Orange Chamber Is Now the Amity Chamber of Commerce

New name and look bring expanded coverage and more value.

Orange, Connecticut, March 27, 2025— Effective today, the Orange Chamber of Commerce is now the “Amity Chamber of Commerce.” 

Barry Lee Cohen, formerly the Executive Director of the Orange Chamber, will continue in an expanded role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Amity Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber Board of Directors remains unchanged, with Board President Ted Novicki, Dr. Rob Rubino, and Mary-Ann White as Vice President and Secretary, respectively. The 15-member Board was unanimous in moving to the new name that reflects the expanded coverage, membership, and value the organization provides, as further witnessed by the over 30% increase in membership since July 2024.

Cohen said, “This rebranding is more than a name change; it is a change for the better! Since becoming the Executive Director last July, the message has been loud and clear: members approve of the uptick in programs, communications, and community outreach, and they want more. The Board’s commitment to a regional chamber provides the platform to achieve this.”

The change further strengthens the Chamber’s position as a leading voice for businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the Amity region and surrounding communities. The Amiy Chamber’s mission to create distinctive value by providing meaningful programs, events, strategic marketing, advocacy, networking, and professional educational opportunities will be bolstered by the ability to introduce new initiatives, foster alliances, access new resources, and increase engagement beyond the Chamber’s prior footprint. Novicki said, ” I am extremely excited about our newly expanded Amity Chamber of Commerce. The towns of Bethany, Orange, and Woodbridge are logical strategic partners, forever linked by our amazing Amity School district. The new Amity Chamber will offer our business community even more opportunities to reach customers, share best practices, and grow together.”

The Amity Chamber of Commerce logo was conceived and designed by Christopher Ritchie. Ritchie is a Lecturer in the Graphic and Digital Design program at the University of New Haven and a multi-disciplinary designer and art director with over 20 years of in-house creative department and independent agency experience. Ritchie is also the owner of Coa Design. The University of New Haven is an Amity Chamber member;  Brian T. Kench, PhD., Dean of the Pompea College of Business at the University of New Haven, also serves on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

The new brand identity has been launched on the  Chamber’s website, social media channels (in progress), and membership plaques. It is being phased in on documentation and other support materials.Former Orange Chamber of Commerce members are now members of the new Amity Chamber of Commerce. The Amity Chamber will retain the same legal entity and not-for-profit 501(c)6 status.

Cohen said, “The Amity Chamber of Commerce best reflects not just geography but also the regional synergies, strong bonds, and opportunities that continue to propel businesses throughout Orange, Woodbridge, Bethany, and the Boston Post Road corridor, which includes a significant number of members based in West Haven and Milford.”
“Thank you for your support, membership, and trust as we begin this exciting new chapter.”

About the Amity Chamber of Commerce

The Amity Chamber of Commerce delivers distinctive value for our members, businesses, and the local communities of Orange, Woodbridge, Bethany, and surrounding municipalities by providing meaningful programs, events, advocacy, networking, and professional educational opportunities. Through these initiatives, the Chamber promotes and helps foster economic growth while demonstrating the unique value our members and the region offer. By establishing strong partnerships and through close collaboration with members, government officials, and other key stakeholders the Chamber plays an essential role in creating a Connecticut where businesses and families work, live, and thrive.