Chamber Chatbook: Chapter 4

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 initiatves, programs and projects. $5,000

• Customized sponsorship package based on your marketing strategy

• Yearlong logo on Chamber event banner, weekly e-news & website

• Social Media Features

• 1/2 page color ad in OSCC Business Directory & Community Guide

• Logo on all bi-monthly digital magazines

FEATURES

Tuesday,

9,

Sheila McKinley-Bell

What

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 19 to learn how to get involved!

Is The Chamber Chatbook?

7. 5th Annual Car Show Sunday, June 4

6. Women In Business May, June & August Info.

9. Cancion Tequila Tilapia Delicious & Easy To Make!

12. What You Missed Chamber On Tap, Local Leader & More!

4. New Members

10. Chamber Calendar Ribbon Cuttings

May

2023

May & June Events

16. Chamber On Tap With

17. Ask HR

Welcome Lyme Old Lyme Members!

The Old Saybrook Chamber welcomes more members from over the bridge

Welcome!

We are so happy to welcome our Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce friends to the Old Saybrook Chamber!

After 90 years operating as an independent all-volunteer Chamber, the LOLCC is officially disbanding and joining forces with the Old Saybrook Chamber to create regional networking opportunities and support for local businesses.

On Wednesday April 26 we enjoyed an evening of “Bridging Businesses” –a joint after-hours event recognizing the accomplishments and legacy of the LOLCC and welcoming the group to the Old Saybrook Chamber.

A special thanks to the Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce Transition Committee, comprised of Old Lyme

First Selectman Tim Griswold, Old Lyme Economic Development Commission

Chair Cheryl Poirer, outgoing LOL Chamber President Richard Shriver, and LOL Chamber Board members Suzanne Thompson, Laurie Walker and Jean Wilczynski. Our future is bright as we work together to grow the local economy and bridge businesses!

Judy Sullivan

OS Chamber Executive Director

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!

“Planning For Your Future”

Thursday, May 25, 2023

“Hands On Social Media”

Thursday, June 22, 2023

“Health-Up”

Thursday, August 17, 2023

No Longer the Sandwich Generation - now it’s the Club Sandwich Generation!

Elena Goggin

Director of Life Care Planning and a Certified Elder Care Coordinator with over 30 years of experience in the legal, financial, and insurance industries. Elena is finalizing her designation as a Certified Senior Advisor and is passionate about preserving the dignity of Elders.

Learn how to use social media platforms to strengthen your business’ online appearance, through Facebook and Instagram.

Hannah Stella

OS Chamber Marketing Coordinator

Christa Maynard

OS Chamber

Member Services Manager

Healthed-Up! Join Janet Verney for some Healthy Living Tips.

Janet Verney

Author, certified integrative nutrition health coach, and wellness designer, Janet Verney believes there is a garden in every person just waiting to bloom. In her book, ROOTS2Wellness, she shares her inspiring journey from the depths of disease to a life of vibrant wellness.

Tequila Lime Tilapia

Cancion Kitchen Time!

3 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice

3 Tablespoon Cancion Tequila

3 Tablespoon Fresh Cilantro, Chopped

2 Tablespoon Red Onion, Chopped

1 Clove Garlic, Minced

1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

1/4 - 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1 Pound Tilapia (or other white fish)

Combine all ingredients except the fish in a resealable plastic bag. Add fish, seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, turning once.

Heat grill pan (or grill) to medium-high, and spray with oil or PAM. Remove fish from marinade and place in pan to grill for ~3-4 minutes each side, or until the fish is no longer translucent in the center (it will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets).

Remove from heat and allow to rest a moment before serving.

Optional: Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. And a shot of Tequila to celebrate CRUSHING it!!

Recipe submitted by new members, Cancion Ultra Premium Tequila. Visit their website for more great recipes!

This could be your logo! Click here to find out how to advertise your business in the next Chatbook issue.

NEW Location: 103 Main Street, Old Saybrook

(860) 388 - 4670

chamber calendar chamber calendar

Click here to view the full Chamber Calendar

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

MAY MEETINGS

17, Wednesday: Governance Committee Meeting

18, Thursday: Chamber Connections at Where Memories Are Made

19, Friday: Ribbon Cutting at Old Tyme Toys

23, Tuesday: Welcome Workshops (two sessions)

24, Wednesday: Board of Directors Meeting

25, Thursday: Women in Business Luncheon with Elena Goggin

25, Thursday: Headshot Day with in a Flash Studio in Guilford

JUNE MEETINGS

1, Thursday: First Thursday Business Connections

1, Thursday: Headshot Day with in a Flash Studio in Guilford

4, Sunday: Classic Car Show

5, Monday: Chamber Golf League

Join Our Weekly E-Newsletters: Tuesday

Newsday & Thursday Events! An Easy Way

To Stay Updated with All Things Chamber.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

NonProfit Resource Council

8, Thursday: Ambassador Team Meeting

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

Monthly morning 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.

Business GPS

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 - 2:00 pm

8, Thursday: Headshot Day with In A Flash Studio in Guilford

12, Monday: Golf Tournament at Fox Hopyard

13, Tuesday: NonProfit Resource Council Meeting

15, Thursday: Chamber Connections at Saybrook Wealth Group

21, Wednesday: Governance Committee Meeting

22, Thursday: Women In Business with Hannah Stella and Christa Maynard

27, Tuesday: Welcome Workshops (two sessions)

28, Wednesday: Board of Directors Meeting

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

Chamber On Tap

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Myrcene Ale Co. Taproom

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Cuckoo’s Nest

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsoring Chamber events and meetings help your business get seen! Sponsor’s logos are shared on event and meeting marketing materials.

Community events can be sponsored a-la-carte, or let us design a custom package that works for you

and your budget. Other opportunities include sponsoring refreshments or hosting meetings like First Thursday Business Connections, Chamber Connections, and Women in Business meetings.

Local Leader Spotlight with Andrew Chester

THE

COMMUNITY

MUSIC SCHOOL

FLOURISHES IN ITS 40TH YEAR!

A 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization based at Spencer’s Corner in Centerbrook, Community Music School (CMS) provides essential musical education and experiences for residents of all ages and celebrates its 40th Anniversary throughout 2023! A full roster of ensembles rehearse and present regular public performances, including the CMS String Orchestra performing Wed May 17 at 7 pm at Valley HS auditorium. Students of all ages perform in end-of-semester recitals in June. Summer programs include private lessons on most instruments/voice, Music Together® early childhood music classes, and popular Music Theatre Programs: Broadway Bound (“Matilda,” July 17-28, ages 10-17) and Broadway Beginners (“The Lion King Kids,” July 10-21, ages 5-9)

On Oct 14 CMS celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a fundraiser concert “Todd Ellison and Friends” at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. Todd is an

acclaimed Broadway music director/pianist (and Essex native) and will be joined by a starstudded roster of friends as they celebrate the music of Broadway!

Learn more about the Community Music School at www.cmsct.org, (860) 767-0026, or in-person at 90 Main Street, Centerbook.

Old Saybrook Golf Tournament 2023 SOLD OUT!

June 12, 2023

Enjoy a memorable outing at Fox Hopyard, one of Connecticut’s Premier Private golf courses. To be added to the waiting list, contact the Chamber office.

Learn About Your Chamber Membership & Online Resources!

Do you find yourself confused on how to work the Chamber website, Chamber Master or any other online Chamber Membership Resource?

Join our new monthly Welcome Workshops! Take an hour of your day for step by step videos and instructions on how to utilize your Chamber membership and resources. Bring your laptop, iPad, or tablet to work through the informational sessions on your own screen.

“I was amazed at all the options available to us for advertising our business and events on the Chamber’s Website. The team at Old Saybrook COC did a great job of presenting all the features and how to upload and post info, photos, and videos. We can even post to a Community Calendar. It was a lot to grasp in one hour, and I could use more lessons. Luckily, they are there to help at every step of the way. So grateful!” -

Shelia Gavish, Amston Home Transition Solutions

Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 23

Focusing on the Member Information Center (The Portal) and the Chamber Website.

Meetings are downstairs at the Chamber Office every 4th Tuesday of the month with two available sessions: 8:00 am & 12:00 pm. Available to current and new members. Free to attend!

ASK HR with Sheila McKinley-Bell

Introducing a new addition to our newsletter: 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 or topics are on your mind. Today’s question is: There is such confusion about the difference between an independent contractor and an employee, can you explain?

Independent contractors are individuals or businesses who perform work/services with a contracted understanding of the terms, such as duties, pay, and the amount and type of work. Businesses often use independent contractors for services to avoid bringing employees on staff for shortterm needs. Although the business has control over the work an independent contractor does for them, an independent contractor has control over HOW work is completed. They are typically project-based workers who have autonomy in how they complete the work

as long as they complete it as agreed.

An independent contractor works for themselves and is not technically employed by the business they are working for. They can work and operate for several clientbusinesses at a time. Typically, an independent contractor has specialized skills that are supplemental to the business’ core products or services. Independent contractors submit invoices for their work and the business paying for their goods and services does not deduct taxes or statutory benefits from those payments. Instead, the independent contractor is subject to paying selfemployment tax. Employees do not work for themselves. The employer controls and supervises the details of their work and provides the tools and materials and location where the work is performed; the employee has no investment in the work facilities or equipment. Employment is typically extended, rather than for a specified or limited time period. The work performed is an integral part of the business’ products or services. The employee does not have opportunity to profit,

or loss based on the business’ performance. The business is responsible for withholding payments for certain Federal and State taxes and statutory benefits, such as unemployment, Social Security and workers’ compensation from the employee’s pay.

Ultimately, the key difference is does the worker control how they work? If yes, they are an independent contractor. If no, they are an employee. I recommend exploring the IRS.gov website for further information. In particular, Publication 5520 – How Businesses Determine if a Worker is an Employee or Independent Contractor.

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 July 2023.

For more information, please email hannah@oldsaybrookchamber.com