The towns of Woodbury, Southbury and Middlebury, "Tribury" have shared a long and common history spanning three centuries. The formation of the Tribury Chamber of Commerce makes eminent sense, as we need to approach our mutual economic concerns on a regional basis.

With reliance on a central hub (Waterbury) for commerce and employment decreasing, it is imperative that "Tribury" seek ways to insure fiscal stability in the region. The fact that local residents recognize this and have taken steps to organize the Tribury Chamber of Commerce speaks volumes about the concerns of our neighbors. Working in conjunction with the Tribury Chamber and other similar organizations our economic future should be assured.

There is no doubt that the over-reliance on our residential tax base is a strong deterrent to economic growth and stability, not just in the region, but the entire state as well. I look forward to working with the Tribury Chamber of Commerce in promoting our long-term economic goals and, hopefully, easing the tax burden of our residents.

The regional guide and Chamber website is just the beginning of the Chamber's desire to serve the greater "Tribury" region. Their success could be a key to our future economic life.