Five businesses to be honored as ‘Best of the Best’

Numerous New Milford businesses have in recent years been recognized by multiple publications as the ‘Best’ in Litchfield County and/or the state.

Now, the Corporation for New Milford Economic Development will celebrate five businesses in town as the “Best of the Best” at its Sept. 12 fundraising event.

The purpose of the event is to shine a spotlight on “small businesses in town, recognize their achievements, and honor their significant contributions as drivers of economic growth for our community,” Corporation officials stated earlier this week.

The 2024 honorees are & Company, Housatonic River Brewing, Joe’s Salon, NeJaime’s Wine & Spirits, and YardScapes.

Business owners, their staff, community leaders, and the general public are invited to attend the special event from 6 to 9 p.m. at 19 Main at 19 Main St.

Hors d’oeuvres and wine and cocktails will be served at 6 p.m., followed by keynote speaker Dan O’Keefe, commissioner, DECD and Chief Innovation Officer, State of Connecticut, at 7 p.m.

“Best of the Best” awards will be presented at 7:30 p.m. and dessert will follow at 8 p.m.

Funds raised at the event will support the Corporation’s Façade Grant Program.

Façade grants help businesses fix and improve their retail exteriors to enhance curb appeal and maintain an attractive business district.

Past façade grant recipients include Ruth Chase, Paul’s Custom Pet Food, The Hunt, Gregory James Gallery, Safari Collective, Reis Learning Center, Village Center for the Arts, and Johanna’s Restaurant.

As the designated development agency for the Town of New Milford, The Corporation offers a variety of programs to assist businesses. Among them, loan and grant programs that have helped many New Milford firms obtain resources to help grow their businesses, purchase new equipment and improve the look of their exterior store fronts.

The Corporation continually looks for innovative programs to offer the community. Among them, a partnership with the crowdfunding platform Kiva and the Pop-Up New Milford retail incubator.

​Tickets for the fundraiser are $95 and can be purchased at https://www.corporationnmed.org/event-details/best-of-the-best-event-tickets-2.

To learn more about the Corporation, visit https://www.corporationnmed.org/