Chamber Chatbook: Chapter 8

Chamber Chatbook Chapter 8 I Jan/Feb 2024

Leap into AI February 29

1 Main Street

2024 Chili Fest March 2

$aybucks Gift-Away

Old Saybrook, 06475

40% Bonus

860.388.3266

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The Chamber Celebrates 85 Years in 2024 2024 marks a milestone for the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber as we proudly celebrate our 85th year of fostering business excellence and community growth. Since our inception in 1939, we’ve been committed to supporting local businesses, driving economic prosperity, and creating a vibrant community.

As we embark on this significant journey, we’re setting an ambitious goal to welcome 85 new members to our Chamber family by August 5, 2024. We believe that strength lies in unity, and with 85 new voices, we can amplify our impact on Old Saybrook and beyond.

Why Join the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber?

- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals in our thriving community.

- Business Support: Gain access to valuable resources, workshops, and mentorship programs to fuel your business growth.

- Community Engagement: Be part of initiatives that contribute to the prosperity and well-being of Old Saybrook.

- Exclusive Events: Enjoy member-exclusive events, promotions, and opportunities throughout the year.

How Can You Help Us Reach 85?

- Refer a Business: Know a business that would benefit from Chamber membership? Refer them today! Special drawings will be happening soon.

- Spread the Word: Share our commitment to community growth on social media, and let your network know about the advantages of joining.

Join us in making the Chamber’s 85th year extraordinary! Together, let’s build a stronger, more connected business community. To become a member or refer a business, visit our website or contact us directly.

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Contents 6. Women in Business Leap into AI - Big Event!

8. Chili Fest 2024 Saturday, March 2

12. What You Missed 2023 Annual Awards Night

FEATURES 4. New Members Welcome!

7. $aybucks Give Away Receive extra 40%

10. Chamber Calendar January & February

17. Business Resources New Year Trends

15. Travel with the Chamber this October The Amazing French Riviera

What Is The Chamber Chatbook?

A bi-monthly digital magazine providing members and the community with information about our Chamber. Times are changing and so are we, taking a turn from mainstream, printed, magazines to the everlasting digital world.

It is a great way for your special events, deals, and news to be shared. Click on any image or link for more information. Go to page 20 to get involved!

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Ribbon Cutting at SK Lavery Appliance Co.

welcome new members

• Sandhill Concierge • Graceful Transitions • OS Democratic Town Committee • Global Self Storage • Be Mind Body Fitness • Bella Capelli • Hartford Healthcare - GoHealth Urgent Care • Twin Networks

• Seaside CoWork Suites • Hometown Hoopla LLC • Hartford Healthcare Digestive Health Institute • Just Dump It, LLC • S&R Remodeling and Handy Person Services, LLC • The Coach Difference, LLC • Dabbys Event Services

For more information on our new members, please visit our Business Directory.

Ribbon Cutting at Papercraft Clubhouse

Ribbon Cutting at Seaside CoWorking Suite

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Join Our President’s Circle!

The President’s Circle provides the ultimate in support & visibility! Consisting of an elite group of members, who make a significant financial investment, in support of the Chamber’s initiatives, programs and projects.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Click Here to Register

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$aybucks Gift Away!

- Shop Next Door in 2024 In the spirit of a fresh new year, Greater a touch of urgency to your local shopping Old Saybrook Chamber is excited to kick adventure. Seize this January opportunity to off January with the $aybucks Gift Away, a explore over 55 participating businesses in promotion designed to bring cheer to both and around Old Saybrook, from charming shoppers and local businesses. Embrace boutiques to delightful restaurants. the Shop Next Door initiative in 2024 and indulge in the joy of discovering the Hurry, as this exclusive offer is available treasures right in your neighborhood. while supplies last. Start your year with a burst of local joy – unwrap the pleasure of Here’s how it works: Purchase a $aybucks local shopping with $aybucks Gift Away! gift card and enjoy an exclusive bonus!

For every $25 card, receive a delightful $10 $aybucks as a gift to yourself. Opt for a $50 card, and delight in a generous $20 bonus – the more you gift, the more joy you receive! There’s a limit of 4 bonus gifts per purchaser, so you can spread the local love even further.

But wait, there’s more! The bonus gifts expire six months after purchase, adding

Buy Your $aybucks Here

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march 2 Main Street, OS

The 27th 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 sold at the Chamber office (1 Main Street) and at ballot stations along Main Street. Each ballot allows purchaser to sample all chilis. Mark your ballot with your top choice and return the ballot to a ballot station. A total of 10 chilis must be tasted for a ballot to be counted in the vote.

Proceeds support the Chamber’s C. Wilfred Hunter Memorial Scholarship for graduating high school seniors attending post-secondary school. In addition, the top three winners earn a donation to their designated charity. Click the button below to register as a chef and to sponsor this event!

Click Here to Sponsor

Click Here to Compete

2023 Winners

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chamber calendar Bridging Businesses Business Connections

January 26 8:00 - 9:00am Join us at 8:00 am in Old Lyme for Bridging Businesses Business Connections! Forge meaningful connections, foster collaboration between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme members, and unlock new opportunities for your business.

Networking hour designed for growth and partnership.

Lyme Art Association. 90 Lyme St. Bridging Businesses Business Connections at Lyme Art Association

JANUARY MEETINGS 25, Thursday: Women in Business Luncheon with Elizabeth Meyer 25, Thursday: PLOT Trivia Night 26, Friday: Bridging Businesses Business Connections in Old Lyme

FEBRUARY MEETINGS 1, Thursday: First Thursday Business Connections 13, Tuesday: NonProfit Resource Council Meeting 13, Tuesday: French Riviera Zoom Information Session 14, Wednesday: Governance Committee Meeting

NonProfit Resource Council

Are you a nonprofit member? Get involved in the NonProfit Resource Council for 2024 - share ideas, learn, and grow! Contact Tony Marino of the Rockfall Foundation or Heather Milardo of The Estuary.

Click to view full Chamber Calendar Page 10

15, Thursday: Ambassadors Meeting 15, Thursday: Chamber Connections at DLS Insurance Services 29, Thursday: Women in Business Half Day Event

Sunrise at Vicky Duffy Pavilion

This business after hours is hosted by a member and held the third Thursday of every month throughout the year - check the calendar! Whether you are a seasoned member or new to the community, discover the benefits of expanding your professional circle. 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 Next meeting: February 15 Hosted by DLS Insurance Services West Main St., Clinton

First Thursday Business Connections

Held the 1st Thursday of every month, this fast paced networking event provides members the opportunity to introduce their business, its offerings and products. One member commented that “the meeting was the equivalent of knocking on 40 doors in one hour.” Meetings are moderated.

By reservation, a small number of attendees have three minutes to present their business. Free to attend! Members only.

Time: 8:00 - 9:00 am, Vicky Duffy Pavilion, OS

First Thursday Business Connections Meeting

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WHAT HAS THE CHAMBER BEEN UP TO? Celebrating 2023: Annual Award Winners On January 11, The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber hosted the much-anticipated 2023 Annual Awards and Silent Auction Night, a spectacular event honoring individuals and businesses that have made exceptional contributions to the community.

Business of the Year: Shoreline Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Shoreline Hyundai Recognized for excellence in their industries and dedication to community service, these automotive dealerships set a standard of business excellence and community engagement.

Business of the Year: Shoreline CDJR & Shoreline Hyundai

Community Impact Award: The Rockfall Foundation Acknowledging their contributions to environmental conservation and community betterment, The Rockfall Foundation received this prestigious award for their commitment to sustainability and advocacy.

Volunteer of the Year: Joe Wollack of WollackLewitz Honoring his selfless dedication to community service, Joe Wollack was recognized for his positive impact through various initiatives and mentorship programs.

Community Impact: The Rockfall Foundation

Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional achievements and contributions to Greater Old Saybrook!

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Volunteer of the Year: Joe Wollack

2023 Annual Awards & Silent Auction A home-run night to wrap up a fantastic 2023!

COMMUNITY NEWS LYME ART ASSOCIATION This Winter, the Lyme Art Association (LAA) February 11 at 2 pm, artists and sailing kicks off the new year with three exhibitions. enthusiasts alike will enjoy an Art Talk with First Impressions: 32nd Annual Associate Connecticut artist Howard Park. Through Artist includes a full range of media and paintings and photos, Howard recreates for themes created by LAA’s Associate Artists. In visitors his trip around the world in his restored Congratulations, LAA welcomes its newest sailboat, a 1946 Sparkman & Stephens 52’ yawl.

Elected Artists, artists who were elected by their peers after a rigorous selection and evaluation process. Join us in congratulating Susanna DalPonte, Isabel Lane and Paul Loescher, who will display their portfolios in this group exhibition. In Nostalgia, LAA Member Artists reflect on cherished memories and the importance of preserving moments of joy.

Participating artists were encouraged to delve into their interpretations of nostalgia and share through a variety of mediums and styles what these precious recollections mean to them.

All three shows are on view from January 12 – February 22, 2024.

In addition to exhibits, LAA offers a variety Paul Loescher, Waiting for the Evening Train of wonderful art programming. On Sunday,

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Soak up the sun and spot the stars in the La Croisette—Cannes’s glitzy promenade French Riviera. Strung along 71 miles of and keep a lookout for celebrity sightings. azure coastline, this is the glamour capital of As the French Riviera’s largest city and France, where grand hotels line fashionable unofficial capital, Nice is sure to delight with seaside promenades, mega-yachts dock next its world-class art museums, stellar dining, to fishermen unloading the day’s catch, and and old-world decadence. Explore the lively the gently lapping waters of the Mediterranean markets or wander through the narrow alleys sparkle invitingly. For a chance to walk the and cobblestone lanes of the historic Old red carpet, visit Cannes. This formerly sleepy Town, perhaps stopping for a warm bowl of fishing village transforms into a playground bouillabaisse, the region’s famous fish stew, for the ultra-rich each year during the Cannes along the way.

Film Festival. Take in a film, amble along

Only $3,499 if deposited* by March 31, 2024!

Interested in learning more information?

Join in on an informational Zoom session! Tuesday, February 13 and Wednesday, March 5 at 6:00 pm. Register online to attend. Registrants will receive Zoom code.

Register for Feb. 13

Register for Mar. 5

*Deposit is $450 per person.

Departing October 23, 2024. Returning October 31, 2024. Flying out of Boston. For more information please contact the Chamber. Sign up early to reserve your spot! CI Destinations “The difference is in the details” OLD SAYBROOK PARKS & RECREATION

Summer Sponsorships Concerts - Movies - Camps JOIN OUR COMMUNITY THIS SUMMER CONTACT US AT 860-395-3152

www.oldsaybrookrec.com

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BUSINESS RESOURCES 2024 HR Business Trend Predicitions Welcome to: ASK HR. Each issue will include survey, 92% of workers surveyed said they would answers to your questions regarding a variety of be comfortable working alongside coworkers with human resources-related topics to help you with a non-violent criminal record. some of the pressing needs of your business. Our Also, there is growth in a multi-generational expert is fellow member, Sheila McKinley-Bell of workforce. One in five workers are saying they Shoreline HR Consulting, www.shorelinehr.com . will never be able to retire so they will be working Please feel free to let us know what questions are longer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on your mind. workers age 75+ are expected to grow between Today’s question is: What HR Trends are predicted 2020-2030. for businesses in 2024?

Mental Health – According to an Indeed.com Answer: For 2024, the main HR trends will focus on survey, 60% of employees reported that work has a artificial intelligence, green issues and sustainability, major influence on their mental health. Specifically, hiring, mental health, pay equity and transparency, the quality of the work hours, fair treatment among and retention, retention, retention. employees, role clarity, manageable workloads and leadership that looks after their own mental Artificial Intelligence (AI) – More and more health. Leading businesses are investing in work companies are focusing on how to utilize AI to well-being. How people feel when they are at work automate work and speed up processes, such as matters more and more. recruitment and hiring, while controlling for Pay Equity and Inclusion – In 2021, US women bias and exclusivity and increasing diversity and workers earned 77¢ for every $1 paid to men. inclusion. Employers are also using AI for upskilling Employees are expecting more pay transparency. and reskilling employees for new job roles.

Employers are updating job descriptions and job Green Issues and Sustainability – This is of postings to include the pay ranges for roles. particular importance to Gen Z (age 16-26). When Retention, Retention, Retention – Generally, it costs these employees believe their company is making between $4000-$20,000 to hire a new employee, an effort to reduce the environmental impact of plus salary and benefits. It is much cheaper to their company they are more likely to remain loyal train, upskill and reskill current employees than to them. to hire new employees. Hybrid and flexible work Hiring trends- According to the latest US Census, arrangements are still a huge satisfier for employees.

62% of Americans over the age of 25 lack a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, employers are putting more emphasis in hiring people with skill sets that For more information on the HR trends for match their jobs, rather than focusing on education 2024, employers may access the following article and work experience. More people are being published by Indeed.com: Workplace Advances in hired with resume gaps and no degrees. 37 States, 2024: Boosting your Hiring Strategy In A Disrupted including CT and the rest of the New England Labor Market and Mid-Atlantic states, have passed Fair Chance Sheila can be reached online at laws that encourage employers to consider giving sheila@shorelinehr.com or by phone at candidates with a criminal record a “fair chance” 860-256-9881. at being hired. Job postings are starting to include “felon friendly” and “no background checks” in their job postings. According to an Indeed.com

Start the Year off Right with These 5 Unconventional Approaches Getting ready for 2024? Don’t just review last year’s results and set new goals! Try these unique approaches to start the year as well: 1. Say goodbye to problem clients: Not every client is worth keeping. Sometimes it’s best for both parties to part ways. Be willing to let go of clients who cost more to serve, are rude to your team, or would be better off with a competitor. By freeing up time and resources, you can focus on finding clients who appreciate your services and align with your business values. Eliminating difficult clients of engagement tends to resonate with customers and shows your team that you value them and boosts employees, increasing their loyalty and potentially employee engagement and retention. Offering attracting new clientele. alternatives to clients who may have outgrown or 4. Purge and declutter: Start the year with a no longer align with your services, shows them that clean slate by getting rid of old emails, files, and you have their best interests at heart. paper clutter. This not only streamlines processes 2. Invest in your team’s growth: Evaluate your and increases efficiency but also brings mental team’s skills and ask them about their growth clarity and reduces stress. A clutter-free workspace goals. Plan for and provide additional training and leads to a more productive year. mentorship opportunities to help them develop 5. Plan your vacation in advance: Without professionally. Also, reevaluate your incentive plan intentionally scheduling time off, you’ll likely end and ask your employees what kind of recognition up without a break at all. Set boundaries between and rewards they value (it’s not always just about work and personal life to prevent burnout. Planning the money). Make sure you have plans in place vacations ahead of time gives you something to to acknowledge and appreciate their hard work look forward to throughout the year. Communicate throughout the year. your vacation plans to your employees and clients 3. Evaluate your community engagement: It is and identify the measures that need to be in place a wonderful time to consider how you want your to keep things running smoothly while you’re away. business to show up in the community. Engaging in This allows you to step back and trust your team, the community not only helps to strengthen your creating a more efficient business overall. relationship with customers, but also positions your business as a social good. Active involvement in As we enter a new year, take action to set yourself the community can take the form of sponsorships, up for success. Which approach will you embrace? volunteering, or donations, and not only does it enhance your business’s reputation, but it also Sharon Lewis fosters a sense of unity, respect, and trust. This type AdviCoach

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PASTA PUTTANESCA from Antonio Suppa Owner & Chef of 745 Osteria

This is a great, hearty dish for wintertime and so easy to make! It’s full of flavor with a blend of anchovies, capers, olives and garlic. Don’t be afraid to use anchovies, they melt into the sauce and add exquisite flavor to this dish. Buon Appetito!

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

4 cloves garlic When the oil is nice and hot, add the anchovies and fry 6 canned anchovy filets, chopped until golden brown and starting to disintegrate when 1 tsp capers stirred. Add the garlic and sauté until golden. Next, 16 pitted kalamata olives add the capers and olives and cook for one minute.

2 oz. white wine Deglaze the pan by adding white wine. Simmer until 23.5 oz red sauce (we use our wine is reduced by 2/3, then add the Capriccioso “Silvio’sCapriccioso Sauce”) Sauce and half of the basil. Stir to incorporate all, add 8 basil leaves salt and pepper to taste and bring to a simmer for 1 lb. spaghetti pasta approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

1 cup grated Pecorino Romano 2 tsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped 2. Cook your spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water following manufacturers directions. Drain the salt & pepper to taste pasta reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot with ½ the sauce, ½ the cheese, and ½ the parsley. Toss well to incorporate all. Add some of the reserved water if the pasta seems dry.

3. Split pasta evenly amongst individual bowls and top each with the remaining sauce, add a sprinkling of grated cheese and chopped parsley.

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Officers

2024 Board of Directors

President: Dave Carswell, Guilford Savings Bank 1st Vice President: Kevin Kennedy, Kennedy Real Estate Solutions 2nd Vice President: Tony Marino, The Rockfall Foundation Secretary, Kara Pachniuk, Nourish + Nosh Nutrition Treasurer, Brendan Redfield, WollackLewitz

Directors

Chris Bird, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina Brett Elliott, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center Gabriel Flugrad, North Cove Capital CJ Jack, Shoreline Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram & Shoreline Hyundai Chantal Lawrence, Total Design Source Dan King, Lahan & King Sally Ann Lee, Middlesex Health Sharon Lewis, AdviCoach Heather Milardo, The Estuary Nancy Morin, Custom Designs & Embroidery Jonathan Paradis, Old Saybrook Parks & Recreation Christine Reynolds, Shore Appliances Marnie Serksnas, Miranda Creative Jennifer Waldron, Pizza Works

Staff Judy Sullivan, Executive Director Christa Maynard, Member Services Manager Hannah Stella, Marketing Coordinator Mike DeLisa, Bookkeeper Page 19

One Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860 338 3266 www.oldsaybrookchamber.com

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Next Chamber Chatbook Chapter releases in March 2024.

For more information, please email hannah@oldsaybrookchamber.com Page 20