebic Laboraties, Coastal Bridge Advisors, Laticrete, Verizon, and Liberty Bank, who provide substantial operational and financial resources that are essential, offer exceptional expertise, and tangibly demonstrate their shared commitment to nurturing businesses and engaging communities throughout the Amity region and surrounding areas.
Although registration is not required, advance registrations allow presenters and panelists to best engage the attendees, and for Expo exhibitors to ensure they are resourced with adequate supplies, samples, or giveaways.