Chamber Mourns Loss of Great Businesswoman, Philanthropist: Edythe Director

July has been one of the most active months for new membership, retention and expansion for the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Staff were on hand at the grand opening event of Sears Auto Center in Middletown on Thursday and Fellner Associates Architects’ new location in East Haddam on Friday.

I also met last week with Tony and Pete Gallo of the on Middle Street in Middletown. The Gallo family is looking to expand its operation in Middletown and we will work closely with them during the expansion process. 

I thank Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Melody Currey for visiting with our Automotive Council July 27 at the Cantina Restaurant in Middletown. It has always important to have leaders in our state agencies that are open to maintaining a dialogue with the business community. 

The Chamber moves into August with meaningful events. This week, our Central Business Bureau meets on Thursday and the annual Sexual Harassment small business seminar will be held Aug. 9. 

This seminar is consistently one of our most highly attended because it addresses such an important, ongoing topic in the business community. Those who attend receive training credits that are recognized by the state. 

Last week, the county said goodbye to a person who will be greatly missed, Edythe Director. I attended her funeral last Monday and it was a wonderful tribute to a fantastic woman. Edythe made such a positive impact in Middlesex County; my thoughts go to the entire Director family in their time of loss.

(Memorial contributions may be made to the Edythe and Arthur Family Fund at Congregation Adath Israel, P.O. Box 337, Middletown, CT 06457 or the Arthur and Edythe Director Family Funds at Middlesex County Community Foundation, 211 South Main St., Middletown, CT 06457.)

For information, contact Matt Fraulino at (860) 347-6924 or matthew@middlesexchamber.com.