Community Corner

Chamber Businesses Recognized for Staying Strong in a Tough Economy

Eleven local organizations honored at recent Celebrate Success event.

Last week the Branford Chamber of Commerce held their 2nd Annual in which several area establishments were recognized for their business savvy in a tough economy.

Chamber President Ed Lazarus said after the event, “We have a tendency to focus on the bad things; this was a day to focus on success. Our hope was that everybody would walk out of there pumped and say, ‘I can do this.’”

If, after reading a few words about the local businesses honored, you are feeling motivated, head out tonight to the Chamber’s monthly at Coco’s on the Green (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; $12; $15 non-members) to meet some area entrepreneurs.

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ed Lararzus Congratulates Celebrate Success Honorees

"People are going to have to understand that the landscape is changing and it won’t be what it was before. People are going to have to do some internal assessment of who their customers are and what they need.”

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Yolo Aesthetic Boutique and Med Spa
1010 Village Walk, Guilford; 203-533-4560 ‎

"Her [Nikki Rasmussen] business burnt down and she had the guts and persistence to go forward. She took a terrible situation ad chose to make it an opportunity.”

Dow Realty Company
945 Grand Avenue, New Haven; 203-776-0000

“Jeff [Dow] took over after his father’s untimely death and they’ve had incredible success.”

East River Energy
401 Soundview Road, Guilford; 203-453-1200

“They are the largest supplier of pool water in Connecticut. They are a company that has broadened their horizons by looking for new markets; who would have thought an oil company would be the largest exporter of pool water?”

Apple Rehab
21 Waterville Rd., Avon; 860-678-9755

“They are meeting a new market and focusing on short-term rehabilitation. They are adapting to a changing market.”


30 Harrison Ave., Branford; 203-488-9750

“Passion. Just incredible passion and belief in what they do. What they do is remarkable and efficient. People forget they are a non-profit and they run it like any business would.”

TD Bank
1003 West Main Street; Branford; 203-315-7764

“They really invested in Branford by building that big branch.”


44 North Main St., Branford; 203-488-3414

“The whole funeral business has changed considerably. It’s a different ballgame–the way people do it–and they are the last funeral home standing in Branford.”

Lenders & Fleet Service Incorporated
205 North Main St., Branford; 203-483-6010

"Founded as a repossession depot, they have morphed themselves more into a used auto shop. They have had everything from an Aston Martin to a street cleaner on site.”


374 East Main St., Branford; 203-481-0333

“In a down economy they have increased sales. On their 25th anniversiary, they celebrated with a remodel. It was said, ‘If there’s a Mount Rushmore of Branford, he’d [, owner] would be up there.’”

Comfort Keepers
722 Village Walk, Guilford; 203-453-2100

“They are a franchise and nationally, she [Patti Urban, owner] was recognized as Rookie of the Year. She used to be in the adoption business until the regulations changed. She was in beginning of life and now works in end-of-life care.”


284 East Main St., Branford; 203-483-7773

“A very popular restaurant with very hands-on owners. Their message is very clear: You are coming for a traditional old Italian meal and they are packed all the time.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here