Coffee and Donuts: Remington Rand Hosts Two New Businesses

Last week was another busy one in Middlesex County full of great summer events.  On Tuesday, the Chamber held a Business After Work Networking event at Lyman Orchards’ new Golf Center and Apple Nine Course, a comprehensive golf learning center with a nine-hole executive course in Middlefield.  The Lyman team has done a fantastic job with this new facility that is designed to introduce the game of golf to the young people of our area. 

The expansive driving range and beautiful new Apple Nine Course are fine additions to the Lyman Orchards’ property.  Over 250 of our members packed the newly constructed pavilion at the facility while enjoying complimentary appetizers and cocktails.  We even had the opportunity to hit a few golf balls while the Lyman golf staff provided helpful pointers and tips to our member golfers.  It was a hot night but a very nice breeze kept us all cool and comfortable. 

I want to once again thank CEO Steve Ciskowski, Executive Vice President John Lyman, all members of the Lyman family and their incredibly helpful and professional staff.  I urge everyone to head out to Middlefield and check out Connecticut’s sweet spot, Lyman Orchards. 

The following night was the in downtown Middletown.  This was another great event that featured almost 600 runners, over 50 volunteers and countless supporters and fans.  The bad weather that moved through the area earlier in the day cleared out and the organizers pulled off another very successful Summer Fun Run. 

I want to personally thank title sponsor Citizens Bank, especially Ned Handy, President, Citizens Bank Connecticut, who competed in the race and offered some remarks on behalf of the company, and all of the other sponsors and supporters of the event.  I want to also thank Event Chairman Judge Rob Holzberg and all of his terrific volunteers for all of their efforts. 

The Summer Fun Run is a great tradition and the Chamber is proud to be part of the winning team that puts it on every year. 

Last Monday, the Board of Selectmen in Middlefield voted to approve the sale of the former property to Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park which is based in Portland.  Our Chamber has been in strong support of this deal since it was first proposed. 

The property will eventually become a tourism destination featuring activities throughout the year such as skiing, hiking and mountain biking.  The idea is for the Powder Ridge property to compliment Brownstone’s existing property in Portland that features the . 

This project will be a job creator and an economic driver which will produce tax revenues for the town of Middlefield and restore a historic property for modern and exciting uses.  The fate of the project now rests with the citizens of Middlefield and I am confident that they will vote to support this great economic development initiative. 

I was happy to visit two new Chamber members last week that are both located in the Remington Rand building in Middletown.  , a coffee roasting and distributing company, produces an outstanding product that is sold all over the area.  Tastease Donuts is another fine company that produces donuts and sandwiches right here in the city. 

I am proud to have these two manufacturers in Middletown and we will continue to support them as they grow their brand.  I also want to thank John Moore for taking me on a tour of the entire Remington site.

Week two of the Chamber’s Summer Youth Employment Program is in the books.  We now have 80 youngsters working at 37 work sites across the city of Middletown.  We also have two sites in the town of Cromwell and three sites in the town of Durham. 

Last summer, we only received enough grant funding for 30 kids to work.  This is a great program that is developing tomorrow’s workforce.  I am very proud of the kids who are currently working through the program.  They have been showing up on time and ready to contribute and we expect that to continue throughout the entire summer. 

I unfortunately must close this week’s column on a sad note. Carol Ann Marino, a good member of our Chamber, recently passed away. Carol was a Principal and Co-Founder of Lady Katharine Cruises and was someone who loved many things but nothing more than her family.  Our thoughts are with Carol’s husband Ken and her entire family during this very difficult time.  Carol was a terrific person and she will be missed. 

For more information on Chamber events and activities, please contact Jeff Pugliese at jpugliese@middlesexchamber.com.