Stamford Chamber Announces Honorees for 2025 Annual Meeting
This Year’s Edition Will be Held in Late September
STAMFORD — A local organization supporting women-owned businesses and the head of the city’s mall will be recognized for their substantial achievements and impact at an upcoming Stamford Chamber of Commerce event.
At the 38th Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 25, the Stamford Chamber will celebrate the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) as 2025 Company of the Year and Dan Stolzenbach, general manager of Stamford Town Center, as 2025 Member of the Year, as announced by the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Chamber Staff in a recent press release.
Held at CoCreate, located at 47 John Street, the event will feature a keynote speech by Commissioner Dan O’Keefe of the Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD), who also serves as Chief Innovation Officer for the state of Connecticut. Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons will attend and give welcome remarks.
Registration will begin at 3:00 pm, the program will start at 4:00 pm, and cocktails and networking will follow at 5:00 pm to conclude the evening.
Founded and currently led by CEO Fran Pastore, the WBDC serves as an asset to businesses created by women across the state. The organization has classes and training, advising and mentorship, and child care support among other services to ensure that their clients can succeed in the private sector.
“Stamford continues to be the economic engine of the state attracting unique small businesses that are supported and funded by WBDC,” Stamford Chamber President & CEO Heather Cavanagh said. “Businesses are faced with uncertain economic challenges daily and WBDC provides the resources, education, advocacy and tools; building businesses for today, tomorrow, and the future that ensures that all businesses of all sizes have the access and opportunities to sustainably grow and thrive.”
When a fire erupted near the corner of Bedford Street and Spring Street in March, the WBDC’s office was among the impacted properties in the area.
Dan Stolzenbach began his tenure as Stamford Town Center general manager in 2016. Since his arrival, the downtown mall has seen a sharp turn into a new era of retail with creative new leases like a pickleball facility, a comedy club, and additional ventures outside the typical stores expected at major shopping venues.
“[Dan] has used a strategic approach by adapting and innovating to move into the next era of retail addressing the need for diverse community space where a vast array of products and services are readily available in a centralized location. He has redefined the mall’s purpose through repositioning resulting in a vibrant destination that supports Stamford,” Cavanagh said. “Dan’s enthusiasm and passion are creating partnerships and driving business through collaborations that are evident in all that he does to support the Chamber and the community.”
Admission is available here at a cost of $85 for members and $95 for future members. Attendees must be at least 21 years old.
The Chamber, which functions as an advocacy organization for members of the city’s diverse business community, hosts several popular events throughout the year, bringing business and community leaders together for networking, growth, and engagement opportunities.
In addition to the annual meeting, these include a golf tournament, State of the City address, Taste of Stamford, a summer social, a legislative breakfast, and more. The Chamber also offers gatherings for young professionals.
In 2024, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont spoke at the gathering while Rubenstein Partners, L.P., a private equity fund manager, and PJ Kennedy, the visionary founder behind the Hey Stamford! digital media brand and store were recognized by the Chamber with their annual awards.
The sponsor for this year’s edition is M&T Bank with additional support provided by Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott Stamford Downtown, Philip Morris International (PMI), Rubenstein Partners, L.P., Schweiger Dermatology Group, and The First Bank of Greenwich.
The networking reception is sponsored by BevMax and The Village Community Foundation Kitchen Incubator Program.
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