Here’s a short list of sweeping economic crises that have affected, directly or indirectly, every U.S. business since 1982: Black Monday, savings and loan crisis, subprime mortgage crisis and Great Recession.
Walter Stewart’s Market and Stewarts Spirits. Credit: Michael Dinan
Locally, success in business involves nimbleness and acumen, and far more than that—interpersonal skills, involvement, diligence and imagination.
Recently, the head of an organization that’s central for many local businesses, the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, came by chance across a list of 28 current members that also were members back in 1982.
“They’ve supported the chamber, supported the town and been here for a long, long time,” Executive Director Tucker Murphy said. “We want to congratulate them on that.”
Baskin-Robbins. Credit: Michael Dinan
Here’s the list, in alphabetical order (not every single business has been a continuous member of the chamber, though many—including Bob’s Sports, Karl Chevrolet, Walter Stewart’s and Stewart’s Spirits—have been):
- Ann Taylor
- Baskin Robbins
- Bob’s Sports
- Brotherhood & Higley
- Congregational Church
- Family Britches
- Franco’s Wine
- Healthfare
- Hersam Acorn- New Canaan Advertiser
- Hoyt Funeral Home
- Hutchinson Tree Company
Karl Chevrolet. Credit: Michael Dinan
- Karl Chevrolet
- League of Women Voters
- Merrill Lynch
- New Canaan Board of Realtors
- New Canaan Community Nursery School
- New Canaan Country School
- New Canaan Library
- New Canaan Nature Center
- Pennyweights
- Roger Sherman Inn
- Silvermine Arts Guild
- Stewart’s Spirits
- Taylor’s Luggage
- Visiting Nurse Association of New Canaan
- Walter Stewart’s
- Waveny Care Center
- Whitney Shop
Bob’s Sports. Credit: Michael Dinan
Ties to the local chamber run very deep for businesses such as Walter Stewart’s, recently recognized as Business of the Year.
Doug Stewart said his great-grandfather was involved with the forerunner of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, and that his grandfather was vice president.
Bailey Stewart recalls when merchants marched on Town Hall when he himself served as board president, and Alex Stewart is a current board member—the fourth generation of the Stewart family to be involved.
“New Canaan is such a special town and a large part of its charm and character comes from its small businesses and organizations,” Doug Stewart said. “The chamber is critical because they build a sense of community for our local businesses. We will support our chamber for many years to come.”