FROM THE 2025 PRESIDENT KARA PACHNIUK
Owner
Nourish + Nosh Nutrition 2025 Greater Old Saybrook Chamber President
Dear Members,
Words cannot express how excited I 2025! For those who attended our Annual November, you may recall that my th goal is to help our already amazing everything we do, ensuring the best members.
I am passionate about connecting people community. One of the best ways you by showing up. Whether it’s at our First (the next one is on February 6th) or Annual Chili Fest on March 1st, opportunities to meet new people and strengthen our community.
For Chili Fest, invite friends and make a day of it! Even better, consider volunteering for an hour before diving into the chili tasting—reach out if you're interested! No matter how you participate, I look forward to seeing you there.
Wishing you a healthy and happy start to the new year! Stay tuned for exciting new events and opportunities we’re planning for 2025.
Stay well,
Kara Pachniuk
EVENT INFO EVENT INFO
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Members have an opportunity to introduce themselves and their business/organization. Meetings are moderated as attendees briefly explain their business.
By reservation, 3 members may have a 3minute spotlight to share their business!
14 FEB
01 MAR 06 FEB
With Rachel Strabley of Hypnosis with Rachel
Learn simple, practical hypnosis techniques that you can apply to your daily life.
Self-hypnosis methods to boost productivity and creativity
28 FEB
Businesses
Members have an opportunity to introduce themselves and their business/organization. Meetings are moderated as attendees briefly explain their business.
By reservation, 3 members may have a 3minute spotlight to share their business!
06 MAR
Members have an opportunity to introduce themselves and their business/organization. Meetings are moderated as attendees briefly explain their business.
By reservation, 3 members may have a 3minute spotlight to share their business!
Over 20 chefs will compete for the title of "Best Chili," as determined by you, the voting public.
Tasting ballots will be sold starting Monday, February 24th at the Chamber office (1 Main Street) and at ballot stations along Main Street on the day of the event.
Each ballot allows purchaser to sample all chilis!
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM 14 MAR Women in Business Luncheon
Discover inspiration and connection at the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber Women in Business Luncheon.
This event is your opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch, network with fellow professionals, and gain insights to support your personal and professional growth.
EVENT INFO CONT. EVENT INFO CONT.
18 MAR
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Ribbon Cutting @ Maven Salon
Join us for the Grand Opening of Maven Salon on Main Street.
Help us celebrate Angela and her team with a ribbon cutting to commemorate such a special day! Tour her beautiful space and get to know the expert stylists!
@ Maven Salon - 114 Main Street, Old Saybrook
20 MAR
Chamber Connections @ Maven Salon
Join us at Maven Salon for a winter evening of casual networking.
Enjoy their welcoming ambiance while getting to know their incredible stylists! Sip, snack and catch up on business with new and seasoned members alike!
Registration Required
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber is seeking a dynamic, communityoriented leader to serve in the pivotal role of Executive Director.
The new Executive Director will have the unique opportunity to build on a strong foundation, foster local business growth, and continue the Chamber's mission of enhancing the economic and cultural vitality of the shoreline region.
The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber provides countless opportunities to individuals, businesses, and organizations to do just that! With meetings, events, digital and physical marketing opportunities, and more, members of our Chamber have a greater chance to thrive!
CALLFORCHILIFEST VOLUNTEERS
Do you want to help us bring our 28th Annual Chili Fest to life?! Amazing, community-driven events like this are made possible by the outstanding volunteers who help them run smoothly.
Check out volunteer opportunities and register today! CLICK HERE! CLICK
This scholarship was created in memory of Will Hunter by his family to honor his dedicated career as a teacher, a coach and his love of Old Saybrook.
Mr. Hunter was the Executive Director of the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce from 1984 –1989.
Graduating seniors from Old Saybrook - or relatives/employees of GOS Chamber members are encouraged to apply!
The GOSC is proud to carry on the Lyme Old Lyme Chamber's scholarship tradition. The monetary award is intended for use toward college expenses, including the purchase of books or other materials required for college.
Graduating seniors from the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme are encouraged to apply!
2024 Scholarship Winners: Patrick Sheahan, Shika Patel, Maria Morant, Carlina Castro, Daniel Steindl
LOLCC Past Business Leadership Award Winners: Mason Swaney and Amanda Marsh. Past LOLCC Scholarship for Promise & Achievement in the Arts Winner: Brandon Lee
SHEILAMCKINLEY-BELL
Principal Consultant
Shoreline HR Consulting
Contact | (860) - 256 - 9881
HR TRENDS AND LEGISLATION IN 2025
Welcome Back to ASK HR!
Question: What are the HR Trends and Federal or CT State laws anticipated for 2025 that may affect my business?
Great question! As a matter of fact there are considerations for both HR Trends AND Federal and State legislation to keep in mind for 2025
HR Trends: The workplace in 2025 continues to evolve with a focus on several key trends:
· Hiring Trends: Generative AI is becoming a standard for creating job descriptions, assessments, and pre-screens. Small businesses are poised to attract talent from large corporations due to their ability to offer better work-life balance and flexibility.
· Recruitment Innovations: AI tools like chatbots, automated interviews, and job-matching systems are transforming recruitment. However, balancing technology with human interaction remains crucial to avoid bias.
· Catering to a Multi-Generational Workforce: Employers must personalize the employee journey to accommodate the unique needs of baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z For instance, mentorship programs suit boomers, flexible work arrangements benefit Gen X, and Gen Z values social causes and prompt feedback.
· Enhancing Employee Experience: Employers are prioritizing personalized leadership development, well-being programs, and streamlined technologies to maintain engagement and productivity.
· Investing in Well-Being: Companies are adopting holistic approaches, addressing mental, physical, and financial health. Initiatives to reduce isolation, promote financial planning, and enhance workplace belonging are gaining traction.
Legislative Updates: Federal Changes:
· IRS Mileage Rate: Increased to 70¢ per mile in 2025.
· I-9 Immigration Procedures: Updates from the Department of Homeland Security are expected.
· EEOC Guidance on Harassment: Now includes intraclass and virtual workplace harassment.
· Pregnant Worker’s Fairness Act (PWFA): Final regulations were issued in June 2024, impacting employers with 15 or more employees.
· Potential Developments: The FTC may revisit the non-compete ban, while the U S Department of Labor proposes changes to overtime salary thresholds.
Connecticut-Specific Laws:
· Minimum Wage: Increased to $16.35 as of January 1, 2025
· Paid Sick Leave: Changes now affect employers with 25 or more employees.
· Paid Family Leave Act: Requires employer registration and reporting; also extends leave to sexual assault victims.
· Sexual Harassment Training: A two-hour training for all employees remains mandatory.
By adapting to these trends and regulatory updates, businesses can position themselves for success in a rapidly changing landscape.
CCELEBRATE ELEBRATE SSAYBROOK AYBROOK STREETPARTY STREETPARTY CALL FOR VENDORS! CALL FOR VENDORS!
REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE
SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2025 SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2025
1:30 - 6:30 PM 1:30 - 6:30 PM
MAIN STREET, OLD SAYBROOK MAIN STREET, OLD SAYBROOK
THE ESSEX CLAIMS THE TITLE OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR!
Congratulations to The Essex for this achievement! This marks their second consecutive year as the winner of Middlesex County’s ‘Restaurant of the Year’!
Here’s to many more to come!
HOW TO ADVERTISE
Email alex@oldsaybrookchamber.com to secure your spot. The Chamber is always looking for graphic advertisements, articles, topics, and ideas. The Chamber Chatbook was created to provide readers with helpful Chamber and community information. Chapters are issued the second week of every other month. Deadline to submit advertisements or articles is the first of the issued month. Next Chapter releases in March 2025!
Advertisement Pricing: Business Card - $40
Banner - $75
Half Page - $100
Event Listing - $40
