January/February 2006 - Newtown Chamber of Commerce

January /February 2006
Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc.
Volume 51
IN THIS ISSUE
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
A new year - full of promise, hopes, expectations.... ........................................... page 2
CHAMBER HAPPENINGS
The Changing Faces of the Board
Changes to the Chamber Board in 2006 is
bitter sweet as we say goodbye to three longstanding board members and hello to four new
ones. .............................................. page 3
Previews
Business of the Year Awards.............. page 4
Mardi Gras Breakfast....................... page 4
Tri-Chamber Meeting....................... page 4
Reviews
Newtown Savings Bank Re-Opening. ... page 4
AROUND THE TOWN
An Update from the Economic Development Commission
There are several new retail developments
underway... ................................... page 5
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
Board Member, Peter Giarratano
P&M Consulting. ............................ page 6
Board Member, Jim Gulalo
Preferred Insurance Services.. .......... page 7
Board Member, Awilda Caisse
Union Savings Bank......................... page 7
Board Member, Carole Georges
People’s Bank.................................. page 7
DEPARTMENTS
Promote Your Company. ............... page 9
Get Involved.................................. page 9
Business Bits. .............................. page 11
New Members............................. page 11
Membership Application......... page 11
Calendar of Events....................page 12
Chamber Administration....... page 12
www.newtown-ct.com
203-426-2695
Chamber Rooster is a Hit at
the Black and White Ball
The Newtown Chamber of Commerce
once again hosted a spectacular affair for the Annual Meeting and Dinner Dance held Saturday, January 21st
at the Stony Hill Inn in Bethel. The
event, themed as a Black and White
Ball, was sponsored by Newtown Savings Bank, Curtis Packaging and Ashlar of Newtown.
The Annual Meeting was led by Chamber President, Pat Linnell. Along with
the ratification of past acts of officers
and directors, the Chamber voted unanimously to accept renewal terms of existing board members and the Board
nominations of Carole Georges of
People’s Bank, Awilda Caisse of Union
Savings Bank, Jim Gulalo of Preferred
Insurance Services and Peter Giarrantano of P&M Consulting. The slate of
officers was presented by nominating
committee chair, Janet Woycik.
Entertainment at the annual dinner is
always a hit. This year was no exception as the Chamber Rooster, played by
Don Sharpe, made its appearance at the
Ball. The Rooster took pictures at each
of the tables and ended his evening
with a dance with Pat Linnell.
Along with fine dining and dancing to
the tunes of DJ Power Station, guests
congregated around the Silent Auction table in hopes of outbidding fellow Chamber members on one of the
creatively packaged options, includ-
ing New England Patriots Preseason
Luxury Box Seats, Gourmet Baskets,
Leather Jackets, even a Spa Package
for dogs.
In addition to the Silent Auction, guests
were invited to join the “U Pick-It” raffle where you purchase one ticket for
$10 for a guaranteed raffle item worth
$25 or more. Over 100 items, donated
by areas businesses, were raffled-off in
this manner. Thanks to Mike Neiman
for hard work in getting these items.
The Chamber Annual Dinner committee included Mike Neiman of Captain
Cont’d on page 8
President’s Message
--
Dear Chamber Members,
A new year full of promise,
hopes, expectations and a lot
of exciting new
ventures from
your Chamber.
After our successes last year,
we are seeking
to make our events more informative
and supportive of your business.
Upcoming events include a Mardi
Gras breakfast in late February, Business of the Year presentation with the
Rotary in March, a tri-Chamber meeting with Monroe and Trumbull Chambers, and a meeting at Taunton Press
with a presentation on Design and
function in today’s office.
Thank you to all who attended our annual business meeting and dinner dance.
A special thank you goes to Ashlar of
Newtown, Curtis Packaging Corp.,
and Newtown Savings Bank for their
sponsorship of the evening and to Mike
Neiman who garnered 120 gifts so that
almost everyone walked away carrying
packages! Thanks to Jane Sharpe for
the decorations and a big thank you to
Don Sharpe for resurrecting the Chamber
Rooster to the delight
of the guests!
is always considered. As we look forward to the last half of the first decade
of the 21st century, I wish you all great
success, good health, and much happiness!
Pat Linnell - Linnell Real Estate
364-0167
UNION SAVINGS BANK
I want to remind everyone that there is always room for ideas,
comments, suggestions and help. Your
input is valuable and
)434)-% to look for the clock
AWILDA CAISSE
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
BRANCH MANAGER
(203) 270-4542
1A COMMERCE ROAD
FAX (203) 270-4543
NEWTOWN, CT 06470
[email protected]
Newtown Savings Bank headquarters located at 39 Main Street, Newtown, CT
Tel. 203-426-2563
www.nsbonline.com
Bethel Danbury Monroe Newtown Shelton Southbury Trumbull Woodbury
Member FDIC
--
Around the Chamber
The Changing Faces of the Board of Directors
Changes to the Chamber Board
in 2006 are bitter sweet as we say
goodbye to three long-standing
board members and hello to four
new ones.
The Chamber would like to extend
its sincere gratitude to Joe Humeston, formerly of Newtown Savings Bank,Alan Clavette, of Clavette
Joselyn & Co. and Christina Maturi ,
One Source Mortgage, whose count-
less hours of dedication and support
helped make the
Chamber what it
is today. We wish
them well in their
future endeavors
and look forward
to seeing them at
future
Chamber
events.
Joe Humeston
Alan Clavette
Christina Maturi
As we look to the future, we welcome
Jim Gulalo of Preferred Insurance
Services, Peter Giarratano of P&M
Consulting, Awilda Caisse of Union
Savings Bank and Carole Georges of
People’s Bank. Carole has also been
elected to serve as Board Secretary.
Jim Gulalo
Peter Giarratano
Newtown
F INANCIAL
Awilda Caisse
The Chamber is excited to have these
new Board members to bring fresh
ideas, energy and spirit to the organiCarole Georges zation.
Mortgage
Judy Volpe
Don Davis
President
[email protected]
www.newtownfinancialmortgage.com
203-426-6123 fax-426-6380 25 Church Hill Road Newtown, CT 06470
Do YOUR Marketing Materials Need an
EXTREME MAKEOVER?
Exclusive offer for Chamber Members:
Owner
www.avanceesthetiques.com
Sand Hill Plaza • South Main Street • Newtown, CT 06470
203 • 270-8911 • 1-800-348-9059
Tr ust, Exper ience, Ser vice
General Practice Law Firm
Real Estate Transactions
Business Law • Probate
Estate Planning • Personal Injury
Revamp or refresh your brochure, logo or
website, and receive 15% off design fees.
Call for more info today.
Jantris Marketing Services
203.426.9193
Anne M. Ragusa, P.C.
Attorney at Law
203-270-9117
www.anneragusa.com
A Trusted Partner for all Your Legal Needs
Approved for most lenders in CT
Chamber Happenings
Previews...
xxx
--
SAVE THE DATE
FAT TUESDAY!
MARDI GRAS BREAKFAST
February 28, 2006
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Fireside Inn
Kick-off the Mardi Gras celebration
having breakfast with your business
friends in the Chamber.
3rd ANNUAL BUSINESS OF THE
YEAR AWARDS
March 6, 2006
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fireside Inn
$20 pp Dinner & Cash Bar
Honor two distinguished local
companies for their outstanding
contributions to our community.
Tri-Chamber MEETING
Newtown, Monroe & Trumbull
March 31, 2006
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Fireside Inn
Guest Speaker: Todd Martin, Chief
Economist, People’s Bank
Reviews...
HOLIDAY PARTY
The Inn at Newtown’s Proud Mary’s
had standing room
only as Chamber
members came out to
share in the holiday
spirit. With a ring
of the bell, Chamber
President, Pat Linnell offered warm
wishes to all and shared some of the
exciting programs planned for the new
year.
From left: Keith Dupree, Judy Volpe,
Marie Dupree, Janet Woycik and
Alan Clavette
NEWTOWN SAVINGS BANK GRAND REOPENING
Newtown Savings Bank celebrated
their Grand Reopening with a huge
crowd that came out to support the
150 year old establishment. Having
grown to 10 branches with 170 people, it was no wonder they had outgrown their previous set-up. Now
occupying 36,000 sq. ft, they have
met their expansion goal and can
provide added service to the local
community. For example, the Community Room, where the ribbon cut-
ting ceremony was
held, is now available to the town for
meetings and gatherings. John Martocci welcomed the
group for showing their support.
Shortly after, his
heartfelt thanks to everyone who made
this expansion possible, he received a
plaque from the Tercentennial Com-
Tired of not being paid on time or at all?
WE CAN HELP YOU MANAGE YOUR FINANCIAL POSITION BY...
ü Reconciling your accounts to determine what is owed to
you
ü Pursuing delinquent accounts and negotiating payment
arrangements
ü Maintaining your receivables to ensure a steady cash
flow
Receivables, Reconciliation and Recovery
...Also Offering Bookkeeping
203-364-1660 • www.rossconsultingllc.com
mittee honoring him for the bank’s
support to the community.
ªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªª
“The next best place to have your
ª
ª
ª
ª
child if they can’t be with you”
ª
ª
Children 6 weeks to 6 years
ª
ª
ª
ª
Open Yearly 6:30 am-6:00 pm
ª
ª
Degreed
Teaching
Staff
ª
ª
ª
ª
Cozy Home-Like Atmosphere
ª
ª
ª
ª
Before & After School Kindergarten Enrichment
Programs for Hawley, Head O'Meadow and Sandy Hook ª
ª 203-426-9847
ª
ª
Comprehensive Curriculum
49 Queen Street
ª
ª
Newtown
Large Outdoor Play Area with
ª
ª
Scenic View & Nature Garden
ª
ª
th
Celebrating Our 15 Year Anniversary ª
ª
ªªªªªªªªªªª ªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªªª ªªª
Around the Town
--
An Update from the Economic Development Commission
By Elizabeth Stocker, AICP, Director of Community Development
Town of Newtown, Connecticut
There are several new retail developments
underway providing new opportunities for
the expansion of business in Newtown.
Approximately 137,000 square feet of new
retail space will be added to Newtown’s
inventory from eight projects currently approved, under construction or planned. Additional square footage is in the discussion
stages and will bring much more economic
development into Newtown.
Most of the new retail projects will be on
South Main Street with three of these projects located in Botsford adjacent to and
across the street from Sand Hill Plaza. In
January, we celebrated the opening of Washington Mutual Bank at the new Waterfall
Plaza. Coldstone Creamery, the UPS Store
and a yet to be announced restaurant are also
expected to join Washington Mutual in the
new plaza.
The approved Plaza South shopping center
which will be adjacent to Sand Hill Plaza
makes up the bulk of the inventory of new
space with approximately 70,000 square
feet of space planned. The developer has
plans for some changes to the approval that
will increase the number of buildings on the
site, shrink their size and permit more retailers
to locate there. The changes will effectively
make the proposed development more like a
life style center which has many advantages
including availability of more space for smaller independent retailers. The owners have not
announced their new tenants but are expecting
to draw a few of the current tenants from Sand
Hill Plaza.
Edens & Avant, owners of Sand Hill Plaza,
have shared their plans for the mall area. TJ
Maxx will be expanding their store, Panera
Breads will open a bakery and restaurant,
Sleepy’s will relocate into a larger space, and
Eye Care Plus will move into a new space in
another area of the plaza. Avance Esthetiques
will remain in its current location, the UPS
Store will move to Waterfall Plaza and the
Plaza Cleaners already moved into the Village
Center closer to town.
The Black Swan Stove and Gift Shop have
plans to redevelop their property and expand
their business into a new 10,000 square foot
building that will replace the existing struc-
tures on South Main Street. The Swans plan
to realign their retail business for better service and efficiency. The Shoppes at Church
and Queen Street, the proposed 4,500 square
foot office/retail building at 50 South Main
Street, a 6,000 square foot retail/office building at 224 South Main Street and the 21,000
square foot Berkshire Plaza make up the remaining projects.
This increase in retail space is seen as a boost
to the local economy and a revitalization of
Newtown’s retail inventory which has not increased significantly since the redevelopment
of the Newtown Shopping Center was completed in 1998. The EDC is looking forward
to this increase in inventory as it opens a tight
market that has not grown appreciably in several years.
The Economic Development Commission
encourages businesses to contact our office
for information concerning business expansion in Newtown. If you or a colleague is
planning to explore your opportunities for
business growth in Newtown, you are welcome to contact Elizabeth Stocker, directly at
203-270-4271. All inquiries are handled on a
confidential and professional basis.
** 24 HOUR **
Janet Woycik and her team celebrated another successful Christmas Tree Lighting.
With new lights, the tree looked beautiful.
In honor of the tercentennial, Dan Cruson,
Town Historian, did the honors of lighting
the tree. Curtis Packaging again did a fantastic job on the luminaries. The crowd was treated
to donuts donated by Union
Savings Bank. Thank you to
all those Chamber members
who donated over $800 to
this honored tradition.
STATEWIDE EMERGENCY SERVICE
• WATER EXTRACTION
• RE-CONSTRUCTION
• SOOT REMOVAL
• MOLD REMEDIATION
• BUILDING DRYING
• ODOR CONTROL
1-800-233-8220
Serving Connecticut with offices in
WATERBURY * BRANFORD * NORWALK * NEW BRITAIN
www.jpmaguire.com
E-mail : [email protected]
--
Board Member Spotlight
Peter Giarratano
P&M Consulting
P&M Consulting is a Tax, Accounting
and Business consulting firm that spe-
jim gulalo
Preferred Insurance Services, LLC
Jim Gulalo is the owner of Preferred
Insurance Services, LLC and is locat-
cializes in providing quality services to
clients in a timely and effective manner. The consulting practice provides
a broad array of Tax, Accounting and
Business services to businesses and individuals.
addition, he has extensive experience
assisting business owners in managing
their income tax burden including the
preparation of income tax returns, tax
audits and management of tax calendars.
Peter Giarratano has broad experience
in managing tax and business consulting and tax compliance projects involving small to mid-size businesses. In
Peter is actively involved in the community, holding various board positions
and is actively involved as a co-leader
and treasurer of Cub Scout Pack 470.
ed at 87 South Main in the South Main
Commons. He now works with his son,
James A. Gulalo.
in Danbury, where Jim loves to do the
cooking.
Jim is proud to be actively involved
in the Rotary club. Recently he was
awarded Newtown Rotary’s Paul Harris
Fellow award for the second time and
the Frank Miles Award for his volunteer work, much of it with the Dorothy
Day Hospitality House, a soup kitchen
Jim goes to work with a smile on his
face and looks forward to continuing to
build strong relationships with his clients and the community.
“The most important thing is that people respect you. Be honest, give good
service, and let people know who you
are.”
Auto • Home • Health • Life • Business
Anyone can sell insurance.
The difference is the service.
It’s Service that Counts!
Jim Gulalo - Local Agent
Contact us today for a no obligation quote!
Preferred Insurance Services, LLC
203-270-9500
South Main Commons • 87 S. Main Street • Suite 15 • Newtown
Board Member Spotlight
awilda Caisse
Union Savings Bank
--
Union Savings Bank. Her office is located in the Newtown office, on Church
Hill Road.
Awilda Caisse is the Assistant Vice
President and Branch Manager for
carole georges
People’s Bank
Awilda has spent her career building
on a solid foundation of and creating a
wealth of financial services experience.
Through her personal and professional
life she is actively involved in the community.
and has been with the company for
over 30 years holding various positions
throughout regional banking. She is currently a board member of the Newtown
Senior Center for the TRIAD program.
TRIAD is a nationally recognized program promoting safety for our senior
citizens.
Carole Georges is the AVP, Financial
Services Manager for People’s Bank
Carole is a past board member of the
Monroe Chamber of Commerce where
Awilda has the knowledge and committment to help local busineses in the
community. She joined the Chamber
Board to connect with local business
owners and offer her support where
needed.
Awilda lives in Woodbury with her
husband and two children.
she served for 3 years.
She looks forward to participating in
the many activities that the Newtown
Chamber promotes supporting businesses, community and the families of
Newtown. People’s Bank has a long
history of commitment to the community and together they will bring value
to the Newtown Chamber and the community.
Bonded
Insured
Information Consulting
Website Development
Search Engine Optimization
Software Consulting/Training
Internet Research
Joanne M. Marcinek
[email protected]
203-364-0222
askjoanne.com
IN HOME PET CARE
(203) 426-5784
40 Bears Hill Road • Newtown, CT 06470
MMD
Accounting & Tax Services
Marie M. Dupree
11 Warwick Dr, New Milford, CT 06776
Phone (860) 355-5653 Fax (860) 355-5753
[email protected]
Hrs. Mon-Sat 10-5pm Sun 12-4pm
Feature - Cont’d
Wood Carpentry, Pat Linnell
of Linnell Real
Estate,
Peter
Giarratano of
P&M Consulting and Marie
Dupree of MMD
Accounting. A
special thanks
goes to Jane
Sharpe of Ward Cedar Log Homes, for
the beautifully appointed decorations.
Special recognition goes to all those
companies that showed their support
with their generous donations.
-Silent Auction Sponsors
A Sign Depot
Ashlar of Newtown
Avance Esthetiques
Berkshire Veterinary Hospital
Big Y Supermarket
Coach’s Deli
Courtyard by Marriott
Custom V-Twin Cycles
Microtel Inn & Suites
Newtown Curtains
Newtown Deli
Newtown Savings Bank
Taunton Press
The Clock Shop at Holliday Jewelers
The Newtown Bee
The Toy Tree
Ward Cedar Log Homes
Janet Woycik
“U Pick-It” Sponsors
100 Church Hill Restaurant
Amaral Motors
Andrea’s Pastry Shop
Bagel Delight
Berkshire Motors
Big Y Supermarket
Bit of Tack
Black Swan Hearth & Gift
Blue Colony Diner
Burgerittoville
C.H. Newtown Cleaners
Captain Wood Carpentry
Caraluzzi’s & Nutmeg Liquors
Carminuccio’s Pizza
Charter Communications
Church Hill Wines & Spirits
Colonial Chiropractic
Costco Wholesale
Dodgingtown Garage
Drug Center Pharmacy
Dunkin’ Donues
Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
Looking for RESPONSIBLE
Nutrition Advice?
Learn how I can help you!
Call for a FREE 15 minute
Telephone Interview!
Edmond Town Hall
Eye-Care Plus
Fair Auto Supply
Fashion Exchange
Ferris Acres Creamery
For Pete’s Sake Deli
Franco’s Pizza & Pasta
Fun Kuts
Georges’ Restaurant & Pizza
Hawleyville Deli
Holcomb Fuel
Hollandia Nursery Gift & Garden
Hot Shots Grille
Housatonic Valley Waldorf School
Indulgence Spa
Joy’s Hallmark
Just - A - Buck
Klickers Hairstyling
Kolam Restaurant
La Fortuna Restaurant
Lamp Crafters
Lexington Gardens
Magic Garden
Main View Deli
McLaughlin Vineyards
MG Cleaners (Hawleyville)
Mona Lisa Restaurant
Roger A. Moore, O.D.
My Place Restaurant
Naser’s Salon
New Colony V Diner
Newtown Savings Bank
Newtown Car Wash
Newtown Color Center
Newtown Computer Services
Newtown Florist
Newtown General Store
Newtown Nail Spa
Newtown Pizza Palace
Our Green House
People’s Bank Queen Street
People’s Bank Sand Hill Plaza
Planters’ Choice
Quality Gem
Radio Shack
Ray of Light Tanning
Ricci’s Salon
Rick’s Tickets
Robert Anthony’s Hair Salon
Robert’s Barber Shop
Safari Sunrise Tanning Salon
Sale e Pepe
Sandy Hook Barber Shop
Sandy Hook Diner
Sandy Hook Hair Co.
Savings Bank of Danbury
Shear Image
South Main Pizza
Starbuck’s Coffee
Stony Hill Inn
Stop & Save Liquors
Stop & Shop
Sugar Hill Service Center
Sullivan’s Jewelers
Sunny Brook Farm
The Fireside Inn
The Firehouse Bar & Restaurant
The Gym at Newtown
The Homesteads at Newtown
The Inn at Newtown
The News-Times
Thomas E. Salon
Truly Yours, LLC
UK Gourmet
Unions Savings Bank
Universal Tile & Marble
Villa Restaurant
Village Barber Shop
Village Eye Care
Villarina’s Pasta
Washington Mutual Bank
Wicks Lumber
World of Wine & Spirits
World of Bikes
Yankee Wine & Spirits
BUYING OR CONSTRUCTING A BUILDING?
The Housatonic Industrial Development Corp. can help.
Here’s How:
GET 90% FIXED ASSET FINANCING
WITH LONG TERM LOANS FOR
PURCHASE,EXPANSION,CONSTRUCTION OF
MANUFACTURING AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES.
Richard J. Frankonis, RPh, MS, CCN
BOARD CERTIFIED
CLINICAL NUTRITIONIST
203 426-9592
[email protected]
CALL 203 743 0306
The Housatonic Industrial
Development Corp.
57 North St. Suite 407 Danbury, CT 06810
fax 203 744 0915 email h id [email protected]
Visit us on the web at www.hidc-ct.org
anon-profit
development company since 1969
Promote Your Business
--
Get Involved with the Chamber!!
When you get involved with the
Chamber you make the most of your
membership by putting your Chamber to work for you! Our selection of
programs, services and events are designed to connect you with a powerful
market - the growing business community of Newtown! All members are en-
couraged to participate in the programs
and join in all the exciting Chamber
events.
HELP WANTED
There are plenty of other volunteer
opportunities including:
Newtown Welcome Signs
* Writing an article for the newsletter *
It is the responsibility of the Chamber to maintain
the garden around the Newtown Welcome Signs
at the I84 East and west Exit 10 off ramps. We
need someone to sponsor the maintenance of these
signs. If you appreciate a beautiful garden, please
call Pat Linnell at 364-0167 to become a sponsor.
* Bringing in new members *
* Sponsoring a Business After Hours *
* Hosting an Open House *
Look for more volunteer
opportunities in future issues!
DID YOU KNOW...
In the 1500’s, houses had
thatched roofs, thick straw
piled high, with no wood
underneath. It was the only
place for animals to get warm,
so all the cats and other small
animals (mice, bugs) lived in the
roof. When it rained it became
slippery and sometimes the
animals would slip off the roof.
Hence the saying, “Its raining
cats and dogs.”
Everything
Your
Business
Needs to
Succeed.
•
•
•
•
•
Business Checking and Online Banking
Small Business and SBA Loans
Commercial Loans and Mortgages
Business Credit Lines
Cash Management Services
Carole Georges
Darrin Fodor
Financial Services Mgr.
Financial Services Mgr.
Newtown Branch
203-796-5840
Sand Hill Plaza Branch
©People’s Bank 2005
Inside Super Stop & Shop
203-796-5855
Member FDIC
Promote Your Business
- 10 -
** Additional Advertising Opportunity **
Reserve Your Ad Space Now!
Promote your business to a highly
targeted audience, including business
owners, town officials and many
others looking to do their business
locally.
Advertising rates are as follows:
Distribute a full-page insert in an
upcoming issue. For only $175, you
submit the artwork to be printed
and distributed with the Chamber
newsletter. Your insert will be seen
by those reading the newsletter in print
and online.
1/2 page: $110
7 1/4 x 4 3/4 horz or vert
1/4 page: $55
4 3/4 x 3 3/4 horz or vert
Business card: $35
3 1/2 x 2 horz or vert
To advertise your business in the
Chamber newsletter, submit your ad
in pdf, jpeg or gif format to:
Tricia Farin
Jantris Marketing Services
51 High Bridge Road,
Sandy Hook, CT 06482
203-426-9193 or [email protected]
For an additional $75, we will prepare
your artwork for you.
Only one insert per issue, so act fast to
take advantage of this great opportunity
to promote your business.
*New Promotion Opportunity*
The Chamber now provides members with the opportunity
to promote corporate events, seminars and special functions through the Chamber website. We will place a link
to your advertisement, in the form of PDF, right from our
Calendar of Events page and send an email blast with a
link to this page. Be creative! Your advertisement can be
in color, include links, be any size, etc. This great opportunity is available for only $75 per month.
Contact Tricia Farin at 426-9193 for more details.
“The right solution
for every situation.”
Plans, Dreams & Goals
-Rich Greenawalt
Senior Loan Officer
As your First Choice Mortgage specialist, I will work
hard for you. First Choice loans are easier to qualify
for and our rates are extremely competitive. You
can be prequalified in 24 hours, and we can close
your loan in weeks, not months.
Your Chase Team is Here for Your
Business & Personal Needs.
Eve Stowell
Assistant VP & Branch Manager
Jennifer Gattie
Senior Loan Officer
P. Gavin Arneth
V.P. Small Business Relationship Manager
The First Choice philosophy is simple.
Know your product. Know your client.
The personal, professional service combined with
custom mortgage programs is what will make
First Choice your choice.
Call me today for more information on the many
financial products and services available to you.
EQUAL LENDING
OPPORTUNITY
Office: (800) 685-4620 • (203) 520-4250
999 Oronoque Lane, Stratford, CT
7 Quarry Ridge Drive, Sandy Hook, CT
www.gotofirstchoice.com
JPMorgan Chase Bank
30 Church Hill Road • Newtown
203-426-6945
- 11 -
Around the Chamber
Business Bits
New Members
The Chamber welcomes the
following new members:
• Unlimited Construction
Chris Muscolino /
Danielle Mages
16 Osborne Hill Rd, Sandy Hook
364-0041
• Yankee Pennysaver /
Newtown Edition
Steve Silver /
Alan Garman
246 Federal Road, Brookfield
775-9122
60 Ways to
Relieve Stress in
60 Seconds
By Manning
Rubin
• Congratulations to Washington Mutual Bank on the opening of their new
branch in the new shopping center on 255 S. Main Street in Newtown.
• It’s a boy!! Congratulations to Mike Neiman, of Captain Wood Carpentry,
and his family on becoming first time grandparents.
• Best wishes to Judy Volpe of Avance Esthetiques for toughing it out
through incredible changes in the Sand Hill Plaza mall. Judy’s beautiful
spa will not be moving in the wake of all the development coming to
Sand Hill Plaza.
• Kudos to Jane Sharpe of Ward Cedar Log Homes, for recieving Top Sales
honors.
• Brian Corson of Advanced Real Estate announced that his real estate
office has relocated from Sand Hill Plaza. He can still be reached at (203)
426-4663. Advanced Real Estate will continue to specialize in sales of
waterfront property.
#10 
Try to recall the
contents of your
pockets, briefcase or handbag.
Write down as
many items as
you can.
ATTENTION CHAMBER MEMBERS
Share your firm’s happenings with other Chamber members.
Submit your press releases to [email protected]
to be listed in the Business Bits section.
Please consider my membership in the:
Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc.
PO Box 314, Newtown, CT 06470
Business Name:___________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________ Fax: _ ________________________
Address:_ _______________________________________________________
Web site URL:____________________________________________________
Business Category: _________________ # of FT Employees:_____________
Co. Description:_ _________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Sponsored by: 1._________________________________________________
2._ ________________________________________________
Main Contact: _____________________ Email:________________________
Alt. Contact 1: _____________________ Email:________________________
Alt. Contact 2: _____________________ Email:________________________
Employees
1
2-5
6-9
Memberships are as follows:
Dues
Employees
$95
10-19
$110
20 or more
$140
Dues
$165
$275
Subject to Board approval.
Checks must accompany application and should be made out to:
Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc.
Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc.
- 12 -
Calendar of Events
February
28: Mardi Gras Breakfast
Fireside Inn
8:00 - 9:00 am
March
6:
Business of the Year Awards
Fireside Inn
Hosted by Chamber of Commerce
& Rotary Club of Newtown
5:30 - 8:00 pm
$20 per person
31: Tri-Chamber Meeting
Newtown, Monroe & Trumbull
Fireside Inn
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Speaker: Todd Martin, Chief
Economist for People’s Bank
Unless otherwise noted, all reservations can be made by calling 426-2695.
Stayed Tuned for Details on Upcoming Events or visit the Chamber website at www.newtown-ct.com.
Chamber Administration
President:
Pat Linnell - 364-0167
Vice President:
Jane Sharpe - 426-5539
Treasurer:
Bill Valenti - 830-4551
Secretary:
Carole Georges - 796-5840
President Emeritus:
Christina Maturi - 268-3322
Officers and Board of Directors
Nancy Adams - 426-2563
Awilda Caisse - 270-4502
Tom Catalina - 270-7002
Marie Dupree - 860-355-5653
Don Droppo - 426-5861
Carole Georges - 796-5840
Peter Giarratano - 364-0511
Jim Gulalo - 270-9500
Tom Gutner - 426-5847
Mike Neiman - 270-0773
Anne M. Ragusa - 270-9117
Tim Rahr - 426-8171
Judy Volpe - 270-8911
Janet Woycik - 426-4533
Administrative Secretary: Jack Rosenthal - 426-2695
Newsletter Editor: Tricia Farin - 426-9193
Chamber of Commerce of
Newtown, Inc.
45 Main Street
PO Box 314
Newtown, CT
06470
Receive the Chamber
newsletter by email!
Contact Tricia Farin at
426-9193 to subscribe.
The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meet on the first Tuesday of each month
at My Place Restaurant at 8:00 a.m. Breakfast is served.