ChamberWorks
June 2003
 » Past Issues

 » President's Message
 » Last Call! Volunteers Needed
 » Four Chambers Sponsor Business After Hours
 » Business Showcase a Great Success
 » Gift Certificate Program Expands
 » Voluntary Capital Improvement Fund
 » Ambassadors Wanted
 » Welcome New Members!

 
President's Message

The Conclusion of Something Good!

The Fairfield Chamber experienced a banner year in obtaining new members, raised a record number of dollars for its marketing budget, tackled weighty issues like casino expansion, and was a leading stakeholder in backing the third train station and Commerce Drive development. It has taken hard work and dedicated people to accomplish our goals.

Beginning with an all out effort to increase membership, we embarked on a series of evening and morning recruiting drives sponsored by Angus Steak House, Pizzeria Uno and Bigelow Tea. The desire to attract new members, also led to the hiring of a part time membership recruiter, Susan Gold. I am proud to say that we accomplished our mission of 100 new members. Diane Melish, V.P. Retail Initiatives, and Kevin Lally, V.P. Membership, were also instrumental in our membership recruitment efforts. So thank you to them as well.

And what would we do without Mary Ellen McLean, V.P. Marketing? Who amongst us would drive around town for hours and days on end, noting changes in address or business locations? With the help of Joseph Stamler, Mary Ellen's tireless efforts helped to produce the Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Guide, and her financial insight was instrumental in providing a realistic marketing budget. Additionally, her creative talent was instrumental in the success of the May wedding event at the Patterson Club. In short, Mary Ellen has always been ready to lend a hand, often going above and beyond the duties of her office. Kudos to her!!

Lone Weglarz's, Web Site Relations, creative approach to refining our website's capabilities and purpose has led to a new proactive web design for our members. With new features and benefits and an updated look and feel, Lone has ensured we continue to value the use of the web for marketing Fairfield, for not only its members, but the Town of Fairfield as well.

I am also very grateful to the public relations efforts managed so effectively by Nancy Habetz. The terrific access she provided the chamber for incoming freshman last year is a program that we will continue to develop with the university's help. And to Milt Jacoby for managing all our Business After Hours venues. Who will forget the After Hours event at Mercedes Benz – way to go Milt! For John Lavin, confidant, note-taker and Secretary extraordinaire, and Grace Keniston for her superior efforts as the voice of reason and consummate Treasurer, thank you both.

Many more individuals continue to make important contributions to the chamber, like Mary Hoyt, Denise Johnson, Cathy Granneberg, Peter Ventriglia, Max Becker, Jill Kelly, David Price, Chuck Sussman, and Valerie Senew. For their assistance I am forever grateful.

In closing, no one exemplifies the definition of a tireless, go-getter, goal-driven, caring Executive Director; soon to be called President, than Patricia Ritchie! Patricia's attitude, sense of mission, and pure drive have led the chamber's efforts to create a partnership with the Town in obtaining it's largest success this year, namely the Black Rock development and third train station. And as an early backer and often-vocal presence in blocking casino expansion efforts in Connecticut, Patricia was able to help secure a huge win for our local businesses. Knowing Patricia as I do, she will continue to keep the best interests of our members at the forefront of everything she does.

Thanks everyone for allowing me the opportunity to be your President. It was a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Mark J. Hawkins
President
Fairfield Chamber of Commerce

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Last Call! Volunteers Wanted

The Chamber's 41st Annual Arts & Crafts Show is taking place on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 & 22 on the Old Town Hall Green, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. rain or shine.

Max Becker, Chairman, is still looking to recruit volunteers. The two to three hour volunteer shifts help to keep the show running without a hitch. Helpers are needed for lay-out on Friday afternoon, check-in on Saturday and Sunday morning, sale of merchandise at the chamber's tent, and assistance with balloons.

If you have already blocked-in a time to help, we sincerely thank you. For others that might have a few hours available, please call the Chamber office at 255-1011 and let Patricia or Linda know when you would like to help.

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Four Chambers Sponsor Business After Hours

The outdoor "Seaside Business After Hours" on Monday, July 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. will take place in Westport at the Inn at Longshore. The event includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres, door prizes and a cash bar. In the event of rain or extreme heat, the business after hours will gather inside the Inn.

Once again we expect this to be a sell-out, as the number attending the event is limited, and people who are interested must register and pay in advance. No walk-ins will be allowed.

Tickets are $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Complete and mail the registration form enclosed with this issue, fax it through with your credit card number, or call the Chamber office at 255-1011 and pay by credit card.

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Business Showcase a Great Success

Close to 3,000 visitors passed through the doors this year at the May 15 Business Showcase held at William Pitt Center at Sacred Heart University. The Fairfield Chamber helped to promote, and participate in, this major business-to-business event. Put a note on your 2004 calendar to call the chamber and request information!

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Gift Certificate Program Expands

Chamber gift certificates are now available for purchase by cash or check only (no credit cards accepted) at the following People's Bank locations during their regular business hours:

People's Bank, Fairfield Shopping Center
837 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
Contact: Bob King - 338-7099

People's Bank, 1940 Black Rock Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06824
Contact: Catherine Tremaglio - 338-7059

A sincere "thank you" to Valerie Senew for helping to involve People's Bank in the program. With the addition of these two locations for certificate sales, the public now has more options to purchase gift certificates. They can purchase them on-line through the chamber's web site, by calling the toll-free CertifiChecks number, by mail, or by stopping at the Chamber office.

If you wish further information, please call the chamber office at 255-1011.

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Voluntary Capital Improvement Fund

The membership has been very generous in the past by contributing toward a fund that helps the chamber office maintain and/or upgrade the office equipment. This has allowed us to stay current with technology needs, which better serve the membership. For example, we have purchased new phones, computers, software, printers and a fax machine when the old ones broke down or no longer served our growing needs. We thank you for your generosity in this regard.

Now we are asking you to help us further. In our quest for a bigger, but affordable office, we have been unsuccessful. We need a place that's visible and on the first floor. We dream of an office with a visitor's center, and room for our marketing supplies, including the chamber tent, boxes of water bottles, books and guides and office supplies. We are currently in approximately 500 square feet. Storage is off-site and not easily accessible. There is no conference room. Complaints abound from those seeking to buy gift certificates or out-of-towners who want a map. "Where are you? On the second floor over what?" It's not the best, but it's affordable, and the landlord is accommodating.

On your upcoming invoices you will see a line that reads: Voluntary Building Fund. We are asking you to extend your generosity on a voluntary basis by donating, in addition to the technology money, 5% of the cost of your membership to be applied to an account that will eventually be used to either buy or lease space in a building that will better serve our membership needs and the needs of the community. It's only a start, and it's up to you. The interest-bearing fund will grow slowly and over a long period of time, but eventually, some day, we will have a new home that we can proudly call the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and efforts on behalf of the chamber.

Patricia L. Ritchie

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Ambassadors Wanted

We are looking for a few good men and women who are committed to revitalizing the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce's Ambassadors Program

Ambassadors play a key role in our membership programs throughout the year. They are the liaison between the Chamber board of directors, staff, and the membership-at-large.

Ambassadors' duties will include:

If you are seriously interested in joining this program, please contact Patricia Ritchie at the Chamber office, 255-1011.

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Welcome New Members for May!

For contact information, consult our online Member Directory.

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The fine print

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