Somers Economic Development Commission

10/13/2026

Thank you to the Ellington-Somers Patch for helping get the word out! What an awesome opportunity for the Town of Somers and our community.

Somers Seeks Ideas For Old Playhouse | Link in comments ⬇️

10/13/2026

Town of Somers
Annual Scarecrow Festival
October 24
10am to 4pm
Four Town Fairgrounds
Food Trucks, Live Entertainment & Kids Zone plus... New Crafters Alley!

10/12/2026

Imagine What 55 School Street Could Be…

Picture a Saturday morning in Somersville. A family rents kayaks and paddles up the Scantic River. Cyclists stop for coffee, as do hikers after a stroll along the Somersville Mill Trail. A group of veterans gathers over breakfast before walking next door to Legacy Veterans Park. Kids leave the playground with ice cream in hand, and visitors pause at a display about the mill workers who built this village. Not just on a Saturday, but could be everyday.

That future could start at 55 School Street.

This isn’t a new idea. In 2015, after the Somersville Mill fire, a Town ad hoc committee met with more than 20 experts, state officials, conservation groups, historians, and business owners to plan the future of this area. Their vision called for:

🛶 A public boat launch and recreation along the Scantic River
🚶 Trails linking the Mill Pond to the Scantic River Linear Park Greenway
🌉 A pedestrian bridge to connect it all
🐟 A fish ladder that could reopen the river from the Massachusetts border to the Connecticut River
🏛️ A historic interpretive park telling the story of the Somersville Manufacturing Company, which employed up to 400 workers from 1879 to 1969
🏪 Small businesses tied to recreation, such as kayak rentals, a tackle shop, or a snack shop
💲 Returning property to the tax rolls and strengthening the village of Somersville

📄 Read the committee’s full Final Report (November 6, 2015): https://www.somersct.gov/Documents/Boards%20Commissions/Economic%20Development%20Commission/20151106%20somersville%20strategic%20plang%20final%20report.pdf?t=202610121428100

Ten years later, 55 School Street sits right in the middle of that vision. It’s in Mill Pond Park, next to Legacy Veterans Park, with parking, a boat launch, fishing areas, and playgrounds at its door.

So let’s dream a little. What could this building become?

☕ A community café, a welcoming gathering place where veterans, the Lions, the Garden Club, scout troops, book clubs, or any community organization could meet, share a cup of coffee, and step outside to enjoy the park, the river, and Legacy Veterans Park. It would be a place that honors this building’s American Legion roots and is open to everyone.
🚲 A paddle and bike outfitter for river and trail adventures
🏛️ A heritage corner sharing the stories of Somersville’s mill workers, our veterans, and the Scantic River
🌿 A home base for outdoor programs, guided paddles, fishing clinics, and nature education
✨ Something none of us has thought of yet

Whatever comes next, how could we bring the whole community together, bring new life to an overlooked corner of town, and support the Town’s finances rather than strain them.

This part of Somers has always had potential. Now we have a real chance to create experiences for today’s generation and the next.

📅 Proposals are due Wednesday, October 21, 2026, by 11:00 a.m. to the Somers Town Clerk, 600 Main Street.

The full RFP can be found here: https://www.somersct.gov/Documents/Boards%20Commissions/Economic%20Development%20Commission/Somers%20Village%20Players%20Adaptive%20Reuse%20RFP.pdf?t=202610061544210

💬 Tell us in the comments: What would make you visit 55 School Street?

10/06/2026

📣 Opportunity in Somersville: The Former Village Players Building Is Available!

The former Village Players building at 55 School Street in Somersville is now available for use, and the Town of Somers wants to hear your ideas!

The Town of Somers Special Projects Committee has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP), attached below, inviting interested parties to submit a proposal for the adaptive reuse of this building. The approximately 2,200 sq. ft. building sits within beautiful Mill Pond Park, alongside parking, a boat launch, fishing areas, and playgrounds. Businesses, nonprofits, and philanthropic ventures are all welcome to apply, and special consideration will be given to nonprofit groups whose vision promotes economic vitality and quality of life in the Town of Somers.

🗓️ Key Dates to Remember:

RFP Issued: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Building Tour: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Proposals Due: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, by 11:00 a.m.
Interviews with Finalist Organizations: Through December 2026

Please review RFP document (link belkow). If you're interested, submit a sealed proposal to the Somers Town Clerk's Office, 600 Main Street, Somers, CT 06071, by the October 21 deadline.

🔁 Please share this post with anyone who may be interested in this facility. Let's work together to bring new life to this special Somersville landmark!



https://www.somersct.gov/Documents/Boards%20Commissions/Economic%20Development%20Commission/Somers%20Village%20Players%20Adaptive%20Reuse%20RFP.pdf?t=202610061544210

10/06/2026

🍂 Calling all Town of Somers businesses!

The Tolland County Chamber of Commerce - TCCC is launching the new Perks Passport — and we want Somers to be front and center when it debuts around the third week of October!

The Perks Passport is a free, simple way for local shoppers to discover businesses, collect qualifying visits, and unlock rewards. Anyone can use the Passport, and participating Chamber member businesses get new and returning customers through their doors. It's a great way to keep our local momentum going into 2027.

Not a restaurant? You can still offer a perk! A perk doesn't have to be food or a big discount — just a small extra your customers would appreciate:

✦ Salons & barbers: a complimentary conditioning treatment or service upgrade
✦ Retail & gift shops: a small gift, free gift wrap, or a reward toward a future purchase
✦ Florists & garden centers: a seasonal stem or small plant
✦ Auto businesses: a service add-on or car-care item
✦ Fitness & wellness: a guest pass or bonus class
✦ Entertainment & recreation: an extra round or admission upgrade
✦ Creative & professional services: a mini consultation or small upgrade

You choose the reward and the visits needed to earn it — keep it simple, manageable, and uniquely yours.

✅ Participation is free for Chamber members.

👉 Somers business owners: let's put our town on the Passport! Register your business today so Somers is well represented on launch day: 🔗 https://tollandcountybusinessboard.com/perks-passport

🤝 Not a Chamber member yet? Now's a great time to join! Membership connects you with business owners across all 13 Tolland County towns — including Somers — and opens the door to networking, promotion, and programs like the Perks Passport. Apply here: 🔗 https://form.jotform.com/232563974033155

Stay tuned for the official announcement! 📣

10/05/2026

Attention Town of Somers business community! The Somers CT Annual Scarecrow Festival is in need of your support. 👇. Events like these bring our community together and make us stronger. Thank you for the consideration.

Businessowner, friends, neighbors, we need your help!!!! 🆘️🆘️

Every year a HUGE percentage of the Scarecrow Festival's proceeds come from our raffle.🎟 Our raffle is such a success due to the amazing raffle baskets. 🧺🎀 Where do those AMAZING raffles come from??? YOU!!!!

Kindly drop off presentation ready baskets and the form below to Somers Human Services, 619 Main Street, Somers, CT by October 16th.

Thank you 🙏 for your continued support. We couldn't do this without YOU. 🦇🍁👻🎃

10/05/2026

Congratulations to Fortune Fuel - Driven by Nutrition, our September 2026 Featured Business! 🎉

The Town of Somers Economic Development Commission is proud to celebrate this women-owned, family-operated business as it marks its very first anniversary!

Fortune Fuel's story started with a personal commitment. In February 2025, owner Kristina LaFortune traded daily drive-thru runs, soda and sugary coffee for intentional nutrition, meal prep and fitness, and has since lost more than 140 pounds! That journey sparked a mission to make better choices convenient, approachable and fun for everyone.

Since opening in August 2025, the LaFortune family has built so much more than a nutrition and energy bar:

🥤 Loaded energy and hydration teas, protein shakes, protein coffees, waffles, protein bagels and more
🤝 Partnerships with local schools, PTOs, youth sports and community organizations
🚐 A mobile hydration, energy and coffee bar that has served hundreds of drinks around the area
🌅 A new role in local high schools' Senior Sunrise traditions
🎓 Jobs and growth opportunities for students from Somers and surrounding towns

A huge shoutout to their amazing student team, whose energy, creativity (and TikToks and Reels!) help make Fortune Fuel a place where customers are known by name and often stay to chat long after ordering.

📍 11 South Road, Unit 9, Somers (Lord Somers Plaza)
🕕 Mon–Fri 6 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | Sat 8 a.m.–3 p.m. | Sun 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
📞 860-639-4447
📸 Instagram:

Stop by, grab a drink and congratulate the team on an incredible first year!

10/01/2026

☕️ Grab a friend or colleague and head over to Roasted Beanery in Geisler's Plaza to celebrate !

Happy International Coffee Day!

Today we’re celebrating coffee from the very beginning- thoughtfully and ethically sourced, carefully roasted, and made with intention.

Come celebrate with us today: buy any latte and get a second latte 50% off from 9-1!

Using the app? Add code “coffeeday”

09/28/2026

Mentorship opportunity! Calling all business owners and/or working professionals - (currently working or retired) to mentor a few Somers High School students!

The Town of Somers Economic Development Commission is partnering with the Somers High School Interact Program - pairing students with local business owners and professionals in our community to help mentor them during their 2026-27 Capstone Projects.

For those interested, please join the us at a Student Networking Breakfast on Thursday, October 1, from 7:00–8:00 AM at Somers High School. We will begin promptly at 7:00 AM. Please RSVP ahead of time via email: [email protected].

This brief time will allow you and the students to discuss their projects and see where you can add value to their journey. The time commitment is minimal, but the impact is huge. It will be the student’s responsibility to lead the mentoring journey. Please bring your business card and contact information so the students can reach you after the event.

Somers Education Foundation Somers CT

09/24/2026

Somers EDC Chairman, Shawn Curtis attended the First-Ever Economic Development Partnership Summit on September 23, in Norwich, Connecticut.

The summit was hosted by the Connecticut Economic Development Association - CEDAS, the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA), the CT Main Street Center and AdvanceCT. It brought together state and local economic development leaders from across Connecticut, along with organizations such as the Capitol Region Council of Governments - CRCOG, the CT Green Bank and the Community Economic Development Fund.

The goal of the day was to explain what each organization does, how they work together and who towns should call for help. Here are three takeaways for The Town of Somers:

1. Somers doesn't have to figure it out alone. Connecticut has a network of organizations whose job is to help towns like ours grow: AdvanceCT recruits businesses to the state and markets available sites. CMDA helps with zoning, planning and financing for town center projects. The Connecticut Main Street Center helps communities strengthen their town centers. CEDAS helps towns build strong economic development practices. It matters which one you call first, and they're all ready to work with small towns.

2. Somers is full of possibility, and we're taking the first step to explore it. The Somers EDC, in partnership with other town officials and commissions, will be working to engage the Connecticut Main Street Center - working with them on a study of our Main Street. We'll learn from their 25 years of experience helping more than 100 Connecticut communities strengthen their town centers. With them, we'll define what's possible for Somers, shaped by what our community wants and grounded in real data. As the Main Street Center told us, a town doesn't need a finished plan to get started. "All you need is a desire." Somers has that, and we're excited to see where it leads.

3. Thoughtful development can ease the tax burden while keeping Somers' character. Somers has a very small commercial tax base, which puts most of the load on homeowners. Norwich was the summit's case study. It showed how well-planned projects can bring private investment, support local businesses and grow the tax base. Examples include shops with apartments above them, restored historic buildings and a walkable town center. Our main intersection (Somers Center) is a real opportunity, and the EDC will be working with town officials, other commissions, and state partners to help move it forward.

What's next? The EDC is following up with these organizations to to explore how their resources and talents can benefit Somers. We want this to be your vision for Somers. What would you like to see in our town center? Share your ideas in the comments or join us at an upcoming EDC meeting.

Thank you to the host organizations for bringing everyone together, and to the City of Norwich for sharing its story.