April 2011
Grand Opening
The day was long in coming as Bill Chen described it. This
has been Bill’s dream for sometime, added his wife Sarah
and we are extremely pleased with the outcome of the
property. The guests could not have agreed more. Pictures
were on displayed of the building condition before, and
during the renovations. Story continued page 5.
Monday morning on March 28th, at 9:00am, numerous business leaders, friends and dignitaries extend their warm-
est of wishes before Mr. Bill Cheng and his wife Sarah together cut the ribbon to kickoff the Grand Opening Cele-
bration of their newly renovated property and building located at 458 East Main Street, Norwich the new home of
Fortune Realty. On lookers include, Chamber President, Nancy Gray, Congressman Joe Courtney, Norwich City
Mayor, Peter Nystrom, City Councilman, Tucker Braddock and Norwich Chamber Board of Director, Brian Kobylarz.
Chamber Leadership
Welcome Spring! BOARD of DIRECTORS
―■―
DIRECTORS
―■―
OFFICERS John Bilda—Norwich Public Utiliies
As we look around we Chair of the Board Ken Bondi—Bondi Commercial
Stacie Lambert, American Ambulance Tucker Braddock—Sprague Development
begin to see all the signs Nick Caplanson—Dime Bank
of spring upon us. It is President & Executive Director Kenny Chen—East West Media
Nancy Gray Nancy Cowser—UCFS
time to shed the winter Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce Evert Gawendo—Nutmeg Companies
Rodney Green—Olde Tymes Restaurant
blahs and get ready for Vice Chair Les King—Aspen Prperties
this great new season. Todd Postler, Wireless Zone Norwich Larry Lentine—New London County Mutual
Mike Matera—Surplus Unlimited
At the Chamber we are Vice Chair Andre J. Messier, CPA
Andrew Nollman, Rose City Financial Maria Miranda—Miranda Creative
busy preparing for our Services Atty. Theodore N. Phillips II, Esq.
Paul Provost, The Bulletin
8th Annual Golf Tour- Treasurer Barry Shead, Savings Institute
nament at Jerry Coia, Eastern Federal Bank David Wigfield, Stadium Motors
to be held
Notes From Secretary
R. Gary Young, RL&G Agency
at the The President Brian F. Kobylarz, Tele-Cine Productions
EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS
Immediate Past Chair
Norwich Bob Reed, WICH/WCTY Radio
―■―
Philip Anthony, Town of Griswold
Golf Bob Congdon, Town of Preston
CHAMBER STAFF
Course on Monday, May 16th. All you ―■―
Nancy Gray
golfers out there what a great day to look President & Executive Director
PAST CHAIRMEN
OF THE BOARD
forward to... a great golf course, great food, Ginger Morse
Membership & Communication Coordinator
―■―
Theodore N. Phillips II, 2004-2007
great prizes and lots of laughter. How can Sheila Messier Andre J. Messier Jr., 2007-2009
Membership Volunteer
you beat that. Call the Chamber office to Lori Ashburner
Robert Reed, 2009-2011
Membership Volunteer
register yourself or a foursome.
CHAMBER AMBASSADORS
Volunteer—It Makes You Feel Good! Barry Shead—Chairman
As we start heading into this part of the year 860-889-1939
Savings Institute Bank & Trust
with our annual events coming quickly upon Business Connections is mailed to Stacey Jimenez—Vice Chair
us I am reminded how important it is and approximately 375 businesses, 860-230-1237
Bucacci Business Solutions, LLC
how very grateful we are for all our members emailed to over 700 addresses, ap-
Susan Baroni-Schaeffer
pears on our website and is distrib-
and especially those who volunteer their uted to various locations throughout
860-425-4327
Dean Bosse
time to help us put these events together. the community. 860-917-8202
Our Chamber does so much and the more Connecticut Home Network
Full page = $100 Doug Johnson
hands and assistance we have the more we 7.5 wide x 9.75 high 860-514-9377
can accomplish. Half page = $50 Doug Johnson, Financial Advisor
7.5 wide x 4.5 high Stephanie Pious
860-616-4025
When you become a part of volunteering Quarter page= $30 Colliers International
3 5/8 wide x 4.5 high Commercial Real Estate
your time to help out, there is no feeling Racheal Renfree-Hawes
better than to know that what you did today Ads are due by the 860-383-2761
25th of the month Success Center USA
really made a difference. Vicki Schroeder
Submit your ads in a jpeg 860-892-1335
Allyn Associates, Realtors
If you are some time you would like to do- format to Lynn Wracan
nate to the Chamber even a free hour and info@norwichchamber.com 863-557-4355
Mobile Metabolic Testing
would like to get involved, please give us a
If you should have any questions Gary Young
call at 860-887-1647. call the Chamber office at
860-642-7559
RL&G Agency
860-887-1647
2
April Event
Don’t Miss The
Celebration!
PROUD TO BE YOUR BANK FOR 96 YEARS
No Closing Costs!† No Application Fee!
Renew • Refurbish • Restore • Remodel • Relax • Refinance
Call us for details at 860-889-7381 or stop by your local branch
* Above Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) effective 1/15/11 and require an automatic payment from an Eastern Federal Bank Checking Account. Please
see a customer service representative for APRs without automatic payment. Offer rates are subject to change at any time. This program is available
only for refinances of single-family owner occupied detached dwellings and condominiums in FHLMC approved projects located in Connecticut. Lien
must be in first position. Current EZ Refi customers are not eligible. Minimum loan amount $10,000, maximum loan amount $225,000. Maximum loan
amount not to exceed 80% of property value. A 5 year loan with an interest rate of 3.75% is repayable in 60 monthly installments of $18.31 per
$1,000. A 7 year loan with an interest rate of 3.99% is repayable in 84 payments of $13.66 per $1,000 and a 12 year loan with an interest rate of
4.25% is repayable in 144 monthly payments of $8.88 per $1,000. Payments do not include amounts for taxes and insurance. Escrow of property
taxes required. Escrow will increase the monthly payment obligation. Borrower responsible for property insurance. †Borrower responsible for any fees
or costs assessed by their current lender to have their loan refinanced with Eastern Federal Bank.
MEMBER EQUAL HOUSING 3
FDIC LENDER
April Events
Put A Positive Start To Your Day
Begin with Begin with Begin with
April 7th April 26th May 6th
202 Salem Turnpike
Norwich
Come celebrate the 75th Anniversary of
Core Plus Federal Credit Union with Presi-
dent Warren Scholls, and the wonderful
227 Dunham Street 24 Stott Avenue employees as they open their Norwich
branch for a breakfast, celebration, suc-
Norwich Norwich cess stories and much more. Come wish
Hospice has so much to offer families when Easter Seals provide services to people with them a wonderful year of celebration and
it counts most. Come hear about the ser- disabilities to promote their abilities by help- many more to come.
vices they provide to the people in our com- ing them with life's challenges and to
munities and support this wonderful organi- achieve personal goals. Plus much more.
zation with their mission. Take a tour of the Learn about all their services and tour the 1936-2011
facility. large facilities located in the Norwich Busi-
ness Park
Business At Breakfasts are held from 7:30-9:00am
Admission is $5.00 members
$10.00 non members
Deadline for early registration is the
Friday before the event.
Signups after that date are $10.00 mem-
bers $15.00 non-members
Register online at
www.norwichchamber.com
No shows will be billed.
To Schedule a
Business At Breakfast call
Breakfast At Business recently held at Futures, Inc is a not for profit agency empowering Stu-
dents & Adults with disabilities throughout Connecticut to pursue life to its fullest and know the Ginger 860-887-1647.
satisfaction of personal achievement. Within this same building where they serve their clients a
Gift Shop Called "Good Cause Gifts". Located at119 Lebanon Avenue in Colchester they carries
some of the best and most unique gifts around. Be sure to visit them when you can.
4
Continued from page 1
In addition to the Grand Opening, ribbon cutting ceremony, Chamber President Nancy Gray, presented Bill with the “Norwich Business Commu-
nity Investment Award” given in recognition of the major investment in and continued commitment to the people and business community of
Norwich, as displayed by the improvement and beautification of the property located at 458
Farmer’s Market
East Main Street the new home of Fortune Realty.
Congratulations Bill!
Welcome to the Norwich
community and we wish you
great success in business
for many years to come.
Every Wednesday
At Howard Brown Park
10am-2pm
Starting
1st week in July
Thru Mid October
Internet Access, Domain Hosting, E-mail Services, Spam Filtering, Business Class Connections
(T1’s/Fiber), Technical Support
DSL - starting at $39.95 per month- speeds up to 6Mbps: 99main provides solid local DSL
service and tech support with no gimmicks, no hidden requirements and no long term con-
tracts. All of our DSL accounts include a static IP address and E-mail at no additional charge.
We do not re-sell AT&T services - the equipment, DSL network and bandwidth are our own.
What does this mean for your home or business? Better throughput, faster speeds, fewer
dropped connections and the best tech support in the area!
These quality services also available:
T-1 connections
NEW! Business Class Fiber (EtherMAN) connections, 5Mbps to 100Mbps!
56k Dial-Up
E-mail and Spam Filtering
99 Main Street
Server Co-Location
Norwich, CT 06360
Domain Hosting and E-mail for your Business 860-823-6227
Network Management and Consulting www.99main.com
CISCO Security/VPN Appliance Installations
Technical Support - Second to None!
5
Community Happenings
WEDNESDAYS AT THE NORWICH HARBOR
June 29 - August 10, 2011
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
June 29th "Changes in Latitudes"
July 6th "The Fat Cats"
July 13th "The Cartells"
July 20th "Eight to the Bar"
July 27th "Dan Stevens"
August 3rd "Jay Dempsey and Highway
Call"
August 10th "Melaena”
Sponsorship Opportunities Still
Available 860-887-1647
Brought to you by: Greater Norwich Area Business & Industry Foundation, Inc.
In collaboration and partnership with Norwich Harbor Management Commission, and the
Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee.
Phone: GNACC 860.887.1647
ars Rain Dates: August 17, 24, 31st 5:30 to 7:30 pm
alend
Y our C exciting
Mark or more
ow!
W atch f tion to foll
informa
6
Community Happenings
Charter Oak Federal
Credit Union’s
Community Giving
Program, which
donates to over
200 community
organizations
annually
Prints & Drawings
New Work by Bethany Bonner
Reception: April 1
Runs: March 30– April 30
Artist Bethany Bonner explores the es-
sence of flight, movement and energy
in various printmaking and drawing
NCC Presents: Tiny Furniture
techniques.
Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 PM
The Norwich Community Cinema will be screening
this hilarious and endearing film that explores the
depths of romantic humiliation and the heights of
post-college confusion.
7
Member Happenings
Transition In Leadership At The Dime
Jim Cronin, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Dime Bank an-
nounced he will be retiring in September. Cronin has been with Dime for
over 40 years and has served as its president and CEO for 24 years having
been appointed in 1987. In fact, he has held that position longer than any
other president except for Dime’s first president in 1869, Edward Thomp-
son, who served for 28 years. Under Cronin’s presidency, Dime has grown
from a $71 million institution to $686 million.
In announcing his retirement, Cronin introduced his successor, Nick Caplan-
son, who is currently the senior vice president, chief financial officer (CFO)
at Dime and will become the 13th president and CEO.
Caplanson joined Dime as vice president of finance in 2005, and assumed
the role of SVP, CFO and treasurer just
over a year later. Prior to joining Dime,
he had 20 years of financial services in-
dustry experience, having worked at
Northeast Savings F.A., Shawmut Bank,
and American Savings Bank. In his
comments Caplanson said, “What
Jim Cronin, President & CEO
brought me to the Dime 5 years ago
was the commitment shared by Jim and the Board of Directors to keep
Dime an independent, mutual, community bank. It is my intention that we
reinforce and deepen that commitment and continue to do what is best for
our customers, employees and community.”
Dime Investment Services
Welcomes James V. Burns
James “Jim” V. Burns, ChFC, CLU, who resides with
his family in Westerly, RI has joined Dime Investment
Services as a Financial Advisor providing Insurance,
Investment, and Financial Planning Services to the
Westerly, RI and Southeastern CT communities. Jim Burns
He joins Dime with more than a decade of experience.
Successor, Nick Caplanson We look forward to a successful future together.
current Senior Vice President
Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investment Advisor Representative, Dime Investment Services, a Registered Investment Advisor. Dime Investment Services & Cambridge are not affiliated. Investments are not FDIC insured, not bank
guaranteed, and may lose value.
~For All Your Landscaping Needs~
8
News Bites
Training Dollars Available
Norwich Clean Cities… For Green Careers
Incumbent Worker Training opportunity for
Dedicated to promoting the use of Companies training their workers in Green
alternative fuel Careers specifically energy efficiency, renew-
able energy, and environmental protec-
vehicles for a tion. Funds are available now with application
deadline of April 15th. Application forms and
healthier more information is available at EWIB’s web-
community site – www.ewib.org. Tim Murney, EWIB’s
Green Jobs Coordinator. You can reach Tim
2010 marked the 15th anniversary of Nor-
wich’s participation in the U.S. Depart- at (860) 235-7346 or through email at tim-
ment of Energy’s Clean Cities program. While this milestone came and went with murney@comcast.net.
no fanfare, it is significant. So what does being part of the Clean Cities program
mean to the Norwich community?
The mission of Clean Cities, and its 81 nation-wide coalitions like Norwich, is sim-
ple -- reduce gasoline consumption for transportation through the use of alterna- Congratulations to Chase Graphics for
tive fuel vehicles. The benefits of this program include lowering our dependence receiving certification from the Forest
on foreign oil and a healthier environment. Stewardship Council. Owner James St. Jean’s
Since 1995, Norwich Public Utilities goal is to continue to strive to improve manu-
has made a dedicated effort to pur- facturing procedures to become a more
chase alternative fuel vehicles for its
fleet. Currently, more than a third
green-conscious company.
of NPU’s fleet use alternative fuels
like domestically produced com-
pressed natural gas (CNG) or bio- Remember Earth Day—April 22nd .
diesel, or utilize hybrid technology
for better fuel mileage.
NPU owns and operates the only public access compressed natural gas fueling Congratulations to April Woodcock,
station in southeastern Connecticut. Open 24/7, this station provides CNG at a Touching Clients for becoming the fea-
low cost of $1.94 per gasoline-gallon-equivalent (GGE) to drivers who fuel utilize
CNG in their vehicles.
tured business on the Constant Contact check
out
In addition to the economic benefit, alternative fuel vehicles are better for the
environment. For example, natural gas vehicles emit significantly less carbon
http://www.constantcontact.com/learning-
monoxide and other toxic greenhouse gas emissions, and less particulate matter.
The vehicles are safe to drive, require no additional maintenance, and are quieter
than diesel powered trucks. Congratulations to Barry Shead, Branch
Local businesses located throughout Southeastern Connecticut are encouraged to Manager of the Norwich branch of the
become stakeholders in the Norwich Clean Cities Coalition. There are no mem- Savings Institute for his recent officer promo-
bership fees and no obligations, however stakeholders commit to:
tion to Assistant Treasurer.
Supporting the goals of the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Program
Working with other coalition stakeholders to promote the use of alternative
Congratulations to Jeff Nelson, on his
fuel vehicles, increase vehicle mileage and reduce heavy duty vehicle idling
Partner with other Clean Cities stakeholders to create gasoline or diesel reduction new position as Director Community De-
programs and/or air quality improvement programs. velopment of Hospice of Southeastern Con-
If you would like to become a stakeholder in Norwich Clean Cities, please contact necticut.
the coalition coordinator, Peter Polubiatko at 860-887-6964, or email
info@norwichcleancities.org. For more information about Norwich Clean Cities,
visit www.norwichcleancities.org. Email Your News Bite to...
info@norwichchamber.com by the 25th of
each month.
9
Chamber Event
Kong Foo Vegetarian Restaurant Hosts Business After Hours
Owners Judy and Silvio Lam, pictured for the drawing, and delicious food was prepared by
Chef Joe in bottom right. This is a must visit restaurant on our list of area eateries.
“Certified Kosher Restaurant”
Nancy introduces the newly elected Greater Norwich
Chamber’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Stacie
Lambert from American Ambulance and the new
membership and communication coordinator, Ginger
Morse at the Business After Hours.
The GNACC of Norwich Auto Show chaired by Dave Wigfield were happy to present checks to the following organizations from the
proceeds of the event held in 2010. Literacy Volunteers, Salvation Army, TVCCA, Brain Injury Association, and Hospice of Southern
CT and Ambulance 255 Project. From Left to Right: Jan Stewart and Kathy Delaney, Norwich Auto Show Donations Committee mem-
bers, Laurie Cassada, Brain Injury Association of CT, Dave Wigfield, Norwich Auto Show Chairman, Jeff Nelson, Hospice of SE CT,
Dave Colley, Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Enovy Steve Loveless and Emmanual Echavarria, Salvation Army of Nor-
wich, Gerry Sinnamon, Literacy Volunteers.
10
Members Corner
Welcome New Members
Maple Lane Farms
Bill Champagne, Realtor
Bouvier Insurance
Frances E. Stephanos, Met Life of Massachusetts
Human Resource Leadership Association of Eastern CT
Maple Lane Farms
For all members especially new members
Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home Join Us
Norwich AIC Larry Albert Center of Community Solutions May 10th 8am—9am
Northeast Energy Solutions at the Chamber office
Paramount Paving Learn how to utilize your member benefits to bene-
Sharon Signorino fits you.
Member Communication
Business Connections
Thank You Renewing Members Chamber Calendar
Community Calendar
99 Restaurant Hyatt Place – Uncasville Chamber Facebook Page
A.P. Salvage Supply of Norwich, LLC IKON Office Solutions Member Discount Coupon
AC/DC Industrial Electric, LLC Janice L. Dennis, Realtor
Ally Associates, Realtors Lazizah Bakery And much more.
Al’s Absolute Restoration & Cleaning Lord Properties Reserve your space on www.norwichchamber.com
AM Lithography Corporation Macara Vehicle Services, Inc. Today!
American Ambulance Service, Inc. Mad Science of Southeastern CT
Amgraph Packaging, Inc. Mary Miskiewicz Real Estate
Andre Messier, Jr., CPA, LLC Matthews Catering Company, LLC
Antenna Hair Salon McKenna’s Flower Show
ASM Consulting, LLC Miranda Creative, Inc.
Aspen Properties, LLC
Block, Janney & Pascal, LLC
Mohegan Tribe of Indians of CT
Nancy L. Gordon, Broker Associate
Working Hard To
Certa Pro Painters New London County Mutual Ins.
Chelsea Gardens Foundation
Chelsea Insurance Agency, LLC
Norwich Community Development
Corp.
Improve The Quality
Chinese& American Cultural Assis-
tance Association
Nutmeg Companies, Inc.
Olde Tymes Restaurant, Inc. Of Life For The
Chinigo, Leone and Maruzo, LLP Orchard Grove Specialty Care Cter
Citadel Broadcasting
CLA Engineers
Otis Library
People’s United Bank
Businesses and People
Clean Like Mew, LLC Peter Wm. Maneri, Jr., CPA, LLC
Comfort Suites Prakash Pediatrics, LLC In The Communities
Connecticut Pardon Team Mary Reed
Design Learned, Inc.
Details Hair Studio, LLC
RL&G Insurance Agency, LLC
Rose City Financial Services, LLC We Serve.
Dixie Donuts, LLC Sayet and Seder, Attorneys at Law
East CT Workforce Investment Board Smakosh Restaurant
Falvey Motors, Inc. S.C.A.D.D.
Fortune Realty & Associates, LLC Sprague Development, LLLC
Gerwick-Mereen, LLC Tele-Cine Productions
Goldblatt Bokoff, LLC T.V.C.C.A., Inc.
Greenville Drug Store, Inc. Total Vision Eye Health Care, LLC
Griswold Dental Associates, PC United Way of Southeastern CT, Inc.
Hartford Financial, Ltd. Wheelabrator Lisbon, Inc.
Holiday Inn Norwich Wireless Zone Norwich
11