CHAMBER OLD SAYBROOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
May 2014
MAY 2014 UPCOMING EVENTS
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING
May 6, 5:30 - 7pm Home-Based Business Community Meeting @ Chamber
May 8, 5:30 – 7pm Chamber Connections @ Apple Rehab Saybrook
May 13, 8:30—10:30am Legislative Wrap-up Forum @ Saybrook Pavilion
May 14, 11:30 –1pm Women in Business Mtg / Lunch @ Saybrook Pt Inn
May 15, 8am Ambassador Team Mtg @ Chamber
May 21, 8 - 9am Monthly Membership Mtg @ Apple Rehab Saybrook
May 22, 5:30 – 7pm Chamber Connections @ Saybrook Point Inn
May 28, 8am Board Meeting @ Chamber
SAVE THE DATE! September 27 75th Anniversary Cruise Aboard Lady Katharine
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21st 8—9am @ APPLE REHAB SAYBROOK
We are pleased to offer you another benefit of membership and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed! This is your chance to share your business with others every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Many of you, and particularly our newer members, have asked “When are the Monthly Meetings?” In response to this inquiry, we are proud to announce the first Monthly Membership Meeting Wednesday
Legislative Wrap-up Forum On Tues, May 13th, we are hosting a Legislative Wrap-up forum with Senator Art Linares and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA). Senator Linares will give a post session legislative update and CBIA will provide information on their initiatives to support businesses. Please join us and share your priorities and concerns with your local legislators: •Tuesday May 13th •Saybrook Pavilion, 150 College St •8:30-10am •RSVP 860 388-3266
May 21st, at Apple Rehab Saybrook 8am9am sharp. All attending members will be able to introduce their business. Three members can make a reservation for a “3 minute presentation” to speak about their business. These spots will fill quickly...call today to reserve. The meetings are free, but please RSVP by calling the office @ 860 388-3266. We want to make sure to have enough coffee!
Yankee Magazine Names Chamber Members “BEST OF” Four Old Saybrook Chamber members were voted “The Best” in this month’s Y a n k e e magazine: Swag: Best Personal Gift Shop; The Kate: Best Small Theater; Chamard Bistro: Best Vineyard/ Bistro; and Saybrook Point Inn: Best Waterside Escape.
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Thank you ChamberMail advertisers
ChamberMail is a direct mail and internet program reaching new homeowners in the area on a monthly basis. These attractive mailers begin the first week of May and will mail for one year or 2,000 mailings (whichever happens first). Advertisers can access the contact information for all new homeowners as well. Thank
you
to
all
our
members who participated in the 2014 ChamberMail program.
Board of Directors and Staff Officers
President: Lori Woll, Octagon @ Mystic Marriott Vice President: Linda Brophy, Edward Jones Treasurer: Jay Mills, Oakley Wing Group Secretary: Elaine Beame, Beame Realty Past President: Kristen Roberts, Comcast
Directors
Heather Gagnon, Academy of Professional Educ. Ed Lombardi, Lighthouse Home Care Bence Strickland, The Day Angus McDonald, Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe Bill McMinn, Essex Printing/Events Magazine
Shannon Timme, Harbor News Bob Bradley, New England Alliance Mortgage Peter Callahan, Fresh Perspectives Jessica DeRing, Apple Rehab Saybrook
Staff
Judy Sullivan, Executive Director Karen Pinette, Member Services Manager Meryl Tsagronis, Marketing Coordinator
Contact
www.oldsaybookchamber.com 860 388-3266
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
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Hamilton Connections
Stacey Dean 33 Main Street, 2nd floor, Old Saybrook
New England Power Equipment
860 391-8484
www.hamiltonconnection.com
Dave Clark 400 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook
The Placement Professionals
www.nepeinc.com
Power Equipment, Sales and Service
Lorin Liesenfelt 48 Main Street, Old Saybrook
DB & Associates Realty Group
www.godogdays.org
860 395-1688
Joanne Putnam 23 School House Road, Old Saybrook
860 593-5199
www.dbassociates.ismyreagent.com
Real Estate Services Lori Holbrook Old Saybrook 847 756-0755 Associate Member Abigail DeLisa LLC Gail DeLisa 860 995-5870 Certified Skincare Specialist
Dog Days Adoptions Events 860 575-0432
Non-profit helping shelter dogs find loving homes Café Routier Beth McDevitt 1353 Boston Post Road, Westbrook 860 399-8700 www.caferoutier.com Bistro and Lounge offering Global cuisine Academy of Professional Education Heather Gagnon 157 W. Main Street, Niantic
860 334-3207
www.BestRESchoolEver.net
Real estate education
HOME-BASED BUSINESS GROUP
Kevin Kennedy, HBBC Chair says: The Why, Who, What and When of Home-Based Business (HBB): • Why: Provide HBB owners information, support, • • • • •
networking opportunities, exposure, social interaction Who: Anyone who works from home When: May 6th Evening meeting - casual networking, self-introductions When: June 3rd Morning meeting - Speaker, networking opportunities, self-introductions Chambers Members - Tell your HBB friends, family and associates Economic development - Keep business and dollars local.
Kevin Kennedy, Kennedy Real Estate Solutions pictured at the April 1st meeting with Guest Speaker Jim Jackson. Jim is an advisor with CT Small Business Development Center.
Contact Kevin for more info at:
[email protected] or check our website @ oldsaybrookchamber.com
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
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Think Local First There are many benefits to choosing to support locally owned businesses to both the community and to each of us as local residents. We realize it is not always possible to buy what you need locally, so we merely ask to “Think Local First.” Here are just a few reasons to Think Local – Buy Local: 1. Buy Local – Support Yourself and Your Family: When you buy from a locally owned business, as opposed to a nationally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other locally owned businesses and service providers – continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community. 2. Shopping Local Creates Jobs: Businesses in the Old Saybrook area create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local community. 3. Community Support: Local businesses are significantly more generous in their support of local charities, schools and community events – auction and raffle donations most often come from local businesses. Local business donations directly support these fundraisers. 4. Better Customer Service: Numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. Local businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service. 5. Community Investment: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, and therefore more invested in the community.
In Memorium Vern Hunter, founder and Chairman of Hunter’s Ambulance Service / Hunter Limousines passed away on March 23rd at the age of 82. Mr. Hunter made an immeasurable impact on countless lives. In the Spring of 2013, Hunter’s Ambulance opened an Old Saybrook location at 309 Boston Post Road. Donations in his memory are being accepted for the Hunter’s Memorial Scholarship Fund, 450 West Main Street, Meriden, CT 06451. of the Executive DirectorSalvatore (Sal) DeBella passed away on April 13th at 88. Sal is best known as Memoriam
the driving force in the business started by his father in 1956, Luigi's Restaurant, a landmark Italian eatery in Old Saybrook that continues to be successfully run by Sal's children and grandchildren. Luigi’s was named the Chamber’s 2010 Business of the Year. He will be happily remembered and sadly missed by scores of past and present employees, many of whom started lifelong relationships and careers under Sal's benevolent guidance, and loyal customers who were witness to his constant generosity, humor and dedicated service.
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
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From the Desk of the Executive Director Remember the scene from the Steve Martin movie, The Jerk, when the new phone books arrive and he jumps up and down yelling ‘The new phone books are here – the new phone books are here!’ Well, we hope you have that same reaction when all 25,000 copies of the 201415 Old Saybrook Business Directory and Community Guide arrive this month. This 75th Anniversary edition is all glossy, very attractive and sure to be picked up and read by thousands. Thanks to all of you who took advantage of the advertising opportunity and special thanks to Bence Strickland and Terry Walsh at The Day for their dedicated work on this publication.
hosting these meetings for all of 2014. Join us at Apple Rehab – 5/21, 6/18, 7/16, 8/20 and at Gladeview – 9/17, 10/15, 11/19 and 12/17. These meetings will be energetic and beneficial – please join us!
Thanks to Carl & Christine Bulgini, Fenwick Mortgage, and Dave Saunders, Saybrook Soup & Sandwich, for hosting our March Chamber Connections. It was a lovely evening with members working collaboratively for the benefit of other members. We learned about their respective businesses, tasted savory delights and developed relationships all at the same time. Networking at its best!
We are looking for a Volunteer Coordinator for our 51st Annual Arts & Crafts Festival, July 26 & 27. We are fortunate to have many volunteers for the weekend and the responsibilities of the Coordinator would be to contact, schedule and manage our terrific volunteers. If you’d like to learn more about this very important contribution to the Festival, I’d love to talk to you!
I’m excited to announce our new Monthly Membership Meeting. These meetings will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month starting May 21. Members will have the opportunity to introduce their business/organization and learn about everyone’s business at the meeting. Three members will be given longer time to share their information. This will be done by reservation only. Additionally, we will be inviting community leaders to give a brief informative talk on what is happening around town. Thanks to Apple Rehab Saybrook and Gladeview Rehabilitation and Health Care for
Mark your Calendars: Tuesday, May 13th–8:30-10am at the Saybrook Point Pavilion. We will be hosting a Legislative Wrap-Up Forum to learn about what transpired during the 2014 CT Legislative session affecting the business community. Senator Art Linares will give a legislative update, and we’ll learn about initiatives from the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA). This forum will provide an excellent opportunity to share your priorities and concerns with our local legislators. Please join us—call or email the office today to register.
You may have noticed that the gardens around our building got a haircut! Thanks to First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Cal Caldarella and a few members of the original Gateway Building Committee, our building is getting a bit of a face lift. Stay tuned! I hope to see you soon. Take good care,
Judy
In celebration of the Chamber’s 75th anniversary, we’re looking for historical photos of Old Saybrook. Do you have an old or historic photo you’d like to share? Send it in; perhaps you’ll see it published here or online.
Some Chamber facts from long, long ago... 1939 - First regular Chamber meeting 7/12/39 @ 8:30pm 1955 - Chamber Treasurer reported a $436 Balance 1962 - Chamber membership at 80 members 1990 - Premier edition of the Old Saybrook Guidebook
Celebrating 75 Years
Fun afloat or ashore, in sparkling sun or in the clean, fresh cool of evening…for a vacation that’s really different, come to Old Saybrook. You’ll be glad you did. “Your Guide to Old Saybrook,” 1957.
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
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Connecticut General Assembly Basics
Connecticut’s state legislature is known as the General Assembly. It consists of the 36 members of the Senate and 151 members of the House of Representatives. Senators and Representatives are elected in November of even numbered years, for two year terms, from single member districts of substantially equal population. The House and the Senate meet at the State Capitol in Hartford. General Assembly committees meet and hold hearings in the adjoining Legislative Office Building (LOB), which also houses legislator offices. • Regular Sessions: The Connecticut General Assembly is a part-time legislature that meets for approximately 3 months in even numbered years (typically referred to as a ‘short session’) and 5 months in odd numbered years (typically referred to as a ‘long’ session). • Even numbered years, session begins on the Wednesday following the 1st Monday in February and concludes not later than the 1st Wed following the 1st Monday in May. The 2014 regular session convened Wed February 5, 2014 and will adjourn Wed May 7, 2014. • Odd-numbered years, session begins on the 1st Wednesday following the first Monday in January & concludes not
later than the 1st Wed following the 1st Monday in June. • Special Sessions: The Governor or a majority of the members of each house may call a special session of the General Assembly. • Veto or Trailer Session: If the Governor vetoes any bills after a regular or special session ends, the Secretary of State calls a legislative session for the sole purpose of considering whether or not to override the veto. The Connecticut General Assembly utilizes Joint Committees, meaning that members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate serve jointly on the committee. Contact Information for your Representative/Senator: Representative: Marilyn Giuliano, Republican 23rd District 23 representing Old Saybrook, Lyme, Old Lyme, Westbrook www.ctthousegop.com/marilyn-giuliano State Senator: Art Linares, Republican 33rd District representing Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook www.ctsenaterepublicans.com/home-linares State Senator: Andrea Stillman, Democrat 20th District representing Bozah, East Lyme, Montville, New London, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Salem & Waterford www.ctsenatedems.ct.gov/stillman.php
The Old Saybrook Flower Shop is now MAR.Floral and Botanicals. Jay and Donna Santoro owners of the Madison Flower Shop have transferred the Old Saybrook Flower shop to their daughter Marlee Santoro. We are delighted she is continuing the tradition of delivering a fresh flower arrangement
to the Chamber every Tuesday; we look forward to the delivery as it always brightens our week!
Breaking Ground on the Community Garden…
Please join us in welcoming the Quality Inn to Old Saybrook. General Manager Steven Haight, has been in the hotel industry for many years; most recently at Water’s Edge Resort and Spa.
In case you missed the news, the Valley Shore YMCA is starting a community garden! A plot has been staked out & we’ll begin planting soon. Everything we grow will be donated to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantry located at St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church in Westbrook. We still need lots of volunteers to help out. We also have a materials wish list for anyone able to donate supplies. You can signup to volunteer or donate at the front desk!
The phone and fax numbers will remain the same: 388-4670 & F 388-4677. We wish you continued success Marlee!
As of May 1st, the Quality Inn will be hosting overnight guests at 100 Essex Road, previously the Comfort Inn. A Ribbon Cutting ceremony will be June 4th. Watch for details!
Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
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Newsletter Business Card Sponsors John Boucher Mar, Apr, May
Annie Garland
A very special thank you to Keith Bolles at Saybrook Country Barn! Keith generously donated a much needed computer to our office, so that we now have a computer station for our interns!
Celebrating Women’s Image & Style with
Claudette Fried Luncheon Series Wed May 14, 2014 11:30am—1pm Saybrook Point Inn 2 Bridge Street Old Saybrook
Nationally known image consultant, Claudette Fried, will demonstrate what is appropriate for business meetings and how to take that day business look and transform it into a business dinner meeting. A former professional model, Claudette has appeared on “Oprah” and was Gayle King’s make-up artist for many years. She has worked on NBC News NYC as well as around the country and recently was the image consultant for WFSB, Channel 3 in Hartford and appeared twice weekly on “Better Connecticut”. She is currently working with Fortune 100 companies as their management image consultant.
Members $21.00 Non-Members $31.00 Registration and pre-payment required. Register online @oldsaybrookchamber.com
Cancellation Policy Notice must be given at least two business days prior to the event. No shows or those unable to cancel in time will be billed.
Chamber News Editor Judy Sullivan © May 2014, Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860-388-3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 19 OLD SAYBROOK, CT
May 2014 Phone 860-388-3266 • www.oldsaybrookchamber.com
• • • • • • • •
Tues May 6 – Home Based Business Community Group
@ Chamber Office 5:30 – 7pm
Thur May 8 – Chamber Connections @ Apple Rehab Saybrook 5:30 – 7pm Tues May 13 Legislative Wrap-up Forum
@ Saybrook Pavilion 8:30 – 10am
Wed May 14 – Women in Business Luncheon @ Saybrook Point Inn 11:30 – 1pm Thur May 15 – Ambassador Meeting @ Chamber 8am Wed May 21 – Monthly Membership Meeting @ Apple Rehab Saybrook 8 – 9am Thur May 22 – Chamber Connections
@ Saybrook Point Inn 5:30 – 7pm
Wed May 28 – Board of Directors Mtg @Chamber 8am
Thank you to our May 2014 newsletter sponsor: Guilford Savings Bank
