ChamberWorks
May 2002
 » Past Issues

 » President's Message
 » Casino Royale Recap
 » Visual Improvement Awards Set for May 22
 » Gift Certificate Program 2002-2003
 » Annual Arts & Crafts Show on Old Town Hall Green
 » Annual Dinner & Board Meeting June 5th
 » Distinguished Achievement Awards
 » Welcome New Members!

 
President's Message

A fat lawsuit is never as smart as a lean compromise. And so it is good news that First Selectman Ken Flatto and Blackrock Realty announced that "meaningful progress has been made" in finding a compromise for building the town's third train station with related commercial development at the former Bullard's site on Commerce Drive.

The Chamber believes that a compromise agreement at the Bullard site should be presented to the RTM for approval. If the RTM does not approve a plan along Commerce Drive, the town will have to upgrade the downtown train station to become compliant with the Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA).

Back in 1999, the Chamber and the town jointly commissioned a Needs and Benefits Assessment to determine the best location for an ADA compliant train station with additional commuter parking. The conclusion was that Commerce Drive was the most suitable site.

The Assessment details the negative consequences of construction at the railroad station in the center of Fairfield. If you want to avoid traffic congestion, public safety problems and the disruption of business downtown, then let your RTM representatives and other town officials know that you and the Chamber support a compromise solution at the Bullard site along Commerce Drive.

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

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Casino Royale Recap

The beautiful people began to drift into the Patterson Club around 7:00 pm, not really knowing what to expect. After checking in, they were directed toward the "casino" where they could take the gratis $15 in play money and exchange it for playing chips.

To the left, in the lower lounge was the amazing silent auction with 30 wonderful auction items ranging from a $750 landscape and pool consultation to a $50 bag of groceries from Trader Joes. The auction table was decorated by Mary Ellen McLean, who used her wit to make the presentation much more creative than just a couple of sign-up sheets. The cabaret tables in the main room were decorated with flowers donated by Hansen's Florist, votive candles and white tablecloths with green (the color of money) napkins. Around the club were plants on loan from Colonial Gardens. At the entrance to the casino area and strategically placed around the room were enormous lighted pillars and balloon creations by Meg Kane of Balloons by Design. Mike Festra of Critical Entertainment provided the music which ranged from Frank Sinatra to Jerry Lee Lewis.

Many people were amazed by the professionalism of Casino Productions. The dealers were happy to help novice gamblers learn the art of blackjack and craps, and the tables (especially the craps table and roulette wheel) were surrounded by boisterous revelers, giving a loud cheer every time the bet was a successful one.

And the food was wonderful! There was a raw bar with clams on the half shell, oysters Rockefeller and jumbo shrimp. The New Zealand rack of lamb and turkey breast along with mounds of three kinds of pasta were available for hungry souls to nibble on at their leisure, while others helped themselves to the ten kinds of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres served by attentive waiters. As for those with a sweet tooth, the Viennese dessert table was more than they had hoped for. The open bar proved dangerous for some tipsy souls, while the music enticed others onto the dance floor.

At eleven o'clock the gaming ceased and the dealers counted the chips of the highest rollers. Mike Dolan was the big winner with $936 in winnings. He chose the prize of an overnight and dinner at Foxwoods. But everyone was a winner because they left with goodie bags stuffed with Newman's Own popcorn, the April issue of Westport magazine, Bigelow teas, and other smaller items.

For those who bought tickets, sponsored the event or provided gifts and prizes, we thank you all. The proceeds exceeded our expectations and replenished the marketing fund to the tune of over $15,000.

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Visual Improvement Awards Set for May 22

Date: Wed., May 22, 2002
Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Place: Offices of Nicholas H. Fingelly Real Estate, 251 Main St., On The Harbor, Southport

Hosted by Co-Chairpersons Cathy F. Granneberg of Nicholas H. Fingelly Real Estate and Peter Ventriglia of Landmark Financial Group.

R.S.V.P. to 255-1011.

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Gift Certificate Program 2002-2003

We are now into the fourth year of this wonderful program, and what a wonderful year we've had! A total to date shows that over $23,000 worth of gift certificates were sold!

We anticipate this year to be even more successful, as forty-four members have signed up to participate. This diversified group enables us to say this is the perfect gift for anyone. Remember, gift certificates can be purchased at the Chamber office for amounts in $5 increments starting at $10 to a maximum of $100. They can then be redeemed at any of the businesses listed here.

Won't you remember to support this Chamber program which helps keep dollars in our local business community? Once you've tried it, you'll come back for more.

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Annual Arts & Crafts Show on Old Town Hall Green

Arts & Crafts Chairman Max Becker is looking forward to perfect weather once again as we head toward this annual outdoor event on Saturday and Sunday, June 15th & 16th.

Over 75 artists and crafts persons will set up their tents under shady trees, and along the sidewalks around the old Town Hall Green. The open and airy setting lets one view the variety of items offered for purchase by artists from Maine to Florida.

Volunteers are still needed, so if you have not already done so, please call the Chamber office at 255-1011 to offer your services, or call Max Becker at 226-8877 x122.

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Annual Dinner & Board Meeting June 5th

The Chamber's Annual Dinner and Board of Directors Meeting is set for Wed., June 5th at the Fairfield University School of Business. With a reception hour beginning at 6:00 p.m., the program will then include dinner, presentations and awards, and door prizes.* Our guest speaker will be Robert J. Trefrey, President of Bridgeport Hospital. The Chamber's slate of officers and directors for the new fiscal year will be presented to the membership at this time, along with the recipient of the Harold B. Harris Award. The price is $45 per person. You can respond via the RSVP included in the invitations which will be mailed shortly, or call the Chamber at 255-1011, and we will hold a space for you.

* We welcome your donation of a door-prize for the annual meeting even if you might not be able to attend. Call Linda at the Chamber office, 255-1011, and we will coordinate a pick-up time.

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Distinguished Achievement Awards

The National Association of Woman Business Owners, Connecticut Chapter, announces its upcoming Distinguished Achievement Awards to take place on Thursday, June 6.

NAWBO-CT is dedicated to advancing, educating, mentoring and empowering women business owners. It is one of 92 Chapters across the country. National membership to date totals more than 9,000 women business owners.

NAWBO-CT wishes to honor women business owners who have made significant contributions to Connecticut's business community. Honorees will be recognized for exemplary performance in their fields of business. They will have devised and successfully executed business models that have had significant impact on a local, national or international arena.

To receive more information on nomination criteria or an application, please contact Betsy Weber, NAWBO-CT President, (203) 431-0909.

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Welcome New Members for April!

For contact information, consult our online Member Directory.

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The fine print

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