March - Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT

VOICE
MEMBER NEWSLETTER
Inside:
Chamber Calendar.............2
Member News...................4
Member Pride Features.....5
MARCH 2015
27th Annual Chamber
Golf Tournament
4th Annual
Bowl-a-thon
Page 2
Page 6
Presenting the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern
CT has been hard at work lobbying for CT
businesses since January. See what what’s
on the Chamber’s 2015 Legislative Agenda
from our website at www.ChamberECT.com.
A guideline for the Chamber’s lobbying
efforts, the annual Legislative Agenda
vocalizes the operational and economic
needs of its roughly 1,600 member
organizations to CT’s State Government in
Hartford.
This year’s Legislative Agenda focuses on
the need for general improvement in the
State. The Chamber supports tax incentives
and fiscal policies which could grow the
state’s manufacturing base while opposing
legislation that incentivizes outsourcing.
The Legislative Agenda favors a probusiness environment which would allow
CT-based businesses to thrive and keep
their costs competitive in order to prevent
businesses moving away from CT, further
eroding our economy.
The 2015 Legislative Agenda recognizes
the importance of tourism in eastern
CT’s economy, supporting a $15 million
investment in tourism marketing from the
state and the development of the National
Coast Guard Museum in New London.
The Chamber supports the government’s
initiatives to promote new businesses and
attract job growth opportunities.
The 2015 Legislative Agenda also seeks
to develop high-quality education and
workforce programs which will create new
schools, encourage sharing of municipal
resources, and supports high-quality
vocational training, especially for those most
in need of employment.
This year’s Legislative Agenda shares CT
Gov. Malloy’s call for improved transportation
infrastructure within the state, with support
for legislation that requires the CT DOT
to partner with the private sector for
construction and management of major
transportation networks, as well as the
expansion of existing roadways and railways
and increased development of water-based
transportation services.
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern
CT’s goal is to showcase our region as a great
place to live, work, and play. The Chamber
supports the maximization of eastern CT’s
resources and encourages the development
of projects that have an economy-boosting
potential.
View the full 2015 Legislative Initiatives
brochure on the Chamber’s website at
www.ChamberECT.com/legislative-initiatives.
A Special Thank You
Through their commitment to the Chamber, these companies have demonstrated support for the many smaller businesses we serve.
914 Hartford Turnpike, Suite 206, Waterford, CT 06385
www.ChamberECT.com | Phone: (860) 701-9113
at Mystic Marriott
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2015 · 10AM TO 4PM
Join us for our annual Easter Brunch Buffet at Mystic Marriott‘s Octagon
restaurant. Dine on a wide array of delicious offerings, including:
Omelets Prepared to Order · Eggs Benedict · Stuffed Blueberry Pancakes
Smoked Salmon, Bagels & Cream Cheese · Soup Shooters · Mystic Seafood Bar
Carving Station · Pasta Station · Side Dishes
Dessert Selections, and much more
$38 per adult (plus tax & gratuity) · $16 per child 5-12
Children 4 and under free
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED 860.326.0360
625 NORTH ROAD, GROTON, CT 06340
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Voice
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
PAGE 2
Pre-registration is necessary for most events. Call (860) 701-9113 or visit www.ChamberECT.com to learn more about any event.
Cancellation Policy: Notice must be given at least three business days prior to event. No-shows or those unable to cancel in time will be billed. To cancel, please call the Chamber.
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19
Business After Hours Subscription 2015
Mar-Dec subscription cost: $150 $120 (save 50%)
Learn more: www.ChamberECT.com/bah
21
Grand Opening: Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods Casino
10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
455 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket
MARCH
21
YPsocial @ Jonathan Edwards Winery w/ Gourmet Galley Catering
5:30 to 7:30 PM
74 Chester Main Road, North Stonington
27
Business After Hours at Waterford Country School
5:30 to 7:30 PM
78 Hunts Brook Road, Quaker Hill
Brown Bag Seminar - Social Media
12:00 to 1:00 PM
Chamber Office, 914 Hartford Turnpike, Suite 206, Waterford
Eastern Connecticut Career Fair
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Three Rivers Community College, 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich
24
Ribbon Cutting: Pape Chiropractic and Wellness Center
5:00 to 7:00 PM
305 Flanders Road, Suite #6, East Lyme
24
YPECT Volunteering: Meals on Wheels Prep
6:00 to 8:00 PM
TVCCA, 81 Stockhouse Road, Bozrah, CT
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25
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8
15
12
Seminar: Making the Most of Your Chamber Membership
12:00 to 1:00 PM
Chamber Office, 914 Hartford Turnpike, Suite 206, Waterford
YPsocial Open House @ Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
5:30 to 7:30 PM
1055 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford
1
JUNE
27th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament
8:00 AM and 1:30 PM Flights
Mohegan Sun Golf Club, 7 Dows Lane, Baltic
Spend a day networking with community and business leaders
while golfing on the lush greens of Mohegan Sun Golf Club’s
championship course in our 27th tournament.
This will be a double shotgun tournament. Please be sure to
register for your preferred start time. Start time requests will
be honored on a first come, first served basis.
APRIL
Business After Hours at USCGA Alumni Association
5:30 to 7:30 PM
47 Mohegan Avenue, New London
4th Annual Chamber Foundation Bowl-a-Thon
4:30 to 8:00 PM
High Rollers at Foxwoods, 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket
Business After Hours at Mohegan Sun Golf Club
5:30 to 7:30 PM
Mohegan Sun Golf Club, 7 Dows Lane, Baltic
MAY
Business After Hours at Joshua’s Limousine Service
5:30 to 7:30 PM
172 Stoddards Wharf Road, Gales Ferry
Get the most up-to-date schedule of Chamber
events at www.ChamberECT.com/events
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Voice
NEW MEMBERS
We are pleased
to welcome new
members to our
Chamber.
American Red Cross Donor Center
45 Salem Turnpike, Norwich
www.RedCross.org/blood
Art Unlimited
749 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard
(860) 464-8312
www.ArtUnlimitedFraming.com
Carolyn Ann Sportfishing
Berth 4 Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock,
New London
(860) 884-1702
www.CaptainFish.com
Church of the City
250-268 State Street, New London
(860) 447-0388
www.COTCNL.org
Lincoln Financial Securities Corp.
99 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford
(860) 442-2398
www.TomDittmeier.com
Pape Chiropractic & Wellness
Center, LLC
305 Flanders Road, East Lyme
(860) 739-3600
www.PapeChiropractic.com
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Mystic
At the Drawbridge, 6 West Main Street, Mystic
(860) 245-4153
www.SpiceAndTea.com
The WorkPlace
350 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport
203-610-8500
www.Workplace.org
Uber
636 West 28th Street, New York, NY
(203) 429-4620
www.Uber.com/connecticut
Stay up-to-date on our newest members at
www.ChamberECT.com/new-members
MARCH 2015
SPOM
MEMBER NEWS
February Service Person of the Month
Health 180 Educates Early-Childhood
Families
By Lt. j.g. Daniel Mongiove
A Sailor assigned to the Los Angeles
class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield,
homeported at Naval Submarine Base New
London (SUBASE) was recently recognized
as the February Service Person of the Month
(SPOM) by the Niantic Lions and the Chamber
of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.
Machinists Mate 1st Class (SS) Thomas
W. Bowen, originally from North Carolina,
received the award Feb. 18 during the
monthly meeting of the Niantic Lions Club.
The award is sponsored by the Chamber
and local service organizations, including the
Lions Club, which recognize service members
in southeastern Connecticut for their work
and dedication in support of the nation and
the community.
Representatives from the Chamber’s
Military Affairs council praised Bowen for his
service.
“Your selection as SPOM is a tribute to
your commitment to enhancing the quality
of life in Southeastern Connecticut,” said
Dara Wicken, Chamber member and Branch
Manager of the Navy Federal Credit Union
Nautilus Park Branch. “You have been chosen
based not only on the distinguished service
in your job but also on your involvement in
the local community.”
Cmdr. Daniel Lombardo, commanding
officer of USS Springfield, described how
Bowen displayed excellent leadership
onboard the submarine.
“As one of the Engineering Watch
Supervisors, he expertly prepared his
watch section to execute key reactor plant
evolutions safely and without delay,” said
Lombardo. “As the Ship’s Assistant Quality
Assurance Officer, he devoted countless
off duty hours to ensure maintenance was
completed with first time quality. And, as
the command Career Counselor, his tireless
efforts, hard work, and mentoring made it
possible for 17 Sailors to reenlist and receive
more than $500,000 in bonuses.”
Even with all the responsibility aboard
Springfield, Bowen still found time to serve
as a Community Service volunteer, helping
out at Stanton Network Elementary School
in Norwich CT.
“Being recognized today means a lot to
me,” said Bowen. “Working on a submarine
is tough, but I enjoy what I do and and I enjoy
helping children attain literacy. I’m proud to
serve my country and those in need.”
As a component of the New London Youth
Affairs Family Center, Health 180 spoke with
early childhood families about the relationship
of nutrition to children’s wellness and sensory
integration. This learning was enhanced with
a hands-on site visit to Fiddleheads Food Coop, whereby families benefited from a tour
and sampling of healthy foods.
DPNC’s Summer Nature Camp 2015: A
New Approach to an Old Favorite
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center’s
2015 Summer Nature Camp has undergone
a makeover - the same great experiences for
children ages 3-15, brought to a new level
with the addition of weekly theme camps.
“We’re excited to be unveiling a new
approach to our Nature Camp,” said Camp
Director Pauline Gaucher, who took over
running the camp for the 2014 season. “We
spent the winter developing themes for each
week of camp that we know will provide a
greater learning experience for our campers,
and also lots more fun!”
Nature Camp will again offer 11 sessions,
beginning June 8. Our camps for ages 3 to
15 all work in concert with our mission: To
inspire an understanding of the natural world
and ourselves as a part of it – past, present
and future. Our camps are guaranteed
to provide your child with outdoor fun,
education, adventure, natural history, games,
new skills, discovering local natural habitats
and confidence building.
We also have unique and interesting
collaborative camps with Mystic Seaport,
New England Science and Sailing, and Mystic
Arts Center that will add the dimensions
of local history, maritime lore, the creative
arts, sailing, kayaking and fishing to our
environmental-based offerings.
Visit www.dpnc.org/summer-camps-2 for
more information on our camps or to register.
Mystic Seaport Names New Director
of Exhibits
Mystic Seaport has promoted Elysa
Engelman to be the Museum’s new Director
of Exhibits.
Engelman will be responsible for creating
and delivering an ongoing program of
dynamic, interdisciplinary exhibits that
attract diverse audiences and introduce new
scholarship and content in support of the
Museum’s mission and strategic vision. She
will direct all aspects of exhibit design and
production.
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Voice
MEMBER NEWS
“Elysa Engelman takes on this position at
an exciting time for the Museum, and we are
very pleased that her exceptional creative,
innovative, and academic expertise will play
an important role in maximizing the potential
of the new Gallery Quad,” said Susan Funk,
Executive Vice President of Mystic Seaport.
Engelman assumes the directorship after
10 years as Exhibit Researcher/Developer for
the Museum, where she has contributed to
the creation of numerous exhibits, including
“Women and the Sea,” “TUGS!,” “Black Hands,
Blue Seas,” and the upcoming “Voyaging in
the Wake of the Whalers” due to open this
June. She was also intimately involved in
the programming of the 38th Voyage of the
Charles W. Morgan last summer.
She holds an Undergraduate Degree
in English and Theater Studies from Yale
University and a Ph.D. from Boston University
in American and New England Studies. She has
been a guest lecturer at the Williams-Mystic
Program at Mystic Seaport and an adjunct
professor at the University of Connecticut.
Eastern CT Ballet Announces Summer
Programs
Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s Summer Dance
program will help young dancers to grow
and improve. The school for classical ballet
training is offering four different workshops
at its East Lyme studio in July and August with
single or multi-week program options.
The youngest dancers (ages 4-7) may enroll
in a Storybook Magic Adventure, while older
children (ages 8-12) build their skills and have
fun in the Junior Summer Workshop. More
experienced students will benefit from both
the Intermediate/Advanced Workshop and/
or the Summer Intensive, “In Balanchine’s
Footsteps.” Headlining the guest faculty
for the Intensive is New York City Ballet’s
extraordinary principal dancer Sara Mearns,
whom Alastair Macaulay of the New York
Times has called “the great American ballerina
of our era.”
Three other accomplished instructors
from the world of dance will join six of ECB’s
own professional faculty members. Many,
including artistic director Gloria Govrin, a
soloist with the New York City Ballet, have
ties to the legendary choreographer George
Balanchine.
“There’s no better way for a young dancer
to learn than from master teachers who were
either students of Balanchine or members
of companies that embrace his style and
choreography,” says ECB executive director
Lise Reardon.
FROM OUR BENEFACTORS
Dime Bank Adds New Assistant Vice
President
Dime Bank is pleased to announce the
addition of a new assistant vice president of
residential lending at Dime Bank, a mutual
bank headquartered in Norwich. Jeanne
Lussier joined the bank on January 20, and
is responsible for facilitating the residential
mortgage process, ensuring loan quality and
fostering strong relationships within our
current market areas of Connecticut and
Rhode Island. She will be located in our East
Lyme branch.
Lussier brings more than two decades
worth of banking experience, primarily in the
areas of residential lending and real estate
transactions. Prior to joining Dime, she was a
mortgage originator with Charter Oak Credit
Union. Jeanne has held positions as Credit
Analyst, Budget Officer and Branch Manager
throughout her banking career. She holds a
B.S. in Accounting from Central Connecticut
State University.
Charter Oak Employee Named Young
Professional of the Year
Alex Hau, a Marketing Assistant with
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, has
been named a “Young Professional of the
Year” by the Young Professionals of Eastern
Connecticut organization.
Hau was one of three Young Professionals
to receive the annual award during the Young
Professionals of the Year Banquet on January
30th at the Latitude 41 Restaurant in Mystic.
The event was attended by nearly 100 YP
members and their guests.
“Alex epitomizes the spirit of this Young
Professionals group,” said Brian A. Orenstein,
Charter Oak’s Chief Executive Officer. “He’s
always willing to lend a helping hand, and
he’s genuinely committed to giving back to
his community. Our credit union is proud of
employees like Alex, and we’re proud to again
be this year’s Supporting Sponsor for the
Young Professionals of Eastern Connecticut,”
said Orenstein.
Hau has been a YP member since 2013.
He joined Charter Oak in 2011 as a Teller
and has also served as a Member Service
You can get more news at
www.ChamberECT.com/news
NEW: Submit your press release on the
Chamber website under ‘member access’
PAGE 4
Representative before joining the credit
union’s Marketing Department in 2013. He
holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics with
a Minor in Business Administration from the
University of Connecticut. In addition to his
involvement with the YP organization, he
has served as the Membership Chairman of
the Montville-based Chinese and American
Cultural Assistance Association since
2011. Before joining Charter Oak, Hau was
employed by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The YP organization, which has a
membership of more than 200, is part of
the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT.
The group offers young professionals a
variety of opportunities for professional
networking and social relationships as
well as volunteer events throughout the
year that improve the economic vitality
and quality of life in eastern Connecticut.
Renee Fournier Joins Chelsea Groton
Renee Fournier has joined Chelsea Groton
Bank as Assistant Vice President, Marketing
Manager. In her position, Fournier will be
responsible for developing strategies that
will enhance the Bank’s brand, as well as
managing all day-to-day marketing and public
relations efforts.
Fournier is a graduate of the University of
Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Communication Sciences. She has 20 years
of experience developing and managing
marketing and communications programs in
New London County. Early in her career she
served as Marketing Director at the Garde Arts
Center and then joined Mitchell College as
Director of Communications until 2012. Most
recently, she was Director of Communications
at The Williams School in New London.
“Renee brings extensive strategic marketing
and public relations experience to Chelsea
Groton,” explained Lori Dufficy, Senior Vice
President and Director of Sales & Service.
“Renee is also well known in our community,
she’s an active volunteer, and her community
spirit and involvement embodies the very
core of our brand: to help people achieve
their goals. We feel very fortunate to have
Renee on our team.”
Originally from Manchester, Connecticut,
Fournier has been a long-time resident of New
London. She has served in several volunteer,
board and committee roles for New London
Main Street and the Interdistrict School for
Arts and Communication (ISAAC). She has
been board president for both organizations
and is the co-founder and past chair of New
London Main Street’s Fish Tales, Tugs & Sails.
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Voice
WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR MEMBERS
The Natural Food Store
Full Bloom Apiaries
Yost Home Improvements, Inc.
Stonecroft Country Inn
Natural and organic foods, supplements, herbs,
homeopathy & body care. We carry a wide variety
of brands and offer discount programs and special
orders. Owners and staff are knowledgeable and
friendly.
21 Hope Street, Niantic
(860) 739-9916
www.NaturalFoodSt.com
Yost Home Improvements, Inc. installs vinyl siding,
vinyl windows, doors, seamless gutters, railings and
storm doors.
1018 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford
(860) 442-8032
www.YostHomeImprovements.com
BT Tile & Carpet
Our 9,000 square foot showroom has one of Eastern
Connecticut’s largest displays of floor and wall tile
as well as laminates, hardwood, carpet, vinyl, luxury
vinyl and linoleum. We also have a large selection
of commercial flooring including VCT, commercial
carpet, rubber flooring and much more.
905 Norwich New London Turnpike, Uncasville
(860) 848-9203
www.BTTile.com
MARCH 2015
Producer of local CT honey, packaged in various
size containers for sale at both retail and wholesale
outlets. Other products include beeswax and nucleus
starter hives in the spring, and summer greens. Also
offer pollination services to orchards and farms.
101 Lebanon Road, North Franklin
(860) 235-0624
www.FullBloomApiaries.com
Stonecroft Country Inn is a Mystic Bed and Breakfast
nestled on 6.5 rolling acres of lush lawns and
terraced gardens in the Connecticut countryside.
Originally the 1807 estate of Sea Captain Shubel
Smith, Stonecroft Country Inn offers two distinct
lodging options amidst an atmosphere of relaxation
and romance.
515 Pumpkin Hill Road, Ledyard
(860) 572-0771
www.Stonecroft.com
Zambala Grocery Store
General grocery, cigarettes, scarves, gloves,
sunglasses and ATM.
143 State Street, New London
(860) 389-6525
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(860) 701-9113 | Ads@ChamberECT.com
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Voice
CHAMBER REPORT
PAGE 6
Foundation to Award Grants March 20;
Still Time to Sign Up for Bowl-a-thon
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern
CT Foundation Board met in February to
determine the recipients of the 2015 grant
process. Over forty grant proposals were
submitted this year to the Foundation,
which supports economic and educational
opportunities in our region. A press
conference will be held on March 20th at 10
a.m. to announce the grant recipients and
present their checks.
The Foundation does its best to assist in
funding of programs for children and families
in eastern Connecticut, but unfortunately
the requests far exceed their ability to
give. To this end, the second-largest yearly
fundraiser, the 4th Annual Bowl-a-thon,
is coming up on April 8 at High Rollers at
Foxwoods, and your support is needed.
Only a few lane sponsorships remain! The
evening includes two games of bowling,
shoes, refreshments, and door prize entry,
along with prominent logo recognition at
each lane, for $500 (team of four). If you
don’t want to or aren’t able to join us that
evening, donations are still welcome, and
the team that collects the most will win a
free year of bowling courtesy of High Rollers.
To sign up, contact the Chamber or visit
www.ChamberECT.com/events.
Are You a Military-Friendly
Business?
Our Military Affairs Council is in the
process of updating and expanding the
council webpage on the Chamber’s website,
which primarily consists of military events
and discounts. This information is passed
to local military institutions to encourage
personnel to patronize supportive Chamber
member businesses.
If you would like to offer a discount to be
listed on the area’s most comprehensive
resource, please send your information to
council liaison Megan Cronin via email at
MCronin@ChamberECT.com.
The council meets every first Wednesday
at the Chamber at 8AM and is open
to any interested Chamber members.
Leadership Project Off to Good Start
The Leadership ECT Program participants
held their first fundraiser on February 25,
a “Dine to Donate” night at Daddy Jack’s in
New London. Participants would like to thank
all the Chamber members and community
supporters who went out to dinner for a
good cause.
The group is still collecting monetary
donations from individuals and companies.
Donors include First Physical Therapy,
Barry’s Cleaners, Chelsea Groton Bank and
TCORS. Funds will be used to create a Career
Resource Closet at Our Piece of the Pie, an
agency in Norwich that helps urban youth
attain educational and career goals. To
make a donation or learn more, contact the
Chamber at (860) 701-9113.
Young Professionals to Host “Open
House” on March 25
The Young Professionals of Eastern
Connecticut invite you to a special YPsocial
on March 25 at Charter Oak Federal Credit
Union in Waterford. This event will be an
“open house” for people to learn more about
the organization and decide if membership
is right for them. YPECT Ambassadors and
Chamber staff will be on hand to welcome
guests and answer any questions. The $10
guest fee includes food, drinks, door prize
entry, and of course, quality networking.
About YPECT: Is it Right for You?
YPECT is made up of over two hundred 2145 year old professionals from throughout
the region, who represent a wide variety
of industries, including but not limited to
banking, insurance, marketing, real estate,
tourism, nonprofits, and technology. At
$50 a year, members find value in monthly
networking events, where they can meet
new people and conduct business, all
without being faced with the “hard sell”
that you may find elsewhere. Members also
volunteer locally, participate in Chamber
activities, and build lasting professional
and social relationships. The program is
sponsored by McCue Mortgage-Keith Turner,
presenting sponsor, and Charter Oak Federal
Credit Union, supporting sponsor.
914 Hartford Turnpike
Suite 206
Waterford, CT 06385
PRESORTED
STANDARD MAIL
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Norwich, CT
PERMIT NO. 9
Special Thanks to Our Regional Benefactors
914 Hartford Turnpike, Suite 206, Waterford, CT 06385
www.ChamberECT.com | Phone: (860) 701-9113