Annually, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) hosts a convention where more than 1,000 attendees, including local government leaders from across the state and companies providing the best in products and services to towns and cities, gather for two days of informative workshops, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities.  Although the COVID-19 pandemic thwarted 2020’s conference, CCM returned again this year, bringing attendees together on November 30 and December 1, 2021, at Mohegan Sun Casino.

The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) set up an informational booth featuring materials demonstrating AKC as the recognized expert in promoting responsible dog ownership, training, and breeding, and promoting what our affiliated clubs and organizations do for elected officials’ communities.  AKC GR prioritizes making these introductions because municipal officials are largely responsible for enforcing state and municipal laws impacting dogs and their owners.

In addition to government leaders, many of the other exhibitors also stopped by the AKC GR booth to ask questions and share stories of their beloved dogs, including a small Connecticut farmer with a therapy dog and a professional marketer and fundraiser who noted her husband specializes in pet photography.  One attendee, a tax collector who recently shifted to part-time work, shared her excitement to now have the time to get back into the sport after formerly breeding Cairn and Scottish Terriers.  Isn’t it wonderful how the shared love of dogs can bring people immediately together!