Executive Committee

The Executive Committee develops strategy and implements the policies of the Board of Directors.  An active body, the Executive Committee consists of business and community leaders throughout the county representing different industries and a diverse set of experiences.  Their leadership has enabled the Chamber to achieve consistent and sustainable growth.

The Board of Directors acts as our governing body and provides the structure behind Chamber initiatives, committees and councils as well as considers and implements policy and operational recommendations made by our Executive Committee.  Our Board of Directors represents a cross section of business interests as well as geographic areas in Middlesex  County.

Under the leadership of Chairman Bob Fusari, the Affordable Housing Committee has continued to spread the message that there is simply not enough Affordable Housing in the state of Connecticut and that this should be of great concern to Middlesex County businesses.  The committee has recently collaborated with other stakeholders to continue to link the business community with important housing issues.  In December of 2012, following the Breakfast Meeting featuring Governor Dannel P. Malloy, the Chamber’s Affordable Housing Committee hosted a symposium titled Planning for a Vibrant Downtown.  This event, attended by over 70 people including a host of local municipal officials, featured a panel of experts with experience in successful downtown housing and commercial initiatives.  The group discussed ways to successfully navigate the political process; successfully build public support, how to attract developers, how to engage the local business community, what to avoid during the process, and other important issues.  Panelists included: David Fink, Policy and Communications Director, Partnership for Strong Communities, Hiram Peck, Director of Planning, Simsbury, CT, Adam Turner, Town Planner, Colchester, CT, Bill Ferrigno, Owner and Operator, Sunlight Construction, Inc., and Carl P. Fortuna, First Selectman, Old Saybrook, CT.  This event was sponsored by Liberty Bank Foundation. 

The committee has also reached out to other housing related initiatives in Middlesex County and throughout the state in an effort to learn more and possibly collaborate on these important issues. 

DOT Arrigoni Bridge Website  

Chairman
Larry McHugh - Chamber President

Sub-Committee Chairmen
Robert Shea - Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management, Town of Portland
Gary Ouellette - Fire Chief, City of Middletown

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. Initially the meetings 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.

Now the committee has been reactivated due to the impending bridge repair and rehabilitation project planned by the Department of Transportation.  DOT is developing the specifications and Request for Proposal documents and would like to start the project in the late spring/early summer. 

Bridge project.  Rest assured we will be vigilant in our attempts to mitigate any disruptions these repairs will cause.  We anticipate that the Arrigoni Bridge Committee will remain active until the completion of the project.   

Chairmen
Rich Jukonski - Jukonski Auto Sales, Ltd.
Michael Turner, Portland Automotive

The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Automotive Council, led by co-chairs Rich Jukonski and Michael Turner, meets the fourth Thursday of every other month.

One of our last meeting featured Commissioner Currey who presented the committee with an overview of the state of the DMV and outlined the recent cuts to the department.  Of those, she detailed the consolidation of DMV centers across the state. 

The Commissioner concluded by taking questions from the committee.

Photo:  Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Melody Currey (center) addresses the Middlesex Chamber’s Automotive Council on July 26 at Cantina Restaurant in Middletown.

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.

Chairman
Thomas Serra

BUSINESS & EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
“A Partnership Today….A Better Future Tomorrow”
The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce’s Business & Education Partnership Program plays a key role in strengthening the ties between Business and Education in Middlesex County, and always welcome businesses to become members of the partnership.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce’s Business & Education Partnership Advisory Council continues to serve as a link between member businesses and educational leaders from Middlesex County Schools.  Their Mission is to facilitate and encourage the development of mutually supportive partnerships between schools and businesses, for the purpose of enriching the educational process for our students, by providing services and opportunities, that assist our schools in preparing them for their future as responsible and productive citizens for our global economy.

The Business & Education Partnership Advisory Council meets on the second Wednesday of the month during the school year.

2013 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER FAIR EXPO
Thursday, April 25, 2013   Wesleyan University, Middletown

The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce’s Business & Education Partnership Advisory Council in partnership with the Middlesex Consortium of Schools and Wesleyan University will present the 2013 High School Career Fair Expo on Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Wesleyan University, Middletown. 

The Career Fair Expo has become an annual event at Wesleyan University where Business and Career Professionals from all over Connecticut come to meet with over 1300 students from Middlesex County and surrounding area high schools, to present and share their career experiences, giving the students an excellent opportunity to explore potential careers, so that they may better plan their future educational goals. 

To participate, confirm reservation of Table Space at 2013 HIGH SCHOOL CAREER FAIR EXPO.  Please complete and return Confirmation Form by Friday, February 15, 2013.  Contact: jennifer@middlesexchamber.com.  

Car Cruise Committee

The Car Cruise Committee plans and administers the Annual Cruise Night on Main Street. They help coordinate the registration of vintage cars, communications with downtown restaurants, signing up vendors, musical acts and establish areas for family oriented games. Their work provides a fun-filled evening of entertainment for people of all ages.

Co-Chairs
Matt Pugliese – Oddfellows Playhouse
Pamela Steele – Pamela Roose Specialty Handknits

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.  Creative Juice  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.  This is the Arts & Creative Industries Council of Middlesex Chamber, better known as Creative Juice, the intersection of creativity and commerce!

Distinguished Citizens Committee

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.

Chairmen
Brian Armet – Mattabassett District
Pamela Luchka – Marlborough Health Care Center Inc.

Meetings occur following the Member Breakfast Meetings at the Crowne Plaza at 9:15 a.m. and the next meeting will be held on April 23, 2012

The Expo Committee meets monthly year round to plan one of Middlesex County's premier events. Transitioning to a business to business format, 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.

For over a quarter of a century, this fall tradition continuously grows as some of the finest names in the business will be present.  Expo 2012 will be held on Tuesday, October 30th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by our featured Executive Evening Event from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  at the Crowne Plaza Cromwell in Cromwell.

If you would like more information about Expo 2012 or to participate on the committee, please contact Johanna Bond.

Family Owned Business Council

Chaired by Ray Bourret and Jerry Margolis, the mission of the Family Owned Business Council is to help family businesses keep harmony through education in an unbiased, thought provoking setting. The long-term success of a family business from generation to generation is rooted in the development of competent leaders for the future. The best family business transitions that sustain value from generation to generation are developed through open communication and ongoing dialogue within the entire family. This council is an excellent resource to our members who will be passing the baton to the next generation. It is a place to discuss ideas, come up with strategies, and deal with issues related to balancing family and business management.

MIDDLESEX CHAMBER
30th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM RESULTS ANNOUNCED

Chandler Howard, Chairman of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, announced that the Chamber’s Golf Tournament was held on Friday, May 3rd, at Portland Golf Course in Portland. This sold out event featured 144 golfers and a long waiting list.

Chamber President Larry McHugh noted, “We could not have asked for a better day to hold the 30th Annual Middlesex Chamber Golf Tournament. I would like to thank our major sponsors, our Golf Committee, our golfers, the many other supporters who donated gifts, and Tournament Coordinator Johanna Bond and the Chamber staff for their dedication to the event.”

This year’s winners on the course were as follows:

Men’s Low Gross:
1. Todd Director
2. Vin Capece

Women’s Low Gross:
1. Darlene Briggs
2. Tracey Corey

Men’s Low Net:
1. Bob Hollister
2. Eric Goclowski

Women’s Low Net:
1. Donna Doolittle
2. Sally Glick

Best Ball Gross (Foursome): Jeff Austin, Armand Lupo, Nick DeFelice Jr., Sean McHugh

Low Foursome (Total Net): JT Kelley, Jeremy Soboleski, Kevin Donovan, Ryan Sullivan

Closest to the Pin

Hole # 4: Bob Russo-12 Feet

Hole # 8: Martin Keniry-8 Feet

Hole # 14: Nick DeFelice Jr.-10 Feet, 1 Inch

Hole # 17: Steve Gardiner and Jonathan Bellobuono-7 Feet, 10 Inches


Next Years Tournament will be held at the Portland Golf Course, on Friday, May 2, 2014. For information on sponsorship, becoming a player, or participating on the Golf Committee please contact Johanna Bond

The Committee meets on the second Thursday of the Month at the Chamber at 7:30 a.m., except for July.

The council's mission is to develop lines of communication between the business and health care community. The dialogue is designed to gain a better understanding of the different constituency groups and in the process, the council will explore solutions to particular issues resulting in a more efficient, high quality and cost effective health care system.

Throughout the past several years, the council has created several exciting programs and initiatives. With the help of many dedicated business and health care representatives, the council strives to bring the tough issues to the table for discussion. 

This council is a closed council, if you would like more information on how you can get involved, please contact Brian O'Connor.

Holiday on Main Street Committee

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!

Hotel & Restaurant Council

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.

Human Resource Council

The Human Resource Council was newly formed in 2008. The objectives of the council are to organize educational programs designed to keep human resource professionals and business owners abreast of current developments in their field. The council also provides networking opportunities for the interchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences. Under the leadership of Chair Carol DuPlessis and Vice Chair Laura Pedersen, the Council has already grown to over 50 attendees at the monthly meetings.

Please note upcoming meetings: 
May 22- "Internal Investigations" at New Britain Rock Cats Stadium, New Britain
June 24- "Non-Compete Agreements" at Courtyard by Marriott, Cromwell

Insurance Committee

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.

Contact Johanna Bond for more information

In the past year, and under the leadership of Chairman Chris DiPentima, the Manufacturers’ Council has focused on the unfortunate reality that many of today’s job seekers do not have the necessary skills to fill the many jobs that are available in the field of manufacturing. 

On Tuesday, January 29, 2013, the Manufacturers’ Council visited Whelen Engineering in Chester.  The meeting focused on the manufacturing partnership that exists between the company and Regional School District # 4.  Students from Valley Regional High School go to the Whelen facility once per day from 11:30 AM until around 12:30 PM for a class titled, Introduction to Manufacturing.  The Introduction to Manufacturing class is designed to make certain that students develop career awareness as related to the world of manufacturing, participate in real on the job experiences, develop an awareness of the manufacturing process, develop an understanding of the importance of safety in the workplace and develop an understanding of the importance of manufacturing in a modern society.  The visit by the Manufacturers’ Council was designed to expose the business community to this great program.  The program hopes to be a model that is adopted by other communities.  As a follow up, the Manufacturers’ Council visited Vinal Technical High School in Middletown on April 9, 2013.  This was a terrific visit to Vinal which included tours of the school’s Electro-Mechanical Department, the Computer Aided Drafting and Design Area, the Manufacturing Technology Department, and a presentation by John Murphy, Education Consultant for the Connecticut Technical High School System (CTHSS) Manufacturing Cluster. 

The Chamber Manufacturers’ Council will continue to support the Manufacturing community in Middlesex County and around our state.

Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC)

The Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council is a public / private partnership that was established in 1991 through the sponsorship of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Its purpose is to reduce the incidence of alcohol and other drug abuse in the fifteen towns of Middlesex County by acting as a catalyst, supporting existing providers and bringing new necessary resources into the region. MCSAAC carries out research, planning, coordinating, grant writing and town-by- town consulting. People from each community in Middlesex County take part in MCSAAC. They include top officials, police chiefs, school superintendents, legislators, community leaders, social and youth service workers, representatives of businesses, religious leaders, recovering substance abusers and concerned citizens. MCSAAC receives funding from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the office of National Drug Control Policy and other public, private and municipal resources.

Co-Chairwomen
Isabel Jackson – The Essex Group
Terresa Long -  LogoRhythms, Inc.

Please review the meeting notice for the June 6th event.  The meeting will be held at Eli Cannon's Tap Room in Middletown.

The Middlesex Businesswomen’s Alliance meets monthly. The Mission of the MBA is to provide challenges and seeks opportunities to educate, enrich and explore issues for women in business. Members brought the idea to the forefront because of increased awareness of the desire and need for a Professional Woman’s organization within the Chamber. The Steering Committee has worked hard to plan a speaker series that are both fun and educational.

Motorcycle Mania

Middletown Motorcycle Mania is an outstanding event that draws over 5,000 motorcyclists into Downtown Middletown and gives them the opportunity to showcase their bikes and relax in a fun setting!  The attendance is over 12,000 people and the event includes entertainment, vendors, food and lots of bikes!

Nominating Committee

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.

Chairman
Harry Burr - Brown & Brown of Ct. Inc. d/b/a McCutcheon Burr & Sons

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 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.

The Prevention Committee continues to address the unique challenges presented by substance abuse in the workplace by holding seminars and panel discussions throughout the year.  The committee’s next seminar is “Reasonable Suspicion: What are My Rights as an Employer?”   This FREE training funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration, answers legal questions about drug test and drug-free workplace policy.  Participants will receive a Reasonable Suspicion Training certificate and a drug-free workplace resource kit.

Please review the Reasonable Suspicion flyer for more information.  Register Now!

Chairmen
David Gallitto – Sterling Reatlors
Diane Sayers – William Raveis Real Estate

Meetings occur on the first Thursday of the month at 11:00 a.m. located in the Middlesex Chamber Board Room  

The Real Estate Council’s mission is to provide opportunities for local real estate professionals to come together for networking, encouraging cooperation, sharing of ideas, to improve business relations through collaboration and educational experiences.

Under the leadership of Chairman Phil Cacciola, The Sports Events & Conventions Committee works to support and promote the major sporting events in Middlesex County such as the Travelers Championship and the American Legion Northeast Regional Baseball Tournament. The committee also highlights the athletic successes of Middlesex County’s resident colleges, universities and high schools, as well as the New Britain Rock Cats, 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.

Recent meetings featured presentations from Patrick Fisher, Executive Director, The Nutmeg State Games, Jeff Otterbein, Sports Editor, Hartford Courant, and Joe Reilly, Men’s Basketball Coach, Wesleyan University. 

Taste of Downtown Auction Committee

For over 20 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." 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 over 300 people.

Chairman
Marc Gallagher - POWR PC

The technology committee of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce will meet at 3:30 on Wednesday, May 16th at the Chamber, 393 Main St., Middletown.  We will continue our discussion on social networking as it pertains to the Chamber website.

The Technology Committee is active again under the leadership of our new chairman, Marc Gallagher of POWR PC.  Technology Committee strives to keep the Chamber in the forefront of technological advances, including the upgrade of our database software and website. Besides these efforts, in recent years the Technology Committee worked with AT&T to deliver high speed internet access to our area. The Committee has also worked to bring "WIFI" to downtown Middletown and will be working on other projects in the future that will be technologically beneficial to the business community of Middlesex County.

The Technology Committee met on September 21.  A prerecorded presentation from Weblink International on the new Mobile Web Application was viewed and discussed.  The Chamber is developing a weekly newsletter that will be emailed to all members each week.  A preview of the format and functionality was presented and well received by committee members.
 
The Chamber recently sent an RFP for IT services to targeted members.  Bid submission deadline is October 7.  The committee will review the submissions at its next meeting on October 19 at 3:30 at the Chamber. 

The Middlesex County Young Professionals' Alliance is a personal and professional development committee that is comprised of young Chamber members looking to make a difference. The YPA is designed to help young business people interact socially, exchange ideas and interests, and gain an insider's view of the regional business scene.  The Alliance is chaired by Kelly Therrien of Farrell, Geenty, Sheeley, Boccalatte & Guarino Law Office, Middletown, and is comprised of future leaders of our region and our state.  YPA meets on a monthly basis and hosts many special events throughout the year.  Recent events and activities include: The Spring Networking Reception held on April 18, 2013, The March Madness Viewing Party held on March 21, 2013, The 2nd Annual CT Whale Field Trip held on February 20, 2013, The Winter Networking Social held on January 24, 2013, The 2012 Holiday Social held on December 6, 2012, and the Third Annual Speed Networking Event on October 17, 2012, sponsored and hosted by TD Bank.

The Middlesex County Young Professionals' Alliance is the premier young professionals’ organization in Middlesex County.