CHAMBER OLD SAYBROOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SEPTEMBER 2015
SEPTEMBER EVENTS Sept 1: Lunch 'n Learn, "Campaigns That Drive Action” Sept 3: Chamber Connections @ Flo Gris Museum Sept 15: Legislative Wrap Up Session Sept 16: Business Connections Hour Sept 16: Women In Business Luncheon Sept 24: Chamber Connections @ Tea Kettle & Impressive Catering
The business event of the Fall season is coming and you are invited to participate! Reserve your booth today to take part in the “Local Business Rocks!” Business Expo. This is sure to be a rockin’ good time as 50 businesses and communitybased organizations come together for an evening under one roof at the Valley Shore YMCA. We will have raffle and door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer and to top it off, live music by The Shiny Lapel Trio! Reserve your booth or become a Rock Star today! Register online at oldsaybrookchamber.com/biz-expo or send in the registration form found within this newsletter or call the office for more info. Don’t miss out. Be a rock star today! Visit our website: oldsaybrookchamber.com 860 388-3266 1 Main Street P.O. Box 625 Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Limited Exhibitor Booths Available. Register today! www.oldsaybrookchamber.com/business-expo Thank You to our Sponsors
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Letter from Leland McKenna, Golf Chair and Board of Directors member On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to invite all chamber members to get involved in our upcoming Lake of Isles Golf Tournament. You can sign up as a golfer or a sponsor. The Golf Tournament will take place on Monday October 5, 2015 on the private (South) course at Lake of Isles in North Stonington. Registration begins at 12:00PM and the 4 Person Scramble will have a shot gun start at 1:00PM. This is the second year of the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament and the Board of Directors wants to turn this outing into a signature event. We have a goal of doubling the number of golfers from last year. This year we have added lunch, more prizes, and sponsorship opportunities. The entry fee for the tournament is $160 which includes golf with a cart, lunch, prizes, and dinner.
The Lake of Isles Golf course is a Top 5 course in the state of Connecticut and the opportunity to play the private course is an opportunity that you don’t want to miss. The course is pristine, the views are spectacular, and if you mix in a few good swings you will get your money’s worth by the 2nd hole. We are still accepting sponsors for the Golf Tournament. A few of the opportunities available include lunch sponsor, dinner reception sponsor, and tee sponsors. I can guarantee that sponsors will be recognized at the event and in all Chamber collateral. I have always found that golf outings present great opportunities for business people to network with other business people, regardless if you’re a golfer or not. So please sign up today as a golfer or a sponsor! Golfers can sign up with Tina Policarpo from Lake of Isles at
[email protected], or call her at 860-312-2184. You can contact me or Judy Sullivan at the Old Saybrook Chamber for information on being a sponsor.
[email protected] (860 358-4806).
Board of Directors, Staff and Mission Statement Officers President: Lori Woll, Octagon @ Mystic Marriott Vice President: Ed Lombardi, Maximus Antiques Treasurer: Jay Mills, Oakley Wing Group Secretary: Elaine Beame, Beame Realty Past President: Kristen Roberts, Comcast
Directors Angus McDonald, Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe & Assoc Bill McMinn, Essex Printing/Events Magazine Shannon Timme, Harbor News/Shore Publishing Bob Bradley, Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. Linda Brophy, Edward Jones
Mark Appellof, Visiting Nurses of Lower Valley and Lower Valley Care Advocates Leigh-Bette Maynard, Liberty Bank Leland McKenna, Middlesex Hospital Primary Care
Staff Judy Sullivan, Executive Director Karen Pinette, Member Services Manager Meryl Moskowitz, Marketing Coordinator
Contact www.oldsaybookchamber.com Phone: 860 388-3266
Mission Statement The Chamber advances economic vitality and quality of life in the Old Saybrook region through programs and services for its members and community. Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
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Armstrong Restoration Services Ed Armstrong 74 Old Post Road, Old Saybrook (860) 391-2594 Specializing in quality maintenance & repair for homeowners, non-profits and more
FirstLight HomeCare Patrick Risko 388 East Main Street, Branford (203) 433-5660 firstlighthomecare.com/home-healthcarebranford-new-haven/ The Confident Choice for In-Home Care
Pursuit of Pastry Jill Peterson 709 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook (860) 391-8687 Pursuitofpastry.com Bakery & Pastry Shop
GOLF TOURNAMENT
L EG I S LAT I V E W R A P U P S E S S I O N THE PAVILION AT SAYBROOK POINT TUESDAY, SEPT 15
8-9:30AM
FREE TO ATTEND
Meet state legislators Devin Carney, Paul Formica and Art Linares at the Legislative Wrap Up Session, an informal, conversational meeting to learn about what’s new from the state capitol. State lawmakers this year considered many proposals— including the new, two-year state budget and tax package—that affect Connecticut businesses of all sizes as well as the state’s economy and competitiveness. Find out what passed this year, how these measures could affect your business and Connecticut’s national competitiveness rankings, and what lawmakers’ priorities are shaping up to be for next year's session. Guests: State Senators Paul Formica and Art Linares State Representative Devin Carney
OCT 05
2015
$160 PER PLAYER
Rees Jones designed, award winning course on 900 acres. Contact Leland McKenna, Chairperson.
[email protected]
THANK YOU TO LOCAL ARTIST BILL DOUGAL! Artist Bill Dougal has generously donated an original watercolor painting of the Chamber building, which now hangs in our office. Bill has been a long-time exhibitor at the Arts & Crafts Festival. You may know Bill as a caricaturist, but he is also an educator, musician, entertainer and more. Learn more about Bill and his work at dougalart.com.
Coffee and light pastries will be provided. Registration and networking 8 - 8:15 a.m. We look forward to seeing you!
Sponsored by
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
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We are reinventing our Chamber Dollars program as Old Saybrook $ayBucks, and we’re opening a design competition for the new certificates. Got a visual of what the new $ayBucks should look like? Then make some money! Enter as many designs as you wish. The winner will be announced on October 29th at the Business Expo. They are as good as cash when redeemed with participating Chamber Members. $ayBucks support the local retail economy, which keeps Old Saybrook vibrant. So, make some money (literally), and let’s
keep it local with the new Old Saybrook $ayBucks program. The new $ayBucks design will be numbered and embossed with the Chamber Seal for authenticity.
How To Enter Create a currency design that reflects the spirit of Old Saybrook and that resembles paper money. Dimensions: 6" x 3.5"; JPG Email entry to:
[email protected] with subject line: $aybucks Deadline: September 30, 2015 Cash prize: $200
Shore Publishing Announces 2015 Beacon Award Winners Congratulations to Chamber members Lisa LeMonte and Joe Wollack, Beacon Award recipients! The Beacon Awards recognize a few of the outstanding individuals who selflessly step up to help fulfill the Shoreline community's promise as a place of opportunity, well-being, and safety for all. Winners are nominated by fellow community members and selected by Shore Publishing’s awards committee. They will be honored October 8th Water’s Edge Resort & Spa. 2015 Award Winners Patricia Andriole - Branford Judy Bannon - North Branford Mary Caruso - North Branford Wendy Cowles - East Haven Margaret and Vinny Diglio - Madison Joe Goldberg - Guilford Pat Kral - Guilford
Lisa LeMonte - Old Saybrook Judy McCusker - Madison/Clinton Bill O'Brien - Branford Theresa Ranciato-Viele - North Haven Miner Vincent - Clinton Joe Wollack - Old Saybrook/Old Lyme Robert Worrell III - East Haven
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
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SEPTEMBER 2015
From the Desk of the Executive Director It’s Renewal Time! Membership renewal notices were mailed midAugust and are due in September. Thank you in advance for your renewal and for your consideration in making a voluntary donation to our Capital Reserve Fund. Monies collected for this fund will support our infrastructure and technology needs. With a small staff and budget we continually work to do the best we can with limited resources. Thank you for supporting this fund. BEWARE! Continued membership in the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce could result in new and continued exposure for your business. Referrals, new relationships, networking, Old Saybrook Business Directory and Community Guide, Where to Dine Guide, ChamberMail, Chamber News, E-News, Billboards, Educational Seminars, Sponsorships, Supporting Community Events and Meeting Influential People could be beneficial. LOCAL BUSINESS ROCKS! That’s the theme for this year’s Business Expo on Thursday October 29th at the Valley Shore YMCA – 5:30pm – 8pm. This is an event “Not to be missed.” Music by the Shiny Lapel Trio, hors d’ouevres by Apple Rehab Saybrook
NEW DATE: SEPT 16
and local establishments – Wine by Carabetta Fine Wines – Beer donated by F&F Distributors – Potential new customers and friends! It will be an evening of marketing your business in a fun environment – come and join us! Reserve your table or become a ‘Rock Star’ today! The Nominating Committee is seeking candidates to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors starting January 2016. Board members are responsible for setting goals and objectives within the Chamber’s Strategic Plan. If you are interested in learning more about serving on the Board, I’d be happy to talk with you. A new school year is beginning and we are looking forward to a very successful fall with many events and new opportunities for our members: our first Scarecrow Contest, the 2nd Annual Golf Tournament – October 5th, relaunched Chamber Dollars initiative – Old Saybrook $ayBucks, re-energized Winter Stroll December 4th, and our Annual Dinner and Silent Auction December 8th! Thank you for your continued support of the Old Saybrook Chamber. All the best, Judy
Women in Business Luncheon Series Marge Piccini presents Profit More & Prospect Less
Are you tired of working so hard to create the income you Wednesday, Sept. 16 11:30am – 1pm desire? Marge will show you The 5 Step Formula for Identifying your Million Dollar Clientele and discover advanced sales Saybrook Point Inn & Spa Members $25.00 strategies to exponentially grow your business and generate Non-Members $35.00 profits fast. You CAN profit more and prospect less! Registration and Cancelation Policy: Notice must be given at least 2 business days prior to the event. pre-payment required. No shows or those unable to cancel in time will be billed. To cancel, please call the office at 860-388-3266.
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
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Member News Dagmar’s Desserts is First Tenant at 75 Main Dagmar Ratensperger has relocated Dagmar’s Desserts to the new retail space at 75 Main Street, formerly known as the North Cove building. Congratulations Dagmar! We look forward to “officiating” at the ribbon cutting soon.
Fox Driving School Relocates to Clinton Hiram Fuchs has moved his business, Fox Driving School, to a brand new building at 67 Main Street in Clinton. Classes begin September 12. Adult, teen and classes in Spanish are offered.
Send us your news and we’ll print it in the next newsletter (space permiting).
Member Spotlight: Christopher Aresco, Middlesex Habitat for Humanity of CT As the Director of ReStore Operations I lead a staff of 4 and over 100 volunteers. In this role I am responsible for driving donations, sales, and profits to further the mission of Habitat. I work with various internal and external resources to positively promote the Habitat ReStore and Middlesex Habitat for Humanity. Since social responsibility is important now more than ever, it’s important for businesses to have causes they champion. Partnering or supporting a cause such as poverty alleviation, has the added benefit of enhancing the brand image of your business. As an individual or as a business, you could advance Habitat’s mission through
donating to the ReStore and you would receive a tax deduction for supporting a non-profit. What I enjoy most about working at Habitat is the feeling of self-worth that comes from making a difference. The results are visible and measurable here. I want my work to mean something and I feel strongly that if you’re making other’s lives better, your life will become better. Middlesex Habitat for Humanity of CT 34 Shunpike Road, Unit 24-26 Cromwell, CT Christopher Aresco 860 398-6491
[email protected]
The Chamber member featured in our Member spotlight is randomly selected at our Business Connections Hour. Our next meeting is September 16th, 8am at Gladeview Rehab. Register online or call 860 388-3266.
Chamber News Editor Judy Sullivan © September 2015, Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
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SEPTEMBER 2015
Newsletter Business Card Sponsors
Scarecrow Contest Old Saybrook Businesses, Organizations, families and schools are invited to participate. Show off your creative talents by creating a Scarecrow. If you don’t have a place for a scarecrow, we’ll find you one! Family entries must be outdoors. Winners will be announced and recognized at the Business Expo, Oct 29th at the Valley Shore YMCA.
GUIDELINES Entry deadline: October 5 Entry fee: $25 Last day for voting: October 27 Winners announced: October 29 at Business Expo To enter visit oldsaybrookchamber.com/scarecrow or complete the form at the end of this newsletter and submit with payment to the Chamber.
Campaigns That Drive Action: Email & Newsletters Presented by April Woodcock & Constant Contact
Tuesday Sept 1st from 12-1:30pm Saybrook Point Pavilion Learn key points to writing effective newsletters! At the heart of small business newsletters and announcements are the marketing campaigns that drive action. This session will reveal some simple but effective best practices. <
> $10 Brown bag lunch special to all attendees. Delivery included!
Email [email protected] or call 860 388-9999. Visit website for registration and info: oldsaybrookchamber.com
BUSINESS CONNECTIONS HOUR PACKS THE ROOM Dave Fowler (below left) of Bikes for Kids addresses attendees at the August 19th Business Connections Hour. Held the third Wednesday of the month at Gladeview Rehab & Healthcare from 8—9am, members have two 30-second spots in which to speak about their business. Featured speakers have the floor for a three minute slot. We often hear, “I didn’t know you did that!” as members learn of a service or product that another member offers. New members are especially encouraged to attend! Next meeting: Wed, Sept. 16, 8am. Free to attend. Register online.
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
Phone 860-388-3266 • www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
September 2015
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS •Tues Sept 1 - Brown Bag Lunch & Learn, 12-1:30pm •Thur Sept 3 - Chamber Connections, 5:30-7pm •Wed Sept 15 - Legislative Wrap Up, 8 -9:30am •Thurs Sept 16 - Business Connections Hour, 8-9am •Thurs Sept 16 - Women in Business, 11:30am- 1pm •Thur Sept 24 - Chamber Connections, 5:30-7pm Visit website for details: www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
Thank you to our September newsletter sponsor Guilford Savings Bank!
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
