The Bigelow Tea Company of Fairfield, Connecticut is top drawer. For three generations it has stood the test of tea time and is winning. The Network Connecticut team went on a recent tour of its headquarters and had lunch with its CEO, Cindi Bigelow. She is vivacious, and “gets it done” for the people who work for her and the company. The thing that is so prevalent about Bigelow is that they care about their community and the people who work for them. We saw that for ourselves as we toured the plant. Folks on staff have worked for them for decades. To say that this company is philanthropic is an understatement, they give back to charity after charity after charity. That is the way to do business. Bigelow is there for others. What drew me to them in the first place? “Constant Comment” tea. I grew up with that in Indiana, it’s the only tea we had in our home.

Constant Comment tea is the foundation of this company. Cindi Bigelow’s Grandmother whipped up a batch of this tea, and to this day 70 years later ,it is the same formula. Take a look at the family history on their website. They are kind, and caring and we are lucky to have them in the state of Connecticut.

Greater Hartford Mini Maker Faire Saturday October 3 from 10 am – 5 pm at Tunxis Community College in Farmington This free, family-friendly celebration of invention and creativity is open to people of all ages who are interested in creating, making, building, innovating, tinkering, hacking, engineering, designing or connecting. Maker Faires serve as hands-on events that showcase projects other makers have worked on, while sharing new forms of innovation and experimentation across a range of disciplines. In partnership with the Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (RCNGM), this event is organized by CBIA and sponsored by Legrand, Stanley Black & Decker, LEGO, and TRUMPF. 

The 3rd Annual Waterbury Holiday Artisans Market at the historic City Hall is a premier venue for the showcasing and sale of fine handcrafted artistic gifts. Located in this festive, elegant setting, the market is a wonderful place to shop for all of your holiday needs, including jewelry; photography; fiber arts; soaps and skincare products; pottery; glass; clothing and knitted wear; accessories; home goods; wood; paper crafts; metal; and, a wide variety of delicious food items. Whether a Christmas gift, stocking stuffer or a hostess gift, you’ll find it at our market.

The market opens promptly at 10 a.m. with free parking throughout downtown and the Buckingham Parking Garage, just one half block from City Hall on Field Street.

Throughout the day, the market will also feature live music and a variety of food trucks parked along Grand Street for a fun food experience. The market closes at 4 p.m. Last year, the Market drew over 2,000 eager shoppers and this year it promises to be even bigger and better. So call your girlfriends or bring the family and join us to kick off the holiday shopping season!

Network Connecticut is all about helping foster business and innovators, entrepreneurs, non-profits and everyday folks in our great southern New England state. SUBWAY jumped right on board with our mantra and wanted us to feature Lyman Orchards in Middlefield. SUBWAY has called Connecticut home in Milford for the last 50-years and is a global company. Lyman has been a huge part of the farming community in Connecticut for the last 275 years, now that is something to be proud about. The Lyman family grows some of the finest peaches and apples around, and other fine produce and is proud to call Connecticut home. Take a moment to look at Lyman’s rich history and where they are today. Network Connecticut is proud to partner with these wonderful companies that make Connecticut rich.

Wiffle Ball was invented in Connecticut in 1953? Did you know this is a third generation company is based in Shelton? There have been millions and millions of wiffle balls made since David N. Mullany invented the 8-hole plastic ball. The current President of Wiffle Ball Inc., Mullany’s Grandson whose name is also David Mullany.

Berkshire Adirondack is a Connecticut Manufacturer of custom outdoor Cedar furniture, including benches, tables and their signature Adirondack Chairs. Always adding to our line from our customers ideas. Proud to be a Connecticut small business.

Read about the rich history of how their products are made:

In 1865 a lake was formed in Western Massachusetts  from the flooding of three bodies of water, Rand pond, Little pond and Messenger Ponds in 1865, by a dam across the Fall River,^[3] a tributary of the Farmington River created by the Farmington River Power Company. It was used for water storage, ensuring a steady supply of water power for mills along the Farmington River. In the early part of the twentieth century, the rise of the automobile led to the development of many seasonal cottages along the lake shore.  In 1918 the Dam was expanded and Shaw’s Pond was flooded over adding an additional 80 acres to what is now known as Otis Reservoir.

In 2010-2011 during the replacement of the original 1865 dam and the construction of a new dam and spillway dropped the water level of the reservoir to expose a shoreline that had not seen open air since before 1918.  Along the old shoreline local residence came upon an old natural stone fire-pit and 2 Cedar Adirondack Chairs, one had succumb to the ravages of time but the second chair was in relatively good shape.  The group dug the old chair out of its muddy tomb and cleaned it of the sediment.  One of the men took it upon himself to disassemble the chair and rebuild it with modern stainless steel fasteners and stained the wood to protect it from the elements.  The original chair sits near the waterfront on Driftwood Shores Community Beach not far from its last resting place, and sees regular use every summer.

Before the chair was reassembled, a set of templates was produced from the original chair and several attempts were made to try to duplicate the chairs comfort, support and classic design but all efforts failed…Until today, The classic 100 year design has been resurrected and can now be part of your outdoor collection through Berkshire Adirondack Chairs.

Friday, December 4th, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Annual Lamplight Stroll throughout downtown Milford

Join us for the 14th Annual Lamplight Stroll, Friday, December 4th, 5:30 – 9 p.m. Presented by the Downtown Milford Business Association with support from Star 99.9. During this popular annual event, Downtown Milford’s finest participating shops, spas, salons and restaurants enthusiastically greet visitors with refreshments, holiday cheer and unique holiday shopping opportunities!

Visitors of all ages return year after year to enjoy this beloved family-friendly annual event that couples lively traditional holiday activities with a festive and friendly experience.

Stroll from shop to shop during the Lamplight Stroll and enjoy Holiday-themed entertainment, roving carolers courtesy of the United Church of Christ (Congregational), the Cornerstone Christiansted Center Choir in front of Milford Photo, and free old-fashioned horse-drawn rides. The Foran High School’s ‘Advanced Vocal Ensemble’ will perform at 6:45 p.m. at the corner of Broad Street and Harbor Walk.

West Hartford French Bakery Café to Donate to the Victims of the Paris Attacks La Petite France Owner Donating 5% from Every Sale in December December

The owner of  La Petite France in West Hartford, Alexandra Litor is trying to turn her heartbreak into something positive and will donate 5% of every sale in the month of December to the French Red Cross to help aid the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.

Those attacks hit close to home for Litor who is from Levallois Perret, a town just outside of Paris. The owner and operator of La Petite France on Farmington Ave. also met her husband while attending school in Paris. “After watching the horror of 911 from afar I never thought Paris would suffer such brutality,” says Litor. The terror and shock of the Paris attacks has now turned to a resolve for Litor. “I want to let the people of Paris know that my heart and all our hearts are with them.

During this season of giving I want to do everything I can to remind people of the good still left in this world.” In addition to 5% of every sale the entire month of December going to the French Red Cross, on Sunday December 13th, the one-month anniversary of the attacks, Litor will also donate all the proceeds from the sale of her French baguettes to the organization. “The city of light suffered its darkest hours and my wanting to help those in need is so very personal. ‘Vive la France’. About La Petite France La Petite France, an authentic French bakery café, offers a variety of fresh food creations while providing a uniquely Parisian experience.

epLa Petite France offers artisanal pastries, breads and cakes fresh baked every morning along with a selection of authentic French fare such as quiche, crepes, croque monsieur and croissants.

La Petite France faceback page is HERE

Are you ready for more happiness and success? Feng Shui with Lurrae can change your world in one day. She listens to what you want and desire. She reviews property, home and rooms for structure and chi flow. Then she creates new placements based on your intentions. As a life coach, she blends ancient wisdom and common sense principles of Feng Shui with research in positive psychology. Her method is presented in my award-winning book “Designing a Happier Life.” Call today for 10% off your Feng Shui consultation. 203-494-3181

Have you been to Saybrook Country Barn and their shoppes in Old Saybrook, Connecticut? It’s sprawling. You name it you’ll find it, furniture, drapery, gifts and clothing and on and on and on. There is even a restaurant on site called Aspen.

This is a family business that has grown because it has evolved over the years. It’s at the head of Main Street in this Connecticut River Valley town. Network Connecticut is proud to welcome them aboard as a sponsor as we continue our march to network and connect, business and innovators and entrepreneurs across the Constitution state called Connecticut. If everybody works together things get done and people prosper. The Saybrook Country Barn has been a mainstay in Connecticut for nearly 40-years. It still is known as one of the leading premium furniture stores. Along with 42,000 square feet of interior design services and furniture and men’s and women’s clothing and gifts and rugs and window treatments and rugs there is also a hardware department there…beat that with a stick. Right before the Christmas of 2014, I finally got around to re doing my oldest daughter’s bedroom following her marriage and moving out of the house. I went over to the “barn” found the whole “kit and caboodle” (bed, lamps and chest of drawers) on the floor of the place, bought it and got it delivered just in time to celebrate the holiday, so there you go! Customer service! And so, another story of a business in Connecticut making it work thru think and thin.

Did you know that Structural Graphics in Essex, Connecticut is the pioneer of the dimensional print marketing industry? Some of the biggest brands on the planet do, and that includes GOOGLE. This company started with a fascination of pop-up books and paper that led them to engineer across new mediums in the world of advertising. Structural Graphics introduced the world to dimensional print marketing in 1976 and has been leading the charge ever since. Their slogan:”Been there. Done that. Going further.” GOOGLE came to Structural and asked them to design a box that would hold items being carried in the brand new GOOGLE store that opened up this year in London. The structural team went to work and came up with this. Watch the video:

There is a dress shirt on the market that is made in America, in Fall, River, Massachusetts, and the brains behind Tuckerman & Co. is a team of two, a husband and wife.
After a successful Kickstarter campaign last year (2014) which raised about 30-thousand dollars and two Yale School of Management degrees, Amanda Rinderle and Jonas Clark went to work, and what a process it was.
Their organic contain fabric is weaved in Italy, but the craftsmanship is in New England. To date, the company makes just men’s dress shirts…but women’s shirts are coming along with other products. One thousand shirts have been sold since June of this year. They are on a roll.

A new Connecticut business, founded by two friends is setting out to do good for others. It’s called Heartwork Apparel Company. Ryan Sullivan and Jeff Zager are starting with t-shirts, but more merchandise is coming as they build their give-back lifestyle. They plan to help their communities every three months from part of their profits. Both believe in making their products in America. Check out their Kickstarter campaign below.

Life moves fast and stores and restaurants open and close on a dime. This awesome-looking brick building in Guilford, Connecticut was brought to my attention recently. It has been many things, a restaurant, a bagel shop and on and on. But now this historic building, put up in 1894, is the home of a brand new co-working space. The brainchild of Christian Brachvogel. Because building a new business is expensive, these kinds of places have sprung up all over Connecticut to help those toiling away on the next new thing in an inexpensive way. And everyone doing that is under the same roof. It’s that old safety-in-numbers adage kind-of-thing. Take a look at it. Good luck to all of you who are out there trying to build a better Connecticut, I’m with you!

This is the digital home of Guilford Coworking, a managed community office located at 14 Water Street, Guilford, CT 06437. You can reach us at christian@guilfordcoworking.com or 917 428 5905. Conceived as a sanctuary for the productive mind, our open-plan work space will give you the environment, tools and community to do what you do best… better. Membership starts at $195/month, and day passes run $20. We’re happy to extend a discounted monthly rate of $115 to students, seniors and non-profits. A conference room and a telephone booth are available for private meetings and calls. Access is 24/7 and a bottomless cup of coffee or tea is included (with monthly memberships).

Need a barber? How ’bout a hair stylist for women? What if they came to you, like a house call? Well that’s exactly what “Doorbell Barbers” does. Seven months ago, Christian Iannucci, a young entrepreneur, launched his plan and there’s no looking back now….500 clients later. So far they’re in Fairfield and New Haven Counties and the plan is to be able to cover the whole state and his clients include the young and the old.  You can book all kinds of services including bringing a virtual party to the groom and groomsmen getting ready for the big day and the bride and her bridesmaids.

The folks in Putnam, Connecticut, in the state’s northeastern “quiet corner,” are working hard to get you on the road to come see their town of about 8,000. There is a ton going on in this old mill town. One of it’s biggest events every year is it’s “Fire and Ice Festival.” It will take place on February 13th, so think of it as your Valentine’s treat. This year the chairwoman, is Sheila Frost. She owns The Courthouse Bar and Grill in town. Earl Rosebrooks is President of the all volunteer business association which was formed in 2009. Rosebrooks and Frost are a force in town.

“Art & Craft Beer” Fundraiser forGuilford Art Center features local CT breweries

Sample some of Connecticut’s best craft brews at Guilford Art Center’s Art & Craft Beer event, scheduled for Friday, March 4 from 6-8:30 pm at Guilford Art Center.

Guests are invited to try a selection of beers from area breweries, including DuVig, Stony Creek, Thimble Island and Two Roads. There will be bar food and live music, featuring alt-country musician Frank Nerkowski from Clinton, CT. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages also will be served.

The Art Center gallery will feature the CT Blacksmith Exhibition, a show of works by blacksmiths from the GAC forge and around Connecticut. This exhibition was developed by Mace Vitale, GAC Forge Manager and a winner of the History Channel’s Forged in Fire series in 2015.

Additionally, there will be a silent auction of brewery tours, growlers (large glass jugs for beer), and bar accessories designed by GAC staff and students.

“This event will be a really fun, relaxed evening that allows people to enjoy some great drink, food, live music and exhibits, while supporting the arts. We’re excited to host all of the great local breweries and so appreciate their support of this event” says Guilford Art Center Executive Director Maureen Belden.

Reservations for Art & Craft Beer are $50 per person, with proceeds to benefit Guilford Art Center’s educational and community programs. Reservations are limited; call to make a reservation: 203-453-5947 or pay for reservations online at www.guilfordartcenter.org.

Do you spend your summers on the water, are you a kayaker? Do you have a tough time figuring out where to store it? Well, let me introduce you to the founders of  PAKAYAK, the world’s first “nesting kayak. Yep, that’s right, this 14 foot kayak comes apart and slims down to just 3 and a half feet which will fit right into the trunk of your car, or in your closet, or into a suitcase. This is the brainchild of Doug and Zinelle Mackro of Higganum. This married couple, outdoor enthusiasts from Higganum, Connecticut go live with their Kickstarter campaign this spring (2016) where you can pre-order one of these babies. They come in four colors. You just clamp it together, and off you go. The PAKAYAK will sell for about 16-hundred dollars and will be made in Pennsylvania.