The Newtown Chamber of Commerce and Newtown Rotary Club will host a joint networking event on Monday, February 3, at 6 pm, at Proud Mary’s at the Inn at Newtown, 19 Main Street. Along with fostering relationships between both groups, the purpose of this meeting is to kick off the 10th Annual Newtown Business of the Year Recognition program.

In a new format, the chamber and Rotary will be celebrating the achievements of four local companies that have consistently displayed excellence in the way they serve their customers and how they support the town of Newtown. Nominations and voting of these companies will be drawn by soliciting input from the community. 

The four categories include New Business, Longevity, Philanthropy, and Overall Achievement. The companies with the most votes in each category will be honored as Business of the Year and will be given a few minutes to tell their story at the awards presentation on March 31.

According to a chamber release, the campaign will run for eight weeks.

Community members are invited to nominate their favorite businesses in each of the four categories. Nominations will be open through Friday, February 28. 

All nominated companies must be actively operating in Newtown to be eligible, and self-nominations are acceptable. Additional criteria for each category are available on the nomination form, which will be available on the Newtown Chamber of Commerce and Newtown Rotary Club websites.

Once the nomination portion is completed, a list of all eligible nominated companies in each category will be announced. The community is invited to vote for the business they feel is most deserving of each honor. 

Voting will open on March 1 and will close at 5 pm on March 31.  A link to vote will be posted on both the Newtown Chamber and Newtown Rotary websites.

While all nominees will be given honorable mention, the top three nominees in each category will be highlighted at the awards dinner and ceremony on March 31 at the Inn at Newtown, where one company in each category will be honored as Business of the Year.

“We are excited to honor companies that consistently support and serve our community. It is through their example of perseverance and leadership our town continues to thrive,” says Tim Haas, president of The Chamber of Commerce of Newtown.

This kickoff event is open to chamber and Rotary members and anyone interested in learning more about these groups. The cost to attend is $20, with heavy appetizers being served and a cash bar will be available.

Reservations are requested, and can be done by contacting Alice Baye at 203-426-2695.