Chamber Chatbook: Chapter 2

Thanks to so many of you who attended the Howdy 2023 Annual Awards Night and Silent Auction at The Kate and a special shout out to Senator Richard Blumenthal who took time to join us as well. It was terrific to have him. A fun evening was had especially for those who arrived in western gear – way to go! It was a great evening celebrating local

Howdy 2023!

business and community. We presented awards to Jill Peterson and her team at Pursuit of Pastry, Pat DeVito and his fellow members of the Rotary Club of Old Saybrook, and Susan Esty, all-around super volunteer.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet the members of our 2023 Board of Directors, you’re missing some very special people. I’m so thankful for this terrific group of talented, energetic, and committed individuals to lead the Chamber.

Join us at one of our upcoming events –Chamber Connections Thur

1/19, Women In Business Thursday 1/26, 1st Thursdays Business Connections 2/2. You won’t be disappointed!

As we look forward to 2023, why not consider volunteering for the Chamber? From community events like the upcoming Chili Fest to working committees like Membership – there’s always something for everyone. Just give me a call/email and I’ll help you find just the right fit.

All the Best, Judy

Christa Maynard Member Services Manager Bookkeeper Marketing Coordinator

Mike DeLisa Hannah Stella

Why did you join the Board?

I love both building relationships and creating partnerships! The strength of our community directly correlates with the strength of the connections that we make. For me, joining the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce was a natural alliance. We support one another through commerce, culture and community.

Sally Ann Lee, 2023 Board of Directors, Middlesex Health

“To me, a community is a living thing, it needs care and maintenance to thrive. If I can be helpful in doing that, everybody wins. Just like the car business I’m a part of. You have to drive/ be driven to get where you’d like to go. This Chamber is filled with incredible people. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines! ”

“I joined the board because I wanted to be involved with a great organization that gives back to the community. It is an awesome opportunity to work with a group of wonderful people, who help at making events like Chili Fest and Arts and Crafts successful.”

Susan

Taylor, 2023 Board of Directors, Farmers Insurance

CJ Jack, 2023 Board of Directors, Shoreline CDJR & Hyundai

Spectrum Art Gallery

Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisan Store of Centerbrook, repeatedly named “Best Gallery on the Shoreline” in public polls is celebrating its 9th anniversary. Founded by the non-profit Arts Center Killingworth in 2014, the Gallery presents six gallery annual exhibits showcasing established and emerging representational and abstract painters, sculptors, mixed media artists, and photographers from throughout New England and beyond. In addition, the organization presents two annual arts festivals: the Summer Arts Festival on the Essex Town Green and the Autumn Arts Festival on the Madison Town Green (Columbus Day Weekend.)

For 2023, the Gallery is presenting six shows: The Unique Still Life (January 27-March 11); Power and Strength (March 24-May 6); Nature Celebrates (May 19-July 8); Imaginary Worlds (July 21-September 9); Falling into Fall (September 22-November 4); and The Holiday Show (November 17- January 13.)

The Gallery itself is a regional destination as visitors enter a serene, modern space with vibrant red doors and sleek interiors bathed in warm light that showcases the work. The Gallery also includes a Fine Artisan Store for crafts – the perfect spot to find a treasure for oneself or a gift, as well as offers numerous classes, workshops, and art intensives for all ages and levels.

Later in 2023, the Gallery is expanding into an adjacent space to present even more exhibitions as well as host a variety of community events. For more information, call (860) 767-0742 or visit Spectrumartgallery.org. To shop online visit the online store at SpectrumAnytime.com.

WBDC Equity Match Grant Program

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is excited to announce the next round of our Equity Match Grant Program, which opens Tuesday, January 17, 2023! The deadline to apply is February 28, 2023. The application will also be offered in Spanish. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut that have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2M. Since the program launched in late 2020, we have distributed 167 grants totaling over $1.5M to women-owned businesses in Connecticut. For additional information and more details on the program, visit ctwbdc.org

Women In Business

Collaborative initiative for women in business - providing luncheon and evening programs educating women in leadership, development, mentoring and networking. Take some time out of your day to focus on your career goals, network with other likeminded entrepreneurs, and get inspired! Interested in joining? Click on their name or photo for more information and to register! All luncheons are held at Penny Lane Pub in Old Saybrook. 11:30 - 1:00 pm. $25/Member $35/NonMember. Registration is required!

Conversations”Difficult

January 26, 2023

March 23, 2023

February 23, 2023

Setting yourself up for success means getting clear on what’s happening in your business. Identify the areas where you would like to grow and develop skills and creating a strategy and plan to execute on those goals. Mapping out your goals for the future is important to create the vision for forward growth. Create a strategic roadmap breaking down your goals by the week, month, quarter, and year will set you on your path to prosperity and success. A workbook is included.

Elaine will teach you: effective ways to communicate with even the most challenging clients, tips on how to set boundaries in a way that doesn’t alienate clients and protects your own mental being, and how to create moments of magic that raise your clients’ heartbeats - and your NPS scores!

The crazy thing about difficult conversations is that they tend be the important ones. (If they didn’t matter, they’d feel a lot easier.) When something important feels hard, it’s often a trigger for emotion – putting you in a less than optimal state, exactly when it matters most. You’ll learn: the most common trap and how to avoid it,what not to do when preparing for a dificult conversation, and a simple, proven formula to use to help you feel calm, in control, and are more likely to have a desireable outcome.

Gina is a holistic business coach, mentor, marketing guru and reiki master, guiding her clients through powerful proven marketing, branding and business stratgies. She is an accomplished motivational speaker, workshop facilitator and retreat leader. The members of her exclusive community have coined her, The Connector.

Elaine shares her best tips from hosting travelers around the world for making customers happy and ensuring they come back again and agian, no mattter what the industry.

Wendy is a master-level Certified Professional Coach, speaker and leadership trainer with over 25 years of experience in helping individuals and groups nationwide to affect positve change in their lives. Wendy has been featured on countless podcast, television and radio shows, reached over 2 million people on her own podcast.

“Saybrook Point has been strong supporters of the Chamber for many years. The Chamber’s focus on creating a better lifestyle for residents and visitors alike is one that resonates strongly with our core values. Our business is centered around creating memories by exceeding expectations and this idea has always been my personal standpoint on how I lead my associates, and how I expect our team to interact with the greater Old Saybrook community. The Chamber provides a perfect avenue for our team to reach beyond our doors and work with other local businesses to ensure that the many opportunities for cultural events, seaside lifestyle, dining, art and community are advertised across Connecticut and beyond.”

“Logically, you want an end-toend solution when building a business. And to have that, it requires a number of building blocks to connect and create. The community within that is huge and all those connections circle back to each other. So, this (president’s circle) was a brilliant way to help build those relationships and create a community business from end-to-end.” •

The 26th Annual Old Saybrook Chili fest takes place along Main Street, Old Saybrook. Twenty five chefs will compete for the title of “Best Chili,” as determined by you, the voting public. Tasting Ballots are $15 each, sold at the Chamber office (1 Main Street) and at ballot stations along Main Street. Early ballot purchase will begin Monday, February 27, 2023. Each ballot allows purchaser to sample all chilis. Mark your ballot with your top choice and return the ballot to a ballot station. A minimum of 10 chilis must be tasted for a vote to count.

Proceeds support the Chamber’s C. Wilfred Hunter Memorial Scholarship for graduating high school seniors. In addition, the top three winners earn a donation to a charity of their choice.

The Kate Goes to the Oscars!

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (the Kate), celebrates its namesake throughout the year, but especially at its annual Oscar Night Party. This year’s benefit event on Saturday, March 12 is hosted by members of the Kate’s Volunteer Guild and emceed by Devin Carney. Proceeds support the Katharine Hepburn Museum and its collections.

Considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, Katharine Hepburn continues to hold the record for the most Best Actress Oscars with four wins. Hollywood aside, she is also considered to be one of Old Saybrook’s most famous residents. Miss Hepburn first came to town in 1912 at just five years old. Her family’s summer house in Fenwick became her refuge from the demands of her career. She called it “paradise” and it was to this paradise she would retire in 1997.

Her Academy Award record takes center stage on March 12 when attendees of the 13th annual Oscar Night Party will walk the red carpet, pose for photos, and watch the 95th Academy Awards live on the Kate’s big screen. Each ticket includes an elegant array of stationary and passed hearty hors d’oeuvres plus decadant desserts prepared by Fresh Salt, the award-winning restaurant at Saybrook Point Resort and Marina. Treats from the popcorn and candy bar, a champagne toast, and the opportunity to bid on exciting auction items or purchase a chance in the Katharine Hepburn’s Greatest Films Oscar Raffle are also included. For those unable to attend in person, a limited number of an Oscar Party in a Box will be available. Each box serves two people and is filled with gourmet eats and treats from Pasta Vita, Pursuit of Pastry and Fromage Fine Foods & Coffees. For more information visit www.thekate.org or call 860-510-0473.

chamber meetings chamber meetings

PLOT

Progressive Leaders of Today is a dynamic group of young leaders ages 21-40 who live or work in the Shoreline area. Offers opportunities to engage with the Chamber and community, build professional networks and friendships, advocate for local businesses, and volunteer to make a difference. Meetings are held virtually on the second Thursday of the month. Email Christa Maynard for more information.

NonProfit Resource Council

Monthly morning meeting via zoom with relevant speakers. Join fellow non profit individulas for an hour to learn, share, and grow! Free to attend at 9:00 am. Contact Tony Marino of the Rockfall Foundation or Heather Milardo of The Estuary.

Join Our Weekly E-Newsletter: Tuesday Newsday! An Easy Way To Stay Updated with All Things Chamber. Text OSCEMAIL to 22828

Chamber Connections

This business after hours is hosted by a member and held the third Thursday of every month throughout the year - check the calendar! Bring your business cards and be prepared to meet members new and ‘old’. The host will have the opportunity to showcase their business, whether it’s a new product or service, or even a new location.

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 pm

First Thursday Business Connections

Held the 1st Thursday of the month, this networking event provides members the opportunity to introduce their business, its offerings and products, ask questions, and create connnections. One member commented that “the meeting was the equivalent of knocking on 40 doors in one hour.” Moderated as attendees briefly explain their business. By reservation, three members may have three minutes to discuss their business.

Free to attend! Members only. (Feb. 2 & Mar. 2)

Time: 8:00 - 9:00 am, Vick G. Duffy Pavilion

is the best

meeting I have ever attended. It is very informative, engaging, conversational, and a great network of businesses that share the same goal of supporting an even greater community. Be sure to add them to your calendars!”

Ed Tessman, Associate Dean of Campus Operations at Middlesex Community College

CONGRATULATIONS 2022 AWARD WINNERS

Business of the Year Community Impact Award Volunteer of the Year

Pursuit of Pastry

With a bachelor’s degree in human services from UCONN, Jill Peterson was 40 years old she decided that baking was her passion and she went back to school, receiving an associate’s degree in baking and pastry from Johnson & Wales.

A few short years later Jill opened Pursuit of Pastry in 2012. Her passion for creating the perfect space to enjoy a muffin, cookie, pastry, or a whole cake(we won’t tell) - led to a change in locations from 1400 square feet to 4000 square feet.

This new location changed the bakery from a traditional bake shop to something a bit more playful – including Jill’s beloved candy wall.

Congratulations to Pursuit of Pastry – A womenowned business serving sweet deliciousness to the shoreline for over 10 years.

Rotary Club of Old Saybrook

The 2022 Community Impact Award goes to an organizations that exemplifies their motto: Service Above Self – like no other. The Rotary Club of Old Saybrook was established in 1927. Today they are a very active group of 36 Rotarians that conduct a variety of projects to support the communities of Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Lyme and Old Lyme.

The Rotary distributes hundreds of dictionaries to 3rd graders at the schools in the communities they serve. Student enthusiasm for the dictionaries is robust, especially in trying to pronounce the longest word in the English language.

The Rotary assisted the library in purchasing 10 stateof-the-art laptops to replace obsolete ones. The list goes on and on.

Old Saybrook is fortunate to have such wonderful group of volunteers that make our community a better place.

Susan Esty

Susan Esty has been supporting the Community of Old Saybrook for decades. She was born and raised in Old Saybrook and a graduate of Old Saybrook High School. Susan is a successful small business owner, entrepreneur and volunteer in many capacities. For many years – decades in fact – Susan could be found fixing a one-of-a-kind lamp while running Esty’s, a familyowned lighting store on Main Street. Susan is an active member of the Lions Club –working hard on their projects and programs, helping students with vision needs, serving up breakfast at the Arts & Crafts Festival or planting flamingos around town.

Susan has also served the town as a member of the Parks and Rec commission for the last 10 years. Ray Allen, Parks & Rec Director, shared, “Susan’s dedication and leadership has helped guide the Parks & Rec department into the future.”

One Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

860 338 3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com

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Next Chamber Chatbook Chapter releases in March 2023. For more information, please email hannah@oldsaybrookchamber.com