Chambers flex pre-holiday muscle

Three chambers of commerce ”” from Norwalk, Greenwich and Stamford ”” took over UConn Stamford”™s multistory atrium on Broad Street recently for a roll-out-your-wares-and-services effort that attracted 60 booths.

Hundreds walked through ”” often noshing and swapping business cards ”” with the number of attendees an unknown due to the open nature of the campus.

But according to Tania Amrod, director of events and marketing for the Stamford Chamber of Commerce, “It was a great event with a great turnout. We were fortunate to have the Capital Grille (from Stamford) and Water”™s Edge at Giovannis (from Darien) as the food sponsors.”

She said, “The event is all about businesses coming together on the regional level and to connect them more regionally.”

The event preceded the 7th annual Greenwich Holiday Stroll Weekend on Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6, noon-5p.m. Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 5 and 6 Holiday Stroll Days “to encourage the community to enjoy the festivities and support local merchants this season.”

Sixteen stores will have special Santa mailboxes. A dozen music groups will perform. The weekend also includes a live Nativity at First United Methodist Church of Greenwich, featuring a camel, a llama, cow, a donkey and five sheep and the story of Christ”™s birth performed by area churches.

From left, GHP Office Realty LLC”™s Harrison Lyss, assistant property manager, and Brendan Hickey, leasing associate.

From left, Joan Coviello, The WorkPlace”™s director of communications and events, and Bernadette DeAmico, WorkPlace manager of development and community relations.

Westfair Communications”™ Amber Matthews, left, and Danielle Brody flank Marc Lanzarotto, sales manager, Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa.

Courtney Duda, left, and Andrea Ciarelli with Center for Discovery in Fairfield.

“I make house calls,” said Charles Lynn, principal of Smoking Computer in Darien, a home and small-business computer services company.

Ronald Araujo, manager for energy efficiency, Eversource Energy.

From left, Gabby Martire, University of Bridgeport”™s Graduate Health Sciences Department, and University of Bridgeport School of Continuing and Professional Studies Stamford Center Director Maureen Lyons Maloney.

Chamber heads, from left, Jack Condlin of Stamford, Marcia O”™Kane of Greenwich and Ed Musante of Norwalk, the event hosts.