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|
ChamberWorks June 2002 |
» Past Issues |
» President's
Message
» 40th
Annual Arts & Crafts Show June 15 & 16
» Business
Showcase Recap
» Sidewalk
Sale Days July 26 & 27
» Expanding
the Gift
Certificate Program
» Winners
of the Visual
Improvement Awards
» Welcome
New Members!
President's Message
It's hard to believe, but my term as President is coming to an
end. Since this is my last letter to the Chamber membership, I'd
like to review our accomplishments this year and offer my thoughts
on what remains to be done.
Our first priority was to manage a transition in executive directors. We are fortunate to have recruited Patricia L. Ritchie after a thorough search. Patricia tackles every chamber task and event with enthusiasm, energy, and a fresh perspective on how the chamber can bring more value to its members.
Speaking of members, we did not increase chamber membership this year. We did a good job in retaining members, but we have to rethink how the chamber's limited resources can be better spent to attract new members, facilitate commerce, and promote economic development in Fairfield. This should be the charge given to the long range planning committee.
The chamber's finances remain solid. Our cash balance increased this year due in part to tight expense controls. Thanks to the efforts of our Marketing Committee, we replaced the townwide clambake with Casino Royale as the source of funds for our separate marketing account. We raised more money with less work and we will bring back a casino evening on May 3rd 2003.
The chamber is now receiving richly deserved credit for all of the activities and events it sponsors. This is largely due to the work of Nancy Habetz, Vice President of Public Relations, and Patricia, who is enhancing the visibility of the chamber in the press and in town.
Finally, the chamber should continue to take positions and make its views known on important public policy issues that impact business, economic development, and the fiscal health of our community. In my opinion, much more can be done to make Fairfield a more vibrant business community. The chamber should work closely with the town, its various boards and commissions and other community groups to make this happen.
Michael R. Gness
Edward Jones Investments
President, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce
40th Annual Arts & Crafts Show June 15 &
16
It's here! Come on down, on Saturday and Sunday, June 15th
& 16th, to the Town Hall Green on the Old Post Road, and
enjoy one of the Chamber's longest running events. Taking place from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, you will enjoy the arts and crafts of
over 75 artists. Chairman Max Becker is anticipating great weather and a
large turnout. There will be free balloons for the children, plus food
and refreshments will be available. Stop by the Chamber tent and say
hello!
Volunteers are still needed to help with this event.
Please try to schedule in a couple of hours of your time to help with this most popular program. If you have not yet been contacted by Max Becker, please call the Chamber office at 255-1011 and we will find open time to schedule you in.
Business Showcase Recap
A big "thank you" to not only those member businesses which
participated in the May 15th "Win, Place, Showcase 2002", but
also to those that had an opportunity to attend.
Nearly 3,000 visitors came through the doors of Sacred Heart University's Pitt Center to participate in the largest business-to-business trade show in the region. In its ninth year, Showcase was produced by eight area chambers of Commerce, representing 12 local communities, from Westport to Milford and Bridgeport to Naugatuck.
Showcase captured the spirit of exhibitors who demonstrated a wide range of products and services available in the southern Connecticut region. One hundred and ninety-two exhibitors set up booths representing manufacturing to services in telecommunications, health care, personnel, hospitality, retail k insurance and beyond.
Featured speakers led seminars with up-to-date information on topics critical to all business people. Hourly door prizes were given away to attendees. Balloons by Design, of Bridgeport, was chosen "The Best of Show" by fellow exhibitors. The Taste of the Showcase Business After Hours featured samples from some of the region's finest restaurants, bakeries and caterers.
For information regarding the 2003 Showcase, please give the Fairfield Chamber office a call at 255-1011.
Sidewalk Sale Days July 26 & 27
The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce has announced that town-wide Sidewalk
Sale Days will take place on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27 from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The summer Sidewalk Sale Days have always been popular with area shoppers who have the opportunity to purchase seasonal and other items at good prices. "Now that we have added some interesting new businesses, both on the Post Road and Black Rock Turnpike," noted Patricia L. Ritchie, Executive Director, "I expect that the community spirit of meeting neighbors and friends out shopping for bargains will be even greater this year." She pointed out that businesses throughout the town, not just in the two major retail areas, are invited to take part in the Sidewalk Sale Days.
Expanding the Gift Certificate Program
The Board of Directors recently voted to outsource the chamber's
town-wide gift certificate program in order to grow the program. Once
the new program is up and running, the consumer will be able to purchase
a gift certificate through the chamber's web site, by fax or by phone,
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, from just about anywhere in
the United States.
Sales of the certificate have tripled in the past three years which means the office staff has to spend more and more time in administering the program. By hiring CertifiChecks, an Ohio company that currently works with over 135 chambers, the Fairfield chamber staff will have more time for other projects. However, the chamber office will continue to sell the gift certificates for those who need to have the certificate now.
Currently merchants wishing to participate in the gift certificate program must wait until the enrollment period — usually April of each year. CertifiChecks will permit a new merchant/member to join the gift certificate program at any time throughout the year.
The ease with which the certificate is redeemed by the merchant will also be greater. No longer will it be necessary to fax, mail or bring the certificate to the chamber office for redemption. Once the certificate is accepted, the merchant simply deposits the gift certificate into his bank account and receives full face value as if it were any ordinary check.
The current practice of charging a $35 annual fee to join the gift certificate program will continue. This pays for the advertising and other expenses related to administering the program. A participating member will receive a window/door chamber decal which lets the customer know the business accepts chamber gift certificates.
CertifiChecks will market the program to Fairfield's larger corporations who may see the gift certificates as a way to say thanks to their employees, or as an incentive program.
Please call the chamber office at 255-1011 if you are not already a participating member and wish to enroll in the program. If you are already participating in the gift certificate program, watch for further news regarding the actual launch of this new program.
Winners of the Visual Improvement Awards
Co-Chairs of the Visual Improvement Program, Catherine Fingelly
Granneberg of the Nicholas H. Fingelly Agency, and Peter Ventriglia of
Landmark Financial Group, and their committee, presented a wonderful
evening of awards on May 20th. Over 70 people attended this annual
event, which gives recognition to those that have made a visual
contribution to the community.
The Nicholas H. Fingelly Award for New Construction went to Starwood-Ceruzzi for the 1499 Post Road property. For Renovation, the award went to Gizmos Restaurant & Bar, and for Facelift the recipient was Liana's Trattoria. An Exceptional Achievement Award went to Fairfield University for the DiMenna-Nyselius Library.
Citation Awards for New Construction went to the following; Duchess, Black Rock Turnpike Shopping Center, and to Classic Cars. Receiving awards for Renovation were; Sarabande, Dunkin Donuts, Bear & Grill, and Spic & Span Market. For Facelift, awards went to Southport Automotive and Porsche-Audi.
Additional thanks to Biten Kothari of Photoland for his photo compositions.
Welcome New Members for May!
For contact information, consult
our online Member Directory.
- Color Concept
- Hands of Time