Date Set For 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast In Fairfield

News release from the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce:

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce is hosting its much anticipated, annual 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast at The Patterson Club in Fairfield on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 7:00am – 9:30am.

The event, which is sponsored by Cambridge Trust Wealth Management of Connecticut/a Division of Eastern Bank, will feature three very special guest speakers: John Traynor, President of Cambridge Trust Wealth Management of Connecticut; Fairfield’s First Selectperson, Christine Vitale; and Mark Barnhart, Director of Community and Economic Development for the Town of Fairfield.

John Traynor:
As President of Cambridge Trust Wealth Management of Connecticut, John directs the overall Wealth Management process and has ultimate responsibility for the success of each client relationship. He has appeared regularly on CNBC, Nightly Business Report and Fox Business Network, as well as being quoted in the NY Times and Wall Street Journal. Prior to joining Cambridge Trust in 2022, John served as CIO, EVP of People’s United Advisors since 2011 where he directed the overall investment process. During his tenure, People’s grew their assets under management from $3.5 billion to $10.4 billion. Prior to People’s he served as Director of Investment Strategy and Alternative Investments at Hawthorn, a $22 billion family office in the PNC Financial Services Group.

John Traynor will present: Economic Outlook 2026.

First Selectperson, Christine Vitale:
Christine Vitale was elected to the Board of Selectpersons in 2023, became Acting First Selectperson in June 2025, and was appointed First Selectperson in August 2025. A dedicated public servant, Christine served on the Board of Education (BOE) from 2017 - 2023, including four years as Chair, and held multiple Town roles from the BOE’s Finance and Budget Committee to Building and Facilities Committees, as well as holding professional positions with financial, budget, and project management responsibilities. She was a founding member of 21 Strong, an organization supporting individuals with Down’s Syndrome. A 28-year resident, she has been recognized with several community service awards. She and her husband have three children.

First Selectperson Christine Vitale will present: State of the Town/Year in Review/Looking
Forward.

Mark Barnhart:
Mark S. Barnhart is the Director of Community & Economic Development for the Town of
Fairfield. During his 20-year tenure, Mark has been responsible for managing all of the Town’s development plans, plus the acquisition and redevelopment of the former Fort Devans site into affordable housing. From 2010 through its December 2011 opening, Mark oversaw the partial remediation and construction of the Fairfield Metro Train Station site to facilitate the private development now underway. Previously, Mark served as Town Manager and CEO for the Town of Stratford from 1992 to 2002. Mr. Barnhart holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed his undergraduate studies at Albright College.

Mark Barnhart will present: Local Market Conditions & Development Forecast

Be the first to hear about what may be in store for our economy in 2026! The Chamber’s guest
speakers will share a unique perspective on the national, regional, state, and local economy for
2025. This breakfast program is a valuable opportunity to explore this year’s economic outlook with
our esteemed guest speakers, and discover first-hand, key issues, policies and developments that
may not only affect people personally but may also have an impact on the business community as
well - both locally and across the state of Connecticut.

“We are very excited to have John Traynor, First Selectperson Christine Vitale, and Mark Barnhart
as guest speakers for our 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast event, as people are always curious
about the direction of our economy as we begin a new year”, says Beverly A. Balaz, President of
the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. “Please join us for the most current information on important
economic topics and enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Patterson Club!”

This informative event is open to the public. To reserve a ticket, please RSVP by calling the
Fairfield Chamber of Commerce office: 203-255-1011 or registering online at:
www.FairfieldCTChamber.com.

• 7:00am-8:00am: Networking & Hot Buffet Breakfast.
• 8:00am-9:00am: Guest Speakers & Economic Outlook Presentations
• 9:00am-9:30am: Q&A

• Chamber Members: $70/pp
• Non-Members (Public): $80/pp

Reserved Table of 10 for Chamber Members: $650.00
Reserved Table of 10 for non-Chamber Members: $750.00

For more information on this event, please call the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce: 203-255-1011
or email Katelyn Thaler: Katelyn@FairfieldCTChamber.com. For more information, please also
visit the Chamber’s website: FairfieldCTChamber.com

— Flyer from the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce