Cheshire Chamber of Commerce

The Early Years of the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce (1953–1955)

The Cheshire Chamber of Commerce has long played a vital role in supporting local businesses and shaping the town’s economic identity. Its origins, rooted in the early 1950s, reflect a period of growth, organization, and civic engagement. Contemporary newspaper accounts from The Journal and the Record-Journal provide a fascinating glimpse into how the Chamber came to life.

Laying the Groundwork (1953)

The first public step toward forming a Cheshire Chamber of Commerce took place in the fall of 1953. According to The Journal on October 9, 1953, a group of local businessmen planned to meet at the Town Hall to discuss organizing a formal chamber. This meeting signaled a shared recognition that Cheshire’s growing business community needed a unified voice.

Adding weight to the discussion was David F. Grady, executive assistant of the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce, who was invited to address the gathering. His participation suggested that Cheshire’s leaders were looking to established organizations for guidance and best practices.

Formal Organization and Leadership (1954)

By January 1954, the effort moved quickly from planning to action. The Journal reported on January 19, 1954, that candidates were being selected for officers. A nominating committee—comprised of Julius Humiston (chairman), Chester Johnson, Donald Porter, Edward Carrington, and Tracy Anderson—was tasked with choosing the inaugural leadership.

Membership criteria were clearly defined from the start: members were required to be actively engaged in business within Cheshire. This requirement underscored the Chamber’s purpose as a practical, business-focused organization dedicated to local economic interests. On January 22, 1954, the organization elected its first officers. Julius Humiston, a local leader who had chaired the nominating committee, was named the first President.

Early Initiatives and Community Impact (1955)

By 1955, the Chamber began implementing initiatives that would define its role for decades. Early efforts focused on "Shop Local" campaigns and improving town infrastructure to accommodate the post-war suburban boom.

According to records in the Record-Journal, the Chamber also began collaborating with town officials on zoning regulations to ensure that commercial growth did not compromise Cheshire’s residential character. These early years established a blueprint for advocacy that remains central to the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce today.

By the end of 1955, the Chamber had grown from a small group of concerned businessmen into a structured force for civic progress, laying the foundation for the vibrant economic community that exists in Cheshire 70 years later.

The Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Today

In 2025, the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce entered a significant new chapter by merging with the Prospect Business Association to form the Cheshire–Prospect Regional Chamber of Commerce. This regional expansion was designed to streamline initiatives and strengthen advocacy for businesses across both communities.

Modern Mission and Leadership

Under the leadership of President Yetta Augur, the Chamber remains committed to strengthening the local business community and promoting overall economic well-being. Governance is provided by a 14-member Board of Directors, which establishes policy and oversees a variety of active committees.

Core Initiatives and 2025 Activities

Legislative Advocacy

The Government Relations Committee meets monthly to keep members informed about key legislative issues. In late 2025, the Chamber further supported civic engagement by hosting candidate forums for the Cheshire Town Council.

Networking and Events

The Chamber offers a dynamic calendar of events, including:

Power Hour and Networking at Noon sessions

Ribbon cuttings celebrating new businesses such as Harvey & Lewis Opticians and GoHealth Urgent Care

Signature annual events like the Fall Festival, Oktoberfest, and Holiday Party/Silent Auction

Specialized Support Programs

Business Women’s Alliance: Provides professional development and networking opportunities for women in business

Health & Wellness Committee: Partners with the Chesprocott Health District to lead a Healthy Community Coalition

Non-Profit Round Table: Supports nonprofit members with fundraising strategies and leadership development

Community Integration

Located at 195 South Main Street in Cheshire, the Chamber continues to serve as a vital link between the business community and the town. Its efforts range from managing Shop Local digital campaigns to coordinating beloved community traditions such as “Scarecrows Are Coming.”