Chairwomen
Darlene Briggs - Cominfortainment
Meetings occur on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 8:00 a.m.
The next meeting will be held at the Westbrook Town Hall and will be sponsored by Cominfortainment on February 28th. Please review the meeting agenda for more information.
In January, the Westbrook Division meeting was held at Water's Edge Resort & Spa. Joe Datillo and Karen Robidoux hosted the meeting and provided a great setting as well as great food. The Chamber proposed to testify in favor of the Lee Company's application before the town's Zoning Commission. As the town's leading employer and one of its largest taxpayers, members expressed support for the Lee Company and thought it was important to organize the business community behind their expansion and promote a positive business climate. Foster Charles, Charles Computer Services, presented an overview of the various tips and strategies companies can do to protect their data and computer equipment in the case of an emergency or natural disaster. Members posed many questions and his talk resonated with them.
In December, the Westbrook Division meeting was held at the Westbrook Inn B&B. Glenn and Chris Monroe hosted the event and provided great food and the holiday spirit emanated throughout the room. State Comptroller Kevin Lembo addressed the group providing an overview of his agency and their responsibilities. Some of the issues he covered were the transition to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, bulk purchasing of prescription drugs, cost saving initiatives implemented by his office and his pursuit of greater efficiencies in his office and state government.
In November, the Westbrook Division meeting was held at the Oxford Academy. Phil Cocchiola, Head of School, provided an overview of Oxford Academy and emphasized that he would like to expand upon his efforts to reach out to the community and become an integral part of the town. Middlesex Hospital then discussed the transformation that is occurring at the hospital with its investment in technology and infrastructure, which will enable them to compete and provide a positive experinece for those that utilize their facilities. Led by President and CEO Vin Capece, hospital officials also discussed their plans to moved the Shoreline Enmergency Center from Essex to Westbrook. It is preliminary at this stage, but the site looks promising and they are optimistic that they will move forward after the new year.
The Westbrook Division met at VISTA Vocational and Life Skills Center in October. Division members heard from First Selectman Noel Bishop who is running for re-election this November. First Selectman Bishop highlighted the accomplishments of his administration and briefed members on the cost savings the town has achieved and the efficiencies they have obtained once it hired its Finance Director Andrew Urban. He thanked the Chamber for working with him over the last two years and he is looking forward to working with us over the next two years. After First Selectman Bishop's briefing, the Chamber discussed economic issues and what can be done to facilitate a better business climate for the town. It was a lively discussion and one that we will revisit after the New Year.