5numbers - Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT

Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
A N N U A L
R E P O R T
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This Annual Report printed by The Day Printing Company
Dear Chamber Members:
At our annual meeting in February of 2009, we made a prediction: that every one of
us would be back, wiser and stronger, for the 2010 annual meeting of the Chamber of
Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.
In 2009, the Chamber made great strides with our Buy Local campaign, encouraging our
community to support each other and thereby boosting our regional economy. Never
have we proclaimed a more timely, or effective, message. We successfully recruited
241 new businesses. We created a program designed to educate and encourage new
candidates to enter the political sphere, which will bring new voices and ideas to our
region. We took steps to get our message out to all ages with the use of social media
marketing. We participated in an aggressive legislative agenda to ensure our business
community was represented adequately in Hartford. We addressed key issues of
Board governance directly, and worked to create a vibrant new Board of Trustees and
a committed Board of Directors. And, last but not least, we found a new home for our
Chamber offices.
LETTER
The past 12 months have been a true test of our resiliency. Yet our Chamber and our
region prevailed over the economic uncertainty that threatened our well-being. 2009
is a year we will always remember, not for the challenges we faced, but for the creative
ways we handled those challenges, and for the resourcefulness we showed as a business
community.
FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
AND BOARD CHAIR
And here we are.
As we look toward 2010 and our 100-year milestone, we can be proud of our work,
as a Chamber and as a community. Last year, we spoke about the Chamber as a “big
tent,” protecting those it sheltered and welcoming all to participate in improving the
quality of life in our region. Today, we thank our Board of Directors and our Regional
Benefactors for allowing and assisting us in continuing our work as we further define
and secure the Chamber as the big “tent” sheltering the business community. We pledge
our commitment to our members and our region in making 2010 a year for hope and
prosperity. And we welcome Dr. Grace S. Jones as our new Board Chair, confident in her
leadership for a successful and positive 2010.
Sincerely,
Tony Sheridan
President & CEO
Keith Fontaine
Chair of the Board
1
AND MISSION STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from the President
1
& CEO and Board Chair
Councils &
Committees
14-15
16-17
Mission Statement
2
Tourism
Board of Directors
3
Chamber Foundation
18
Programs & Events
4-5
News and Staff
19
Community
Involvement
6-7
2009
Regional Benefactors
20
Partnerships &
Affiliates
8-9
Chamber Awards
21
Membership
10
100 Years
22
Financials
11
Preview of 2010
23
Marketing
12-13
Sponsors
25
MISSION
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
2
Creates forward thinking regional coalitions
Builds a positive business climate to meet current and future needs of our members
Supports balanced economic development and growth
Actively works to strengthen our region as a great place to live, work and play
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2009
OFFICERS
Treasurer
Dave Hammerstrom
Chelsea Groton Bank
Past Chair
Michelle Jacobik
SAVA Insurance Group, Inc.
Vice Chair
Dr. Grace Sawyer Jones
Three Rivers Community College
Secretary
Matthew Nick
Kostin Ruffkess & Company, LLC
Legal Counsel
Jeffrey Godley
Brown, Jacobson P.C.
Demo Angelopoulos
Griswold Council Chair
AmericInn Lodge & Suites
Meredith Doyen
Fishers Island Council Chair
Fishers Island Community Board
Angelo Olivieri, Jr.
Norwich Council Chair
Olivieri Financial Services
Angela Arnold
CorePlus Federal Credit Union
Joan Esneault
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Peter Pappas
Barun Basu
Barun Basu Associates
Gary Farrugia
The Day Publishing Company
Rich Bernardo
New London Council Chair
Tee’s Plus Screenprinting, Embroidery
& Ad Specialties
Ulysses Hammond
Connecticut College
Larry Bevilacqua
East Lyme Council Chair
Carelot Children’s Center
Robert Blinderman
Waterford Council Chair
R. Blinderman Motor Lines, Inc.
RADM J. Scott Burhoe, USCG
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Ken Capano, Sr.
Shop Rite Supermarkets
Bob Chapman
Lyme-Old Lyme Council Chair
Steve Coan
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
Blair Decker
General Dynamics/Electric Boat
Ed DeMuzzio
Groton-Ledyard Council Co-Chair
CCI, Inc.
CAPT Marc Denno, USN
Naval Submarine Base New London
Shari Hewes
Groton-Ledyard Council Co-Chair
Holdridge Farm Nursery, Inc.
Ken Hiscoe
Pfizer Global Research & Development
Skip Jordan
Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, Inc
Pam Kinder
Montville Council Chair
United Community & Family Services
Karen Roman
Dime Bank
Andy Russell
(WNLC/Kool 101)
Hall Communications
Thomas “Tony” Sheridan
President & CEO
Chamber of Commerce
of Eastern Connecticut
Bill Stanley
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
Laura Stefanski
Waterford Hotel Group, Inc.
Howard Stillman
J. Solomon Office Supply
Gloria Lathrop
Lathrop Vending, Inc.
Valerie A. Tamano
New London Public Schools
John Lombardi, Jr.
Lombardi Gravel & Excavation
Bill Turner
AT&T
Bruce MacDonald
Council of Stoningtons Chair
MacDonald Communications
Gail Weber
Minuteman Press
Stanley W. Mickus
Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.
Lian Obrey
Re/Max Property Consultants
Leon J. Olivier
Northeast Utilities
Transmission Group
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS 2009
Chair
Keith Fontaine
The William W. Backus Hospital
Dave Wigfield
Stadium Motors
Mary Jo Wlodecki
People’s United Bank
Lou Ziegler
Mohegan Tribal Housing Authority
3
PROGRAMS
& EVENTS 2009
PROGRAMS
& EVENTS
Member Breakfasts, Business Seminars &
Programs
Business Breakfasts:
Including the Economic Forecast Breakfast;
Construction Forecast Breakfast; Economics
of Not Educating Our Children; Vision for
the Future of Tourism in Connecticut; What
Employers Can Do to Promote Wellness to
their Employees; Holiday Business Breakfast
Honoring our Social Service Agencies
Featuring Jeff Butler, President & COO,
CL&P; U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney; Dr.
Grace Sawyer Jones, President, Three Rivers
Community College; Tom Viertel, Broadway
Producer; David A. Whitehead, President &
CEO, The William W. Backus Hospital; State
Senator Donald E. Williams, Jr., President Pro
Tempore
Business-2-Business Connections
Business Education Seminars including
Labor Law Update; All That and A Bag of
Chips: What I Learned from Nightly Dinners
with a Potato Chips Salesman; Understanding
Unemployment Law
Council Presentations including Meet &
Greet Luncheons with newly appointed
local officials; State of the City/Town; State
of Education; B2B on the Road at various
locations; Annual Education Breakfast; Annual
Student Leaders Breakfast; Local Debates
Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings
Improving Non-Profit Performance:
Getting From Talk to Action Using ResultsBased Accountability
Leadership Eastern CT Program
Political Candidate Academy
SBA and SCORE counseling sessions
4
Michael Caron, U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney,
Tony Sheridan and Bill Turner at the Congressional
Update Business Breakfast
Service Person of the Month
Small Business Sales & Marketing
Roundtables
Webinars including New 990 Form; Boosting
Employee Morale; Changes in COBRA; Building
Business in a Tight Economy; Blogging &
Social Networking; Facebook- Facts & Fiction;
Branding for Non-Profits; How to be a Better
Salesperson; Hiring Do’s & Don’ts
Women’s Business Network Luncheons
featuring Rock Your Business: “Be Brand New”;
Rock your Finances: “It’s Your Money- Take
It Personally!”; Rock Your Health: “The New
Healthy You: A Rounded Approach to Health
- Mind, Body, Spirit, Nutrition”; Rock Your
Community with guest speaker Secretary of
State Susan Bysiewicz
chamber webinars
The Chamber in 2009 realized the importance
of embracing technology as we move
forward in our mission of serving the business
community. To that end, we embarked on a
new type of seminar: Webinars, designed to
fulfill the educational needs of our members
at their own desks in order to be cognizant
of growing demands on time. Webinar
participants also had the option of watching
at the Chamber office and participating in a
roundtable discussion with presenters.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 2009 HOST SITES
January
February
March
April
July
2009 SPECIAL EVENTS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
9th Annual Taste of the Lymes
21st Annual Chamber Golf Tournament
26th Annual Holiday Gala
28th Annual Southeastern Connecticut
Home and Business Show
2009 Annual Meeting
Annual Cruise Aboard the M/V SeaJet 1
59th Annual Citizen of the Year
Ceremony honoring Angela Vetelino
Arnold, Director of Marketing and
Business Development,
CorePlus Federal Credit Union
Niantic Bay ½ Marathon and 5K
Old Lyme Tree Lighting & Special Carol
Sing
The United Healthcare 5K Sailfest Road
Race
The William Crawford Distinguished
Service Award Ceremony honoring
Dr. Raymond B. Johnson
August
September
September
October
October
October
November
December
U.S. Coast Guard Foundation
Tee’s Plus Screen-Printing,
Embroidery & Ad Specialties
Backus Outpatient Care Center
Stoneridge
A Thyme to Cook
Reynolds’ Garage & Marine
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa
POLITICAL CANDIDATE
ACADEMY
PROGRAMS
& EVENTS
May
June
Hoffman Audi of New London
Hard Rock Café Foxwoods
CorePlus Federal Credit Union
U.S. Coast Guard Alumni
Association
Putnam Bank
The Eugene O’Neill Memorial
Theater Center
David Burke Prime
In response to the increasing number of local
and state political offices that go uncontested
on an annual basis, the Chamber took the lead
in instituting a non-partisan Political Candidate
Academy for individuals
interested in running for
office. We received positive
feedback from our first year,
and plan to expand the
program in 2010.
2 8
5
150
Lyme Old Lyme Council
Dinner with Dominick Dunne
By the
numbers
21st Annual Chamber Golf
Tournament
Mike Arnold, Angela
V. Arnold and Sarah
Arnold at the Citizen of
the Year Ceremony
Dr. Raymond B. Johnson
and Arlene Johnson at
The William Crawford
Distinguished Service
Award
In 2009, the Chamber
hosted almost 150
programs and events,
in addition to grand
openings, ribboncuttings and SCORE
counseling sessions.
9th Annual Taste of the Lymes
5
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
In 2009, the Chamber continued its leadership efforts in the community by emphasizing our
ongoing Buy Local initiative, welcoming new businesses to the community with 28 ribbon cuttings,
and joining various towns and cities in their local parades. We understand the importance of being a
part of all the communities we serve.
CHAMBER LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM
The Leadership Program prepares future
community leaders for positions of
responsibility by acquainting them with
significant community processes and issues
that affect our communities, businesses and
the public. With understanding of the needs
and concerns in a wide variety of issues, these
individuals will be better able to contribute
their company’s resources with the end result
being improved economic health, regional
growth and development.
2008/2009
LEADERSHIP CLASS
6
Liz Binger, OIC New London County, Co-Chair
Michelle Landry,
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, Co-Chair
Brooke Ackley, People’s United Bank
Holly Bridgham, Town of Groton
Barry Canova, Norwich Public Utilities
John Connor, Chelsea Groton Bank
Michele Devine,
Southeastern Regional Action Council
Allan Elms,
Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, Inc.
Richard Fil, Robinson & Cole, LLP
Deborah Gaudette, Groton Utilities
David Grundwalski, Norwich Public Utilities
Michelle Heikkinen, Chelsea Groton Bank
Lily Konsevick, UCFS
Stefanie Laird,
Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, Inc.
Lisa Lamphere, Chelsea Groton Bank
Patricia Leonard, Chelsea Groton Bank
Bethany Lepine,
Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, Inc.
Dina Lopes, People’s United Bank
Becky Mackey, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
Linda Massey, UCFS, Center for Work and
Family
John Niece, U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Lori Oldfield, Three Rivers Community College
Christine Pemberton, Chelsea Groton Bank
Janette Polaski,
The William W. Backus Hospital
Satomi Raska,
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
Leigh Smead, Slater Memorial Museum
Richard Springman,
Electric Boat Corp./General Dynamics
Deborah Tavernier, Putnam Bank
Martin Tolentino, Ledge Light Health District
Karen Ventura, Chelsea Groton Bank
John Vinson,
Covanta Southeastern Connecticut
Gail Weber, Minuteman Press
Christine Wood,
Interim HealthCare of Eastern Connecticut, Inc.
buy local
The Chamber, with the help of committed
local businesses, continues to promote the Buy
Local campaign at every event and in all our
publications.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Putnam Bank, Gales Ferry
COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
UCFS Ross Adult Day Center, Norwich
CT ARMADA MISSION
Thames Club, New London
PARADES
Chamber President & CEO Tony Sheridan
in 2009 traveled to Brussels, Belgium with
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, Anne
Evans of the U.S. Department of Commerce,
and a dozen representatives of Connecticut
businesses. The trip provided a wealth of
information to regional leaders on developing
and enhancing military and tourism contacts
that can largely benefit the eastern region.
Mystic Irish Parade
nato event
Norwich Winter Festival Parade
The Chamber supported a NATO Procurement
Seminar hosted by Congressman Joe Courtney
on November 16th at the Mystic Marriott Hotel
& Spa. The event, serving as a follow-up to the
Armada trade mission, was held in conjunction
with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s
Regional Export Assistance Center.
7
PARTNERSHIPS
& AFFILIATES
PARTNERSHIPS & AFFILIATES
During 2009, the
Chamber continued
their contract with
the Eastern Workforce
Investment Board (EWIB)
to supervise the Business
Services Team at the
four Connecticut Workforce Centers in Eastern
CT covering a 41 town region. This encompassed
providing assistance to businesses in recruiting,
training both new (On the Job Training) and
current (Incumbent Worker Training) employees.
Labor market information on wages, tax credits,
and downsizing assistance was provided.
Additionally, the Chamber for the second year
provided the Program Coordinator for internships
for high school students in the health care field
intended to expand the pool of available health
care workers. The program was expanded to
include 10 high schools, 50 students, 4 hospitals
and 2 clinical settings.
The Chamber
received a grant
from the SBA that
commenced in
October 2009.
The grant was designed to provide adequate
support in an incubator setting for those starting
small businesses but lacking resources to do so.
This project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding should not be construed as an
endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA-funded
projects are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
INCUBATOR GRANT
BENEFIT CENTER
The Chamber in 2009
continued its partnership
with Chamber Insurance
Trust and the Eastern
Connecticut Benefit
Center initiative. The Chamber joined with CIT
to launch an extensive marketing campaign
for the Benefit Center, including 2 billboards in
the Norwich area.
8
The Chamber continued an active
partnership with SCORE (Counselors
to America’s Small Business) and the
Small Business Development Center,
providing free consultation to small
businesses or those interested in
starting a small business. SCORE and
SBDC counselors keep office hours
at the Chamber and Dime Bank in
Norwich each week.
Anne Evans, Bernard Sweeney, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney,
U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd and Tony Sheridan
In 2009, the Chamber received federally
appropriated funding to provide incubators
for small business start-ups beginning in
January 2010. The effort is to provide adequate
support for those
interested in
starting small
businesses but
lacking the
resources to do
so. The Chamber
will provide office
space, equipment
and support for
up to 10 eligible
businesses.
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS
New London Main Street
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation
Northeast Utilities
Community Foundation of Southeastern CT
Jenks Productions
ConnectiCare
Jobs for New England Now
Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA)
Rose City Renaissance
Connecticut Eastern Regional Tourism District
Small Business Association
Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC)
Small Business Development Center
Connecticut Regional Chambers
SCORE
CT Department of Labor
Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments
CT Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD)
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer)
Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board
United States Coast Guard Academy
Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut
Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce
The Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, Inc.
Health Net of the Northeast, Inc.
US Department of Commerce
New London Development Corporation
US Naval Submarine Base
PARTNERSHIPS
& AFFILIATES
Chamber Insurance Trust/Chamber Benefit Center
GRANTS
During 2009 the Chamber obtained these grants:
Universal Health Care Foundation Grant to assist
with educating the small business community in
obtaining access to affordable health insurance.
Small Business Development Center Grant to
provide outreach to the business community.
Dominion Minority Member
Recruitment Grant assisted a
number of new businesses get
started on a positive note. Each year, Dominion
provides funding to pay the initial membership
costs for minority-owned area businesses to join
the Chamber.
Pfizer Grant to produce an insert for our
Health and Wellness Directory on clear
health communications.
Northeast Utilities to produce a video
highlighting the area’s tourism on the
Cross Sound Ferries.
New London Development Corp. for the
engagement of a Downtown Investment/
Development Coordinator for the City of New
London City Center District.
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5
9
Tony Sheridan, Tricia Cunningham, Jeff Blodgett,
Stan McMillen and Frank Winkler at the Annual
Economic Forecast Breakfast
By the
numbers
businesses received
Minority Member
Recruitment Grants
in 2009 thanks to
Dominion’s generosity.
9
MEMBERSHIP
The Chamber once again saw a healthy growth of new members in 2009.
Membership Total
1800
MEMBERSHIP
1600
1400
1200
1000
2 8
5
241
By the
numbers
Year Membership Total
800
600
new members joined
the Chamber in 2009.
400
200
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
New Members
MEET & GREET
500
400
300
200
100
0
In 2009, the Chamber hit the streets
New
Members
to see
how our members were
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
LymeOld Lyme
merger
MEMBERSHIP
DRIVE
doing and introduce ourselves
to prospective members in the
community. During 10 sessions,
the Chamber reached out to 392
businesses.
Membership by Area
MEMBERSHIP BY AREA
ON!
rive is
Colchester, 1%
Ledyard/Gales Ferry, 5%
Despite
Membership by Area
D
ip
ersh
Montville/Oakdale/Salem, 5%
a lagging
Memb
economy,
Colchester, 1%
Ledyard/Gales Ferry, 5%
the
Montville/Oakdale/Salem, 5%
Chamber
Groton/Mystic/Stonington, 19%
conducted
Waterford, 8%
Groton/Mystic/Stonington, 19%
a successful membership drive,
Waterford, 8%
demonstrating the needs of local
Island, 4%
businesses to be part of theFishers
region’s
Out of State, 6%
Fishers Island, 4%
Out of State, 6%
largest business organization. We
welcomed nearly 80 new members
Lyme/Old Lyme/East Lyme, 16% Lyme/Old Lyme/East Lyme, 16%
from September through December,
Greater Norwich, 16%
Greater Norwich, 16%
reinforcing our commitment to
provide the education, legislative and
networking support our community
Other CT
requires.
Regions, 6%
available for a limited time only.
One year subscription to our Business After Hours events or
Please see reverse side
your membership dues.
Entry into a drawing for two tickets to our 100th Anniversary
Gala in November, 2010.
Extra exposure with your logo in a webpage dedicated to
new members signing up during our membership drive
Listing in our Business Directory, distributed by The Day to
over 35,000 households in the region.
Contact us today to take advantage of this limited time offer!
P.O. Box 726 |
10
Gales Ferry, CT 06335
| Phone: (860) 464-7373
|
Fax: (860) 464-7374
|
www.chamberect.com
Other CT
Regions, 6%
New London, 15%
New London, 15%
Colchester
Ledyard/Gales Ferry
Colchester
Montville/Oakdale/Salem
Ledyard/Gales Ferry
Waterford
Montville/Oakdale/Salem
Waterford
Out of State
Out of State
Greater Norwich
Greater Norwich
New London
New London
CT Regions
Other CTOther
Regions
Lyme/Old Lyme/East Lyme
Lyme/Old Lyme/East Lyme
Fishers Island
Fishers Island
Groton/Mystic/Stonington
Groton/Mystic/Stonington
FINANCIALS
2009 Revenue*
2009
FINANCIAL
OVERVIEW
5%
5%
Assets
Liabilities
Equity
$422,560
$87,397
Dues Renewal
Programs & Events
$335,163
Regional Benefactor
Grants
New Dues
Current ratio is 4.2:1
The chamber’s
financial strength
continues to remain
strong. A number of
successful events and
grants have grown the
Chamber’s non-dues
revenue, including
the receipt of a grant
for $174,898 from
the Small Business
Administration for
the support of an
incubator for 10 startup businesses. Even
with the challenging
economy, we still
attracted 241 new
members. The
chamber is pleased
to continue to
maintain a low dues
structure, the fourth
year in a row without
a dues increase, for
our members. This
is a very positive
report in a year that
was difficult for
businesses in general
and membership
organizations in
particular.
Membership Promotions
FINANCIALS
26%
16%
24%
25%
* Unaudited
A comprehensive
audit is scheduled for
2010 in accordance
with our bylaws.
2009 Expenses *
11%
7%
26%
Programs & Events
Membership & Marketing
Operations
Building & Computers
Grants
19%
36%
11
MARKETING
MARKETING
The Chamber embarked on
We can also be seen on
a number of new marketing
You-Tube with our Women in
missions in 2009, including an
Business video series.
enhanced social media campaign.
The Chamber can now be found
on Twitter and Facebook, and we
also have our own blog at
chamberect.com, where we
discuss important issues and
encourage conversation between
our members and the public.
2 8
5
317
By the
numbers
Twitter
business news
followers
Our popular Business News
page received a makeover
in 2009 as well, with a more
reader-friendly format and
automatic archiving of past
news. We also created a
landing page, where we can
feature articles of particular
interest to our members.
Facebook
178
Blog posts
42
in 8 months
We’re proud to live, work
and play alongside you!
• 42 Associate Degree and
35 Certificate Programs in
high-demand fields
www.trcc.commnet.edu
860.886.0177
574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT
fans
• Guaranteed transfer
compacts with four-year
colleges and universities
• Education that’s
accessible and
affordable!
IN THE NEWS
calendar
2 8
5
62
By the
numbers
stories featuring
Chamber events
MARKETING
The Chamber made headlines for
a number of initiatives
in 2009, including Tony
Sheridan’s participation
in the trade mission to
Brussels, the formation
of the group Jobs for
CT Now, and the federal
funding we received for the
small business incubator
program. The Chamber was
also lauded for our Webinar
series and our successful
membership drive.
As a special project in 2009, we developed a 15-month calendar
designed to provide helpful tips in the areas of marketing, partnerships,
financial encouragement, productivity and the economy. Sponsored and
supported by members, the calendar was delivered to the membership
in September.
redesigned publications
2 8
5
76
By the
numbers
local stories featuring
or mentioning the
Chamber in area
newspapers including
The Day, Norwich
Bulletin, and Hartford
Courant.
The Chamber’s publications started 2009 off with a new look. The
Voice and our Friday E-News were redesigned for reader ease, boasting
a fresh new style and, in the case of our E-News, a more reader-friendly
format. We also began distributing a special
Programs and Events E-News to focus solely on
the Chamber’s many events.
Weekly
Programs &
Events
E-News
Circulation:
Monthly
Newsletter
Circulation:
1,800
Special thanks to The Day
for printing our monthly
newsletter
Weekly E-News
Circulation:
4,000
13
COUNCILS & COMMITTEES
COUNCILS
& COMMITTEES
The Chamber’s Standing Councils support and care for the interests of our local business communities.
Each council focuses on developing initiatives to support the membership of the Chamber.
AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE
Chair: John Parker
Parker Agency
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COUNCIL
Chair: Stan Mickus
Cross Sound Ferry Services
Member volunteers committed to welcoming
new members, explaining benefits and
assisting with introductions at networking and
social functions.
Purpose is to proactively educate and
advocate on a select number of issues defined
by Chamber members as critical to the
economic vitality of Eastern Connecticut, as
well as work in conjunction with other regional
organizations and with legislators to achieve
our objectives.
HEALTH CARE COUNCIL
Chair: Peter DeRosa
Natchaug Hospital
To support businesses in providing access
and programs to support the health of their
employees.
HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL
Chair: Maria Fisher-Proulx
Future Directives, LLC
In 2009, the Chamber formed a Human
Resources Council to assist the Chamber in
organizing activities with HR topics of interest
to members.
MILITARY AFFAIRS COUNCIL
Chair: Sean Sullivan
Brown Jacobson P.C.
Serves as a vital link between the active
duty military leaders and the local eastern
Connecticut community.
WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK
Chair: Lorna Burkhart
Primerica Financial Services
With more than 50% of all businesses
managed or owned by women, our Women’s
Business Network addresses their needs and
provides key networking and educational
opportunities.
TOWN COUNCILS
Councils assist the Chamber of Commerce
of Eastern Connecticut by focusing on
issues specific to a town/city and promoting
partnerships to address those issues. The
Chamber’s councils include: Groton-Ledyard,
East Lyme, Fishers Island, Lyme-Old Lyme,
Montville, Norwich Area, New London, The
Stoningtons and Waterford.
Looking forward to
another great year with the
Chamber of Commerce
of Eastern Connecticut.
Groton
441 Long Hill Road
860.448.9000
14
New London
351 N. Frontage Road
860.439.1000
www.wirelesszone.com
Groton Council Meet & Greet Reception with
Capt. Marc W. Denno, Commanding Officer, Naval
Submarine Base New London
TOWN COUNCIL CHAIRS
Montville Council
Pam Kinder
United Community & Family Services
East Lyme Council
Larry Bevilacqua
Carelot Children’s Center, Inc.
New London Council
Co-Chairs
Rich Bernardo
Tee’s Plus Screenprinting, Embroidery
& Ad Specialties
Barry Runyan
PrimExcellence, LLC
Fishers Island Council
Meredith Doyen
Fishers Island Community Board, Inc.
Groton-Ledyard Council
Co-Chairs
Ed Demuzzio
CCI Inc.
Shari Hewes
Holdridge Farm Nursery, Inc.
Lyme-Old Lyme Council
Bob Chapman
Chapman Architect & Builder
LEGISLATIVE
The Chamber retains the
lobbying firm Levin, Powers,
Brennan & Shea, LLC to monitor
the legislative process in Hartford
and to advise the Chamber
president & CEO and board
of proposed legislation that if
enacted, will have an impact on
the cost of conducting business
in Connecticut.
During the ‘09 general assembly
session our collective efforts
were devoted to preventing
harmful legislation from being
enacted. In 2010, we plan
to form a closer partnership
with other interested parties
including the metro chambers
and their lobbyists to increase
our collective leverage with our
elected officials.
COUNCILS
& COMMITTEES
Council of the Stoningtons
Bruce MacDonald
MacDonald Communications
Norwich Area Council
Angelo Olivieri, Jr.
Olivieri Financial Services
Waterford Council
Robert Blinderman
R. Blinderman Motorlines, Inc.
MEET & GREET
RECEPTIONS
Steve White,
Michael Speller
and Skip
Jordan
at our
reception
welcoming
them to the
community.
The Chamber hosted a number of Meet & Greet
Receptions for new additions to our business
community, including Dr. Nicholas A. Fischer,
new superintendent of New London Public
Schools; Dr. James Lombardo, newly appointed
superintendent of East Lyme Public Schools; and
Capt. Mark W. Denno, new Commanding Officer,
Naval Submarine Base, New London.
New London
Meet & Greet
Reception with
Dr. Nicholas A.
Fischer, new
superintendent
of New London
Public Schools
15
TOURISM
Eastern Connecticut remains a premier New England
tourist attraction, with our casinos, Mystic attractions
and beautiful beaches. While the state’s tourism budget
TOURISM
was dramatically reduced during the 2009 legislative
session, the Chamber and our partners in tourism
recognize the importance of promoting the region not
only to outsiders, but to remind our residents of the
treasures in their own backyard.
TOURISM BOOTH 2009 REPORT
Our Norwich tourism booth was closed for the season due to area construction; however, we
still logged 2,778 visitors over the summer at our New London booth.
STATES
Visitors from 43 states
States with highest number of visitors: Connecticut (733), New York (413), Massachusetts (323),
New Jersey (100)
COUNTRIES
Visitors from 35 Countries:
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bavaria, Belarús, Brazil, England (24 - #3), Canada (65 - #1),
México, Czech Republic, China, Columbia, Denmark, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany (36
- #2), Guam, Holland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland,
Scotland, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
“This tourism season is an
important one, and it’s
time for our community to
come together, not just as
a marketing tool, but as a
region we are all proud of
16
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS
“Fell in love with New London”
- Visitor from Haskell, New Jersey on September 4
“Great place!”
- An architect from New Haven on August 4
and eager to share.”
“Best help, better than the Internet”
- Visitor from Alexandria, VA on July 2
Tony Sheridan
President & CEO
“Love the area, looking to settle here”
- Visitor from Albany, NY on May 24
NORWICH
TOURISM BOOTH
Thank you to
Carefree Small Buildings
By the
numbers
visitors were reported
at our New London
Visitor Information
Station in summer 2009.
Luncheon honoring trolley volunteers
TOURISM
2 8
5
2,778
for their generous donation of a structure for our
Norwich tourism booth, slated for a grand opening
in 2010.
TOURISM
RACK CARD
The Chamber designed
a rack card for hotels
and ferries depicting
area tourist attractions.
The rack card is a print
enhancement to our
tourism DVD, set for
release on the Cross
Sound Ferries in 2010.
NEW LONDON TOURISM BOOTH
In 2009, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut joined
the city of New London, New London Main Street, and the New
London Rotary in celebrating the rededication of the New London
Trolley Station for a ceremony at the booth in the Municipal
Parking Lot on Eugene O’Neill Drive.
Improvements to the booth were made possible with funding
by the New London Rotary Foundation, the Frank Loomis Palmer
Fund, the Bodenwein Public Benevolent Foundation, and The
Chester Kitchings Family Foundation. Work was completed
by Frost & Kent Landscape Architecture, Lindsay Liebig Roche
Architects, Malek Landscaping, Perennial Harmony, New London
Dept. of Public Works, Bike New London and the Trolley Station
volunteers.
17
CHAMBER
FOUNDATION
CHAMBER FOUNDATION
The Chamber of Commerce of
Eastern Connecticut Foundation is
a business community-based
501(c)(3) organization affiliated
with the Chamber of Commerce of
Eastern Connecticut.
$80,000
The purpose of the Foundation is to provide grants to
501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that are devoted exclusively
to charitable, educational and economic purposes. Funding is
intended to assist in pilot programs, program expansion, research,
etc. rather than day-to-day operations.
2009 FOUNDATION
GRANT RECIPIENTS
The largest recipients of 2009 funding
were the Tommy Toy Fund, receiving
$35,000, and the Thames River Family
Program, which received $15,920 to
refurbish a children’s activity center.
The foundation
distributed over $80,000
to area charities in 2009.
“His steady hand,
leadership, dedication
and personal commitment
to making this event a
success will be sorely
missed.”
Excerpt from a Norwich
Bulletin editorial
honoring Marc Bokoff
Foundation
Chairman Marc
Bokoff and
Auctioneer Sam
Piotrkowski
18
By the
numbers
The Foundation’s mission is to
promote initiatives that enhance
and enrich education and economic opportunities in the
Chamber service area.
2009 was Marc
Bokoff’s final
year acting
as chairman
of the
Foundation. The Chamber, the Chamber Foundation,
and the Holiday Gala Committee wish to extend their
sincere thanks for Marc’s 21 years of service, including
18 years serving as chair. The region’s charities have
prospered under his leadership.
2 8
5
Bidding
on
silent
auction
Big Brothers Big Sisters of SECT
Care Net
Community Coalition for Children
Mystic Area Shelter & Hospitality, Inc.
Natchaug Hospital
Norwich Rotary Club
Norwich Safety Net Team
Riverfront Children’s Center
Thames River Family Program
Tommy Toy Fund
TVCCA
United Way Food Center
Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut
NEWS AND STAFF
CHAMBER
STAFF
SHERI COTE
Director of Operations
DENNY HICKS
Director of Strategic Planning
HEATHER GIFFEN LEONARD
Director of Programs and
Events
MEGHAN WHITEHEAD
Programs and Events
Coordinator
THE MOVE
The Chamber celebrated our move
to our new regional headquarters
in the Waterford Hotel Group
building, 914 Hartford Turnpike,
in December of 2009. The move
provides an ideal location for
the convenience of members with the
confluence of I-95 and I-395.
NEWS AND STAFF
TONY SHERIDAN
President & CEO
LIZ MUGAVERO
Marketing and
Communications Coordinator
KATHY CHARTIER
Business Services
Representative
LAURA CAPSHAW KRAMER
Sales Coordinator
RON HAUBERT
Sales Coordinator
LORI THOMPSON
Bookkeeper
DEBY MARTINEZ
Administrative Assistant
SATOMI RASKA
Graphic Designer
BEN FEINBERG
Web Designer
FRANK MCLAUGHLIN
Downtown Development and
Investment Coordinator
KATHY GAITO
Administrative Assistant
914 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: (860) 701-9113
Fax: (860) 701-9902
www.chamberect.com
19
2009 REGIONAL
BENEFACTORS
2009 REGIONAL BENEFACTORS
Pfizer is committed to applying science
and our global resources to improve
health and well-being at every stage of
life. They strive to provide access to safe,
effective and affordable medicines and
related health care services to the people who need them.
CorePlus Federal Credit Union
pledges to their members to provide
progressive, competitive financial
services in a personal, professional
and prompt manner while maintaining adequate capital
reserves.
Chelsea Groton Bank
is an independent, full
service community bank dedicated to serving all banking
needs.
Dime Bank was established
in 1869 and has been serving
the eastern Connecticut
community for 141 years through 11 offices, including an
office in Westerly, RI.
In 1986 the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal
Nation opened their original high-stakes
bingo hall. Today Foxwoods comprises
six casinos that offer more than 6,200 slot machines and 380 tables
for 17 different types of table games, a Race Book, and the world’s
largest Bingo Hall.
Putnam Bank is a community bank,
headquartered in Putnam, dedicated
to providing superior products and
exceptional customer service.
Cross Sound Ferry provides year round vehicle,
passenger, and high-speed passenger ferry
service between Orient Point, Long Island, New
York and New London, Connecticut.
Liberty Bank is the oldest mutual bank in the state
of Connecticut. Chartered back in 1825, they
currently serve more than 190,000 individual and
business customers.
With more than a century
of experience, Electric Boat
has established standards
of excellence in the design, construction and lifecycle support of
submarines for the U.S. Navy.
20
The Antonino Automotive Group has been family
owned and operated for over 53 years, with
dealerships including Antonino Acura, BMW of New
London, Charles Toyota/Scion, Girard Ford, Girard
Nissan, Girard Toyota/Scion, MC Enterprises, Michael Mitsubishi KIA,
Nissan of Norwich and Toyota of Colchester/Scion.
Connecticut Light and Power
Company was formed in 1917.
In 1966, Northeast Utilities was
created as the parent company
of CL&P and two other subsidiaries. Today CL&P serves 1.2
million customers.
Mohegan Sun, created in 1996 by
the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut,
features more than 300,000 square
feet of gaming, a 34-story, 1,200room luxury hotel tower, a 20,000 square-foot world-class
spa, shopping, dining, function rooms and more.
Dominion is a safe, competitive,
world-class nuclear operator.
Dominion operates Millstone
Power Station in Waterford,
among other power stations throughout the country.
People’s United Bank is the largest
regional banking organization
headquartered in New England,
with more than $20 billion in assets and approximately 300
branches throughout New England and New York.
Citizens Bank is a
12-state branch
network operated by Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $151
billion commercial bank holding company.
NRG Energy, a leading competitive energy
provider was founded in 1989. NRG owns
and operates a variety of energy-related
operations worldwide.
The Day Publishing Company,
established in 1881, publishes
The Day, a daily newspaper
covering a 20-town region in eastern Connecticut, and
theday.com, their corresponding website.
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union is a
not-for-profit financial co-operative,
organized to serve the ever changing
financial needs of their member-owners.
Waterford Group, LLC is a leader in the
hospitality and gaming industry. It is
composed of specialized companies
including Waterford Hotel Group, Inc.
For over a quarter of a century, Jenks
Productions has been producing the
Northeast’s leading trade shows.
REGIONAL CHAMBER AWARDS
Board of Directors Special Award
Chuck Seeman, President & CEO
United Community & Family Services
Small Business of the Year
Captain Daniel Packer Inne
Community Revitalization Leader of the Year
New London Harbour Towers
Chamber technology leadership award
AT&T
REGIONAL
CHAMBER AWARDS
Volunteer of the Year
Bob Blinderman, Owner
R. Blinderman Motor Lines, Inc.
100 YEARS
100 YEARS
The Chamber celebrates its 100-year
birthday on March 31. We look forward to
a year of commemoration, both through
our own programs, events and publications
and in conjunction with other members
and friends who are or have turned 100.
The year will culminate in a gala celebration in November 2010 at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa.
The event will feature a Ragtime theme, live entertainment, period food and drinks and more.
WE WILL CELEBRATE THIS MILESTONE WITH THE
FOLLOWING MEMBER COMPANIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Bailey Agencies Inc.
Jewett City Savings Bank
Boy Scouts of America
J. Solomon Office Supply
Byles-Mac Dougall Funeral
Liberty Bank
Champion Insurance
McGuire & McGuire
Chelsea Groton Bank
New London County Historical Society
Child & Family Agency Inc.
New London Maritime Society/
Custom House Maritime Museum
Citizens Bank
Curtin Insurance
Day Publishing Co.
Dime Bank
Eliza Huntington Home
Essex Savings Bank
Fulton-Theroux Funeral Service
NewportFed
Otis Library
R. Blinderman Motor Lines, Inc.
Savings Institute Bank & Trust
Securitas Security Services ISA, Inc.
United Community & Family Services
* If your company is not on this list and is 100 years or older, please let us know!
PREVIEW OF 2010
In 2010, the Chamber will continue to position ourselves as a community leader in business by
supporting our members and providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
We will revitalize the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation under the
leadership of incoming Board Chairwoman Dr. Grace Sawyer Jones by expanding the activities and
the mission.
We will produce a membership directory to further promote our members and our region.
PREVIEW OF 2010
This year, we will establish an education council to act as a liason between the business and
education communities.
Education Council Mission Statement
The Chamber’s Education Council strives to bring our community and schools together by
acting as a liaison between the business and education communities. This committee
provides volunteers the opportunity to connect with one or more schools within eastern
Connecticut.
We will commemorate our 100-year birthday with a gala event, and celebrate throughout the year
with those member companies who have also surpassed the 100-year mark.
We look forward to the official release of our DVD promoting tourism in the area to be shown on
the Cross Sound Ferries.
We will form a Retired Executives Committee to utilize the expertise of those with years of
experience.
We look forward to establishing a stronger relationship with other chambers in our area.
We will provide space for up to 10 start-up businesses with our federally funded incubator
program.
And we will operate under a new, smaller Board of Directors and a Board of Trustees, established
under outgoing Chairman Keith Fontaine’s leadership.
LEGISLATIVE GOALS
In 2010, the Chamber’s Legislative
Agenda will focus on supporting
tourism in the area because of its
overall economic impact on eastern
Connecticut.
The Chamber will also support
legislation working to reduce the
overall cost of doing business
in the state to encourage small
business growth.
Thank you to
our outgoing
board members.
Your efforts have
made the year a
notable one for
the Chamber, and
we appreciate your
dedication.
23
We’ve got you covered.
Pequot Health Center
Occupational Health Services
52 Hazelnut Road
Groton, CT 06340
(860)446-8265, Ext. 7027
Outpatient Rehab of Waterford
Located next to Benny’s
40 Boston Post Rd
Waterford, CT 06385
(860)271-4900
Occupational Health Center
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
Located in the Stop & Shop Plaza
Rehabilitation Services
248 Flanders Road
365 Montauk Avenue
New London, CT 06320
Niantic, CT 06357
(860)444-4739
(860)691-1890
SPONSORS
Thank you
Lawrence and Memorial Hospital
generous
BRONZE SPONSORS
sponsors of
Brown Jacobson P.C.
our Annual
MetroCast Business Services
Meeting
Ledge Light Federal Credit Union
SPONSORS
to the
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22
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391
Courthouse
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2222Courthouse
P.O.
Box
391
Norwich,Connecticut
Connecticut 06360-0391
Norwich,
06360-0391
Norwich, Connecticut 06360-0391
(860) 889-3321
889-3321
(860)
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Serving Pfizer and
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2 Union Plaza • New London, CT 06320
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