The Old Greenwich Merchants Association (OGMA) is a group of retailers working together to promote a community based retail environment for the village of Old Greenwich. The OGMA meets together to exchange ideas about ways to improve our shopping district, encourage local shopping and promote good will with the community. The organization is organized by local store owners who volunteer their time. Our current co presidents are Jim Abbott and Inga Talalaite at Patriot Bank. Nine years ago, through the effort of our volunteers, the clock in Old Greenwich on Sound Beach Avenue was installed and financed with the proceeds from the sale of calendars and contributions from shop keepers and members of the community. The OGMA maintains the clock today.

The history of our organization includes OGMA sponsored street parties, bed races, pumpkin painting, sidewalk sales, and one of the community's favorite events is our First Light event. This year will be the tenth year the merchants have sponsored the First Light event. It is always held on the first Saturday of December from 6 to 9 on Sound Beach Avenue and Arcadia. The merchants kick off the holiday season with a night filled with the sense of community and holiday and the stores offer up treats, surprises, magic, music and more.

Business owners interested in joining the OGMA can contact Yvette de Vries at African Portfolio at 203.637.2977 or info@ogmerchants.com.