Chamber Chatbook: Chapter 5

Old Saybrook Chamber Gets Greater!

We are so pleased to announce a new name, logo design, and branding system as we approach our 85th year!

In addition to a new logo design and branding system, the chamber is adopting a new name - Greater Old Saybrook Chamber.

The Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce is proud to unveil a fresh look and name, revitalizing the chamber’s visual identity as it approaches its 85th year. Following the successful merger with the Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce earlier this spring, the newly branded chamber will now be known as the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber.

In a market where many organizations use the historic Saybrook Breakwater Lighthosue as an element of branding, the Chamber has moved to a representation of the chamber itself - specifically the iconic cupola atop its landmark location at the corner of Main Street and Route 1. This modern design uses the weathervane and gentle wave pattern that all bring symbolic significance to this new brand.

“From the wave pattern that pays tribute to the importance of our shoreline and location at the mouth of the Connecticut River to fluctuating winds of commerce symbolized in the weathervane, we are thrilled with our new brand,” shared Executive Director, Judy Sullivan. “With the arrival of the key tourism season, we are excited to launch our new brand with modern colors and meaningful design elements as the chamber moves into a new era. This new identity supports our mission to promote our area as a vibrant region with a strong business and tourism environment.”

The design and development of the new brand were done in collaboration with the Norwich-based creative agency Miranda Creative.

Click here to read the full press release.

Contents

FEATURES

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. The Chamber Chatbook is created by all of you, our members! It is a great way for your special events, deals, and news to be shared. Check out page 20 to learn how to get involved!

6. Women In Business Exciting New Presenters

12. What You Missed Car Show, Golf Tournament & More!

14. Sidewalk Sale August 18, 19 & 20

5. President’s Circle

10. Chamber Calendar NEW Member Prints, Massages & More

July & August Events

16. Member Deals With Sheila McKinley-Bell

17. Ask HR

14. 2023 Scholarship Congratulations!

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 name or photo below 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!

“Health-Up”

Janet Verney

Thursday, August 17, 2023

As The Wellness Designer, Janet specializes in interior “health” makeovers. In her book, ROOTS2Wellness, she shares her inspiring journey from the depths of dis-ease to a life of vibrant wellness. Janet practices Integrative Medicine utilizing her methodology “Unearth, Weed, Nourish, Bloom” to transform one life at a time. She believes in the magic of miracles, the good in others, the power of action, and in the healing power of love, lifestyle, and good food.

Janet is certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and has served in various leadership roles in both education and biotechnology. She is an author, speaker, chef, certified integrative nutrition health coach, IIN Moderator for the Advanced Gut Health Course and founder of ROOTS2Wellness.

Check out her Lemon Bars recipe on Page 9!

Healthy Living Tips

I believe there is a garden in every person just waiting to bloom. As The Wellness Designer, I mentor you in navigating your route to creating a vibrant life. Together, we UNEARTH the root cause of dis-ease, we WEED out obstacles that stand in the way of healing, and we design a landscape to fully NOURISH your route to a beautiful BLOOM.

For dis-ease to set in there is an underlying imbalance in the body. It is important to get to the bottom of why the body became out of balance and address this at its ROOT cause. We dig deep and look at where things went wrong so we can make peace with whatever the issue may be. We look at the obstacles that stand in your way of healing and work to dissolve them so true healing can begin. By removing these obstacles we have enriched and cultivated the soil from which to grow and heal.

This is where the fun begins! We design an incredible landscape for a vibrant bloom by nourishing yourself at your ROOTS. This strengthens your core for an incredible bloom. I like to use the term Collective Medicine – through the years I have gathered many healing tools that I share with you to support your healing: living in positivity, feeding the body good food & nutrition, practicing self-care, keeping the body moving, connecting with spirit, and engaging in various forms of healing modalities.

“Women in Leadership”

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Dr. Dorothy Martin Neville

For over 25 years, Dr. Dorothy has supported people in discovering and believing in their dreams especially their dream for living the life and career of their choosing. As an amazingly intuitive thought leader with an exceptional way of looking at life, through her keynotes, books, consulting, coaching, and TV and radio appearances, she calls her audiences and clients to understand and develop their personal leadership in ways they never could have imagined.

Although the pace is slow, women are gaining more and more seats at the table. To be ready, either when called, or, when they claim the opportunity, there are skills women need to make sure they have developed both in their mindset and in their communication skills. Knowing you belong there, responding rather than reacting, as well as claiming your space at the table, with power, clarity, and focus lets others know your confidence and your skills.

Leadership: Purpose-Passion-Power

An important realization is that each one of us is called to leadership. Leadership of ourselves –our careers – and our journeys.

Many of us have learned how to survive and have well-developed stories we frequently repeat to ourselves to reinforce the concepts of struggle, push, and difficulties. Nonetheless, we are never called to simply survive life but to live it.

Whether choosing to live life in quiet joy or in a fabulously outrageous life, with the greatest impact and influence possible – we need to have certain skills in place.

The necessary skills are simple – not necessarily easy – but simple:

• Knowing Your WHY (why are you here)

• Who do you want TO BE (who do you want to be as you walk through life)

• Knowing what you want to DO (How do you want to express your why & be to make this world a better place)

My question to each of you is – are you in a career or a job?

Ways to tell the difference: Did you look simply at salary? Did you need to prove something to yourself or others? Upward mobility? Is there a shared vision with the organization?

Is your personal life what you want it to be?

If the answer is no – What stories are you telling yourself? Why those stories?

Dorothy A. Martin-Neville, PhD Speaker | Coach | Consultant Past President-National Speakers Association – CT

Economic Development

Though at the Economic Development Office we think of Old Saybrook as seasonless, with great offerings year round, it is hard not to argue that Saybrook during the summer is in its heyday. Whether visiting the beach, playing a round of golf or mini golf, enjoying Main Street and the beautiful flowers provided by our Garden Club and businesses, dining alfresco, taking in a concert on the green, a town movie night or a visit to the Hart House Garden, boating, summer camps, warm seafood and cool treats, our town and business community truly deliver summer’s bounty. Soak it in!

- Jennifer Donahue Director of Old Saybrook Economic Development and Communications

How AI Can Help Your Local Business

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way businesses operate, and local businesses are no exception. AI can be used to improve a wide range of business processes, from customer service to marketing to operations.

Here are a few ways you can use AI in your local business:

• Personalize marketing campaigns: AI can be used to analyze customer data to create personalized marketing campaigns. These campaigns can be more effective at reaching and converting customers.

• Optimize operations: AI can be used to automate tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing inventory, and processing payments.

• Predict demand: AI can be used to predict demand for your products or services. This information can help you optimize your inventory levels and staffing levels.

• Make better decisions: AI can be used to analyze data and make predictions. This information can help you make better decisions about your business, such as where to open a new location or what products to carry.

If you’re not sure where to start with AI, there are a number of resources available to help you. You can find online courses, tutorials, and white papers that can teach you about the basics of AI.

Rob Llyod IT Expert Founder & CEO TechNet Computing

From the Cookbook, Health’d-Up! Plant Based Recipes & More...

Lemon Cookies

1/2 cup raw organic cashews

1/2 lemon juiced, grate the rind of the organic lemon before juicing

1 tsp. lemon extract

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 1/2 cup organic, GF oat flour

3/4 cup organic almond flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 cup organic turbinado sugar

• Soak the raw organic cashews in boiling water 15-30 minutes. Blend on high speed, drained cashews, lemon juice, lemon extract, and pure maple syrup.

• Zest the rind of an organic lemon, set aside in a large bowl, mix oat flour, with, almond flour, baking soda, sea salt, and the turbinado sugar.

• Add the cashew blend to the dry mix and stir just enough until no dry bits are left. Scoop onto a parchment lined cookie sheet by the spoonsful. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Allow them to sit on sheet until cool.

• If company is coming or for a special occasion, you can frost the cookies with a mixture of organic powdered sugar, with the lemon rind, 1 tsp of lemon extract, and a wee bit of plant milk until the right consistency. Frost cooled cookies and allow to set. You can skip the frosting for a lower sugar cookie that goes great with a cup of herbal tea.

• Keep in fridge or freezer in layers separated by wax or parchment paper to keep from sticking together.

chamber calendar chamber calendar

NonProfit Resource Council

Monthly morning at the Vicky Duffy Pavilion at Saybrook Point with relevant speakers. Join fellow non profit individuals 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.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

“Succession Planning”

Presented by Patty Dowling of Dowling Coaching & Consulting. Don’t wait till someone leaves to tend to their loss! Get answers to the following questions:

• What is succession planning?

• Why is it important?

• Who is included?

• What is the best practice approach to developing a plan?

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

“Creating Development and Stewardship Calendars”

• Development Calendars are detailed project plans with specific dates

• Stewardship refers to keeping donors engaged, showing their impact, building long-lasting relationships

• If you utilize Development or Stewardship Calendarplease share!

• Join us for this very important learning opportunity

JULY MEETINGS

19, Wednesday: Governance Committee Meeting

20, Thursday: Ambassador Team Meeting

25, Tuesday: Welcome Workshop

26, Wednesday: Board of Directors Meeting

AUGUST MEETINGS

3, Thursday: First Thursday Business Connections

8, Tuesday: NonProfit Resource Council Meeting

10, Thursday: Ambassador Team Meeting

16, Wednesday: Governance Committee Meeting

23, Wednesday: Board of Directors Meeting

29, Tuesday: Welcome Workshop

29, Thursday: Business GPS: Deciding Where You Want To Go

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

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, and ask questions. One member commented that “the meeting was the equivalent of knocking on 40 doors in one hour.” Meetings are moderated as attendees briefly explain their business. By reservation, a small number of attendees will have a longer time to discuss their business. Free to attend! Members only.

Time: 8:00 - 9:00 am

Business GPS: Deciding Where You Want To Go

Hosted by Sharon Lewis, Business Coach and Owner of AdviCoach. Learn what a strategic plan is and how to prepare one for your own business. Participants will work on and take away a “BluePrint for Strategy” workbook and a 1-page strategic plan template. Two hour virtual workshop. Members Only. Registration Required. 12:00 - 1:00 pm

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

Welcome Workshop

Held the fourth Tuesday of every month, take an hour to learn all about your online Chamber Member Resources. With two different sessions, attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptop or tablet to follow along with instructions.

Session A focuses on: how & where to log in, setting up account, edit personal and business information, event registration and posting, and more.

Session B focuses on: calendar information, submitting news releases and job postings, and all personal and business billing information.

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm

The 5th Annual Classic Car Show was held at the Old Saybrook Auto Mall on Sunday, June 4, 2023. While there was a slight sprinkle of rain mid way through, the Car Show had a successful turn out. Dash plaques, trophies, and goodie bags were provided. There was an extremely impressive selection that spanned from a 1922 Model T to a 2023 Dodge Hornet! Thank you to all who participated, attended, and volunteered. The Chamber worked

Sunday, June 4, 2023

Old Saybrook AutoMall

in partnership with Shoreline Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) and the VFW Post #10153. Thank you to the VFW for grilling delicious hot dogs and hamburgers for the event! Classic Car Show proceeds supported local and national Veterans programs.

Thank you to Shoreline CDJR & Hyundai for hosting. For more information on the Old Saybrook Classic Car Show, click here!

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Fox Hopyard Golf Course

Monday, June 12, 2023

The 10th Annual Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament was held on Monday, June 12, 2023 at Fox Hopyard in East Haddam, one of Connecticut’s Premier Private Golf Courses. Thank you to all of our sponsors, event coordinators, prize donators, and participants!

It was a wonderful day filled with golf, games, raffles, food & drinks, and laughs! See you all next year!

“

The Old Saybrook Chamber Golf Tournament is a great opportunity to connect with the local business community. The fact that the event is at one of the best private golf courses in Connecticut makes it all the better!”

- Leland McKenna, Middlesex Health Director

of

Business Development & Strategy

Congratulations 2023 Scholarship Winners

C. WILFRED HUNTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Congratulations to Logan Worman, Kate Roberts, and Vicki Carrica! 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.

Formerly known as the Great Restaurant Raffle, The Dine Everywhere Raffle consists of ten chances to win BIG! The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber has gone out and purchased gift cards from ALL Old Saybrook and GOS Chamber member restaurants to raffle back off into the community to promote the support of shopping and dining local.

GRAND PRIZE: 48 $100 Gift Cards...a $4,800 value!!

SECOND PRIZE: 48 $50 Gift Cards...a $2,400 value!!

Why 48? One to ALL Old Saybrook and GOS Chamber restaurants!

PRIZES 3-10: 5 $25 Gift Cards to Local Eateries...a $125 value!!

Buy your tickets at dineeverywhere.com or at the Chamber Office (1 Main St., OS)

MEMBER TO MEMBER DEALS

Just another Greater Old Saybrook Chamber Member perk!

Member to member deals are exclusive for our members to share with eachother. It gives members a chance to share business, try new places, encourages others to shop local, and it’s a great way to advertise your business! Check our website for an updated Member to Member Deal list.

Looking to share a Member to Member Deal? Submit yours online through Chamber Master or email Christa for more information!

ASK HR with Sheila McKinley-Bell

Welcome to: ASK HR. Each issue will include answers to your questions regarding a variety of human resourcesrelated topics to help you with some of the pressing needs of your business. Our expert is fellow member, Sheila McKinley-Bell of Shoreline HR Consulting, www.shorelinehr. com . Please feel free to let us know what questions are on your mind.

Today’s question is: Can you please explain what the MyCTSavings program is all about?

In 2016, the Connecticut legislature enacted Public Act 16-29, which created the Connecticut Retirement Security Authority — now called the Connecticut Retirement Security Program (CRSP) -- which is responsible for creating MyCTSavings. Although it was signed into law prior to the pandemic, because of the pandemic

compliance was put on hold until 2022.

The program created a mandate for employers with 5 or more employees who have been paid $5,000 or more in taxable wages in the previous year, to offer their employees a retirement savings plan; either by offering their own plan or enrolling their employees in the MyCTSavings plan.

Compliance was/is being rolled out in 3 “waves”.

The first wave applied to employers with 100 or more employees. The deadline for compliance was June 30, 2022.

The second wave applied to employers with 26-99 employees. The deadline for compliance was October 31, 2022.

The third wave applies to employers with 5-25 employees. The deadline for compliance has been extended to August 31, 2023

Employers have to register their business with the State (Comptroller’s office) and can opt out if they already have a retirement plan. If not, they need to enroll the business in the plan.

For more information here is the link to the State website: https://myctsavings.com/

Sheila can be reached online at sheila@shorelinehr.com or by phone at 860-256-9881.

2023 Board of Directors

Officers

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, Dan King, Lahan and King

Directors

Chris Bird, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina

Brett Elliott, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center

CJ Jack, Shoreline Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram & Shoreline Hyundai

Chantal Lawrence, Total Design Source

Sally Ann Lee, Middlesex Health

Sharon Lewis, AdviCoach

Heather Milardo, The Estuary

Brittni Oxendine, International Cultural Exchange Student Services

Brendan Redfield, WollackLewitz

Susan Taylor, Susan Taylor Agency, Farmers Insurance

Staff

Judy Sullivan, Executive Director

Christa Maynard, Member Services Manager

Hannah Stella, Marketing Coordinator

Mike DeLisa, Bookkeeper

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

How To Get Your Ad in The Next Issue?

Look no further! This magazine will be viewed by many on multple different platforms. An everlasting way to market any event, special deal, or your business! There are three size options to choose from: half page, business card, and banner.

Ad Rates:

Half Page (1500 x 1000 px) $100

Business Card (1050 x 500 px) $50

Banner (1500 x 500 px) $75

Looking for something specific? Let us know! The Chamber Chatbook is here to provide you with helpful information. We are open to any suggestions on what you would like to see or read about. Publication is the second week of every other month with a deadline to submit advertisements or articles of the first of that month. Next Chamber Chatbook Chapter releases in September 2023.

For more information, please email hannah@oldsaybrookchamber.com