Business Development - Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT

2013 Regional Benefactors
One of the top health plans in America,
ConnectiCare prides itself on its outstanding
customer service by being Local, Caring
and Personal. ConnectiCare offers health and dental benefit solutions for
employers of all sizes, individuals, and those eligible for Medicare.
Mohegan Sun, created in 1996 by the Mohegan Tribe
of Connecticut, features more than 300,000 square
feet of gaming, a 34-story, 1,200-room luxury hotel
tower, a 20,000 square-foot world-class spa, shopping,
dining, function rooms and more.
Pfizer is committed to applying science and our resources
to improve health and well-being for people and
animals at every stage of life. As the world’s leading
biopharmaceutical company, we work to facilitate access
to health care around the globe.
The Day Publishing Company, established in 1881,
publishes The Day, a daily newspaper covering a
20-town region in eastern Connecticut with a daily
and Sunday readership of nearly 100,000, and theday.com, a website generating
more than 4 million page views a month.
Established in 1869, Dime Bank is a mutual bank with approximately $700 million in assets and 11 convenient branch
locations throughout Southeastern CT and Westerly, RI. As a full-service financial
institution, Dime offers consumer and commercial banking, home mortgages,
insurance, trust and investment services – all delivered with a personal touch.
Waterford Hotel Group operates properties
nationwide, including Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa
in Groton; Residence Inn by Marriott, Whitehall
Mansion, and Comfort Inn in Mystic; SpringHill Suites
by Marriott in Waterford; Courtyard by Marriott and Rosemont Suites in Norwich.
Dominion is one of the nation’s largest producers and
transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately
27,400 megawatts of generation. Dominion is a worldclass nuclear operator and owns and operates the
Millstone Power Station in Waterford, CT. www.dom.com
Putnam Bank is a community bank, headquartered
in Putnam, Connecticut, dedicated to providing
superior products and exceptional customer
service. Putnam Bank is more than just a bank, it is the people who work day-in
and day-out to improve both the Bank and the communities we serve.
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.
The Antonino Automotive Group has been family owned
and operated for over 55 years, with dealerships including
Antonino Acura, BMW of New London, Charles Toyota/Scion,
Girard Ford, Girard Nissan, Girard Toyota/Scion, Michael Kia
of Groton, Nissan of Norwich and Toyota/Scion of Colchester.
Suisman Shapiro is the largest law firm in eastern
Connecticut, serving the community for over 70
years with a full range of legal services.
Comcast Business Services offers businesses a one-stop
solution for all of their communication needs. Offering
Business Class Internet, Voice and TV, companies can
leverage the power of Comcast’s fiber-optic network while enjoying the
convenience of one provider for all three services and 24x7 customer support.
Established in 1991 and one of CT’s
premiere governmental relations firms.
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.
Foxwoods Resort Casino is America’s largest
gaming resort located at Mashantucket CT;
offering ample meeting & convention space,
4 hotels, 6 casinos, golf, theaters, spas, dining & retail with distinctive service for
every guest. Visit www.foxwoods.com & experience Anything but Ordinary.
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.
With 12 branch locations, as well as great rates,
products & services, you can count on Charter Oak
Federal Credit Union for all your personal and business
banking needs. If you live or work in New London or
Windham County, you should be banking with us!
Chelsea Groton is an independent, mutually
owned, community bank, committed to
serving Eastern CT and the surrounding
communities. We help our customers safely, simply, and effectively manage
their finances, and we help make their long-term goals a reality.
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.
People’s United Bank, the largest independent
bank headquartered in New England, is a
diversified financial services company with $29
billion in assets. Founded in 1842, it has approximately 419 retail locations in
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, New Hampshire and Maine.
Liberty Bank is the state’s oldest mutual bank with
over $3 billion in assets and 49 locations serving
central and shoreline Connecticut.
NRG Energy, a leading competitive energy provider
was founded in 1989. NRG owns and operates a
variety of energy-related operations worldwide.
Groton Utilities is a municipally owned and
operated utility providing Electric, Water,
Cable TV, High-Speed Internet Access, and
Digital Phone services to thousands of consumers in Southeastern Connecticut.
Our Mission is to be the Premier Utility Service Provider in the Northeast.
The Bulletin is a daily newspaper covering
Eastern Connecticut. The scope of our
coverage, like our readership, extends well
beyond the city in which we are published.
The mission of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., which
includes Mystic Aquarium, Ocean Exploration Center
and JASON Learning, is to inspire people to care for
and protect our ocean planet through education,
research and exploration.
The Resident is Ambassador to more
than 200,000 neighbors in CT and RI.
Dear Chamber Members:
2013 was a very productive and successful year for the Chamber. In January, the Board of
Directors outlined a series of goals for the year, the most important of which was to update
the Chamber’s five-year-old strategic plan. To this end, we contracted with The Essex Group,
which interviewed the Chamber staff and a sample of our membership, including Trustees and
Board members on how best the Chamber could support and represent the region’s interests
going forward. These crucial steps provide guidance for the staff to better assist our business
community in this ever more complex world.
In addition to the approximately 150 programs and events the Chamber organizes each year, two
additional major activities were undertaken, which were very successful. A strategic partnership
with the Builders and Remodelers Association of Eastern Connecticut was formed to develop
and present a Premier Home Show for the region. Also, at the request of the Mohegan Sun
Health Department, the Chamber developed a health fair expo that was open free to the public.
Proceeds from booth sales were donated to the Chamber Foundation for support of children’s
programs in the region. These partnerships gave many of our members exposure to a new
audience. They also underscore our relationship with the region’s business community and will
continue into 2014.
Membership, always an important barometer of success, remains steady. We attracted 151 new
business members and 112 new Young Professional members. Our Leadership Program, now in its
26th year, and our Young Professionals, in its second year, continue to engage the next generation
of eastern Connecticut’s business and political leaders. We continue to look for ways to engage
our growing Young Professional group in all aspects of the Chamber, including adding several YPs
to the Board of Trustees.
Regarding the Board of Trustees, Tom Kasprzak, a longtime Chamber member and former
member of our Board of Directors, is now liaison to the Board of Trustees. The creation of this
position will allow the Trustees to more fully serve their mission as laid out in the Chamber
bylaws: “... improving the overall quality of life for all citizens in eastern Connecticut.”
The Chamber’s financial strength continues to remain strong. Through events and grants we
have grown the Chamber’s non-dues revenue, including new grants from the state Department
of Economic and Community Development and the Small Business Development Center, both of
which will enhance economic development in the region.
Finally, little could be accomplished if it were not for our Board and Trustee leadership and our
dedicated staff, who, as always, are available to assist our members and who are committed to
moving the Chamber and the region forward with all our endeavors.
John Lombardi, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
Tony Sheridan
President & CEO
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Table of Contents
Community
Involvement
on page 6.
Programs
and events
on page 4.
Membership
on page 10.
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Letter from Chamber Leadership
Mission
Board of Directors
Programs and Events
Community Involvement
Councils and Committees
Membership
Financials
Marketing
Grants
Partners and Affiliates
Tourism
Young Professionals
Staff
Chamber Foundation
Chamber Awards
2013 Memories
Sponsors
Marketing
on page 12.
Foundation
on page 20.
Tourism
on page 16.
Mission
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
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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
Vision
Promote and support
the business community
and economic vitality in
eastern Connecticut
Board of Directors 2013
Chair
John Lombardi, Jr.
Treasurer
Matthew Nick
Past Chair
Bill Stanley
Vice Chair
Stanley Mickus
Secretary
Gail Weber
Legal Counsel
Jeffrey Godley
Lombardi Gravel & Excavation, LLC
CohnReznick LLP
Cross Sound Ferry Services
Lawrence + Memorial Hospital
Minuteman Press
Brown Jacobson P.C.
Rodney Butler
Abby Dolliver
Michael Rauh
Robert Soper
Kate Clancy
Gary Farrugia
Warren Scholl
David Whitehead
Blair Decker
Pamela Allen Kinder
Tony Sheridan
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
Pfizer, Inc.
General Dynamics Electric Boat
Norwich Public Schools
Chelsea Groton Bank
CorePlus Federal Credit Union
The Day Publishing Co.
United Community & Family Services
The Mohegan Tribe
William W. Backus Hospital
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern
Connecticut
Board of Trustees 2013
Michael A. Alfultis
UConn Avery Point
Eric W. Callahan
Suisman Shapiro Attorneys at Law
Keith Fontaine
William W. Backus Hospital
Sandra Allyn-Gauthier
Three Rivers Community College
Kenneth Capano
ShopRite Supermarkets
Alexis Ann
The Resident
Nicholas Caplanson
Dime Bank
John Fuller
WBMW 106.5, Jammin’ 107.7
and Radio 104.1
John Antonino
The Antonino Auto Group
Bruce Cummings
Lawrence + Memorial Hospital
Denise H. Armstrong
Mystic Aquarium
Herb Cummings
Groton Utilities
Angela V. Arnold
Diocese of Norwich Office of
Development
Rich DeLorenze
Groton Utilities
Barun Basu
Barun Basu Associates
Richard Bernardo
R & B Apparel Plus
Robert Blinderman
Falvey’s Motors, Inc.
John Bolduc
Eastern Connecticut Association
of Realtors
Mark Brown
The Mohegan Tribe
William Budds
Smith Insurance, Inc.
Nancy Bulkeley
Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, Inc.
Edward DeMuzzio
CCI Inc.
Capt. Marc Denno
U.S. Navy
Peter DeRosa
Natchaug Hospital, Inc.
Meredith Diette
Siegel, O’Connor, O’Donnell &
Beck, P.C.
John Dolan
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
Eileen Duggan
Suisman Shapiro Attorneys at Law
Bruce J. Fafard
Scient Federal Credit Union
Frank McLaughlin
Renaissance City Development
Association
Maria Miranda
Miranda Creative, Inc.
Barry Runyan
PrimExcellence LLC
Andy Russell
WICH-WCTY-WNLC-WKNL
Neil Ryan
Wireless Zone
Lisa Griffin
Eastern Savings Bank
Deborah Monahan
TVCCA
Robert Halloran
Putnam Bank
Sue Murphy
Liberty Bank Foundation
Chuck Seeman
United Community & Family
Services
Robert Hamilton
General Dynamics Electric Boat
Lian Obrey
Re/Max Property Consultants
RADM Sandra L. Stosz
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Ulysses Hammond
Connecticut College
Lee Olivier
CT Light & Power Company
Bill Turner
AT & T
Shari Hewes
Holdridge Home and Garden
Showplace
Brian Orenstein
Charter Oak Federal Credit
Union
Jess Wenzel
Eastern Savings Bank
Michelle Jacobik
SAVA Insurance Group, Inc.
Joyce Olson Resnikoff
Olde Mistick Village Groton
Shopping Plaza
Dr. Grace Sawyer Jones
Three Rivers Community College
Mary Ellen Jukoski
Mitchell College
Tom Kasprzak
Northeast Utilities
Shirley Langford
Interim HealthCare of Eastern
Connecticut, Inc.
Rodney A. Pinkham Jr.
Town of Waterford
Kristen Roberts
Comcast
Karen Roman
Dime Bank
Bob Ross
CT Office of Military Affairs
Preston Whiteway
Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
Dave Wigfield
Stadium Motors, Inc.
Len Wolman
Waterford Hotel Group, Inc.
Mark Woods
People’s United Bank
Lou Ziegler
Mohegan Tribal Housing Authority
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Programs and Events
Business After Hours
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January
January
February
March
March
April
April
May
May
June
July
August
August
September
September
October
October
November
December
December
Hoffman Audi of New London
Florence Griswold Museum
Buon Appetito
Center for Hospice Care SECT
Dime Bank
USCGA Alumni Association
Lawrence + Memorial Hospital 100th Anniversary
The Ledges Apartments
Smith Insurance 75th Anniversary
Duncklee, Inc. Cooling and Heating 40th Anniversary
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Atria Crossroads Place
Suisman Shapiro and A Thyme to Cook
Spirit of Broadway Theater (Joint YPsocial)
Minuteman Press with Gourmet Galley Catering
Frame Shop at Firehouse Square with Liberty Bank
The Past Antiques Market and Museum
Hilton Mystic
Secor Subaru with TVCCA Meals on Wheels
Business Breakfasts
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Governor Dannel P. Malloy
Tourism as an Economic Development Driver
Construction Forecast
Senate Update with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal
Annual Congressional Update featuring U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney
Bioscience in Connecticut with Michael E. Hyde of The Jackson Laboratory
Education Reform with Stefan Pryor, Commissioner of Education
How Healthcare Reform Impacts Small Businesses
4th Annual Military Appreciation Breakfast
Annual Breakfast Honoring Social Service Agencies
Division Programs
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State of Waterford
State of East Lyme
State of Montville
State of Norwich
State of New London
State of Groton/Ledyard
State of the Stoningtons
Networking events
Annual Students Leaders Breakfast
Annual Education Breakfast
Winter clothing and food drive
Special Programs
• Service Person of the Month
• SCORE Counseling Sessions
• Brown Bag Seminars: Social Media, Business Retirement, Business
Development, Healthcare Reform
• Hot Topics in Healthcare Breakfast
• Conversations with…
• Tourism Marketing Boot Camp
• Southeastern CT Step Up Employers Conference
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2013 Special Events
Alice Fitzpatrick, center, is surrounded by her two daughters and
five grandchildren at the celebration of her being named our 63rd
Annual Citizen of the Year for her work as executive director of the
Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut for 18 years.
Jeanne and Steve Sigel of the Garde Arts Center received the
William Crawford Distinguished Service Award for their 25 years
of dedication to the growth and evolution of the center and the
City of New London in general.
Eastern Connecticut’s Premier Home Show brought thousands
into the Mystic Marriott for two days of fun and focus on home
improvements.
There was something for everyone at the Total Life Expo at
Mohegan Sun, as interactive exhibits and children’s activities
rounded out the day of wellness demonstrations and speakers.
Annual Meeting
Sea Jet Cruise and Dessert Showcase
30th Annual Holiday Gala
25th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament
Young Professionals of Eastern
Connecticut Celebration Dinner
Sailfest Charter Oak Federal Credit
Union 5k Road Race
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Community Involvement
Chamber Leadership ECT Program
In continous operation since 1987, the Leadership program prepares future community leaders for positions of responsibility by
acquainting them with significant community processes and issues that affect not only our communities, but also businesses and
the public. Over 500 business leaders have completed the course. During the first year of the program, participants spend one day
a month becoming acquainted with a variety of operations in the community. Class participants also pick a volunteer project to
work on together as part of the process. In the second year, participants build relationships with established leaders while planning
sessions for the incoming class.
This year, the class embarked on a community service project with the Drop-In Learning Center in New London. Participants
refurbished five classrooms, including new furniture, decor, and fresh coats of paint in vibrant colors, chosen by the Center’s
students. The group also donated Kindle e-readers to support the Reading is Fundemental program.
2012/2013 Leadership Class
Ken Backofen, Mystic Aquarium
Kimberly Barry, Thames Valley Council for Community Action
Deb Berardi, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
Stephanie Brown, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut
Rachel Carlson, Chelsea Groton Bank
Lara Chiaverini, The Arc New London County
Sarah Crowley, Miranda Creative
Sarah Curtis, American Ambulance Service Inc.
Helen D’Alessio, People’s United Bank
Jessica DeConto, Chelsea Groton Bank
Jill Drobiak, J.H. Cohn LLP
Anna Hickey, U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Nathan Jaycox, Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, Inc.
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Lauren Mallozzi, The William W. Backus Hospital
Kacey McCarthy-Zaremba, Three Rivers Community College
Kelly Milton, Mystic Aquarium
Paul Pescatello, CorePlus Federal Credit Union
Nancy Rall, Groton Regency
George Reid-Perry, United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT
Bill Rossi, Groton Utilities
Madelyn Sartor, Freeport McMoran
Lamar Spruill, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut
William Sweeney, Tobin, Carberry, O’Malley, Riley & Selinger, PC
Kristin Wainright, Tobin, Carberry, O’Malley, Riley & Selinger, PC
Michelle Williams, Mohegan Sun
Wendy Yagarich, Madonna Place, Inc.
A behind the scenes tour of TASMG in Groton during the
Military Affairs session.
Overlooking the New London Ledge Lighthouse on a trip with
Cross Sound Ferry for Tourism, Arts, and Transportation session.
The group filmed testimonials at Xplore for their Media session.
The group toured the Capitol for their Government session.
Parades
The Chamber and the Young
Professionals marched in
the New London St. Patrick’s
Day parade, and the Mystic
Irish Parade. Tony Sheridan
played the accordion aboard
a Mercedes convertible
sponsored by Carriage House
of New London.
Ribbon Cuttings,
Grand Openings, and
Open Houses
Higher Edge (formerly College Access Program), New London
Grand Wine and Spirits New Location, Groton
Schaefer Mortgage Corporation, Waterford
Joshua Center Thames Valley (Natchaug Hospital), Norwich
Eastern Connecticut Ballet, Old Saybrook
Steaming Kettle, New London
Smoochie Bird Gift Shop, East Lyme
Residence Inn by Marriott, Mystic
Oral Care Dental Group, New London
Holiday Inn New London and Wings & Pies/O’s Bar & Grill, New London
The PAST Antiques Market & Museum at Nature’s Art Village, Oakdale
Cowlick’s Creamery, Waterford
Global Bar & Lounge, Gales Ferry
Wired Bean Café, North Stonington
Sprigs & Twigs, Inc., Gales Ferry
Monte Cristo Bookshop, New London
Design2Consign, Waterford
Jimmy Marketing/EasyWebCreations, Waterford
Marinello School of Beauty, Niantic
The Frame Shop at Firehouse Square, New London
The Country Doc Walk-In & Wellness, LLC, North Stonington
American Truck and Lawn Depot, Waterford
Blackburn Professional Cleaning, Waterford
Holiday Inn, Norwich
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Councils and 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
Member volunteers committed to welcoming new
members, explaining benefits and assisting with
introductions at networking and social functions.
Health Care Council
Education Council
Co-Chairs: Nancy Bulkeley, Dominion Nuclear
Connecticut, Inc.
Sue Murphy, Liberty Bank Foundation
Acts as a liaison between the business and
education communities, and provides volunteers
with the opportunity to connect with one or more
schools within eastern Connecticut.
Young Professionals of Eastern
Connecticut
Chair: Peter DeRosa
Natchaug Hospital
To support businesses in providing access
and programs to support the health of their
employees.
Military Affairs Council
Chair: Mark Nickerson
Geico
Serves as a vital link between active duty military
and the region, and helps organize the Chamber’s
annual Military Appreciation Breakfast.
Legislative Affairs Council
Chair: Stan Mickus
Cross Sound Ferry Services
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.
Chair: Crystal Rose Cathcart
MarketStance
To enrich the community by providing business,
networking and volunteer opportunities to
support the career development and personal
choices of young professionals, and to promote
the qualities that make eastern Connecticut an
attractive place for young professionals.
Town Divisions
Chair: Pamela Allen Kinder
United Community & Family Services
Divisions 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 divisions
include: Groton-Ledyard, East Lyme, Fishers
Island, Montville, Norwich Area, New London, The
Stoningtons and Waterford.
Divisions:
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East Lyme Division
New London Division
Fishers Island Division
Norwich Area Division
Groton-Ledyard Division
The Stoningtons Division
Montville Division
Waterford Division
State of New London
4th Annual Military Appreciation Breakfast
The Annual Student Leaders Breakfast
Education Reform Business Breakfast
The Chamber retains Levin,
Powers & Brennan, LLC, a
government affairs firm,
to monitor the legislative
process in Hartford and
to advise the Chamber of
proposed legislation that if
enacted, will have an impact
on business in Connecticut.
The Chamber’s Military
Affairs Council organizes the
annual Military Appreciation
Breakfast, Service Person
of the Month, the military
discount program and other
efforts to support the men
and women in our armed
forces stationed in the region.
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Membership
Membership by Area
Greater Norwich
24%
Groton/Mystic/Stoninginton
20%
New London
18%
Other CT Regions
10%
Waterford
9%
Lyme/Old Lyme/East Lyme
8%
Out of State
5%
Ledyard/Gales Ferry
4%
Montville/Oakdale/Salem
2%
151
New Members
New Members by City
New London
42
Other CT Regions
26
Greater Norwich
22
Waterford
16
Stonington/Mystic
14
Membership by Category
Professional Services
Financial & Insurance Services
15%
Food, Drink & Dining
12%
Healthcare
11%
Community & Non-Profit Services
8%
Groton
9
Retail & Consumer Services
7%
East Lyme/Niantic
8
Transportation & Utilities
7%
Training & Technology
7%
Ledyard/Gales Ferry
Out of State
7
4
Skilled Trades
6%
Old Lyme
2
Attractions & Entertainment
4%
Colchester
1
Government & Public Services
4%
Accomodations
10
16%
3%
Financials
2013 Financial Overview
2013
2012
2011
2010
Assets
543,330
471,254
401,662
424,018
Liabilities
192,747
132,063
100,116
109,274
Equity
350,583
339,191
301,546
314,744
Current Ratio
3:1
3:1
4:1
3:1
2013 brought new grant initiatives to the Chamber,
strengthening the ability to provide quality business
resources to Chamber membership. The financial stability
of the organization continues to remain strong despite
the lagging economy. Two new large events proved to be
successful non-dues revenue generators: the Total Life
Expo and Eastern Connecticut’s Premier Home Show. In
addition, 151 businesses became new members and 112
new YP members were recruited. For the 8th consecutive
year, the Chamber has not increased dues and continues
to maintain an affordable, low dues structure.
2013 Revenue
$1,224,247*
Programs & Events
33%
Regional Benefactors
27%
Dues Renewal
22%
Grants
13%
New Memberships
3%
Membership Promotions
2%
2013 Expenses
$1,202,560*
Programs & Events
48%
Membership & Marketing
17%
Operations
13%
Buildings & Computers
13%
Grants
*unaudited
9%
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Marketing
Weekly and Monthly Chamber Publications
VOICE Newsletter
The One and Only
Staying Connected
This monthly newsletter augments our
online marketing and communication
efforts with a strong focus on member
news. This is a great resource for
keeping up-to-date on all the business
developments in our region.
We have made it easier for our members
to stay informed. By combining our
program and events and member news,
we now provide one convenient place
for you to get all the latest Chamber
happenings weekly.
Our monthly insert in The Day,
Connection, spotlights our members
and highlights upcoming events, while
providing essential commentary on
items that are important to fulfilling the
Chamber mission.
New Websites
The Chamber developed
new websites to help market
Eastern Connecticut’s Premier
Home Show and Total Life Expo.
These single-event websites
garnered more than 13,700
page views collectively in
2013.
In addition, the Chamber
created the branding, an
eight-page newspaper insert,
advertisements for multiple
publications, posters, and
much more for the Home Show.
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Marketing Facts
50% more people like us on Facebook
compared to last year, as the Chamber
has reached 1,522 likes.
Newsworthy
The Chamber collaborates with
The Day, The Bulletin, Patch.com,
and The Resident to promote the
business community.
An estimated 2,000 photos were
published to our Flickr page in 2013,
and grouped into 80 photo sets.
www.ChamberECT.com tallied more than
172,000 page views in 2013, an increase
of 3% compared to the previous year.
The Chamber website had nearly 50%
more mobile-device traffic in 2013,
after adding our mobile app.
The Buy Local logo received a new look,
to help promote the fact that “Local
stores support local communities.”
Business Directory
The 2013-2014 edition
of this valuable resource
provides residents, visitors
and those relocating to
the area a comprehensive
source of business products,
services, and general
information. It is distributed
widely and posted online on
www.ChamberECT.com.
Special Programs
The Chamber’s Annual Report, Citizen of the Year Program, and
Crawford Award Program not only offer a glimpse of Chamber
activities and honoree accomplishments, they also offer costeffective advertising vehicles for Chamber members.
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Grants
Workforce Development
We continued our work with the Eastern CT
Workforce Investment Board (EWIB) to supervise
the Business Services Team at 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.
Additionally, information and support are being
provided to businesses on the DOL initiative
(Step Up) on subsidized training and employment
for new employees. A focus is being placed on
unemployed veterans wage reimbursment. Labor
market information on wages, tax credits, and
downsizing assistance was also provided.
Economic Develpoment
CT Department of Economic and
Community Development to provide
Business Development
This project locates minority owned
businesses who would benefit from Chamber
membership. Membership supports these
small business owners through introduction
into the wider community, promotion of
their company, networking opportunities,
and free informational seminars.
One of the past recipients was a non-profit
organization that assists inner city youth
fulfill their goals of obtaining a college
education. The organization, seeing value
in membership after a year of sponsorship,
was able to continue with the Chamber to
support their future growth.
assistance to better coordinate programs,
services and resources; help raise awareness
about the state’s economic development tools;
and to foster more state and local collaboration
on marketing and other outreach opportunities
at the local and regional level.
Economic Develpoment
CT Small Business Development Center
Connecticut’s Metro Chambers, in partnership
with the University of Connecticut, work to
drive economic development and provide
business education across the state. The
partnership works to build upon the newly
launched ecosystem in Connecticut that supports
and grows innovation and entrepreneurship
throughout the state by assisting companies with
fewer than 100 employees to accelerate their
growth as well as fostering startups.
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Leadership Development
The Community Foundation of Eastern CT is
supporting 4 non-profit employees through
a grant to allow them to participate in the
Chamber’s Leadership Program for two
years. This grant makes it possible for local
non-profits to provide their employees
with excellent leadership training. Program
participants develop their skills; attend
sessions on a diversity of regional topics
including economic development, the
judicial system, and health/human services;
and learn to be a great asset to both their
employers and the local community.
Partners and Affiliates
Additional Partners
CTSBDC
In 2013, the Chamber welcomed a new partnership
with the Connecticut Small Business Development
Center (CTSBDC). Local resident, Matt Nemeth
joined a team of twelve advisors serving the state to
provide no-cost, confidential assistance, including
business plan review, social media training,
market research and guidance with loan and grant
applications. Matt serves the business community in
Greater New London County and he is available to
meet clients at the Chamber office in Waterford.
CTSBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S.
Small Business Administration, the Connecticut Department of Economic
and Community Development and the University of Connecticut.
The Chamber continued an active
partnership with SCORE (Counselors to
America’s Small Business), providing free
consultation to small businesses or those
interested in starting a small business.
SCORE counselors keep office hours at
the Chamber and Dime Bank in Norwich
each week. Call the Chamber for further
information at (860) 701-9113.
Builders and Remodelers Association of Eastern Connecticut
Chamber Insurance Trust
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation
ConnectiCare
Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA)
Connecticut Eastern Regional Tourism District
Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC)
CT Department of Labor
CT Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD)
Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board
Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau
Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce
New London Main Street
Northeast Utilities
Renaissance City Development Association
Small Business Administration
Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer)
United States Coast Guard Academy
United States Department of Commerce
United States Naval Submarine Base New London
Consists of the Presidents and
CEO’s of Middlesex County
Chamber of Commerce, the
Greater New Haven Chamber of
Commerce, the Hartford Metro
Alliance, the Waterbury Chamber
of Commerce, the Greater
Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce,
the Business Council of Fairfield,
Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce and the
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. Meeting
monthly, the goal is to influence legislation that improves
the business climate of the state.
15
Tourism
New London Tourism
Booth 2013 Report
This past year we had 703 visitors at the
booth located in the heart of historic
downtown New London. Those who stopped
to seek assistance came from 33 different
states and 18 foreign countries.
Most came from Connecticut, followed by
New York and Rhode Island. Internationally,
the most visitors came from Canada and a
number of European countries. Also, there
was one visitor each from Saudi Arabia,
Japan, Macadonia, Israel, India, Brazil and
more.
We’ve got the region covered
The Chamber displays local maps, member
brochures and rack cards, covering a wide area
and containing a great deal of information about
local attractions and things to do in eastern
Connecticut. In case you’re counting, we have
hundreds that are distributed regularly.
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25% of visitors came by the booth to get
sightseeing information, while 11% asked for
recommendations on a place to eat.
With our partner, New London Main Street,
we thank all the individuals who contributed
to our productive year, including the
many volunteers who provided valuable
information to those who visit.
Mystic Country Magazine
The official magazine of Mystic Country, the 42
towns in eastern Connecticut, rich in history
and filled with fun places to visit, is published
by a partnership that includes the Chamber
and the Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau. It
is published by The Day newspaper and is
available widely in Connecticut. Copies are
available at the Chamber office.
Australia Trip
Tony Sheridan participated in the Connecticut
Trade Mission to Australia in September
2013. The trade mission was initiated by
Congressman Joe Courtney, organized by
Anne Evans, District Director of the U.S.
Department of Commerce and supported
by the US Consulate Commercial Offices in
Sydney. Tony represented the Chamber’s 1,600
member businesses and encouraged tourism
to eastern Connecticut. The mission was a
great success in so far as promoting the region
as a destination. Australians travel abroad for
both pleasure and business, and due to the
Connecticut Trade Mission, the foundation has
been set to encourage those tourists to visit
eastern Connecticut.
GMVB
The Chamber continues to host operations for
the Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau with Tony
Sheridan serving as Chairman of the Board.
In addition to serving as the administrator for
GMVB, in 2013 the Chamber assumed the role
of webmaster for mystic.org.
Photos to right courtesy of Mystic.org
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Young Professionals
of Eastern Connecticut
221
Purpose
To enrich the community by providing business,
networking and volunteer opportunities to support
the career development and personal choices of
young professionals, and to promote the qualities
that make eastern Connecticut an attractive place
for young professionals to live, work and play.
Membership Count
112 joined in 2013
2013 YPsocials
Jan - Holiday Inn New London
Feb - Garde Arts Center
Mar - Arrow Paper
Apr - Hilton Mystic
May - Whalers Inn
Jun - Florence Griswold Museum
Jul - Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Aug - Buon Appetito
Sep - Spirit of Broadway Theater
Oct - Aurthur Murray Dance Studio
Dec - Spa at Norwich Inn
Celebration
Dinner
Giving Back to
the Community
JoAn Collins took the role of Chair, succeeding Crystal
Rose Cathcart, as well as earning the title Young
Professional of the Year. Many members were also
honored for their distinguished commitment over
the year, including:
• Kia Baird, Community Service Award
• Alex Marku, Unsung Hero
• Brian Fagan, Entrepreneur of the Year
Their work has not gone unnoticed, and through
their active community engagement they have
garnered the respect of the group’s first three
sponsors: presenting sponsor McCue Mortgage of
New London, and the supporting sponsors Quality
Inn Mystic and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.
In November, members
met for the first Young
Professionals Celebration
Dinner. The evening
served as a look-back at
the accomplishments of
individuals and the group
at large, while setting a tone for the direction of the
Young Professionals with the introduction of a new
Chair.
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Our Young Professionals
showed a strong interest
in getting involved
and giving back to the
community. This year,
members volunteered
with FRESH New London,
Habitat for Humanity, MASH, and The Light House.
Furthermore, they completed a successful food drive
that resulted in more than 300 food items being
collected for the Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor
Food Center in New London.
Staff
TONY SHERIDAN
SHERI COTE
President & CEO
Vice President
MEGAN CRONIN
TRACY TREMBLAY
LORI THOMPSON
Office Manager
Program and Event Manager
RON HAUBERT
ASHLEE DONOVAN
NANCY HERBERT
Business Services Representative
Membership Sales Coordinator
DENNY HICKS
Retired
Marketing Coordinator
KATHY CHARTIER
Retired
Grant Coordinator
DEBY MARTINEZ
Relocated
BRUCE MACDONALD
Retired
MATTHEW LIPMAN
Web and Graphic Designer
KERRIE WALKER
Administrative Assistant
JOE TORNEO
Relocated
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Chamber Foundation
Statement of Purpose
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation,
a business community-based 501(c)(3) foundation affiliated with
the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, is dedicated
to promoting initiatives that enhance and enrich education and
economic opportunities in the Chamber service area.
30th Annual Holiday Gala
The region, once again, showed its heart in December at Mohegan Sun. Through
the generosity of the community, the hard work of Foundation board chair Lou
Ziegler, and a dedicated team of volunteers, we were able to raise nearly $105,000
at the annual Gala. Everyone pitched in to help because it’s all about the children.
2013 FOUNDATION
GRANT RECIPIENTS
$20,000
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
$2,000
$2,000
$2,500
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
$4,000
$4,000
$3,000
$2,925
$2,500
$2,381
$2,000
$1,800
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
Tommy Toy Fund
CT Adoption & Family Services
Waterford Country School
High Hopes
Madonna Place
UCFS
S.T.E.P.S. Inc.
EWIB
FRESH New London
Gemma Moran United Way
Mystic Area Shelter & Hospitality
St. Vincent de Paul Place
Thames River Family Program
TVCCA
ECHO Cancer Foundation
CareNet Pregnancy Resource Center
Riverfront Children’s Center
New London Community Orchestra
CT Parent Advocacy Center
Big Brothers Big Sisters of SECT
Norwich Rotary Foundation
Norwich Safety Net Team
2nd Annual Bowl-a-thon
The High Rollers Luxury Lanes & Lounge at Foxwoods
was the setting of the Foundation’s Bowl-a-thon,
which took place in April. The event was a striking
success, helping the Foundation raise more than
$8,000 for nonprofits that help children.
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Regional Chamber Awards
The Regional
Chamber
Awards are
selected
each year
from a pool
of Chamber
members
nominated by
their peers.
Maggie Jones, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Board of Directors Special Award
David Preka, Advanced Improvements
Volunteer of the Year
Norwich Community Development Corporation
Community Revitalization Leader
A Beautiful Company General Contractors
Small Business of the Year
Past Regional Chamber Awards
Great Neck Country Club
David Hammerstrom
Robert Congdon
Surrey Equities/Silvera Asset Group
Holdridge Home & Garden Showplace
Deb Donovan
Copperwood Grill
Harp & Dragon
Sammy Piotrkowski
Isabelle Singer
New London Harbour Towers
Captain Daniel Packer Inne
Bob Blinderman
Chuck Seeman
Mike Buscetto
Survival Systems
SCORE
Beverly Goulet
YMCA of SECT
McLaughlin Companies
Birk Manufacturing
Angela Arnold
AME Development LLC
SECONN Fabrication
John Parker
Marc Bokoff
Art Lathrop
Sheffield Laboratories
Dave Wigfield, Sr.
Small Business of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Board of Directors Special Award
Community Revitalization
Small Business of the Year
Board of Directors Special Award
Community Revitalization
Small Business of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Board of Directors Special Award
Community Revitalization
Small Business of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Board of Directors Special Award
Community Revitalization
Small Business of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Board of Directors Special Award
Community Revitalization
Community Revitalization
Entrepreneur of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Community Revitalization
Small Business of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Community Revitalization
Small Business of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
2013
2013
2013
2012
2012
2012
2011
2011
2011
2011
2010
2010
2010
2010
2009
2009
2009
2009
2008
2008
2008
2008
2007
2007
2007
2007
2006
2006
2006
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2013 Memories
22
Sponsors
Award Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
General Contracting Services
24
A special thank you to our Regional Benefactors who contribute
significantly to programs in support of the small business community