NORTH BRANFORD - On June 27, Shoreline Chamber of Commerce (SCC) announced it now represents North Branford in addition to the towns of Branford and Guilford, creating a tri-town chamber.

Much of the credit for SCC’s new addition belongs to the members of North Branford’s Economic Development Commission (EDC), who sought out the opportunity, said SCC Executive Director Edward Lazarus.

“They have a group of dynamic people trying to jump-start the North Branford economy,” said Lazarus. “They sought us out.”

North Branford EDC member Elisabeth Caplan said several factors prompted the EDC, from SCC’s robust offerings to businesses to recognizing the power of regionalization, which she said is becoming “more common” for Chambers.

“Combining resources for towns that are all connected geographically makes a lot of sense,” said Caplan, adding of SCC’s offerings, “...if you look on the Shoreline Chamber’s website, there is a huge amount of information on programs, chamber-sponsored events and town-sponsored events.“

At SCC's vibrant website, which can be viewed here North Branford is prominently featured on the homepage with Branford and Guilford. A slide show of local businesses tops information about the town, including the following write up: "North Branford, in addition to being a farming community, offers hiking trails, excellent recreational facilities plus dining and shopping, in a charming bucolic setting."

The decision to bring North Branford in as the third town to be represented by SCC is another giant step forward for a dynamic Chamber that’s earning a reputation for increasing advocacy and support for local businesses, while also providing strengthened marketing and networking opportunities.

“We’re completely embracing North Branford as a town we serve,” said Lazarus. “One of the main reasons we did this is because we thought that it was beneficial to the membership. I’ve already had a couple of (Branford) businesses that have been able to hook up with businesses in North Branford. It just creates a larger pool.”

In the coming weeks, North Branford will be included in a short video promoting all three SCC towns. On behalf of North Branford, SCC is already working to add its muscle to promoting the 2016 Potato and Corn (POCO) Festival, which returns Aug. 5- 7 to celebrate its 15th year.

Caplan also notes that on Aug. 4 the EDC will host a “business evening event” under the big tent set up for POCO, featuring guest speakers and an opportunity to network. SCC representatives and Town Planner Carey Duques will be among guest speakers at the event, said Caplan. The EDC has been making an effort to help support local businesses in North Branford with other ideas, such as the new business visitation program initiated this spring. EDC members are going door-to-door to meet and speak with local merchants and other business representatives.

“It’s important to us to open a dialogue with these businesses, and then reconnect with them and continue that dialogue,” said Caplan. “It’s already bearing some fruit in that businesses are happy to know we’re excited about economic development and we’re here to help them with whatever concerns they have.”

The great news that North Branford is now represented by SCC adds more positive momentum, she said.

“This relationship that has been solidified with Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic opportunity,” said Caplan. “Together with the work that we’ve been doing, we see this as a huge advantage for our businesses. “

In early spring, the EDC invited SCC to an open house at CT Sportsplex in North Branford, drawing many interested local businesses. Even before the decision was reached to make the SCC a tri-town chamber, some 20 North Branford businesses independently signed up to join SCC’s roster of business and organizations after the Sportsplex event, said Lazurus. SCC has members from across New Haven county and beyond.

Lazarus has led SCC for more than eight years, beginning as Executive Director of the then-Branford Chamber, then helping to coordinate a member-supported merger with the former Guilford Chamber about two years ago. Lazurus noted this addition of North Branford to SCC is “not a merger.”

“It’s really a start from scratch, initial start-up,” said Lazarus. “It’s a partnership with the Town of North Branford. We work directly with North Branford’s Economic Development Commission and also the Town Manager.”

Lazarus recently sat down with North Branford Town Manager Michael Paulhus to give him an introduction to SCC. Paulhus told The Sound he felt becoming a part of SCC will “bode well” for the town.

“It’s obviously a very vibrant and active Chamber,and it certainly seems to make sense to join forces with two other area towns,” said Paulhus.

Reporter’s Note: Phone and internet efforts to reach the existing North Branford Chamber of Commerce, which is stand-alone entity not affiliated with the Town of North Branford nor represented by Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, were unsuccessful. North Branford Town Hall, where the Chamber is listed as having an office, referred all questions to the North Branford Chamber of Commerce.