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Chamber Ambassadors Program

Ambassadors are highly visible, prestigious volunteers who serve as the Chamber’s primary liaison to new Chamber members. Considered the goodwill arm of the Chamber, the Ambassador Committee plays an essential role in member communication and retention, and each Ambassador is charged with conveying member needs, questions and concerns to Chamber staff, keeping our Chamber in line with our members’ desires. Upon their appointment, each Ambassador makes a commitment to build lasting relationships with the Chamber membership, particularly new members, in order to build a loyal committed membership base that will continue to support, participate in and invest in the Chamber.

Program Mission

It is the mission of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program to promote member commitment and retention by:

  • Raising awareness of Chamber Activities and Benefits
  • Informing and involving new Chamber Members to promote strong continuing membership
  • Encouraging meaningful and beneficial participation in the Chamber's Programs
  • Serving as a liaison between the Chamber staff and membership

Who are the Chamber Ambassadors?

The Ambassador Program consists of volunteers from the Chamber Membership who donate their time to assist the Chamber in various activities. Activities include:

  • Serve as a welcome committee at Chamber Events by greeting attendees
  • Attend ribbon cutting ceremonies, grand openings, and special events.

Ambassadors serve a term of one calendar year. Ambassadors can continue to serve after the one-year term if agreed upon by the Ambassador and the Chamber.

Ambassador Requirements

  • Attend Chamber Orientation Meeting to learn about Chamber programs, resources, events, and engagement opportunities
  •  Active Chamber Member in good standing
  • Be the eyes and the ears in your area

Program Benefits for the Ambassadors

  • Increased name and face recognition
  • Increased networking opportunities
  • Opportunity to connect one-to-one with new and existing Chamber Members
  • Gain an insiders perspective of the local business community
  • Opportunity to meet local business and community leaders
  • Chance to help the community and show community pride
  • Recognition via "Ambassador of the year" and "Ambassador Spotlights"

Program Benefits for the Chamber

  • Increased visibility within the community
  • Better understanding of membership needs
  • More involvement of existing Chamber Members
  • Ability to manage more effectively
  • Increased recruitment opportunities
  • Member retention

Program Benefits for the Membership

  • Increased access to points of contact who can provide assistance and answer questions
  • More frequent Chamber communication
  • Potential for increased referrals
  • Members will feel more connected to the Chamber

For more information, please contact: Joe Santaniello or our Ambassador Program Chairwoman Lori Lodge

Many thanks to our Ambassadors

Brian Armet
Mike Bennett – Bennett & Smilas Associates, Inc./Haddam Division Chairman
Rodney Bitgood - Cromwell Automotive, LLC/Cromwell Division Chairman
Darlene Briggs - Cominfortainment, Inc.
Phil Cocchiola – The Oxford Academy/Westbrook Division Chairman
Bill Currlin - Elks-BPOE-Lodge # 771
Tom Danyliw – Cromwell Children’s Coalition
Catherine Egan – Bevin Bros Manufacturing/East Hampton Division Chairwoman
Andrea Fassler - Middlesex Chamber Ambassador Coordinator
Dante Fazzina - Salisbury Bank
Daniel Finn - Finn Financial Solutions
Donna Gentile
Jenn Hayn – Julia Balfour, LLC/East Haddam Division Chairwoman
Jen Huddleston – Indian Springs Golf Club/Middlefield Division Chairwoman
Debbie Huscher, Durham Agricultural Fair Association/Durham Division Chairwoman
Geoffrey Jacobson – Nathan L. Jacobson & Associates, Inc./Chester Division Chairman
Brian Kronenberger – Kronenberger & Sons Restoration, Inc./Westfield Division Chairman
Sharon Lewis – AdviCoach/Essex Division Chairwoman
Lori Lodge – MARC Community Resources
Terresa Long - LogoRhythms, Inc.
Larry Marino
Duncan Olaechea - Middlesex Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Ann Pellegrini - Edward Jones/Killingworth Division Chairwoman
Phil Pessina - Pessina Consulting
Calvin Price
Al Santostefano
Pamela Steele - Pamela Roose Specialty Hand Knits/Central Business Bureau Chairwoman
Danny Strong – Disaster Restoration Services, LLC/Portland Division Chairman
Henry Vasel – Sunny Farm, LLC/Rocky Hill Division Chairman
Meri Wick – Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast/Westbrook Division Chairwoman