January/February 2009 - Newtown Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
January/February 2009 - Newtown Chamber of Commerce
January/February 2009 Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc. Volume 69 www.newtown-ct.com Protecting your business during difficult economic times Regardless of market conditions, many business owners, in all industries, find themselves losing sleep over cash flow concerns. This problem is magnified during difficult economic times, where payment terms are extended and some clients have difficulty paying at all. There are opportunities available to help business owners weather the storm and protect their companies today and into the future. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” ~Benjamin Franklin The Credit Crunch Is Here We hear about it every day. It’s on television; it’s in the newspapers; it’s all over the internet; it’s in the magazines we read. A Credit Crunch is taking over our economy and we can’t get away from it. Below are just a few of the recent articles that show businesses and anyone that has a credit card how much credit has invaded the economy. •Small Businesses Squeezed by Credit Crunch (NPR, March 20, 2008) •The Credit Crunch Comes to Main Street (TIME Magazine, October 3, 2008) •The Credit Crunch: Where Is It Happening? (TIME Magazine, September 30, 2008) No matter how well you run your business, regardless of the previous relationship you have established with your bank, the time may come when you need cash in a hurry, but your traditional sources of funding are no longer available. That is why every business needs a back up plan. Successful business people across the nation are taking proactive measures to manage their cash flow. Many businesses are also looking at other options of funding because traditional sources have either tightened their credit standards by raising their rates or are denying previously extended credit. Businesses big and small should have options to consider. The best option is putting a line of credit in place before it is needed. This way you always have a back up plan. Read “Small Business Lines of Credit It Can Save your Business” by Ann Marie Deweese of WAMU, now part of Chase Bank (page 12). Ann Marie provides a more in-depth look about Lines of Credit and how you can apply today. In addition, there are a number of Chamber members in the banking industry, available to assist you. - Cont’d on Page 10 203-426-2695 IN THIS ISSUE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Happy New Year! Your Chamber hopes that this New Year brings you all continued success......... page 1 AROUND THE CHAMBER NEW MEMBERS............................page 5 MEMBER PROFILE The Amazing Fun Bus..................page 5 REVIEWS Annual Holiday Party...................page 6 Annual Meeting............................page 6 Open House: Toll Brothers and The Regency at Newtown..................................page 7 SAVE THE DATE Business After Hours with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce...................................page 7 Joint Meeting with the Newtown Rotary and the Newtown EDC......page 7 Wine Tasting Event sponsored by McLaughlin Vineyards.............page 7 BUSINESS BITS............................page 8 BUSINESS 101 Increase Business, Boost Customer Loyalty, and Save Money through Email Marketing from Andrea Zimmermann, Reference Librarian at the C.H. Booth Library............................ page 11 EYE ON BUSINESS Small Business Lines of Credit It Can Save your Business By Ann Marie Deweese of WaMu, now part of Chase Bank............ page 12 BOOK REVIEW Doing Business by the Book By Sophfronia Scott...................page 13 DEPARTMENTS CHAMBER ADMINISTRATION........page 2 PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS........ page 14 MEMBER APPLICATION............... page 14 CALENDAR OF EVENTS...............page 16 President’s Message you to John Sarra and Pauline CrisciGoncalves of Excel Tutoring, for all of their hard work and enthusiasm over the last few years. I hope you have noticed how we have updated the newsletter. Starting in 2009, we will have a current business theme and the articles will be written around it. Please contact us if you would like to contribute to any of the upcoming issues. Dear fellow Chamber members, Happy New Year! Your Chamber hopes that this New Year brings you all continued success and that your goals, both business and personal are closer to being met. If you missed our Annual Meeting, I hope you will try to join us in 2010. It was done as a breakfast meeting; we ratified the acts of the Chamber over the last year and elected two new board members. We would like to welcome our new Board members, Sharon Maynard of Savings Bank of Danbury, and Christine Rinaldi of Connecticut Web Designer. This year we said goodbye to two Directors and we wish them well as they turn their volunteer efforts to other areas of the community. Thank Our goal for this year is to make the Chamber more relevant to your business in light of the difficult economic times that are expected for 2009. We expect to have more networking opportunities and other ways to increase your local business profile. We want to provide you with a higher level of service and make your Chamber even more productive and supportive. We are looking forward once again to choosing the Business of the Year, and to our joint meeting with the Rotary on February 16th. See you all soon and let’s make 2009 the best year ever!! Peter Giarratano P & M Consulting Officers and Board of Directors President: Peter Giarratano - 364-0511 Vice President: Ann Marie Deweese - 426-4513 Treasurer: Peggy Velthuizen - 270-4540 Secretary: Carole Georges - 426-4903 President Emeritus: Pat Linnell - 748-8400 Maureen Birden - 426-4440 Marie Dupree - 203-947-1001 Jim Gulalo - 270-9500 Tom Gutner - 426-5847 Mike Neiman - 270-0773 Bill Peck - 426-5861 Anne M. Ragusa - 270-9117 Don Sharpe - 426-5539 Janet Woycik - 426-4533 Angelo Marini - 426-0805 Sharon Maynard - 270-4830 Christine Rinaldi - 270-9468 Administrative Secretary: Alice Baye - 426-2695 Newsletter Editor: Tricia Farin - 426-9193 203-364-0511 The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meets on the first Tuesday of each month at My Place Restaurant at 8:00 a.m. Breakfast is served. Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc. 33 Main Street PO Box 314 Newtown, CT 06470 Shop Online! A UNIQUE GROCERY STORE! FOOD AND GIFTS FROM ENGLAND, IRELAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES Give Your Valentine Roses By Cadbury Treat your sweetheart to Cadbury Roses made in Britain and Ireland. Deliciously Creamy! One taste and you’ll be convinced. Open Tues, Thurs & Sat 10-5 / Wed & Fri 10-7 OVER 90 CHEESES TO PICK FROM The Right Choice Since 1849 Products and services to meet your personal and business banking needs. 20 Church Hill Road 203-270-4830 www.SBDanbury.com Bank Right. Live Well. RICH’S RESIDENTIAL •COMMERCIAL LOCKS REKEYED LOCKS KEYED ALIKE KEYS & LOCKS LLC HIGH SECURITY LOCKS KEYS CUT BY CODE 203.426.3984 866.426.3984 Rich Vallinaggi 71 South Main Street • Newtown, CONN. Trust Experience Ser vice General Practice Law Firm Real Estate Transactions Business Law • Probate Estate Planning • Personal Injury 203-270-9117 www.anneragusa.com Anne M. Ragusa, LLC Attorney at Law A Trusted Partner for all Your Legal Needs Approved for most lenders in CT Banking on our communities 203.270.4540 unionsavings.com Member FDIC BETHEL BRIDGEWATER BROOKFIELD DANBURY KENT NEW FAIRFIELD NEW MILFORD NEWTOWN RIDGEFIELD SHARON SOUTHBURY Member Profile New Members The Chamber welcomes the following new members: • Handyman Connection Raymond Sass 13 Francis J. Clarke Circle, Bethel 203-730-2444 • franco’s pizza Elizabeth Santo 228 South Main Street, Newtown 203-270-3548 • Mona lisa restaurant Tom Daoutis 160 South Main Street, Newtown 203-426-6685 • Tambascio’s Italian Grill John Tambascio 1 Dodgintown Road, Newtown 203-426-2715 • Toll brothers Dave Bauer 21 Oakview Drive, Newtown 203-426-4275 • budget blinds of newtown Karen Ferraro 53 Thompson Street, Shelton 203-426-2690 • bearingstar insurance David Curran 7 Poverty Square 82H Bennett Square, Southbury 203-267-2701 • Crowe & Associates Edward Crowe 155 S Main Street, Ste 205, Danbury 203-796-5403 The Amazing Fun Bus The Amazing Fun Bus is a retro-fitted 30’ RV that is a totally self-contained party that comes to your home or location. Stephen Lewis, owner, came up with this completely new and original idea designed for everyone from children, tweens, teens and even adults. This bus is full of the latest video games (X-box with Rock Band and Guitar Hero and the Wii), which are all on separate video screens. The Fun Bus even has token slot machines with prizes for those who win the Jackpot! Located at the back of the bus, take a trip down the slide and visit the “Karaoke Room” with classic favorites to the latest hit songs. Each party is customized to suit the age group and gaming abilities of the children attending. Prizes are awarded to the winners of the group games. The bus fits about 20 people inside and 6 out in the Karaoke room, so there is plenty of room for everyone. For only $375, the bus can be rented for 2 hours with all the great activities included. • fast-teks on-site computer services Mike O’Connor 2 King Street, Newtown 203-512-9270 • beth & Company Beth Caldwell 53 Grassy Hill St. #8, Bethel 203-994-4849 Stephen Lewis, owner of the Amazing Fun Bus with his daughter Melody The Amazing Fun Bus has been in business since February of 2008. Stephen joined the Chamber in July of 2008 and quickly took advantage of the marketing options by signing up for Destination Newtown in The Amazing Fun Bus Stephen Lewis P.O. Box 513 Newtown, CT 06470 203-304-1516 www.theamazingfunbus.com.com November. Stephen set the bus up outside where attendees could tour the layout or visit his booth on the trade show floor, where they could get more information about the bus. The event helped him to see what the Chamber could do for him and he hopes to become more involved as he continues to grow his business. As a new company with a unique product, Stephen enjoys promoting his business in a virtually competition-free marketplace. He also knows that parents want to celebrate their kids’ birthdays, so affordable and unique ideas like the Amazing Fun Bus will always be in high demand. Stephen will be expanding and adding a 2nd fun bus this May and has confidence it will be a great addition to the company. Stephen’s dream is to franchise the idea of The Amazing Fun Bus. “We want the franchise to be successful,” says Stephen. “We are setting the foundation today.” Right now he is planning to attend a franchise show in April at the Meadows in Hartford. Around the Chamber Annual Meeting Reviews Sal e Pepe Hosts Holiday Party Over 30 new members were welcomed to the Chamber in 2008. On December 9th, Peter Giarratano, Chamber president, extended his best wishes to all for a happy holiday and successful New Year. New and existing members filled Sal e Pepe’s Restaruant & Bar to catch up with old friends and acquaintances and network with new ones. The Chamber thanks Angelo Marini of Sal e Pepe’s for welcoming the Chamber into his restaurant and hosting another fabulous holiday party. In 2008, the Chamber added businesses of all sizes and industries to their growing membership: Aflac All About Art Arbonne International Bearingstar Insurance Budget Blinds of Newtown Candlewood Marketing Carminuccio’s Pizza Charter Business Cindy McIntyre Photography New Chamber Members, Marie Sturdevant of The Woods at Newtown and Paul Smith of Crowe and Associates New Chamber Members, (lt to rt) Karen Ferraro of Budget Blinds of Newtown, Sarah Connelly & Lari Freeman of Smoky Topaz and Gina Vatell of Aflac Connecticut Web Designer Crowe & Associates DCS Promotions Dietnamics Franco’s Pizza Handyman Connection Home Instead Senior Care Kevin’s Community Center LRM Landscape Contractors Mona Lisa Restaurant New York Life Northwestern Mutual Panera Bread Sandy Hook Wine Senior Helpers Sharon Massafra Spa Mianra Smoky Topaz Snap Fitness Tambascio’s Italian Grill The Amazing Fun Bus The Woods at Newtown Toll Brothers, Inc. Universal Computer Solutions Wachovia Securities Yankee Wine & Spirits This year, the annual meeting was held as part of the monthly board meeting on January 6th at My Place Restaurant. The meeting was led by Chamber President, Peter Giarratano. 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 election of new members to the Board of Directors. Directors who were re-elected were Angelo Marini of Sal e Pepe, Marie Dupree of MMD Accounting and Tax Services, Ann Marie Deweese, of WAMU, now part of Chase Bank, and Peggy Velthuizen of Union Savings Bank all for 3-year terms. The Chamber would also like to welcome two new directors to the Board for a 1year term: Sharon Maynard of Savings Bank of Danbury and Christine Rinaldi of Connecticut Web Designer. The Chamber regretfully says goodbye to Pauline Crisci-Goncalves of Excel Tutoring and John Sarra of CM Computer Solutions who stepped down from the Board of Directors to pursue other opportunities. As a great addition to this year’s meeting, Chamber member and editor Sophfronia Scott attended as a guest speaker. As executive editor for The Done For You Writing and Publishing Company and author of “Doing Business by the Book,” Sophfronia spoke about writing a best seller and attracting new clients. Around the Chamber Business After Hours “Island Night” Sponsored by Toll Brothers On January 22nd, Toll Brothers and The Regency at Newtown held the first Chamber event of the new year. Regency at Newtown is a community where retirement can be spent in a luxurious home on over 30 acres of wooded landscape. Along with the island-themed networking reception, attendees got the chance to tour two of the lavish, but comfortable model homes and meet some of the happy homeowners. Peter Giarratano, Chamber president, welcomed everyone and thanked Toll Brothers and The Regency at Newtown for hosting the event. Drinks and appetizers were provided by Mike Kerler, owner of Sandy Hook Wine & Liquor and Alfonso DeMasi of Bailey’s Backyard Bistro in Brookfield. PReviews Save the Date for These Great Upcoming Chamber Events Business After Hours with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce The Newtown and Monroe Chambers of Commerce have joined forces to organize a new Leads Group. Your input in these early states is encouraged. Join the two Chambers for an evening of networking and learning about the Leads Group and other exciting new programs planned for your success in 2009. Cost is $12 and includes hors d’oeuvres. February 3, 2009 6:00-8:00 pm Sal’s Restaurant, Main Street, Monroe Joint Meeting with the Newtown Rotary and the Newtown Economic Development Commission The Newtown Rotary and The Newtown Economic Development Commission invite Chamber members to attend their annual joint meeting. Requests for nominations for Business of the Year will be announced. Presented by the Newtown Economic Development Commission, guests will be able to attend a workshop to develop ideas that encourage business economic expansion in Newtown. February 16, 2009 6 pm The Inn at Newtown, 19 Main Street, Newtown9 Wine Tasting Event Sponsored by McLaughlin Vineyards Robin Bobinski, Project Administrator at Toll Brothers awards Peggy Velthuizen, Branch Manager of Union Savings Bank with the prize for Best Dressed The best dressed prize was awarded to Peggy Velthuizen, Branch Manager of Union Savings Bank who won with her brightly colored dress and accessories. She happily accepted a great tropicalthemed gift basket. Network with fellow Newtown Chamber members as well as members from the Bethel, Brookfield and Tribury Chambers. Enjoy the beautiful vineyard atmosphere and sample McLaughlin Vineyards most popular wines. Enjoy a variety of foods donated from local restaurants. Wine will be available throughout the event for $5 per glass. June 5, 2009 5:30-8:00 p.m. McLaughlin Vineyards, 14 Alberts Hill Road, Newtown Check the Chamber Website for Details on These and Future Events www.newtown-ct.com Around the Chamber Editorial Calendar Business Bits • Congratulations to Sharon Maynard, Branch Manager at the Church Hill Road Savings Bank of Danbury. Sharon’s daughter, Sarah, and her husband Michael welcomed their first child, Matthew. Weighing in at 8lb 3 oz, Matthew was born on December 30th. March/April Spring Clean Your Business • As of January 1st, Ashlar of Newtown will be Masonicare of Newtown. Ashlar of Newtown has been part of the Masinicare continuum for 25 years and they will continue to give the care that families know and trust. September/October Getting the Most Out of Trade Shows • Good Luck to Steve Bigham, publisher of Hometown Publishing May/June Networking July/August Going Green Steve Bigham, Publisher of Hometown Publishing and the Newtown Phone Book, as he settles into his new office, located at 48 South Main Street in Newtown. November/December Year-End Planning Contribute to the newsletter with an article, tips or news by contacting Kate Leo at 426-9193 or [email protected] ® Your Complete Marketing Solution Solutions Start Here Spectacular Websites with Beautiful Designs and Captivating Copy to Grow Your Business Prepare to be Dazzled Call us or Visit our Portfolio 203.426.9193• www.jantris.com 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 Does your current investment advice measure up? Call today for a no-obligation consultation Educating the Whole Child 35 Porter Avenue, Suite 5B Inspiring and instilling a passion for learning in every child. Naugatuck, CT 06770 [email protected] www.lpl.com/markc.jones 203 562 5602 ext. 16 main 203 867 4145 fax 203 885 3470 mobile Mark C. Jones Financial Advisor PreK-8th grade 40 Dodgingtown Rd • Newtown, CT06470 www.waldorfct.org • 203-364-1113 Around the Chamber - Cont’d from Page 1 Washington Mutual 259 South Main Street, 426-4513 Chamber Members in the Banking & Mortgage Industry Chase Bank 30 Church Hill Road, 730-0504 Home Savings of America 9 Shut Road, 512-4220 Milligan Mortgage 33 Main Street, 364-8846 Webster Bank 14 Church Hill Road, 270-0014 For More Information on these and other Chambers members view their profiles at www.newtown-ct.com The Chamber is Here to Support You Newtown Savings Bank 39 Main Street, 426-4440 People’s United Bank 6 Queen Street, 426-0380 The Chamber of Commerce is here to support all of it’s members. Savings Bank of Danbury 35 West Street, 830-4390 Drawing from the vast pool of knowledge and resources of its membership, the Chamber can collectively accomplish Union Savings Bank 1A Commerce Road, 270-4540 what no business or professional can do alone. Through the combined efforts of its membership, the Chamber has the insight and knowledge to identify and address issues of importance to the business community. By joining the Chamber you are getting value out of the membership and effectively leveraging your marketing dollars. From retail businesses to services, the benefits received from Chamber membership far outweighs the affordable yearly membership dues and offers a greater return than many other marketing-related activities. How Much is Your Chamber Membership Worth? Compare the Investment of your Chamber of Commerce Membership Dues with Other Comparable Marketing Options 2 days on a billboard on Route 25 = Mailing 95 post cards = (Includes design, printing, postage, mailing list & mailing services) Annual Chamber Membership Dues $125* *For a company with 2-5 employees = One insertion of a 5.75” x 4” ad in the Newtown Bee = 5 traffic sponsorships on Y105 Chamber Membership Benefits: • Advertising • Group Insurance • Chamber Directory Business • Listings • • Committee Involvement • • Email Blasts • Mailing Labels • Plaque • Referrals Member Discount Programs • Exposure on the Chamber Web Site Networking Opportunities Newsletters 10 Business 101 Increase Business, Boost Customer Loyalty, and Save Money through Email Marketing From Andrea Zimmermann, Reference Librarian C.H. Booth Library • 25 Main Street • Newtown, CT 06470 • 203-426-4533 www.chboothlibrary.org Test your email savvy: •Is your email marketing on a confirmed opt-in basis? •Do you have an ESP that handles ECOA? •Is a seed list part of your email delivery? •Have you been graylisted? If you can answer all four, or even have a slight clue what each of these means, you have my permission to go “phishing.” All the rest of you, listen up! Books @ CHB Library The Complete Guide to E-mail Marketing: How to Create Successful, Spamfree Campaigns to Reach Your Target Audience and Increase Sales, by Bruce Brown, Atlantic Publishing Company, 2007. This book offers very specific and clear instruction to create effective marketing campaigns/ newsletters including how to: •Write winning subject lines •Get high click-through rates •Put the subscription form on your site •Use pop ups •Choose from text or HTML email •Use single or double opt-in subscriptions Email Marketing By the Numbers: How to Use the World’s Greatest Marketing Tool to Take Any Organization to the Next Level, by Chris Baggott, Wiley, 2007. Highly readable. Topics covered include: •Building a killer database •Segmenting for Relevance •Finding and Creating Relevant Content •Testing against your goals •Triggers, Transactions, and Integration Every business can benefit from digital marketing and there is no easier and cost-effective way than by a wellexecuted email marketing plan. What exactly do I mean by “well-executed”? One that is tailored to your specific business needs, is manageable, and provides good information and incentives to hook customers and keep them coming back. But you need to know some basics such as how to: prevent your efforts from landing in the Spam folder, create opportunities for people to sign up for your emails (“permission marketing” is the buzzword), learn what not to send people, create and manage content, and measure the results. Your research will also take you beyond email into other digital media such as social networks with which to market your business. Here are the most current books on the topic with a glimpse of what’s inside, and a few killer websites. Email Marketing: An Hour a Day, by Jeanniey Mullens, Sybex, 2008. Presents the “newest concepts, hottest trends, most budget-friendly tools” and includes: •Setting up high-impact video- and audioenabled emails •Developing email strategies for mobile devices and social networks •Tracking, measuring, analyzing, and report your results •Online resources, cheat sheets, a glossary, and much more •Real-world “From the Trenches” case studies Sign Me Up!: A Marketer’s Guide To Email Newsletters that Build Relationships and Boost Sales, by Matt Blumberg, iUniverse Star, 2006. This book explains how to create and sustain a permission-based email newsletter program to sell more and attract new customers, and includes: •Writing and designing great newsletters •Selling tastefully, but selling everywhere •Developing strategic partnerships that build lists •Building and maintaining responsive and targeted lists •Testing and measuring the effectiveness of your email program 11 Internet Sites ClickZ: News and expert advice for the digital marketer. This is worth a look just to see the list of e-newsletter options offered and how the list is constructed. But this site has search marketing events, webcasts and so much more. www.clickz.com/experts/em_mkt/ eMarketer. Trends and emerging media, research analysis on digital marketing. Abundance of info here. Be sure to check out this one! www.emarketer.com Sign Me Up: An email marketing resource from ReturnPath. The author of the book above (Sign Me Up!) offers Cool Idea of the Month, glossary of email terms, resources for email marketers, and – guess what you can sign up for? - an email newsletter about email marketing. Basic info and a good gateway to other places. www.returnpath.net/signmeup/ Eye on Business SMALL BUSINESS LINES OF CREDIT IT CAN SAVE YOUR BUSINESS By Ann Marie Deweese of WaMu, now part of Chase Bank One very important tool for small business owners to have access to is small business lines of credit. As your business grows, the need for additional funds grows; lines of credit provide ready cash to help you meet short term funding needs, such as increasing inventory, dealing with seasonal cash flow issues, or taking advantage of unexpected opportunities as they come along, especially during these challenging times. A business line of credit can help a business continue to operate and provide products and services to their customers. It can help you to take advantage of special pricing for goods when funds may not be readily available or help you meet payroll when a customer is slow to pay you. Being able to obtain a line of credit for your business also tells other creditors that you are a good credit risk, an image that you should try hard to maintain. or even if you are an established business, doing so will pay off in the end. You should talk with your banker to find out what alternatives are available. In many cases, you can apply for low interest business credit cards which are also a good option to keep things going in tough times. Credit cards can help your business maintain its good credit standing. Next Steps... The best approach to applying for credit, is to do so before you need it. The process can take some time. Generally, on lines of credit, the only time you pay is if you have a balance. Most lenders charge a small yearly fee as well. I always tell my customers, if you have it and don’t need it - that’s great. If you need it and don’t have it - well that could mean the difference between staying open or closing your doors. Annual Tree Lighting Sponsors Thank you to the Chamber Members whose generous support have made the Christmas tree lighting possible. GOLD SPONSORS Union Savings (Donut Supplier) People’s United Bank (Cider Supplier) SILVER SPONSORS Newtown Savings Bank J.P. Maguire Associates, Inc. Bridgeport Monroe Pediatric Group BRONZE SPONSORS Dr. Joshua E. Baum Home Instead Home Senior Care While it is often difficult to obtain a small business line of credit if you are just starting out Peter Licht, MD & Jennifer Holloway, MD 12 Book Review Changes to the Board of Directors Welcome to the new directors who include Sharon Maynard, branch manager of Savings Bank of Danbury and Christine Rinaldi, owner of Connecticut Web Designer. Sharon Maynard of Savings Bank of Danbury Christine Rinaldi of Connecitut Web Designer The Chamber of Commerce of Newtown would like to thank Pauline Crisci-Goncalves of Excel Tutoring and John Sarra of CM Computer Solutions for their help and support as part of the board of directors. John was very helpful with the production of the newsletter and assisted with the technology at the new Chamber office. Pauline took part as Programs Committee Chair and was on the Annual Dinner Dance committee. Doing Business by the Book How to Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Book and Attract More Clients and Speaking Engagements Than You Ever Thought Possible By: Sophfronia Scott Chamber member, Sophfronia Scott is the executive editor for The Done For You Writing and Publishing Company and has gone the extra distance and made a business showing company owners how to use a book as a lead generating tool. If you are a speaker or business owner waiting to write a book “someday,” your day is here and not a moment too soon. We’re now in the world of creative commerce, where having a book to your name is as necessary as having business cards in your wallet. Whether your dream is having a bestseller, increasing your speaking fees or having that special gift to wow prospects, this book is your blueprint to success. You’ll learn: •The 3 simple things you need to do before you publish your book, or you’ll be kicking yourself later. •How to package your knowledge into a system you’ll use again and again for maximum money making potential. •What you must learn from the bestsellers of Dr. Phil, Jack Canfield, and Timothy Ferriss about how to set up a book to bring more qualified customers to your business. 13 About the Author Sophfronia Scott has over twenty years of experience as a professional writer. She honed her craft working with some of the best (and toughest) editors in the world during her career at “Time” and “People” magazines. Sophfronia holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Harvard. She is also a professional life coach, having graduated from Coach U. She has coached dozens of clients to satisfying life and career decisions through her company, Creative Coaching Plans. Sophfronia is a member of the Author’s Guild, the Women’s National Book Association, the National Association of Women Business Owners, The National Association of Female Executives, the Newtown Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Writers and Writing Programs. As executive editor of The Done For You Writing & Publishing Company, Sophfronia has created a service to help speakers, entrepreneurs and small business owners to write and publish their first books. She also provides resources to aspiring authors and offers teleclasses, reports and private coaching to guide writers towards achieving their goals. Book Review courtesy of www.amazon. com and Sophfronia Scott Chamber Benefits Not a Member? Join Today! Please consider my membership in the: Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc. PO Box 314, Newtown, CT 06470 Business Name:___________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Fax: _________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________ Website URL:_____________________________________________________ Business Category: _________________ # of FT Employees:_ ____________ Co. Description:___________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Sponsored by: ___________________________________________________ Main Contact: _____________________ Email:_________________________ Alt. Contact 1: _____________________ Email:_ _______________________ Alt. Contact 2: _____________________ Email:_ _______________________ Memberships dues are as follows: Employees 1 2-5 6-9 Dues $110 $125 $155 Employees 10-19 20 or more Dues $180 $290 Subject to Board approval. Checks must accompany application and should be made out to: Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc. or charged to your credit card: Visa / MC Card #: ______________________________________ Exp: __________ Multi-business discounts available. Contact the Chamber office for details. 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 encouraged to participate in the programs and join in all the exciting Chamber events. There are plenty of other volunteer opportunities including: * Writing an article for the newsletter * * Bringing in new members * * Sponsoring a Business After Hours * * Hosting an Open House * Call Alice Baye at 426-2695 if you are interested in participating in any of the Chamber’s programs. 14 Promote Your Business To advertise in the Chamber newsletter, submit your hi-res pdf to: Tricia Farin Jantris Marketing Services 87 South Main Street, Suite 13 Newtown, CT 06470 203-426-9193 [email protected] Full Page: $200 8 w x 10 h 1/2 page: $120 7 1/2 w x 4 3/4 h 1/4 page: $60 3 3/4 w x 4 3/4 h Business Card: $40 3 1/2 w x 2 h Sign up now for 6 ads and only pay for 5! Full page insert For only $250, 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. 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. Need to send an email to Chamber members? For as little as $30, you can send a blast email to all Chamber members easily and affordably. Expertise you can depend on — the care you deserve Introducing OUTPATIENT REHAB SERVICES Masonicare’s Ashlar of Newtown treats many conditions requiring different therapy modalities: • Neurologic Rehabilitation: stroke, spinal cord injury, neuropathy, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis • Cardiac Rehabilitation • Memory Impairment • Headache • Orthopedic Rehabilitation: joint replacement, joint surgery, arthritis, osteoporosis, neck/back pain, repetitive stress injuries, multiple trauma • General Deconditioning • Fibromyalgia • Gait/Balance Disorders or History of Falls • Work Related Injuries Workers compensation, Medicare and most commercial insurances accepted. Physician referrals required. For more information or a consultation, please call us at 203-364-3151. Celebrating 25 Years of Caring Tel. 203-426-2563 www.nsbonline.com Bethel Brookfield Danbury Monroe Newtown Shelton Southbury Trumbull Woodbury Member FDIC Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc. 33 Main Street PO Box 314 Newtown, CT 06470 Upcoming Events February 3: 6:00-8:00 pm Business After Hours w/ the Monroe Chamber February 16: 6:00 pm Joint Meeting w/ the Rotary & EDC June 5: 5:30-8:30 pm Wine Tasting Event Sal’s Restaurant, Main St, Monroe Inn at Newtown, 19 Main St McLaughlin Vineyards, 14 Alberts Hill Rd Check the Chamber website for details on these and other upcoming events www.newtown-ct.com RSVP to Alice Baye at the Chamber Office - 426-2695 or www.newtown-ct.com 477 MAIN STREET MONROE, CT 06468 203-261-9569 www.monroe.minutemanpress.com NOW AVAILABLE! WIDE Format color Printing!