ChamberWorks
March 2003
 » Past Issues

 » President's Message
 » May 3 Wedding Plans on Target
 » Recap: Wine Tasting & Silent Auction
 » Recap: February Business After Hours
 » March 25 BAH a Combined Happening
 » Does it Ever End?
 » New Team Member
 » Welcome New Members!

 
President's Message

Congratulations to Black Rock Realty and the Town of Fairfield for obtaining approval by the RTM to begin building the new train station and commercial office park! The RTM, although not the final hurdle for the group, was the biggest challenge toward acceptance. A significant majority of the RTM approved the plan as presented, and we are pleased with the results.

A heart-felt thanks goes to all chambers members who volunteered their time and provided vocal public support. I would like to especially thank Mary Ellen McLean, Diane Melish, Anne Stamler, John Lavin, Joan Neily, Peter Ambrose, Jill Kelly among others, and last but not least Patricia L. Ritchie.

A quick note on security. These are trying times for people that are especially sensitive about the state of world affairs and our sporadic heightened security alerts. Communications are really important now and I urge our members to be tuned-in on events in our area and to seek out advice from town officials, if necessary. Please note that the town is sponsoring a "Citizen's Information Fair on Town Emergency Preparedness" Tuesday, March 4 at the Senior Center. All residents and business owners are invited to listen and to participate on this timely topic. A little peace of mind can go a long way.

Best wishes to all, we'll talk along the way!

Mark J. Hawkins
President
Fairfield Chamber of Commerce

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May 3 Wedding Plans on Target

We are still seeking sponsorships for the May 3 wedding event at the Patterson Club. Invitations will go to the printer within the next couple of days, so if you are planning to help the chamber with its biggest event of the year, please commit now by calling the chamber office. Sponsorships so far include:

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Copper

Just Because

Due to the size of the club, the need for a head table and 14 actors, space for food stations, the DJ, wedding cake table, and comp tickets, only 120 tickets may be sold. To date, thirty-one (31) tickets have already been spoken for, and we haven't even started advertising the event advertising as yet! Please contact Patricia at the chamber office if you wish to purchase tickets ($100 pp) or would like more information regarding a sponsorship.

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Recap: Wine Tasting & Silent Auction

The Greenwich Workshop Gallery was the scene of the 8th annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction on February 7. The snow fell all day long, prompting the chamber phones to ring constantly with the same question—Are you still having the wine tasting tonight? Of course, we went forward with our plans, much to the delight of those planning to attend, and it turned out to be a wonderful evening of music, food and silent bidding on over 100 items. Because of the slightly higher ticket prices, the press releases and advertising that went out over the last two weeks, and the numerous items up for bidding, the chamber will net approximately $10,000 from the event. This was about $3,500 more than last year, and slightly better than the 2001 event.

Thank you to all the committee members who helped make this annual event a huge success. A very special thanks to Gerald Van Kralingen of Heee!Haul, who helped on the afternoon of the event to bring all the items from the office to the Gallery. Not an easy thing to do in the middle of a snowstorm!

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Recap: February Business After Hours

Our host, John Lavin of TLC - The Laser Eye Center, was pleased with the great turnout at the February 13 Business After Hours. Close to 40 people attended, and not only did they enjoy the food and refreshments, but also participated in a little trivia contest as well. A "door-prize" drawing was held and Susan Metcalf of Mister MAIL, LLC, was the happy winner. The Rosenthal Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center offered the prize (a facial) at their offices.

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March 25 BAH a Combined Happening

Yes, it has been one year since we last held the Business After Hours at The Westport Inn. Once again on the 25th, it will be a combined event with the Westport Chamber of Commerce and we can expect quite a large crowd of both members and non-members. Please make your reservations as soon as possible by completing the enclosed form. Fax or mail it in (depending on type of payment), or call the Chamber office at 255-1011 and we will take your reservation over the phone. Frank Falanga, General Manager, along with Karen Heckert and Beth Luchansky, look forward to seeing you again, and updating you on the Inn's renovations! If you were unable to make it last year, now is the time to mark your calendar to be sure you don't miss it again!

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Does it Ever End?

There's a move afoot to challenge the Representative Town Meeting's approval of the $6 million for the new train station and commercial development. Muriel Menhart, coordinator of the Fairfield Taxpayers Association, is looking for 1,622 registered voters to sign a petition to require a town-wide referendum on the recent RTM decision. She has until March 11 to accomplish this task.

As you know, the chamber has supported this development since the inception of the idea many years ago. Now is not the time to let a latecomer bring a stop to this vital commercial development. As Aaron Stauber, a partner in Blackrock Realty LLC recently said in the Connecticut Post, it is surprising that someone concerned with rising taxes would try to stop a project that will actually increase tax revenue for the town.

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New Team Member

The Chamber welcomes Susan S. Gold, membership development director, to the organization. Her background includes program directorship of the National Historic Landmark, public relations for the Westport Arts Center, advertising representative for the Westport Chamber of Commerce, events coordinator for WSHU Public Radio, and house manager for the Norwalk Community Technical College.

Susan's responsibilities include recruitment and retention of new members and we are sharing her expertise on a part-time basis with the Westport Chamber. Susan will personally visit with prospective members, and educate them regarding the benefits of membership. Please remember that if you have spoken to an individual that seems interested in chamber membership, to call the chamber office and let us know. We will pass the tip on to Susan to follow up. Again, welcome Susan Gold!

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Welcome New Members for February!

For contact information, consult our online Member Directory.

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The fine print

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