ChamberWorks
May 2003
 » Past Issues

 » President's Message
 » Annual Dinner at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn
 » Do You Know Someone We Should Call?
 » Chamber Maps
 » Gift Certificate Program Grows
 » VIP Award Winners
 » Another Successful Business After Hours
 » 10th Annual Business Showcase: 'Business at the Speed of Life'
 » Annual Arts & Crafts Show June 21-22
 » Joey & Mary Katherine Got Hitched!
 » Welcome New Members!

 
President's Message

Our membership has been increasing steadily since late last year. Last month we introduced some 20 new members to the chamber. Thanks to Susan Gold, our new membership coordinator, for moving us in this positive direction.

As chamber members, I feel strongly that each of us should promote the positive attributes regarding chamber membership to our fellow business acquaintances and friends in commerce. Building a strong volunteer organization will only enhance our business community, thus making Fairfield a viable place to run a business. The Fairfield Chamber has much to offer a small business, and Susan is only too glad to tell others about it. If you know of a business looking to join, please refer them to Susan.

Likewise, we need volunteers for our Ambassador Program. This group is committed to revitalizing and growing our membership. I have spoken about this before. The chamber's philosophy is focused on empowerment, and our members, in a manner of speaking, are business partners who come together because of similar goals and interests. These mutual goals ensure that the Town of Fairfield maintain its prominence as a thriving community for businesses and families alike.

I encourage all our member/partners to get involved in the Fairfield Chamber, either by referring a business, volunteering their time or by participating at chamber sponsored events and fund raisers. Our community depends on it!

Take care; we'll talk along the way!

Mark J. Hawkins
President
Fairfield Chamber of Commerce

« Top of Page

 
Annual Dinner at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn

Attention Please! The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Board of Directors Meeting will take place at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport on Wednesday, June 11, from 6-9:00 p.m., not at the Westport Inn as previously reported.

Reception hour will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner, presentations and awards, and door prizes.* Our guest speaker will be Eric Knight, President of Remarkable Technologies. 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.

« Top of Page

 
Do You Know Someone We Should Call?

As the weather improves and things begin to grow, so does our Chamber of Commerce. We become a stronger Chamber as new businesses become involved and we can work together to refer business and network with one another. Recently, I became involved with the Chamber in the area of Membership Development and am asking for your help. Let me know of any individuals and businesses that you think should learn more about the Chamber. I would like to spread the word on how the Chamber does collectively what no one organization can do alone. Kindly call me at 255-1011 or E-mail me at: info@FairfieldCTChamber.com with your referrals. Thank you for your support and initiative in helping us to grow.

Peace and Prosperity,

Susan S. Gold, Membership Development Associate

« Top of Page

 
Chamber Maps

We are out of maps!!! These maps are used by the Town of Fairfield, local realtors, police and fire department, and are disbursed throughout Fairfield via the public libraries and other town building locations.

Beginning in May, the Chamber Publishing Group will be calling you with regard to advertising for the town maps. The Chamber Publishing Group will hold the price of the map advertisements at the same rate as in 2000—the last year that the maps were printed.

While there is no rate sheet per se, the rates will range from $550 to $890 depending on the size and position of the ad. The maps will be available for distribution in June. Please be sure to place your ads without delay, so that we can wrap up the printing in a timely manner.

« Top of Page

 
Gift Certificate Program Grows

We are targeting mid-June for chamber gift certificates to be available for purchase by cash or check only (no credit cards will be accepted) at the following People's Bank locations:

Fairfield Center: 

People's Bank
Fairfield Shopping
837 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824

Contact: Bob King, 338-7099

Black Rock Turnpike: 

People's Bank
1940 Black Rock Tpke.
Fairfield, CT 06824

Contact: Catherine Tremaglio, 338-7059

We encourage buyers to purchase their gift certificates on-line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the toll-free number (877) 770-4438, or by clicking the "Gift Certificates" box on the Chamber's home page: www.FairfieldCTChamber.com.

We are hopeful this helps to decrease the office-sales traffic during the two major selling times -- end of the school year in June, and the November-December holiday rush. We will keep you posted on any additional sales locations. If you wish further information, please call the chamber office at 255-1011.

« Top of Page

 
VIP Award Winners

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, will present a wonderful evening of awards on May 7th. We are expecting over 50 people to attend this annual event. The VIP Awards give recognition to those that have made a visual contribution to the community.

The Nicholas H. Fingelly Award for New Construction goes to Fischel Properties for the Rooster River Plaza, located at 501 Kings Highway in Fairfield. For Renovation, the award goes to "Harbor House", located at 163 Oldfield Road, and for Facelift the award goes to Fairfield Center Jewelers at 1498 Post Road. An Exceptional Achievement Award is presented to Fairfield University for the John A. Barone Campus Center and for the Rudolph F. Bannow Science Center.

A Citation Award for New Construction goes to Cumberland Farms, 973 Kings Highway East. Receiving awards for Renovation are Total Look of Southport at 3482 Post Road and Lexus Pre-Owned Dealership at 187 Kings Highway Cutoff. For Facelift, awards go to property located at 808 Post Road, Starbucks at 2171 Black Rock Tpke., Devan Infiniti at 2269 Post Road and Mesa Home Factory Store at 1530 Post Road.

« Top of Page

 
Another Successful Business After Hours

What a pleasant surprise to walk into a bank and find chamber music, an open bar, lots of gourmet goodies, prizes and gifts for every one. Thank you People's Bank and especially Valerie Senew and her staff for putting together a wonderful evening for our most recent Business After Hours! Comments were all positive, and those that attended were well-fed, had a good time, and were able to make some beneficial contacts. This is what networking is all about, and we hope Valerie and her crew will have us back again some time.

« Top of Page

 
10th Annual Business Showcase: 
'Business at the Speed of Life'

Wednesday, May 14th is the date set for the upcoming Business Showcase 2003. Expected are 200 participating exhibitors. This major area event will be held in the William H. Pitt Health & Recreation Center at Sacred Heart University. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with an expected attendance of over 3,000 people.

Keynote Speaker for this year's event is Barbara Corcoran, Chairman, The Corcoran Group, and author of Use What You've Got. According to CNN, Barbara Corcoran is "the most sought after broker" in New York City and is considered one of the most powerful brokers in the country.

This is another way to show off your business to other business owners, to network and get leads.

« Top of Page

 
Annual Arts & Crafts Show June 21-22

Arts & Crafts Chairman Max Becker is looking forward to perfect weather once again as we head toward this annual outdoor Arts & Crafts event on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 & 22. "We are seeing a number of new applicants this year, perhaps due to the change from the traditional date of Father's Day weekend to a later date," noted Max.

Over 80 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. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from Super Duper Weenie, Kettlecorn, and Bankok Thai Cuisine. Free balloons for the children will be distributed under the Chamber's tent.

Volunteers are desperately needed. 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 x 122.

« Top of Page

 
Joey & Mary Katherine Got Hitched!

Congratulations to the bride and groom for tying the knot, even though confusion reigned! The maid of honor arrived with toilet paper trailing from her heel, chewing bubble gum and tugging at her bodice. The mother of the groom did her best to seduce audience members with her provocative first dance with her son (her dips and turns were something to behold) and Joey, God bless him, with a gun tucked into his cummerbund teetering on high heeled/soled shoes, played his role with confidence.

The food provided by the Patterson Club was consumed way too fast for some folks, as the Australian lamb chops disappeared in no time. There was salad and made-to-order pasta, chicken and mushrooms and dessert featuring a wedding cake donated by Sweet Cakes. On the table at the end of the meal were petite fours and strawberries dipped in chocolate.

We are still counting the proceeds from the live and silent auctions, and we want to especially thank Fritz Ober for spending the most money (we expect him to have a new look very soon and won't reveal his secret), followed closely by Walter Hibbs. By the way, the signboard handmade by Linda Matthews and worn by the photographer read: "I was paid for by Walter Hibbs."

We want to thank, once again, our sponsors: Blackrock Realty, LLC, Fairfield University, Chamber Insurance Trust, Brody, Wilkinson & Ober, Kleban & Samor, P.C., LFJ Insurance Services, Inc., Leask and Leask, P.C., CPA's, People's Bank, William Pitt Real Estate, Starwood Ceruzzi, LLC, Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., Webster Bank, Westport Magazine, Frank Zaino, DDS, Dunlap-Hibbs Real Estate, Turnpike Properties, Carolton Convalescent Hospital and Threshold Mortgage. Without your help we could not survive.

« Top of Page

 
Welcome New Members for April!

For contact information, consult our online Member Directory.

« Top of Page

The fine print

© 2008 Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Inc. • Privacy Policy • Terms and Conditions