(photo) Kane, Formica Applaud Legislation to Boost Antiques Businesses, Tourism

Sen. Paul Formica (left) and Sen. Rob Kane (right) applauded the State Senate’s unanimous May 3 passage of legislation which aims to better promote antiques shops throughout the state.

The proposal (Senate Bill 327) authorizes businesses that the state identifies as being on the “Connecticut Antiques Trail” to display temporary signs or flags indicating that they are on the Trail.

“Our goal is to shine a bright light on antiques shops throughout the state,” said Sen. Kane, who in 2013 successfully championed the legislation creating the statewide Connecticut Antiques Trail. “The unofficial antiques capital of Connecticut is Woodbury, but we have antiques dealers in all corners of our state. It makes a lot of sense for us to continue to find ways to bring attention to these unique, small businesses and get them the attention they deserve.”

Sen. Formica, who co-chairs the legislature’s bipartisan “Tourism Caucus”, likened the antiques trail to the Connecticut Wine Trail, which promotes vineyards with road signs.

“When we promote our antiques businesses, we promote Connecticut,” Sen. Formica said. “This legislation allows these small business owners to better attract the attention of everyone who is trying to get to know our beautiful state and enjoy its wonderful history.”

Sen. Kane and Sen. Formica noted that ancillary businesses, such as restaurants, museums and bed and breakfasts stand to all see an uptick in business when Connecticut’s antiques shops are better promoted.

*Sen. Kane (www.senatorkane.com) represents the 32nd district of Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Seymour, Southbury, Roxbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury.

* Sen. Formica(www.senatorformica.com) represents Bozrah, East Lyme, a portion of Montville, New London, Old Lyme, a portion of Old Saybrook, Salem, and Waterford.