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If you are interested in joining any council or committee, please contact the Staff Liaison or call the Chamber at (860)347-6924.
The Chamber’s Affordable Housing Committee has been very active in past year trying to spread the message that there is simply not enough Affordable Housing in the state of Connecticut and it is an issue that should be of great concern to the business community. Our state has the grim distinction of leading the nation in the loss of people aged 20-34 who are moving to other states that have less expensive living costs. Too many citizens in this age group are moving out of Connecticut and a major culprit is that they simply cannot afford to live here.
Part of this committee’s charge is to make sure that the elected and appointed officials who represent Connecticut residents understand this very important point. Under the leadership of Chairman Bob Fusari, the committee will publicly support affordable housing friendly legislation and aims to work with lawmakers at all levels of government to make sure this issue is front and center. It is very important that the Chamber membership, and the Connecticut business community as a whole, is well informed and understands the importance of this issue. Middlesex County is full of examples that more regional affordable housing is needed. More and more companies are having a difficult time filling their ranks because employees or prospective employees cannot afford to live in close proximity to the job. The cities and towns of the county are having an increasingly difficult time finding volunteers to staff critical elements of any municipality such as volunteer Fire Departments and Ambulance Corps.
The better informed the business community of Connecticut is on this issue the more involved they can be in the dialogue with public officials. The Chamber by nature is a business organization and the committee will consistently be a staunch supporter of members that are involved in affordable housing such as developers, real estate agents, banks, lenders, architects and engineers. Members of this committee have visited all of the Chamber divisions in an attempt to spread the word about his problem.
In March of 2009 the committee held a seminar entitled, Overcoming the Obstacles to Affordable Housing in Connecticut, that was attended by over 100 people. The word is out and with the great support of Liberty Bank and the Liberty Bank Foundation the Affordable Housing Committee will continue to work hard on this very important issue. Arrigoni Bridge Committee Committee Activities Staff Liaison: The Arrigoni Bridge Committee was established to provide a more formal communication channel between local elected officials, the Department of Transportation and the business community. Meetings have focused on safety issues and how to address situations where an accident has occurred. Establishing a traffic alert system for the public, the dissemination of alternative routes and improving responses have been some of the positive results of this committee. Automotive Council Committee Activities Chairman: Michael Turner and Rich Jukonski Staff Liaison: Meeting Time: Quarterly The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce began an Automotive Council in 1987 to promote good business and trade among the automotive industry in Middlesex County. Over the past 20 years, the council has worked hard to bring hot issues and current trends to the table for discussion and resolution. The Council has addressed many issues that have helped local businesses in this very important business cluster. Through the years, the chamber and council have maintained a friendship with the Department of Motor Vehicles, which allows our members a great avenue to use when questions or problems arise. Michael Turner, Portland Automotive, and Rich Jukonski, Jukonski Truck Sales Ltd., have been outstanding leaders of the council and instrumental in its success. back to top Business/Education Advisory Council Committee Activities Co-Chairman: Lorenzo Marshall and Tom Serra Staff Liaison: Meeting Times: Second Wednesday of every month The Middlesex Chamber of Commerce Business/Education Advisory Council facilitates the development of partnerships between county schools and the business community. The main goal is to enrich the educational process and prepare a quality workforce through member business-sponsored teacher academies and partnerships. back to top Creative Juice Committee Activities Staff Liaison: Creative Juice is a council that brings together interested artists, arts organizations and related businesses within the Chamber to sustain and expand the creative economy of the region. It provides advocacy on the impact of the arts, stimulates alliances with the greater business community and builds capacity of our members through professional development programs.
Distinguished Citizens Committee Committee Activities Chair: Vincent Amato Staff Liaison: Each year the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce presents the Distinguished Citizen Award to one or more individuals who "have served as an inspiration to others and is recognized by the Middlesex community as having unselfishly given his or her time and talent to produce a lasting benefit to the area." The committee which consists of past distinguished citizens makes its selection from a list of nominees made by Chamber members. back to top Environment, Land Use & Energy Committee Committee Activities Co-Chairs: Andrew Lord and George Smilas Staff Liaison: Meeting Times: First Wednesday of each month The Chamber has responded to its membership by adding Energy as one of its Divisions by incorporating it into the Environment and Land Use Committee. The formal name change occurred in January and reflects the Committee's focus on Energy since last fall. The mission of the Chamber's Environment, Land Use and Energy Committee is to help create more successful processes and decisions through the education of the Chamber's members. Last September, the Chamber hosted representatives from Broadwater, Inc to listen to their proposal to build a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in Long Island Sound and followed that up with a meeting in November with a representative from Save Our Sound. This interest in Energy and the impact rising costs of electricity are having on our member business, the Committee led by Co-Chairmen Bob Fusari, Sr. and David Platt, collaborated with the Chamber's Legislative Committee in conducting a forum on Energy in April. Turnout was excellent as the panel gave members an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the Energy debate. In addition, the committee has been actively following various land use proposals throughout Middlesex County, which would affect the business community. As always, we will remain vigilant in preserving the interests of business, while maintaining a healthy environment. back to top Expo Committee Committee Activities Co-Chairs: Brian Armet and Pamela Luchka Staff Liaison: Meeting Times: After Member Breakfast Meetings, April-October The Expo Committee meets monthly year round to plan one of Middlesex County's premier events. The Expo provides an opportunity for people in the community to join together with family and friends in discovering the goods and services offered by over 119 businesses throughout Middlesex County. back to top Golf Tournament Committee Committee Activities Chair: Bob Briggs Staff Liaison: Meeting Times: Monthly from December to April. The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is the premier golf outing of the County. Now in its 22nd year, the tournament continues to be a sell out! The success of this event is due in part to the tremendous golf committee, but mostly to the Chairman, Bob Briggs who's steadfast commitment to the tournament and the chamber is unsurpassed. The Golf Tournament proceeds support many educational programs and the Lorraine C. McHugh scholarship given annually at our Annual Dinner. back to top
Meeting Time: Monthly Holiday On Main Street Committee Committee Activities Chairmen: Al Santostefano and Rich Greco Staff Liaison: Meeting Time: Monthly from August -December Holiday On Main Street is a Downtown Middletown event that began in 1985 when the trees on Main Street were decorated with white lights and there were some events on the Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Over the years, this event has grown to include the Lighting of the Tree on the South Green, followed by a Parade to the Middlesex Chamber to light the tree on the roof on Friday evening, the day after Thanksgiving, with many events throughout the day and night; and continues on four Saturdays before Christmas. There are Free Hayrides and Santa is at every event, as well as Free Rides at various times on the Fun Train and the Horse & Carriage. Main Street is decorated with pre-lit wreaths and garlands hung across the street for a festive atmosphere that can be enjoyed day and night! Click on "Recent News" for a complete listing of dates, times and events for Holiday On Main Street. back to top Hotel & Restaurant Council Committee Activities Chair: Glenna Grelak Staff Liaison: Meeting Time: Monthly This council meets monthly to discuss current legislative and economic issues that affect the industry. Guest speakers include representatives from tourism, area hotels, restaurants and area attractions. back to top Insurance Committee Committee Activities Chair: Kelly Smith Staff Liaison: Meeting Time: Quarterly The Insurance Committee has recently met to address many issues that affect the rising costs of health insurance. The Committee took action against some pending legislation that could have widespread negative effects on all businesses. In addition to taking a stance against certain legislation, the group seeks to be an informational support group for the Chamber's member agents. By providing resources that cover many of the new, innovative plans, the Insurance Committee looks forward to a lasting contribution to the agent community. back to top Legislative Committee Committee Activities Co-Chairs: Richard Carella and Rick Parmelee Staff Liaison: Meeting Time: Meets the 4th Friday of each month Led by Co-Chairmen Rich Carella and Rick Parmelee, the Legislative Committee works hard to make sure the Chamber’s voice is heard in Hartford and in Washington DC. The committee is made up of some of the Chamber’s most active members and includes representatives from many different fields including the legal profession, financial planning, accounting, lobbying, insurance, manufacturing and banking. This committee keeps the rest of the Chamber membership well informed throughout every legislative session and is constantly working to maintain a healthy relationship with the Connecticut General Assembly, the Governor’s office and state agencies. It is critically important that the voice of the Middlesex Chamber is heard, especially during these difficult economic times. The Chamber’s Legislative Committee will continue to push for business friendly policies as we chart a path toward economic recovery. back to top
Staff Liaison:
Past programs have focused on energy conservation, federal asbestos litigation reform, software applications, health care costs, shipping and receiving in the age of terrorism, competition with Asian manufacturers and the principals of lean enterprise. In the past year, the Manufacturers Council has visited The Connecticut Light and Power facility in Berlin, The Middlesex Community College Precision Machining Lab in Meriden, Baldwin Lawn Furniture in Middletown,The Children’s Home in Cromwell which is primarily powered through Geo-Thermal means and Pegasus Manufacturing in Middletown.
The Chamber has always been a strong supporter of manufacturing in Middlesex County and this council continues that tradition.
A Micro Business is officially defined as any business that has five or fewer employees. The Chamber’s Micro Business Council is designed to support these businesses by promoting the sharing of information through social and professional interaction. Led by Chairperson Marc Gallagher, the council focuses on a wide range of topics including but not limited to business start-up, taxes, insurance, marketing, local planning and zoning, management techniques and human resources. The Council has recently changed its meeting format and now gets together every other month for Super Information Sessions that last from 8:00 AM-9:30 AM in the Chamber Conference Room. Two presenters are brought in for each meeting which exposes members to a wide range of information and networking opportunities. The Micro Business Council welcomes new members to share their successes and challenges of operating a micro business in today’s competitive economic climate.
Middletown Mentor Program
Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC)
Nominating Committee Committee Activities Chair: Larry Marino Staff Liaison: The Nominating Committee reviews and recommends nominations for officers of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors. Members of the committee are past chairman of the chamber. back to top November Night Committee Committee Activities Co-Coordinators: Mary Ann Lentz and Kathlyn A. Talevi Staff Liaison: Joan Wood Meeting Time: Monthly from May until November Night November Night is an annual dinner / dance affair for all members of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. This event is strictly social and serves as a kick off to the Holiday season. back to top Prevention Committee Committee Activities Chair: Harry Burr Staff Liaison: Betsey Chadwick Meeting Time: Meets the third Tuesday of each month The Chamber's Prevention Committee continues to build on past efforts to combat substance abuse in the workplace. The CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services awarded a grant to the Chamber to provide services for individual transitioning from treatment into the workforce. The Committee, chaired by Harry Burr, also assists in marketing the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the benefit of our members. This program now covers more than 3,000 employees and works with Solutions EAP and Middlesex Hospital to provide access to counseling, referral and treatment resources for employees on a multitude of issues including bereavement, depression and anger management. In addition to this, the committee collaborated with Velandy Manohar, MD, in the preparation and presentation of a seminar last year entitled, Diagnosis and Intervention for Alcohol Use Disorders at Grand Rounds in Middlesex Hospital. This was well received and has been repeated for the benefit of the Family Practice residents. Thus, the committee continues to address the unique challenges presented by substance abuse in the workplace. back to top Real Estate Council Committee Activities Chair: Marie Coughlin Staff Liaison: Meeting Time: Meets the 1st Thursday of each month The newly formed Real Estate Council under the leadership of Mary Ellen Klinck, has created an atmosphere for local realtors to come together for networking, sharing of ideas, and helping one another improve business and educational opportunities. The council consists of 15 members throughout the country who meet monthly. Some main objectives include: Continuing education for real estate renewal licenses, promotion of real estate, industry, legislation and referrals to the chamber's Legislative Committee. The Council also plans to establish an equitable way to refer leads to realtors in the chamber. back to top
Small Business Resources
Information and Documents
Scholarship Committee Committee Activities Chair: Tony Nericcio Staff Liaison: and The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce administered over $10,000 in scholarship money awarded to deserving students who must meet the criteria set forth by the scholarship fund. The Harry H.S. Phillips, Jr. Scholarship is funded by Newfield Publications/Weekly Reader Corporation. The Raymond E. Baldwin Scholarship is funded by the Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company. The Lorraine McHugh Scholarship is funded by the Business/Industry Foundation of Middlesex County Inc. Applications are sent to all Middlesex County schools. The Middlesex County Manufacturers Association Scholarships are funded by the Manufacturers Association. Applications are distributed to members of the Manufacturers Council. back to top Sports Events & Conventions Committee Committee Activities Co-Chairs: Phil Cacciola Staff Liaison: Meeting Time: Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 8:00 A.M. at the Courtyard By Marriott in Cromwell. The Sports Events & Conventions Committee works to support and promote the major sporting events in Middlesex County, such as the Travelers Championship (formerly the Greater Hartford Open), American Legion World Series and the Head of the Connecticut Regatta.
The Committee also highlights the athletic successes and achievements of Middlesex County’s resident colleges, universities and high schools and works with local hotels to make sure that visiting fans are properly accommodated. Members include representatives from the Middletown Hall of Fame, the print and electronic media, local athletic directors, hotel executives and everyday businesses people. "Taste of Downtown" Business After Work Auction Committee Committee Activities Chair: Al Santostefano Staff Liaison: For 19 years an auction has been held to raise funds for the Holiday On Main Street Program and is held during Business After Work in the springtime. There is no fee to attend this exciting event (a benefit of membership). A highlight of the event is the "Taste of Downtown" chaired by Sal Nesci. Attendees can sample food from downtown restaurants while networking with other business members. Central Business Bureau members and others donate over 200 items for the live Auction, as well as a Silent Auction, Teacup Auction and a Raffle. This event has an attendance of 300 +. back to top
Staff Liaison:
Transportation Council Committee Activities Co-Chairs: Tom Cheeseman and Gerry Dyar Staff Liaison: Brian O'Connor Meeting Time: Every other month, Third Thursday Success in our area and the State is contingent upon the ability to move people, goods and raw materials seamlessly through our transportation network. Under the leadership of Co-Chairmen Tom Cheeseman and Gerry Dyar, the Chamber merged the Rail Council and the Transportation Council into one Council. Recognizing the importance of focusing its efforts collectively, the integration of the two entities will allow us to more effectively advocate for transportation issues that promote economic development in Middlesex County. Building upon the foundation of previous efforts, the Chamber continues to focus its attention on the Route 9 traffic light proposals, the State Transportation Strategy Board initiatives, freight and tourism rail. Our efforts have helped maintain a dialogue with the State Department of Transportation and have provided an opportunity to have a positive impact on the decision-makers in local, State and Federal Government. Priorities of the Council include concentrating on the interrelation of all modes of transportation and the improvements necessary to maintain and improve our infrastructure so that our economy will continue to prosper. As the Council grows, the Chamber will have an even greater voice in the decisions that are made in Middlesex County and the State. back to top Young Professionals' Alliance Committee Activities Co-Chairs: Kelly Thierrian and David Tycz Staff Liaison: Meeting Time: Monthly The Middlesex County Young Professionals’ Alliance is a personal and professional development program of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce for individuals age 45 and under designed to allow young business people to interact socially, exchange ideas, share common interests, and gain an insider’s view of the regional business scene. The goal of the Alliance is to help young professionals form valuable connections that will serve as the foundation on which they can build their careers, friendships, and community. back to top |
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393 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 347-6924 |
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