ChamberWorks
October 2001

 » President's Message
 » Fairfield Celebrates America
 » Corrections, Updates & Clarifications
 » What's Happening!
 » Student Discount Program
 » Holiday Membership Reception
 » Santa Visits Fairfield
 » Trick or Treat!
 » Fairfield Street Map
 » The Great Debate
 » Gift Certificate Program
 » Wine Tasting & Silent Auction
 » Welcome New Members!

 
President's Message
The Town of Fairfield has been directly touched by the senseless loss of life in the September 11 attack on America. Our hearts and prayers go out to those members of our community affected by this tragedy.

To make matters worse, the economy is very weak. US economic growth was at a standstill before the events of September 11th. Short-term prospects have worsened because the immediate reaction of consumers has been to stay home and stop spending.

As business leaders, we have an obligation to remind our community that while those that have been lost to us cannot be replaced, the life of our community goes on. It must be supported in all of its diverse forms. That includes support for the businesses and professionals that bring value to our community.

The Chamber is working hard to remind the community that businesses all across town are open, and spending is exactly what the local economy needs right now. Let's work together to help cushion the impact of this terrible tragedy.

On another note, as you probably have heard, agreements between the Town of Fairfield, the State Department of Transportation and Blackrock Realty have been signed for a $250 million development on a 35½ acre parcel just off I-95 on Black Rock Turnpike. This development would be one of the largest commercial office complexes in Fairfield County and would provide for a new Metro-North train station with parking for 1,200 commuters. When the project is complete, Fairfield will enjoy substantial tax benefits. The Chamber strongly supports this development and urges its members to voice its support to the town's Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Representative Town Meeting and Economic Development Commission.

See you around town!

Michael R. Gness
Edward Jones Investments
President, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce

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Fairfield Celebrates America
Originally this daylong event was planned as a way to thank businesses that have held on through difficult times, as well as to welcome new businesses into the community. Because of the horrendous events of September 11th, Celebrate Fairfield was postponed. That event evolved into a community and patriotic day, beginning with an ecumenical service at 11 a.m. and ending with a candlelight vigil on Sherman Green at 7 p.m. The event was meant to provide a venue for Fairfield businesses and residents to come together in solidarity and mutual support in a time of crisis and uncertainty. It was renamed Fairfield Celebrates America.

We hope that our retail community will understand the need to change the focus for September 29th, and we look for your continued support of future programs and events.

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Corrections, Updates & Clarifications
Dr. Susan K. Levine of the Center for Esthetic and Functional Dentistry has been accepted as an associated dentist to offer the latest technology in whitening known as BriteSmile. This is a quick, safe, non-evasive whitening system for teeth.

The fax number for Dr. Adriana Torena of Fairfield Dental Home was incorrectly listed last month. Her correct fax number is (203) 367-9016.

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What's Happenning!
Caren Schwartz, owner of Time & Cents Consultants recently received the Timeslips Technical Support, "Partners in Support Excellence" Award. They specialize in training, sales and support for software products to help manage your time, money and contacts.

With the on-going renovations at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn, the Main and Lower Lobby are finally nearing completion. Changes include a completely remodeled lobby area with new carpeting, wallpaper, lighting and furniture. Additionally, the restaurant is enjoying a new concept which is bright, fresh & contemporary.

A seminar entitled "Connecticut Workplace Law Symposium" sponsored by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, Jackson Lewis, and Southern Connecticut Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, will take place on Thursday, October 25 at The Marriott in Trumbull, CT. Keynote speaker will be Joseph P. Moan, Senior Employment Counsel for Texaco, Inc., White Plains, N.Y. For details, information or registration, contact CBIA at (860) 244-1900.

Operation Hope will be hosting its First Annual Musical Gala and Dinner on November 10th at the Inn at Longshore in Westport. The "Evening of Hope" will feature the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, along with a silent auction. To volunteer or make reservations for this wonderful evening, please call 254-2935, ext. 210.

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Student Discount Program
Discounts are available to students of Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University through participating merchants. The amount of the discount varies from store to store and is at the merchant's discretion.

Watch for the posters which may be displayed in the store front window or in a prominent place near the cash register. If you do not see the discount poster displayed, ask the merchant if they participate in the program.

Following is a list of merchants who currently participate in the program.

Cargo Bay
The Cheese Shop
The Chocolate Shoppe
Cool Sports
Fairfield Art Emporium
Fairfield Gallery & Frame
Fairfield Stationers
Frame & Save
The Greenwich Workshop
Hands On Pottery
Heritage Florist
The Kitchen Corner
La Di Daa Salon
Le Petit Soleil
Media Wave
The Midas Touch
Mark Anthony Hair Design
Minuteman Press
Park Lane Opticians
Perfect Past
Photoland
Sidetracks
Tommy's
Torina's Gourmet On The Go
Vazzy's Restaurant
Village Bagels
Voila
Where In The World
The Wireless Store

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Holiday Membership Reception
Milt Jacoby, our Networking V.P., is happy to announce that the Chamber's Holiday Membership Reception will take place on Wednesday, December 19th, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Vazzy's Restaurant in Fairfield. John Vazzano is delighted to host this "merry" program, and a flyer with details will be in the November issue of ChamberWorks.

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Santa Visits Fairfield
Yes, plans are beginning to take shape for the arrival of that jolly man called Santa. On Saturday, November 24th, 10 a.m., he will once again be arriving by helicopter to Tomlinson Middle School field, from where he will lead a parade down to Sherman Green. A day full of activities and fun will once again be scheduled. A number of volunteers will be needed to help with this event. Please call the Chamber office now and let them know you want to help.

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Trick or Treat!
This year, on Wednesday, October 31st, Trick or Treat On Safety Street will once again take place along the Post Road and side street areas in Fairfield Center. Between 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., those young children (and parents) will be dressed up and ready to show off their stuff. This is also a great time to have something for the adults too, such a flyer describing your business, or discount coupon to bring them back. Surprise them!

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Fairfield Street Map
The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, along with The Chamber Publishing Group, recently produced a new, full-color street map of Fairfield. The map, which also includes an Easton insert, should provide you with the most updated location of streets and community landmarks. An additional special feature on the map is a descriptive directory of advertisers. Chamber Publishing produces our Business Guide and Membership Directory, so we have come to know their fine quality in promotional pieces. Under separate cover, our members will be receiving a copy, and advertisers can each receive a limited quantity for their use. A note of thanks to the advertisers who helped support this new publication. Be sure to tell them you saw their ad on the map!

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The Great Debate
The Chamber of Commerce and the Fairfield Rotary Club will once again co-sponsor a luncheon and First Selectman's debate at the Gaelic American Club, 74 Beach Road location beginning at 11:45 a.m. promptly on Monday, October 29th. Since the debate is open to the general public in addition to members of both organizations, reservations are required and should be made early.

Please complete the attached flier/application and mail it as soon as possible to Linda at the chamber offices, and be sure to include your check for $15 per person. The deadline for reservations is October 25th.

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Gift Certificate Program
As you can see, seasonal decorations are beginning to pop up all around town. For those individuals who have already turned their thoughts to finding the perfect holiday gift for everyone on their list ... here is a friendly reminder — the Chamber's Gift Certificates!

They are easy to purchase through the Chamber office (by phone or in person), and it will solve your gift-giving dilemma in minute! And don't forget, you will soon be scheduling office parties, family gatherings, and event school socials. The certificates are a great way to put our member businesses in front of the public!

Call Linda at 255-1011, and she will be happy to work with you to get the certificates you need for that special someone.

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Wine Tasting & Silent Auction
Friday, January 18th is the date set for the Chamber's 7th Annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction. Hours for the event will be 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at The Greenwich Workshop Gallery in Fairfield. If you were unable to get to last year's event, now is the time to mark your calendar! Tasty treats abound, a varied choice of wines to sample, plus coffee and desserts round out this evening of fun and friendship!

Through the generosity of many area businesses, donated goods ranged from floral arrangements to beauty treatments, gift certificates for dining, or even celebrity items. There is something to please everyone!

If you would like more information on this, it's never too early to call the Chamber office at 255-1011 and find out more!

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Welcome New Members for September!
For contact information, consult our online Member Directory.

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