By Barry Lee Cohen
Amity Chamber of Commerce
Barry Lee Cohen
I’m pleased to share that the Orange Chamber of Commerce is now the Amity Chamber of Commerce. The new name brings with it the responsibility and promise of increased coverage and optimum value for businesses and the communities we proudly serve.
This rebranding, which was officially announced on March 27, is more than a name change; it is a change for the better. Since becoming the executive director of the former Orange Chamber last July, the message has been loud and clear: members approve of the uptick in programs, communications and community outreach, and they want more. The board’s commitment to a regional chamber provides the platform to achieve this.
I am honored to continue in an expanded role as the chief executive officer of the Amity Chamber of Commerce. The chamber board of directors remains unchanged, with Board President Ted Novicki, Vice President Dr. Rob Rubino and Secretary Mary-Ann White. The 15-member board was unanimous in moving to the new name that best reflects the organization’s membership, strategic plan and growth, as witnessed by the over 30 percent increase in membership since July 2024.
This move further strengthens the chamber’s position as a leading voice for businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the Amity region and surrounding communities. The Amiy Chamber’s mission to create distinctive value by providing meaningful programs, events, strategic marketing, advocacy, networking and professional educational opportunities will be bolstered by the ability to introduce new initiatives, foster alliances, access new resources and increase engagement beyond the chamber’s prior footprint.
To quote Novicki, “The towns of Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge are logical strategic partners, forever linked by our amazing Amity School district. The new Amity Chamber will offer our business community even more opportunities to reach customers, share best practices and grow together.”
The Amity Chamber of Commerce logo was conceived and designed by Christopher Ritchie. Ritchie is a lecturer in the graphic and digital design program at the University of New Haven and a multidisciplinary designer and art director with over 20 years of in-house creative department and independent agency experience. Ritchie is also the owner of Coa Design. The University of New Haven is an Amity Chamber member; Brian T. Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business at UNH, also serves on the chamber’s board of directors.
The new Amity Chamber of Commerce logo.
The new brand identity has been launched on the chamber’s website, amityctchamber.com, social media channels and is being phased in on documentation and other support materials.
Former Orange Chamber of Commerce members are now members of the new Amity Chamber of Commerce. The Amity Chamber will retain the same legal entity and not-for-profit 501(c)6 status.
The Amity Chamber of Commerce best reflects not just geography but also the regional synergies, strong bonds and opportunities that continue to propel businesses throughout Orange, Woodbridge, Bethany and the Boston Post Road corridor, which includes a significant number of members based in West Haven and Milford.
Thank you for your support and trust as we begin this exciting next chapter.
Joining us on this next chapter, the chamber welcomes new members Traveland, Foundation Vitamins and Sports Supplements, Toudaotang Herbal Head Spa, Comfort Keepers and Pump Room Fitness.
Barry Lee Cohen is the chief executive officer of the Amity Chamber of Commerce. He may be reached at 203-645-2913 or director@amityctchamber.com.