Business News
09-07-2010
NEW LEAF FOLRIST GRAND OPENING
New Leaf Florist located at 45 Burrit Street recently opened its doors to the public with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Owner David Truglio who has had previous experience in the floral business stated that "his florist shop will be open to the public in addition to servicing central Connecticut corporations."

 
 
08-29-2010
STAG ARMS DONATES TO CONNECTICUT SWAT CHALLENGE
Stag Arms a worldwide leader in rifle manufacturing has recently donated the largest prize to the Connecticut SWAT Challenge event held in Simsbury Connecticut. The event that is run by SWAT Cops is the 2nd largest event in the United States according to SWAT administrators.

Mark Malkowski, President of Stag Arms stated "he was pleased to assist the organization as a championship sponsor and honored that the organization had chosen his rifles for the competition."

"The competition also allows us to market our new line of fire arms that includes short barrel rifles that were developed at the request of law enforcement agencies" said Paul Mattingly, Manger of Law Enforcement Sales at Stag Arms.

Stag Arms may be reached by visiting their web site at www.stagarms.com 
 
08-05-2010
GUIDA'S SEIBERT DAIRY INC. BREAKS NEW GROUND
Guida's Seibert Dairy Inc. recently broke ground for their new 22,000 square foot manufacturing warehouse facility.

According to company officials, the 2.1 million dollar investment  was a logistics move due to Guida's having and leasing a number of warehousing facilities in New Britain and other towns in Connecticut. The new facility will allow for easier transition and be more cost productive.

The company plans plans on consolidating it's leased properties into the the new building. The Guida's Seibert Dairy Company distributes its product line in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and parts of New York. The family owned company  has a long tradition in New Britain and is one of the largest independent dairy company's in the United States.

 
 
07-21-2010
NEW BRITAIN HIGH SCHOOL OPENS "DOWNTOWN STORE"
Local educators, students, community organizations, business leaders and the Mayor of New Britain turned out in full force to open a new downtown store called "The Hurricane District Store" a name derived from New Britain Senior High School's nickname, The Golden Hurricanes". The store is located at 115 West Main Street.

The store will feature NBHS T-shirts, Hoodies, Sweatshirts and a variety of items. A special feature are the custom made Adirondack chairs made by students at NBHS.

Master of Ceremonies for the event was Tom Menditto representing the Consolidated School District of New Britain. Additional speakers included NBHS Principal Michael Forin, Downtown District Executive Director Gerry Amodio and Mayor Tim Stewart. The ribbon cutting ceromony also featured former NBHS alumnus Tebucky Jones. Jones who was a standout athlete at NBHS and played his collegiate career at Syracuse University before playing in the NFL with the New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints. Also at the ceromony was New Britain's Rock Cat's mascot "Rocky".

For additional information, you may call the store at 860-348-0886 or e-mail them at csdnbstore@att.net


Picture: Mayor Tim Stewart and special guests officially opens the "Hurricane District Store" with the official ribbon cutting  
 
07-02-2010
LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS-CITY YOUTH RING NYSE OPENING BELL
Local business leaders Michael Schroeder, Publisher of the New Britain Herald and Bristol Press and Bill Carroll, Economic & Business Development Coordinator for the City of New Britain were accompanied by Myijah Williams and Yanilda Montford representing the Opportunities Industrialization Center to ring the opening bell at Wall Street's New York Stock Exchange-Euronet on Wednesday June 30, 2010.

Representing the City of Bristol was the Bristol Boys and Girls Club chief professional officer Michael Suchopar. The group was invited as guests of Publisher Michael Schroeder and the Long Island Youth Mentoring Program. Ceremonies also included a continental breakfast in the Board of Directors conference room and walking the trading floor.


Photo L-R Michael Suchopar, Yanilda Montford, Myijah Williams, Bill Carroll & Michael Schroeder

Photo Courtesy of NYSE-Euronet, Director's Board Room
 
07-01-2010
ONE STOP AUTO REPAIR-FRIENDS-PARTNERSHIP
When friends and co-workers Joel Santiago and Rafael Cordero came to the decision that they would like to open their own auto repair shop it was a major decision since it meant tapping into their 401k's and having faith in their ability and long term goals. The two certified ASE & Toyota auto mechanics followed their dream, searched for a location and settled at 710 Allen Street.

The two New Britainites stated "that business was steady and have had customers follow them from their former workplace". "It's been good" said Rafael and we have no regrets.

One Stop Auto Repair can be reached at 860-357-5525

Good luck to Joel & Rafael
 
06-29-2010
INTEGRO LLC MOVES INTO NEW BRITAIN
INTEGRO LLC, a manufacturing company that supplies components for airport lighting systems has recently relocated from Meriden  to 30 Peter Court in New Britain.

According to CEO Richard Knight, the building was a great fit for our company,.It wasn't a long commute for most of our employees and gives us a more centralized and convenient location for our transportation needs.

The company has brought approximately 45 new jobs to the City of New Britain and anticipates hiring on as needed basis.
 
06-17-2010
Professional Florist Opens New Business
One of New Britain's most experienced florists has recently opened his own flower shop located at 678 Arch Street in New Britain.

Scott Hamel,  who has been a florist for over 25 years and services clients throughout central Connecticut felt it was time to once again own his own shop. Known for his creativity, excellent service and strong customer base following, Scott feels his work ethic and commitment to his former and new customers will be his key to greater success.

Scott's Flowers can be reached at 860-832-8561 or by fax at 860-832-8579
 
05-24-2010
VITO'S DONATES TO NEW BRITAIN'S FRIENSHIP SERVICE CENTER
Vito's Pizzeria and Tavern recently donated $1,200 to the Friendship Service Center to assist in a manner they see fit according to owner Rob Mafucci and Executive Chef, Stephen Babptiste.

The revenue generated for the donation was from the proceeds of a "Friends & Family Night" that Vito's held before their official opening in late March. A special thanks to a great restaurant to benefit one of New Britain's longstanding social service agency.

Picture left to right: Executive Chef Stephen Baptiste, Executive Director Ellen Simpson of the Friendship Center and Vito's Manager Tamara Scharos
 
04-27-2010
OKAY INDUSTRIES FEATURED IN "RIFLEMAN MAGAZINE"
OKAY INDUSTRIES, a leading manufacturer in complex metal stampings, automated mechanical and welded assemblies and surgical blades and scissors. The company was recently featured in Rifleman Magazine discussing the reliability and importance of "gun magazines". The author, Christopher R. Bartocci reports that the U.S. military reported the most reliable aluminum magazines are Colt /OKAY  Industries Magazines that are manufactured in New Britain, Connecticut. The report is specific to the AR-15 magazine.

Bartocci reports that during the early parts of the Global War on Terror,  the Army stopped shipments into theatres of war except for the Colt/Okay units. The author states that " he has extensive experience with these magazines and have never had any issues with their reliability as long as they were not abused. 

According to Okay Industries President, Gregory  Howey, the company manufactures approximately 200,000 magazines per month.

Congratulations to Okay Industries for an excellent performance and track record.
 
04-15-2010
ACME MONACO CORPORATION PRESENTED PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
The wellness Councils of America presented its coveted Gold Wellness Workplace Award to Acme Monaco Corporation of New Britain. Acme Monaco is a top manufacturer of wire products servicing the commercial, orthopedic and medical industries. The award recognizes an organization for its commitment to the health and well-being of its employees.

Michael Karabin, CEO of Acme Monaco Corporation stated "these healthy lifestyle behaviors will result in improved employee productivity and morale, health care cost savings for Acme Monaco, improved daily attendance and optimal employee performance that is necessary for Acme Monaco to be a leader in its field."

With more 2,500 member organization throughout North America, only a handful of companies each year meet the rigorous standards to achieve a Well Workplace Award and to date Acme Monaco is one of only six companies in the country to be awarded a WELCOA Well Workplace Gold Award for 2010.   
 
04-13-2010
OCEAN STATE JOB LOT OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Ocean State Job Lot located at New Brite Plaza is now open for business according to company representatives. The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Thursday, April 15th, 2010. In attendance was Mayor Timothy Stewart .

Ocean State Job lots has hired approximately 50 new and part time employees and is housed in approximately 25,000 square feet of space. The store is located next to Save-A-Lot grocery chain.

The store will sell indoor and outdoor household items, clothing, electronics, food items and much more at highly competitive prices.
 
04-07-2010
CENTAL CUTS, OWNER JOHN LUMANI
Located at 1535 Stanley Street, owner John Lumani is offering competitive haircuts to both male and female customers in his brand new salon. The updated salon features a great flat screen T.V. plus wi-fi. In addition the salon offers two independent tanning rooms.

CENTRAL CUTS is in the same plaza as Dunkin Donuts, The Underground Cafe and Domino's Pizza.

John mentioned he will have specials for all college students and is a member of the CCSU blue chip program. For a personal appoint call 860-827-1433 or FB & Twitter-Central Cuts

The Salon also welcomes walk-ins.
 
04-04-2010
MOA-The ART of Food
MOA-The Art of Food has recently opened at 136 Broad Street.(Welcome to Little Poland) The new Polish Restaurant features daily specials and polish cuisine. An attractive restaurant with views of Broad Street. Stop in for a taste of excellent Polish food
 
03-26-2010
VITO"S TAVERN & PIZZERIA NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Vito's Tavern and Pizzeria is now open for business at 136 Main Street in Downtown New Britain.
The restaurant known throughout the state as offering the finest pizza will also be offering a full lunch and dinner menu with the finest Italian cuisine. The restaurant offers a full bar with a great wine selection. The restaurant also features nightly specials and happy hour specials.

For those in a hurry, the restaurant offers pick-up  lunch menu for those who want to "grab & go".

A great feature Vito's offers is a catering service for corporations and family functions. For more details or reservations call 860-801-6800 or fax 801-6803

Vito's Website is; www.vito's ct.com
 
03-26-2010
YC PHOTODESIGN-PHOTOGRAPHY-ART-STYLE
Located on the 5th Floor loft  (South Sideof 321 Ellis Street, YC PHOTODESIGN offers personal attention to personal photography in addition to working with major corporations and clients that include school systems , weddings and special occasions.  For more information., please feel free to call owner and professional photographer Yolanda Pucinski at 860-982-4533.

The company's website is www.YCPHOTODESIGN.COM
 
01-22-2010
VITO'S COMING TO NEW BRITAIN!
Vito's Restaurant, a name that has the reputation for fine food, great service and destination is opening its fifth restaurant in Downtown New Britain according to chef/owner Rob Mafucci.

The restaurant will be moving into the former Hardware City Tavern, 136 Main Street that closed approximately 3 months ago.

"The decision was simple" according to Mafucci. " The former Hardware City Tavern was still in excellent condition and the changes I have to make will not create a financial Hardship"

Said  Mafucci, "I believe the city is making great strides and will continue to grow."

Vito's specialty will still be its brand pizza but will also serve Italian cuisine in addition to excellent take out for our lunch and dinner customers. The restaurant will also have a full service bar.

"Working with Mayor Tim Stewart, city representatives, the New Britain Chamber and building owner Avner Khron representing JASKO Development has been an excellent experience."

"The City of New Britain has welcomed me with open arms" stated Mafucci. For more information on Vito's, please check out their website at www.vitosct.com  
 
01-12-2010
ADMILL Machine LLC. Receives Gold Standard Award
Admill Machine LLC. located on 150 John Downey Drive has recently been named the recipient of the UTC Supplier Gold Award from Pratt & Whitney. "The award is a huge plus for Admill" according to Sales Manager Al Parlow. "It gives us great visibility, gets us to the UTC corporate chain and will allow us to continue to market ourselves internationally" Parlow stated.

Pratt & Whitney spokesperson Ruben Harris praised the company for it's "creativity and engaged workforce."

Picture L-R  Al Parlow and Jeff Hillyer
 
11-20-2009
U.S Census Bureau Begins Outreach
The United States Census has recently opened its office at 321 Ellis Street Suite 2,and is currently promoting  opportunities for those wishing to work for the Census Bureau as it  begins its regional field operations.

Approximately 1,500 jobs must be filled for a ten month duration according to the bureau's local office administrator's.

Good Pay, Flexible Hours, Part time work and mileage reimbursement for field jobs!

Call toll free at: 1-866-861-2010 for more information.
 
11-19-2009
Leaves & Pages is Back !
The smile on Dan & Arlene Palmer's faces is back and for Leaves and Pages customers, they couldn't be happier.

Recently, the Bookstore & Coffee shop was closed due to a water line break in the apartments above the shop. Although some  possessions were lost, Dan & Arlene took a very proactive approach in making sure the shop was  cleaned up and open for business in record setting time.

"The building management, professional cleaning company and our friends all went above and beyond to restore our shop to its original form" said Arlene

Soon celebrating its 9th Anniversary in December, Leaves & Pages has become New Britain's landmark for  literary gatherings and purchases, coffee & teas and lite breakfast cuisine and catering.

Leaves & PagesBook Store & Coffee Shop, 59 West Main Street.......a place where everyone is welcome. 860-224-4414

  
 
11-18-2009
Sir Speedy-Mark Bernacki Receives Award
Mark Bernacki, Owner of Sir Speedy Printing 200 Main Street, has been awarded the 2009 Small Business Champion Award by the National Federation of Independent Business.The award is given to one small business owner in all 50 states for special recognition. Bernacki has been doing business in New Britain for over 20 years.

Mark was presented the Small Business Champion Award at the State Capitol in Hartford.

For more information on Sir Speedy Printing, call Mark at 860-826-1798
 
10-26-2009
New Britain's Bond Rating Receives "A" Rating
The City of New Britain recently has received a "A" rating from the Fitch Group Reporting Service.

The "A" rating reflects New Britain's adequate reserve levels that provide the city with a modest amount of financial flexibility. The Fitch Group Report also stated the city's financial operations are stable and reserve levels provide a modest amount of flexibility. Fiscal 2008 ended with a $2.3 million general fund surplus and fiscal 2009 is expected to end with a $500,000 surplus.

The fiscal 2010 budget declined by approximately $2.5 million, or 1.2%, as officials limited spending across all departments to mitigate a challenging revenue-raising environment.

"This is truly good news for the City of New Britain" said Mayor Timothy Stewart. "It proves that the efforts we have made in recent years to control spending and to improve the City's financial situation are showing real results. The Fitch Ratings is one of three nationally recognized rating organizations designated by the U.S. SEC Commission together with Moody's and S&P.
 
09-14-2009
Walnut Hill Park / A New Look
One of Connecticut's most picturesque parks is currently under going extensive work to correct and improve the infrastructure of the entire park. According to City of New Britain Park & Recreation officials, the park will have new ball fields, exercise facilities, landscaping and a cricket field. The improvements are projected to be completed in Spring 2010.

Walnut Hill Park was designed by famous architect William Law Olmstead, who designed New York City's infamous Central Park.

Please view video icon on Home Page
 
09-07-2009
Friendship Center-Permanent Supportive Housing
If you have noticed the brand new structure being built on Arch Street, this will eventually be the Friendship Center's new supportive permanent housing that will include a total of 12 units consisting of four 3 bedroom apartments and eight 1 bedroom apartments. The building will also include a board room, laundry facilities and future independent retail space. All tenants will be on individual leases but will still receive supportive services provided by the Friendship Center.
Completion is slated for Spring 2010. Congrats to everyone involved for making this possible. 

Please view video icon on Home Page
 
08-21-2009
Dalena Auto Parts-Celebrates 57 Years
Delana Auto Parts located on 63 Glen Street will soon be celebrating 57 years in business according to Don Dalena who works with his sons Dan and Peter Dalena. Dalena Auto Parts not only sell auto parts but has made its reputation as a leader in Connecticut in specialty machining for auto service and repair. The company services most car dealerships in New Britain and the surrounding towns.

According to Don, his sons are third generation Dalena's in the business. Don also noted that his father was one of the first auto engineers in the city of New Britain.

The business is located adjacent to one of New Britain's oldest structures, "TURNER HALL" which was built in 1853.

Congratulations to the Dalena family.
 
08-19-2009
Carter Mario-Injury Law Firm, 370 West Main Street
Carter Marion Law Firm, a leader in injury law has recently purchased and moved to its new location in New Britain. The 7, 034 square foot office has been renovated and professionally landscaped that  offers tremendous eye appeal on one of New Britain's most traveled corridor's.

The law firm has offices located in Milford, Bridgeport, Hartford and Waterbury. It is anticipated that 21 new jobs will come to the city.

Mayor Timothy Stewart praised the law firm for its move to New Britain and the services that will be offered to the city's residents.
 
07-14-2009
East Side Restaurant Expanding
One of New Britain's most popular restaurant destinations bringing services to another level.

Please view video icon on Home page
 
06-23-2009
Integra-Cast Inc. Celebrates 25th Anniverasry
Integra-Cast Inc. located at 265 John Downey Drive recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with company tours and a luncheon for employees, staff and local dignitaries. Anthony(Tony) Arcesi, the original owner and current owner, his son David, spoke to their employees thanking them for their dedication to making what Integra-Cast Inc. is today.

A proclamation from Mayor Timothy Stewart was read and presented to Anthony and David for their years of manufacturing in New Britain.

Congratulations to Anthony, David and their entire staff.
Integra-Cast Inc. is a leading manufacturer of casting for the aerospace, medical, defense and related fields.

Picture L-R   Anthony Arcesi, David Arcesi
 
06-06-2009
New Business-Dolce Vita Gelato
The City of New Britain has a new business in town. "Dolce Vita Gelato" will be operating it's wholesale gelato business at the Connecticut Enterprise Center located at 200 Myrtle Street in New Britain. The company's principal ownersStephano Cacciola  and Paola Cacciola will be producing over 20 different flavors of gelato that range from Amaretto, Pistachio, German Chocolate, Strawberry and Zabaione (Italian Egg Nog). The company will also produce 11 different varieties of sorbetto flavors.

The family owned business will be selling wholesale to restaurants, specialty stores and markets and gourmet shops. For information call Stephano at 798-2863

Picture L-R  Owners ,Stephano Cacciola & Paola Cacciola
 
06-05-2009
Demolition of Former Central Park Plaza Begins
Under the Direction of Mayor Timothy Stewart, demolition of the former Central Park Plaza-121 Main Street, has begun in order to make room for a new Police Station in addition to ground floor retail space and residential housing. The former blighted property was purchased by the City of New Britain in 2009.

Former tenants Subway and Check Stop L.L.C.  were successfully relocated within the Downtown area and have reported  their business are doing well in their new locations.

Please view video icon on Home Page

The demolition project is projected to be complete at the end of August.
 
06-04-2009
Former Bank Under Restoration
Restoration of the former New Britain National Bank Building, 55 West Main Street in the heart of Downtown is making substantial progress. The  $8 million restoration of the former bank will include 28 residential units with plans for ground floor retail space.

The building was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places.
 
06-02-2009
Town Country Celebrates 60 Year Anniversary
Congratulations to Town and Country Transportation located at 191 Arch Street. The family owned and operated business has been serving the City of New Britain for 60 years. Peter Lemnotis, along with family members have kept the company operating that was started in 1949. Originally  a cab company, it now operates primarily as a transportation school bus company  for special needs students for the Consolidated School District of New Britain.

 Congratulations.
 
04-02-2009
Celebration Foods/Carvel Named Plant of the Year
Celebration Foods, manufacturer and distributor of leading high quality frozen desserts, including Carvel, the original all ice cream cake, has been named the recipient of the 2009 Plant of the Year Award by Food Engineering magazine. The company's state of the art, single-source 135,000 sq. ft. plant celebrated its one-year anniversary in February.

Nominees for this coveted award must be a new food or beverage plant in North America that demonstrates the best uses of food manufacturing technology. Celebration Foods' Plant constructed by Whiting Turner and engineering consultant TransSystems, was chosen as the recipient of this year's award for several reasons: innovative engineering demonstrated in new equipment designs, increased production out put, energy savings and the reduction in transportation and supply chain costs.

" This is truly an honor for our organization and a testament to the investment in time, money and resources dedicated to the construction and start up of this facility," said Tim Shanley, Celebration Foods' President and COO. "The structure, technology, and new process layouts incorporated in this facility fundamentally change the way we produce our products".

The Plant of the Year Award will be presented to Celebration Foods LLC on Tuesday April 28th, 2009 during Food Engineering's Food Automation and Manufacturing Conference & Expo held April 26-29 at the Ritz -Carlton in Sarasota, Florida. 
 
03-03-2009
City of New Britain and Chamber Host Legislative Breakfast
The City of New Britain's Municipal Economic Development Agency and the New Britain Chamber of Commerce will again host its Legislative Breakfast Meeting on March 20, 2009 at CCSU's Industrial Technology and Business Development building located at 185 Main Street.
Room 320. The meeting is being sponsored by COMCAST.

The Legislature and Business breakfast meeting will feature State Senator Donald DeFronzo (D-6th), State Rep. Elizabeth Bokus (D-22nd), State Rep. Timothy O'Brien (D-24th), State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25th) and State Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-26th).

The meeting will be held from 7:30 a.m. to  8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast and 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Program. Past meetings have been very well attended and registration is required.
Please call Jill Crandall-White at the Chamber to reserve your seat, 860-229-1665.
 
12-30-2008
Business Made Bold Moves
Article discussing business moves and stories in 2008