Meet Monroe Business Showcase Draws a Large Crowd

Crowds of people stopped at tables to talk to members of the business community at The Stone Barn at Whitney Farms Wednesday evening, with many trying chicken, soups and other fare from town restaurants during the third annual Meet Monroe Business Showcase.

Aside from featuring the town's businesses, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce sponsored event provides networking opportunities for merchants, professionals and entrepreneurs. Newtown Savings Bank was the title sponsor.

"I think that we've had great success with our event," said Raymond Giovanni, president of the chamber. "Our vendors are very impressed with the turnout and the response they're receiving from the community. And the visitors have been very happy with the forum. They like visiting the tables and getting all of the goodies — and they like visiting the restaurants and sampling all the food and beverage items."

Food vendors included Bella Rosa, McGowan's Pizzaland, Tina's Pizza and Tavern. Edible Arrangements had chocolate covered fruit and GlenRo Spirit Shoppe had drinks.

"Walking around this room speaks to the diversity of the businesses in this town," Giovanni said. "I think it's a great mix of businesses."

Vendors ranged from Charter Business, Allstate Insurance and Creative Music to Physiotherapy and Dan's Landscaping.

At Irene's Garden's table, store manager Bob Sabia handed out roses to women and girls who stopped by. He said Irene's has been in business in town for close to 57 years.

"We came here for the networking and to get our name out more," Sabia said. "So far, so good. There's more people than I thought would be here."

Joe Criscuolo, who owns PC Specialists, 150 Main Street, also had a table.

"We're a local company that provides sales and service for Windows computers and Apple computers," he said. "We were established in 1998. We also sell re-manufactured, green printer cartridges."

Lee Crouch, a Board of Education member in town, is a loyal client.

"They fix things at my home on a timely basis," she said of the house calls PC Specialists makes. "

First Selectman Steve Vavrek, Masuk High School Principal Joseph Kobza and several other town officials mingled with business owners and residents at the event.

Nick Kapoor, chairman of the Democratic Town Committee, said, "The Chamber really outdid themselves here. This is a fantastic event to showcase town businesses to the residents, encouraging them to shop and patronize Monroe first. And just look around at these amazing businesses and restaurants. This just shows how great Monroe is."

Entertainment

The big blue Bridgeport Sound Tigers mascot walked around the room and posed for pictures with children and Stepney Elementary School teacher Don Casey led the Stepney Wildcats Reading team in a theatrical performance.

Donna Damiani, a Raveis real estate agent in town, and her husband watched their 10-year-old-daughter Jessica perform in the show.

"I think it's nice," Damiani said of the Meet Monroe Business Showcase. "It gives people an idea of what's out there and that's always helpful in a positive and friendly environment where there's no pressure."

Erin Hunt, executive chef at Tavern restaurant, served cups of Tomato Gazpacho, a chilled soup that originated in Valencia, Spain.

"It has tomatoes, cucumbers, sherry vinegar, olive oil and bread," he said. "Bread is the thickener."

Tavern is one of the newest businesses in town.

"It's great to meet some nice folks, people who told us they are patrons of Tavern," Hunt said. "We try to do as much stuff as we can in the community. We want to get out there as frequently as possible."

Gaining Momentum

Thirty-nine vendors and organizations had rented tables at the third Meet Monroe Business Showcase, an event that Monroe Economic Development Commission Vice Chairman Roberto Perez said is becoming increasingly popular.

"I think it's a fantastic turnout," Perez said. "You see a trend from last year to this year. It helps and they also seem more positive and that definitely makes a huge difference. People seem to be a lot more energetic."

In addition to the vendors mentioned in this story others included Bellenot & Boufford LLC, Benedict's Home & Garden, the Bridgeport Bluefish, Cargill Photography, the Center for Women & Families of Eastern Fairfield County, Coville Insurance, CT Western Health Network, Cycle Fitness, Do It Green, Edward Jones, Essex Group, Honey Tree Preschool, Jantris, Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, Main Street Chiropractic, the Monroe Courier, New England Kitchen, Newtown Savings Bank, Sippin Energy, Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, St. Vincent's Medical Center and Union Savings Bank.