The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce will host the Mayor’s annual ‘State of the Town’ address in a new format and at a new location, on Monday, March 18.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor will present the annual “State of the Town” address in a new format and at a new location – with the event planned for the Mandell JCC on Monday, March 18, from 5-7 p.m.

The formal portion of the State of the Town will be held in the Herbert & Evelyn Gilman Theater, with a reception immediately following in the Chase Gallery. Attendees can chose to attend the address only, or for an additional cost can also attend the reception.

“There has historically been great interest from the community to take part in this event, with limited space to accommodate everyone” Kate Kobs, director of Development & Programs for the West Hartford Chamber said. “By moving to a theater-style format, we can expand capacity to make this event accessible to all who want to participate.”

Cantor’s address will provide a look back at the past year as well as her vision for the future. It promises to be engaging and informative for residents as well as those who do business in West Hartford, organizers said.

“This event is a reflection and summary of West Hartford and the community,” Cantor said. “The presentation will include information on the town’s economy, the status of major development projects and capital investments, as well as our commitment to sustainability, diversity, and serving those in need.”

The event has previously taken place at a luncheon, and while it was held virtually during the pandemic this will be the sixth time that Cantor, a lifelong resident of West Hartford, will give the annual State of the Town speech in person. She has been mayor since May 17, 2016, and prior to that was deputy mayor (2011-2016) and has been a member of the Town Council since 2004.

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce is the facilitator for this popular community update, which will include an opportunity for a Q&A with attendees.

“As part of our commitment to be West Harford’s community and business connection, The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce is proud to facilitate this important community forum,” Chamber President & CEO Chris Conway said. “West Hartford is one of the fastest growing communities in the country. We continue to attract national attention as an incredible place to live, conduct business and visit.”

Pre-registration is required for what has traditionally been a sell-out event. For more information, or to register, click here or call  the Chamber office at 860-521-2300. The cost for the presentation only is $15 for Chamber members ($20 for non-members) and the cost to attend both the presentation and reception is $55 for Chamber members and $65 for non-members.

TD Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of the Mayor’s State of the Town, and Gold Sponsors are Liberty Bank, PeoplesBank, and Westfield Bank. More information about sponsorship opportunities for the event can also be found on the Chamber website.

The Mandell JCC is located at 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford.

West Hartford Community Interactive will broadcast the event for those unable to attend. It will be available on Comcast Channel 5, Frontier TV 6098, and their YouTube channel.

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