ChamberWorks
November 2001

 » President's Message
 » Santa Visits Fairfield!
 » Vazzy's to Host Holiday Membership Reception
 » Gift Certificate Program
 » Membership Committee's New Idea
 » What's Happening: Business Workshop
 » What's Happening: Volunteer Opportunity
 » Become an Ambassador
 » Business Guide & Membership Directory 2002
 » Speakers' Forum
 » Welcome New Members!

 
President's Message

Business conditions are tough. As difficult as this period may be, it's unlikely that the times have altered customer's interest in the products and services you offer. It's up to you to find new and creative ways to remind your customers (and yourself) of the value you provide. This is what sets you apart. Here's a little story that illustrates my point.

Many years ago a large American shoe manufacturer sent two sales reps out to different parts of the Australian outback to see if they could drum up some business among the Aborigines. Some time later, the company received telegrams from both sales reps. The first one said, "No business here — natives don't wear shoes." The second one said, "Great opportunity here — natives don't wear shoes!"

Business can't be good all the time, but as an old philosopher once said: "If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."

On a lighter note, coming up on Saturday, November 24th is the Chamber-sponsored arrival of Santa Claus to Sherman Green. We need volunteers for this event. Please call Patricia at the chamber office if you can help. It's an event that can take everyone's mind off the upheaval we've experienced since September 11th.

Friday, January 25th is the date set for the Chamber's 7th Annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. This is a critically important fund-raiser for us. We need your attendance, but we also need your help in finding auction items. If you have an auction item you would like to donate, or a question about a donation, please call Patricia Ritchie or Linda Matthews at the Chamber office, 255-1011.

See you around town!

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

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Santa Visits Fairfield!

One of the best holiday happenings around is the annual visit (via helicopter) by Santa on Saturday, November 24th. The Chamber will once again sponsor his visit, beginning with his landing at Tomlinson Middle School at 10 a.m. Then Santa will lead a festive parade down to Sherman Green arriving at approximately 10:30 a.m.

It is at the Gazebo where Santa will meet and greet each child and hand them a small gift. A variety of activities will take place, including hands-on activities for children, horse & wagon rides, musical entertainment, refreshments and seasonal activities. A number of local organizations will be participating, so please come down and show your support.

 
Are You Naughty or Nice?

Here's your chance to be good for goodness sake, cause Santa Claus is coming to town. We desperately need the following:

Volunteers needed:

This event cannot happen without your help. Please, call Patricia at the chamber office to volunteer your time or to sponsor some portion of this November 24th event. Santa will be notified of your good deed, and your stocking will not be filled with coal.

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Vazzy's to Host Holiday Membership Reception

Wednesday, December 19th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Vazzy's Restaurant. Need we say more? A flyer with all of the details is enclosed with this issue of ChamberWorks. As in the past, we ask that you look over the Operation Hope "Wish List," and please bring your item or items with you to this event. For further details, you can call the Chamber office at 255-1011.

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Gift Certificate Program
Mary Hoyt, Chairman

The holiday shopping season is here again. This will be the third season that we have been able to offer the Fairfield Gift Certificate as a great idea to fill all your gift giving needs. Certificate purchases can be made easily in person at our office, by phone using a credit card, or by mail. The choice is yours. You can also choose the denomination that best meets your needs. The recipient of your gift will be able to redeem it at many of our local Fairfield Chamber members' establishments. There is truly something for everyone when you review the list of participating merchants. Just think how nice it would be to have all your shopping done early. Take advantage of this outstanding gift opportunity and support our local businesses at the same time.

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Membership Committee's New Idea

Did you notice all the restaurant inserts in the November issue of ChamberWorks? Thank you, Taco Loco, St. Tropez and Le Petit Soleil for being the first member-restaurants to take advantage of the Ambassador/Restaurant program instituted this month by the membership committee. Here's how it works:

Chamber members who bring in a new member will receive a gift certificate for $30 for use at a participating restaurant. Restaurant participation will be on a rotating basis, and administered by the Chamber office.

In return for two (2) gift certificates, each worth $30, the chamber office will distribute free of charge, the restaurant's advertising flier inserts. The restaurant must provide the 8-1/2 x 11 flier of its own design, and the chamber office will print and mail the insert with the chamber newsletter to approximately 525 individuals. The normal charge for this one-time service is $75.00.

The restaurant will not include alcohol. The hope is that people will spend more than the gift certificate is worth, and that they will have a good experience and go back and become regular customers. Additionally, the restaurant, chamber member and new member will get recognition in the monthly newsletter.

We are counting on 100% restaurant participation, and 100% member participation in this exciting new program instituted by the membership committee. Call the chamber office for details on how to participate in the program.

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What's Happening: Business Workshop

The Connecticut Development Authority, Fleet Bank, First County Bank, Chase Manhattan Bank, The Connecticut Small Business Development Centers, First Union Bank, People's Bank, Quinnipiac University, Three Rivers Community College and the University of Hartford will sponsor a free workshop for owners of start-up businesses and early-stage businesses on Friday, November 16th, from 8:00 a.m. To 12:00 noon at Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport Campus, Room A 102.

The Workshop will provide business owners with information and tools to start and grow their businesses. Assessing business concepts, creating realistic business plans, identifying and exploiting potential markets and financing a new enterprise will highlight track one of the curriculum. Track two will focus on methods to grow a business such as collaboration, strategic alliances, technological adaptations and other techniques to market a business, doing business with state, local and federal organizations and financing the growth of your enterprise.

For information and reservations, please contact David Willis (860) 259-7816 or Yvonne Davis at (860) 833-4662.

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What's Happening: Volunteer Opportunity

The Adventist Disaster Response in collaboration with the Connecticut Teamsters needs volunteers to help sort donations for the September 11 Relief Effort that have come to New York from around the country. The distribution center for the Red Cross, Salvation Army, corporation and individuals has been relocated to a multi-agency warehouse in Stratford, CT. Shifts run from Monday through Sunday, 9 am-1 pm, 1-5 pm and 5-8:30 pm Monday through Sunday. Lunch and dinner breaks are provided. Call 914-632-0022 if you are interested in volunteering and to get directions to the Stratford warehouse.

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Become an Ambassador
Chuck Sussman, V.P. Membership

Would you like a way to meet new businesspeople in Fairfield? Would you benefit by added exposure to existing Fairfield businesses?

Your Chamber is creating an Ambassador position for those members who want to help increase membership by bringing new businesses into the organization and helping retain existing members.

Here is what an Ambassador will do:

Aside from getting to meet new prospects and gaining exposure to local businesses, an Ambassador will be mentioned in the monthly ChamberWorks, recognized at Business After Hours events with a special badge and will attend the those events free of charge. Ambassadors must be members or employees of Fairfield Chamber members.

To become an Ambassador contact the Chamber office at 255-1011. There will be a limited number selected, so call now!

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Business Guide & Membership Directory 2002

If you have not done so already, please take a moment read the enclosed flyer regarding an advertising opportunity in the upcoming Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Business Guide and Membership Directory 2001.

The Chamber Publishing Group will once again produce our Guide, so we look forward to another quality product. This book is a source of information to members and their customers on the Town and community. The Chamber office distributes the Business Guide not only to members, but to prospective residents and visitors, through our Libraries, Town Hall and our general information packages.

Also, please visit the Chamber's web site to review your company information. You can call us with any changes or updates.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Chamber office at 255-1011.

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Speakers' Forum
Scott Weiss, Esq., V.P. Educational Services

Dear Fellow Fairfielder:

I write to tell you about an exciting new opportunity to meet fellow Fairfielders and to participate in the Speakers' Forum. We are looking for other business and professional people who desire to participate in a permanent Speakers' panel, to obtain information or training for their small business or just want to network.

We are looking for Speakers to present a short talk (30 minutes or less) on topics that challenge businesses daily and which are listed below. Our list is not all-inclusive; suggestions are welcome. We intend to maintain a permanent voluntary panel of Speakers and depending on the response hope to conduct a regular and monthly Speakers' Form.

If you are interested in participating as a Speaker or you know someone who would be interested in participating in the Speakers' Forum, please print out and complete this form and then mail or fax it to the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, c/o Patricia Ritchie, Executive Director, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, 1597 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06430, fax 256-9990. Thank you.

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Welcome New Members for October!

For contact information, consult our online Member Directory.

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The fine print

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