By William F. Millerick

(This article recently appeared in Bill Millerick's weekly column "View from Main Street," which appears every Friday in the Herald)

Pomegranate martinis, the state's new economic development czar, really good prices on appliances and the newly-refurbished community room at New Britain High School.

What do they all have in common? They're just some of the highlights from the busiest fall-winter schedule of the New Britain Chamber of Commerce in memory.

As new business come to the city, as others expand, Chamber membership grows. And as it does, so to does the enthusiasm for new events, new opportunities to learn, network or serve the community. And there are new opportunities for partnerships.

For the first time, the New Britain Chamber and the city's adult education department, under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin Foster, are working together to unveil a brand new Community Speaker Series.

Dr. Foster, each month, is arranging for a speaker who will address issues of topical or local interest. The series, which begins Thursday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. at the high school, is intended to provide thought-provoking ideas and conversation for the community and at an affordable price ­ free. The first speaker is Dr. Heidi Hadsell, President of the Hartford Seminary, speaking on "Global Ethics: Humanity in the 21st century." What a great opportunity for people to hear an expert talk about one of the hot button issues in society today.

The second event in the speaker series will be on Thursday, Nov. 8, when two distinguished economists, Dr. Armand Zottola, of New Britain and CCSU; and Dr. Ward Curran of Trinity College talk about "Democracy, Consumerism and Super Capitalism: The Social Costs."

While the talks are free, reservations are a must. Contact adult education at 229-6106 or the Chamber. If breakfast is more to your liking, our first Business Breakfast Series event of the season kicks off Friday, Nov. 2 with an appearance by Joan McDonald, the state's new commissioner of the Department of Community and Economic Development. That breakfast will be at Angelico's Restaurant from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. The cost is $15 and its open to the public.

Given the amount of economic development now underway in New Britain and what's planned in the coming five years, it ought to be a provocative hour, to hear how the state views the progress in the city. Comm. McDonald's appearance at the Business Breakfast Series event was put together by the Chamber, the Municipal Economic Development Agency and Mayor Timothy Stewart.

We'll also be giving away a $300 Tom Tom One GPS unit to one of the lucky attendees that morning as well. The Business Breakfast Series will continue in December and January as well, at Angelico's, with speakers to be named soon.

In about a month, on the evening of Nov. 15, one of the signature events of the year for New Britain, the Chamber's annual, dinner and awards will be at the CCSU Student Center Ballroom. The dinner has been sold out each of the last three years and this year's event, which will feature presentation of the prestigious Distinguished Community Service Award is headed in that same direction.

Our Women's A.M. Network Group continues to grow in popularity with local business and professional women. Held each month at a local business or organization, they get together, have breakfast, talk about their organizations and make important contacts to assist each other.

The latest meeting is this morning (Friday, Oct. 19) at 8 a.m., at the Sears Factory Outlet on Fenn Road, just over the Newington line. The Sears Factory Outlet is another new member and already, Chamber members and their employees have taken advantage of Chamber discounts to get great buys on appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines.

Those pomegranate martinis? Well, they were one of the featured menu items at our first "Chamber Night at the Museum" last week.

More than 125 persons registered and attended an evening reception that featured an inspiring menu by Jordan Caterers, one of our newest members and the museum's official caterer. Besides pomegranate martinis; there was a chilled Raspbery, Champagne soup and Asian noodles and specialty crepes. This was not your typical Chamber of Commerce, Business After Hours, cheese and wine affair.

Then again, none of these events are typical. That's due to the energy, enthusiasm and commitment of the city's business community. In a very real sense, it is a community. Many people told us how pleased they were to leave the museum having met new people, made new contacts and put together some important business partnerships going forward.

The Chamber's job is to bring together and encourage that community spirit. The rigorous schedule of events and the different types of events should help achieve that goal.

Further information on any of these or other events is easily available by contacting the Chamber at 229-1665, visiting the website at www.newbritainchamber.com or checking the Community Events Calendar we put out in partnership with the Mayor's office. Or just email me.