MEMBER NEWSLETTER JANUARY ECT Home Show Booths Available Page 3

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1 VOICE MEMBER NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2016 Inside: Chamber Calendar...2 Member News...3 Member Pride Features...5 ECT Home Show Booths Available Page 3 New Facebook Discount Group Page 5 Chamber Helps Your Small Business Grow When the small business community does well, the entire region benefits. Small businesses provide good jobs, keep our economy afloat, and ensure the safety and well-being of our communities year-round. If you re looking to grow your business, take advantage of helpful resources the Chamber makes available at your fingertips, including: Free Workshops: The Chamber regularly hosts free workshops helpful to any business owner, ranging from topics covering Build Your Marketing Toolkit to Trust and Communication in the Workplace. These free programs show you how to make best use of your finances, staff, and resources. See the full workshop lineup in this month s calendar section (page 2) or visit Partnership with SBDC: CT s SBDC (Small Business Development Center) provides free advising services, offers training and workshops, and gives stepby-step strategies to help your business grow. Recently, the CT SBDC supplied a grant to the Chamber to provide critical support to existing and startup companies in the region. Contact Business Advisor Matthew Nemeth at (860) or Matthew.Nemeth@UConn.edu to learn more. Partnership with SBA: Like SBDC, the SBA (Small Business Administration) provides mentoring services, workshops, and helpful resources to guide your business as it grows. Visit SBA s website at for more. Partnership with EWIB: EWIB (Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board) is focused on serving the region s job seekers, employers, and youth. Its workforce-related programs match the changing needs of workers with those of employers. Contact Tracy Tremblay, Business Services Representative, at (860) for more information. Partnership with DECD: CT s DECD (Department of Economic and Community Development) is your resource for promoting business, community, tourism, and artistic development in the state. DECD is also a leader of coordinating publicprivate partnerships in CT. Learn more at Have questions about growing your small business in CT? Attend the Chamber s Jan. 22, 2016 Business Breakfast with Seth Goodall, SBA New England Regional Manager, and SEE PAGE 1 A Special Thank You Through their commitment to the Chamber, these companies have demonstrated support for the many smaller businesses we serve. 914 Hartford Turnpike, Suite 206, Waterford, CT Phone: (860)

2 Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Voice JANUARY 2016 Resources (continued) Catherine Smith, Commissioner of DECD. Goodall and Smith will provide an informative update about CT s small business community and respond to guest concerns following their presentation. Admission is $17 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members, with a $5 walk-in fee applied to all non-registered walk-ins. Learn more and reserve your spot today at or call the Chamber office at (860) BUSINESS AFTER HOURS SUBSCRIPTIONS 2016 NEW MEMBERS Krueger Window & Siding LLC (860) Palmer Avenue, Jewett City New London Science & Technology Magnet High School (860) Jefferson Avenue, New London Right Path Organic Cafe (860) State Street, New London We are pleased to welcome new members to our Chamber. Scooter A Long (860) Stoddards Wharf Road, Gales Ferry Stonington Natural Health Center (860) Wilcox Road, Suite 103, Stonington The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (860) Main Street, Old Saybrook Stay up to date on our newest members at Don t miss this great opportunity to get out in the community, network, and get your company recognized. Why subscribe? Save money and avoid walk-in fees Save time without event registration Can t make it? Transfer to co-worker Permanent name badge reminders Great networking opportunity! Cost: $150 Save nearly 50% on the 2016 schedule! Visit the Chamber website more information and the 2016 Business After Hours schedule:

3 Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Voice PAGE 2 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Pre-registration is necessary for most events. Call (860) or visit to learn more about any event. Cancellation Policy: Notice must be given at least three business days prior to event. No-shows or those unable to cancel in time will be billed. To cancel, please call the Chamber JANUARY Free Workshop: Facebook Best Practices for Business Ribbon Cutting: Right Path Organic Cafe 5:00 to 6:00 PM 140 State Street, New London Free Workshop: Creating Irresistible Web Content Harp and Dragon 5:30 to 7:30 PM 130 Main Street, Norwich Business Breakfast with Seth Goodall, SBA, and Catherine Smith, DECD 7:45 to 9:00 AM Groton Inn & Suites, 99 Gold Star Highway, Groton Free Workshop: LinkedIn Best Practices for Business Free Workshop: Trust and Communication in the Workplace Free Workshop: Build your Marketing Toolkit Business Breakfast with UConn President Susan Herbst 7:45 to 9:00 AM Hilton Mystic, 20 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic MARCH Business After Hours at Arooga s with Mohegan Holding Co. 5:30 to 7:30 PM 32 Sandy Desert Road, Uncasville 26 Ribbon Cutting at Assured Safety in Mystic 5:30 PM 1 Fort Hill Road, Groton 5-6 Eastern Connecticut s Premier Home Show :00 to 5:00 PM Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, 625 North Road (Rt 117), Groton 5 8 FEBRUARY Young Professionals of the Year Banquet 5:30 to 9:30 PM Latitude 41, 105 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic Federal Business Program Opportunities with Congressman Joe Courtney 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Holiday Inn, 10 Laura Boulevard, Norwich Get the most up to date schedule of Chamber events at Free Workshop: LinkedIn Best Practices for Business Annual Meeting of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT 5:30 to 8:30 PM Hilton Mystic, 20 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic 2nd Annual Eastern Connecticut Career Fair Three Rivers Community College, 574 New London Tpke, Norwich ADVERTISE IN THE VOICE Ad Rates: $750 $400 $250 $100 Full Page (8 W x 10.5 H) Half Page (8 W x H) Quarter Page (3.875 W x H) Business Card (3.875 W x 2.45 H) Contact us for details or to reserve space. (860) Ads@ChamberECT.com Nominate the region s best companies Had a great year in business? Know a local company that has? Nominate a business or business leader for an Annual Regional Chamber Award, to be presented at our Annual Meeting on March 22 at the Hilton Mystic. We are currently accepting nominations for Small Business of the Year and Community Revitalization Leader of the Year. Nominations are requested by February 29 at close of business. To find specific criteria and submit a nomination, or to register for the annual meeting, please visit Contact the Chamber at (860) with any questions or comments.

4 Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Voice JANUARY 2016 MEMBER NEWS Mentors Needed Put your experience, knowledge, and interests to work mentoring children in New London and Waterford schools. Looking for seniors (ages 55+) to help make a difference! Small stipend and insurance provided, flexible days/times, make a positive impact in a child s life! Contact Jennifer Johnson at or JJohnson@TVCCA.org. Please visit our website: Duncklee Cooling & Heating Receives Award Jonathan Duncklee, president of Duncklee Cooling & Heating, recently received the Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Outstanding Achievement Award. From a group of over 3000 other companies ranked as national diamond contractor dealers throughout the country, Duncklee Cooling & Heating, Inc. was recognized for outstanding achievement and was awarded for sales performance, loyalty, customer service and training. The award was presented on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at the annual Mitsubishi Cooling & Heating Diamond Contractor convention held in Las Vegas, Nevada, with over 400 people in attendance, Jonathan Duncklee accepted the award on behalf of the 12 employees at Duncklee Cooling & Heating. Duncklee Cooling & Heating was founded by the late Les Duncklee in Licensed in Connecticut and Rhode Island, Duncklee Cooling & Heating is an expert in the custom design, installation and service of residential and commercial heating & cooling HVAC systems including super-efficient Luxaire warm air gas, oil, and heat pumps; Navien on-demand tank-less; and Mitsubishi ductless cooling and heating technology. The Duncklee office is located at 296 Taugwonk Rd., Stonington CT and can be reached at or The Pink Mermaid Announces Three Year Accreditation Award The Pink Mermaid Mastectomy Boutique in Groton, CT proudly announces a Three-Year Accreditation award in Mastectomy by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc. The Pink Mermaid is recognized for achievements in the areas of Organizational Management, Patient Care Standards, Quality Assurance, Supplier Compliance and Facility and Safety Management. This award represents the highest level of accreditation achievable in the profession of orthotics and prosthetics. The Pink Mermaid has demonstrated its commitment to the provision of quality patient care services by seeking and attaining ABC accreditation, said Catherine Carter, ABC s Executive Director. ABC is proud to include The Pink Mermaid among our over 2,500 accredited patient care facilities. The Pink Mermaid has been offering mastectomy and lymphedema fitting services in southeastern Connecticut since The Pink Mermaid offers fittings in all post mastectomy products, lymphedema garments of all types and compression therapy stockings. Custom made garments are also available if needed. The shop carries everything needed after breast surgery - mastectomy swimsuits, specialty lotions for use during chemotherapy, specialty camisole tops, and a large variety of hats and turbans. SECURE YOUR BOOTH TODAY Regular Booth $975* Premium Booth (Limited) $1200* Chamber Members: Save $50 CONTACT Sheri Cote SCote@ChamberECT.com (860) Dy Parker BAEC2@aol.com (860) *limited time only SAT and SUN MARCH AM - 5PM EXIT 88 OFF I-95

5 Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Voice PAGE 4 FROM OUR BENEFACTORS Backus Hospital, ShopRite Partner on Healthy New Year A new partnership between The William W. Backus Hospital and ShopRite supermarket in Norwich will connect people across the region to healthier eating. It tackles nutritionrelated problems on the front lines: right in the supermarket aisles. Backus Hospital and the local ShopRite are partnering on Just Ask, a program to help those seeking to live healthier lives choose food with less salt and fat. The partnership, an expansion of Backus Hospital s successful Just Ask program in local restaurants, will make it easier for ShopRite customers to choose foods that are lower in salt and unhealthy fats when they shop in the deli, meat department and prepared food sections of the store. Just Ask signage will be posted throughout the store, reinforcing healthy habits. Employees in the deli, meat department and prepared food sections will help customers choose healthier foods. Backus Hospital s Community Health Needs Assessment ranks obesity as one of the region s top health concerns, which has led to an array of community outreach efforts, including Just Ask, which was created after a cardiac support group patient complained that when eating out there were very few heart healthy options. Backus surveyed local restaurants, finding that healthy options were usually available you just have to ask. The Just Ask program began with restaurants, with more than 30 local establishments signing on in the Norwich and Willimantic areas. In an effort to expand the program, ShopRite was approached and agreed to be Backus Hospital s exclusive Just Ask grocery partner, starting in Norwich. If successful, the program will be expanded to other ShopRite locations and throughout Hartford HealthCare, which Backus is part of. The Just Ask program fits perfectly with ShopRite s focus on helping our customers live healthier lives, said Ken Capano, owner of the Norwich store. We are proud to partner with our local hospital, Backus, especially at a time when people have made New Year s resolutions to eat healthier. We already have the healthy food options this just helps bring more attention to them. ShopRite has been an innovator in the effort to improve the health of its communities, putting 130 of its own Registered Dieticians on staff in 23 locations. With the Just Ask program in Norwich, Backus specialists will join them to provide information, cooking demonstrations, screenings, grocery shopping tours and health-conscious seminars in the Shop-Rite pharmacy department. Backus Hospital s mission is to improve the health of the community, said Alice Facente, Backus Hospital s Community Health Education Nurse. But we can t do it alone. Partners like ShopRite are critical if we are really going to move the dial on population health, beyond the walls of the hospital. The Just Ask program provides hands-on guidance, when and where consumers make some of their most important food decisions. The program also helps in the fight against childhood obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. In a 2015 study of healthcare consumers, nutrition, physical activity and weight were the top-priority areas where people wanted more support. The partnership will reinforce Hartford HealthCare s Connect to Healthier campaign, and will be promoted to patients in brochures, newsletters, in ShopRite circulars and online. Chelsea Groton Bank Designated Small Business Administration Preferred Lender Chelsea Groton Bank was recently named a Preferred Lender Program (PLP) by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This designation allows Chelsea Groton Bank to decide unilaterally on SBA participation in eligible loans. The PLP is part of SBA s effort to streamline the procedures necessary to provide financial assistance to the small business community. The SBA delegates the final credit decision and most servicing and liquidation authority to carefully selected PLP lenders. Earning this designation is a testament to the hard work of the Chelsea Groton Bank lending team, said Tony Joyce, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Manager at Chelsea Groton Bank. Because of our team s tireless efforts and our ability to consistently deliver above and beyond for businesses of all sizes, our future business customers will be able to benefit from a more streamlined loan application process. Lenders are considered for PLP status based on their record with the SBA, and must have demonstrated a proficiency in processing and servicing SBA-guaranteed loans. Charter Oak Awards Over $438,000 in Gold Rewards Bonuses Charter Oak Federal Credit Union has awarded over $438,000 in annual $100 cash bonuses to its Gold Rewards members in December a new record for the credit union and the total payout of bonuses since Gold Rewards began has grown to more than $2 million. Since Gold Rewards was created in 2010, the overall membership and total cash payouts have soared nearly 70 percent. In addition, during that same timeframe, Charter Oak has returned nearly $532,000 in ATM rebates to Gold Rewards members. Exceeding the $2 million mark in total bonus payouts is a major milestone for our credit union and our members, said Brian A. Orenstein, Charter Oak s President and Chief Executive Officer. It s a reflection of our financial strength and growth, as well as our strong commitment to provide better banking for our members. When Gold Rewards was initiated in 2010, a total of 2,590 members received their annual $100 bonus. This year, Charter Oak paid out $100 annual bonuses to 4,385 members a 69 percent increase in the number of members receiving their annual cash bonus. Charter Oak created Gold Rewards to provide additional value and financial rewards for those credit union members with important account relationships. The special membership-appreciation program offers a broad array of benefits, including a $100 annual bonus, ATM rebates, special rates on deposits, discounts on new personal loans and a $100 credit toward first mortgage closing costs. For more information about Charter Oak s Gold Rewards program, including how to qualify, please visit CharterOak.org, or stop by any of the credit union s branches in New London or Windham counties, or call (860) or (800) Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. You can get more news at Submit your press release on the Chamber website under member access

6 Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Voice JANUARY 2016 WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR MEMBERS The Connection, Inc. The Connection is a Connecticut-based non-profit human services and community development agency. Our agency has programs in the areas of women and children, supporting housing, behavioral health, and community justice. 542 Long Hill Road, Groton (860) Comfort Inn Mystic The hotel, conveniently located off Interstate 95 in the heart of historic Mystic, is within walking distance from the area s top attractions and short drive to the casinos. Enjoy free hot breakfasts, free high speed internet, and an on-site exercise room. 48 Whitehall Avenue, Mystic (860) Our Piece of the Pie Helping Youth Become Successful Adults. A youth development agency offering a relationshipcentered approach to help young people access and attain a mix of the educational, employment and personal skills that contribute to their success. 309 A Otrobando Avenue, Norwich (860) Visiting Nurse Association of SECT, Inc. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to optimizing the health and well-being of the people in our region. We use the most current medical advances and technologies in home healthcare, and strengthen community resources for everyone. 403 North Frontage Road, Waterford (860) Premier CPAs, P.C. We believe first and foremost in creating a culture committed to a one-firm concept; working together as one-team and drawing our strength from an unwavering dedication to the growth and success of each and every client we have the privilege to serve. 211 Boston Post Road, East Lyme (860) Eastern Connecticut Symphony Founded in 1946, the mission of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra is to perform high quality symphonic music and conduct educational outreach programs. 289 State Street, New London (860) Join our Facebook group for the region s best discounts. View and submit your special deals today!

7 Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Voice PAGE 6 CHAMBER REPORT High school students discover career options with local employers at the 2015 Career Fair. Education Council Sets Date for 2nd Annual Career Fair The Chamber s Education Council has set a date for the second annual Eastern Connecticut career fair: March 23 at Three Rivers Community College (snow date March 24). High school students are invited to the career fair to talk with area employers about the skills and training they will need to find jobs in their desired industries. Students also have the chance to attend breakout sessions for more in-depth Q&A discussions. Employers featured at this event fall into industry clusters that are predicted to grow in our region in the coming years, according to the Dept. of Labor, including health and human services, business management and finance, manufacturing, and more. If your company would like to get involved, please Council Liaison Megan Cronin at MCronin@ChamberECT.com. Holiday Gala raises $115k for local charities The 32nd Annual Holiday Gala at Mohegan Sun on December 11 was a success, raising over $115,000 for local children s charities. The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation wishes to thank the event sponsors, auction donors, volunteers, and event guests for making such a difference in our community. For photos of this wonderful event, visit Chamber Foundation now accepting grant applications The mission of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation is to promote initiatives that enhance and enrich education and economic opportunities for children and families in the Chamber service area. The Foundation provides funds every year to local non-profits who serve this important need. Applications are due by close of business on Friday, February 12, 2016 and are available online at Chamber Foundation launches delicious fundraiser Now through January 31, you can support the Chamber Foundation simply by purchasing your favorite products from Omaha Steaks through their Steaks for Good campaign. 10% of your purchase will be donated to the Foundation to benefit local children s charities. Not only will you be enjoying quality foods, but during this limited time, you can score major discounts on a variety of convenient packages. To learn more or start shopping, visit Young Professionals of Eastern CT to present member awards YPECT will present the Young Professionals of the Year awards, as well as inaugurate the group s new Vice Chair, at a formal dinner on Friday, February 5 at Latitude 41, starting at 6 PM. The event begins with a networking reception with open bar, followed by a surf and turf dinner and presentations. The Young Professionals of the Year awards are presented to a select few YPECT members who, as nominated by their peers, have gone above and beyond in service to the community, and have excelled in their careers. The dinner is open to all, with $60 reservations for YPECT and chamber members, and $65 for non-member guests. Reserve your spot at or call the Chamber at Guests enjoy the 2015 Holiday Gala held at Mohegan Sun. The event is organized by the Chamber s Foundation annually.

8 914 Hartford Turnpike Suite 206 Waterford, CT PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID Norwich, CT PERMIT NO. 9 Special Thanks to Our Regional Benefactors 914 Hartford Turnpike, Suite 206, Waterford, CT Phone: (860)