Spring is in the air and the sun has been shining in Middlesex County!  As we find ourselves in the month of May, we are looking forward to some great events coming up.

Today we welcome New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Coach Kevin Gilbride as our breakfast speaker.  We have over 600 people in attendance this morning, all of whom are excited to hear Coach Gilbride speak.

A truly talented coach, Coach Gilbride has an impressive background and track record that showcases what an outstanding leader he is, not to mention he helped lead his team to become Super Bowl Champions this past February!

He also has extensive teaching experience, having taught at Southern Connecticut State University, American International University and Tufts University, to name a few.  Coach Gilbride is married and has three children, and he resides in Moonachie, New Jersey.

I am so pleased to have Coach Gilbride with us and I want to give a big thanks to him for coming and for Webster Bank for sponsoring this breakfast.  

Tomorrow, May 13th, the United States Air Force Band of Liberty will give a free evening performance at Coginchaug High School in Durham. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is sponsored by Pratt & Whitney and the Middletown Press.  

The United States Air Force Band of Liberty is a select group of professional Airmen-musicians who support the global Air Force mission by providing outstanding musical products and services for official military, recruiting, and community relations events, and by fostering America’s rich national heritage.  The band has been performing for military and civilian audiences throughout the New England region for over 25 years.

One of two primary ensembles within the organization, the band represents the professionalism and excellence found every day throughout the Air Force.  This diverse, 45-piece ensemble’s repertoire ranges from symphonic band masterworks, to traditional marches, to modern compositions, to pops and jazz.  During a concert, you are likely to hear stirring works from contemporary composers as well as the familiar sounds of John Philip Sousa or Major Glenn Miller.  The band also features talented vocal soloists, performing a wide variety of popular, classical, and patriotic selections.

The United States Air Force Band of Liberty is dedicated to using the power of music to inspire our Air Force members and the great nation we serve, producing innovative musical programs and products, and communicating Air Force excellence throughout New England and around the globe.  

This concert is an excellent event and it’s free of charge!  Gather your family and friends and head out to Coginchaug High School tomorrow for a great show!  Tickets are available at the Chamber.

Next Tuesday, May 20th brings about our annual Business After Work at the New Britain Rock Cats Stadium.  This event is always a great time where members bring their key employees to enjoy a free picnic of traditional ballpark fare, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages and a great baseball game.  This year we’ll watch as the Rock Cats take on the Harrisburg Senators.  Our Chairman Len Samela will be throwing out the first pitch – I wouldn’t miss it!

The Chamber’s calendar continues to be full not only with events like these but also with meetings of our (over 45) councils and committees. As we enjoy springtime, I’m looking forward to many other upcoming events like the Citizens Bank Road Race in July and Motorcycle Mania in August.  


For more information on the Chamber's monthly breakfast meetings or other upcoming events, please contact the Chamber at (860) 347-6924 or email her at