After a thorough search, I am pleased to report that the Chamber Executive Committee, our Lease Committee and the full Board of Directors have been meeting for quite some time and on August 9, 2017, the Board voted and approved the execution of a lease and the move of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce offices to 546 So. Broad St., Suite 203, in Meriden…on the Meriden and Wallingford line.  The official Press Release is attached.  This move will improve the Chamber’s access to the entire range of members (whether in Wallingford, Meriden, Cheshire and beyond) while maintaining and enhancing our presence in downtown.

This upcoming move was made possible by the generosity of an anonymous individual who has offered to donate an office condominium to the Meriden Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO).  This transaction highlights the solid working relationship between MEDCO, the City and the Chamber.  This will allow both MEDCO and the Chamber to increase regional economic development activities in central Connecticut. 

This opportunity will become official on August 31, 2017 at a closing when all of the paperwork becomes final.  The Chamber’s anticipated move date will be sometime in September 2017.

For some additional background, we signed our current lease at 3 Colony Street in 2003.  The lease had expired more than three years ago and since then, our Chamber leadership has been quietly exploring our options.  In addition, our office building has been on the market for quite a while which has added to the uncertainty.  The five year initial lease term at 546 So. Broad Street will improve our ability to make solid long-range plans for the members and communities we serve.  In addition, the lease offers options to extend the term to a total of 20 years.

I am pleased to further report that the Lease Committee, Executive Committee and the Board have reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to downtown Meriden via a resolution passed at yesterday’s Board meeting.  We have already been exploring our options to maintain a physical presence and to increase the programming in - and dedicated to - Meriden’s central business district.  Specific details will be coming in the next few months.

The Chamber staff and Board of Directors are excited about the new location and feel we will be well positioned for the future. We look forward to a ribbon cutting and an open house in the fall!

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