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Welcome
TO MYSTIC
Welcome to the 2024-25 Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce membership guide. In my fourth year as President, I continue to focus on providing benefits for our members, understanding the impact of Mystic as a tourist destination on the entire southeastern Connecticut region and developing a blueprint to ensure success into the foreseeable future.
It is an age-old question that we are continually asked weekly, why join the Mystic Chamber. First and foremost, as a whole, we support and promote the region and every business, with our events that draw over 100,000 people a year. This gives our audience an opportunity to attend a great event, visit the area, and schedule a return trip to see more. In addition, we have created resources that keep people engaged including the Go Mystic App, which has seen over 12,000 downloads over the past 2.5 years.
We respect that not every business who joins the chamber is connected to tourism. That is why in the past three years we have developed programs and focused on ways to provide benefits to our community businesses. That includes Five Things to do in Mystic, a professionally produced video that has accumulated over a half million views reaching over a half million people; Community Proud, a Facebook and Instagram series that has reached over 50,000 people and engaged with over 10,000 people, and offered free seminars featuring relevant topics helpful to small businesses. I understand that the Chamber should be continually evolving and that means not standing still. If you are out there and have ideas or want to discuss the Chamber, I encourage you to please reach out to me at bruceflax@mysticchamber.org or stop by the office at 22 East Main Street in Mystic.
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Executive Office and Welcome Center
22 East Main Street, 2nd Floor, Mystic, CT 06355
Mailing Address: PO Box 143, Mystic, CT 06355 (860) 572-9578
The Greater Mystic Chamber is pleased to introduce their new membership manager, Megan Yardis. Megan is a seasoned professional with a passion for fostering community, creative marketing, and hospitality. With a degree in Communications from Christopher Newport University in Virginia, she brings over a decade of experience in both hospitality and marketing to her role as the Membership Manager for the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce. Megan is enthusiastic about developing partnerships that enhance connectivity and collaboration within our business community. When not at work, Megan spends her free time crafting, hanging out with her pup, trying out new restaurants, and enjoying the outdoors.
“Working at the Chamber has been an absolute joy! It’s been a pleasure connecting with local business owners and community members. When I moved here from Virginia, I never imagined how warmly I would be welcomed. Living in Mystic truly feels like a dream. As Membership
Manager, I’m excited to elevate local businesses and collaborate with them to promote our beautiful region, all while preserving Mystic’s unique small-town charm.”
In this new role, Megan is excited to develop partnerships with local businesses and work in tandem with our local government and tourism organizations as an advocate, voice and friend on behalf of our 600+ Chamber members. Megan has a sharp ear for understanding the needs of local businesses, carefully tailoring their membership packages to fit perfectly. She’s constantly seeking ways for the Chamber to support businesses, ensuring they benefit without adding extra work to their plate.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CHAMBER MEMBER?
One of the most prominent advantages of becoming a member is the increased exposure and networking opportunities. As a member, local businesses gain instant credibility and recognition within the community. The Chamber actively promotes its members through various marketing channels such as the Go Mystic app, website listings, social media features, and inclusion in newsletters. This exposure to over 15k followers helps to expand the reach of a business and attract new customers.
The Chamber provides access to extensive networking opportunities through events, such as business mixers, luncheons, and workshops. These bring together local business owners, professionals, and community leaders and offer a platform for businesses to connect, collaborate,
and build valuable relationships. Networking within the Chamber can lead to strategic partnerships, collaborations, and even potential new customers.
As a member, businesses gain access to valuable resources and support. The Chamber offers a wide range of services to assist in various aspects of business operations. From marketing and branding support to business counseling and mentorship, members can tap into a wealth of expertise within the Chamber's network. Small businesses, in particular, benefit as they often have limited budgets for marketing and other professional services. Workshops, seminars, and training sessions cover a wide range of topics, including business development, marketing strategies, financial management, and technology advancements.
Moreover, the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce actively advocates for the needs and interests of its members. The Chamber monitors local legislative issues and business-related policies, and actively engages with government officials to ensure the concerns of local businesses are heard. By joining the Chamber, businesses gain a strong voice in influencing local policy decisions that directly impact their operations. This advocacy can have a profound effect on the business environment, creating a more favorable climate for growth and success.
If you’re interested in joining the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, you can email Megan at meganyardis@mysticchamber.org or call her at (860) 572-9578.
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MEMBERBenefits
The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce serves as the collective business voice for Greater Mystic and beyond. We sponsor and facilitate community events that not only promote local businesses but also boost the regional tourism industry. We are a resource for small business owners and advocate on behalf of the entire community to create opportunities for economic growth.
Joining the Chamber is more than just a way to promote your business; it's about becoming part of a community. Membership doesn’t automatically translate to success—you have to put in the effort—but if you do, the rewards are significant. There’s a deeper, intrinsic value in being part of this community. The collective work of the Chamber elevates the entire community, and we are dedicated to lifting our members along with it.
The Mystic Chamber offers the most comprehensive event listing in Southeastern Connecticut. In 2024, our event calendar received over 26,000 views, and our "5 Things to Do in Mystic" videos continue to go viral. Mystic remains the #1 tourism destination in the state. Our commitment lies in providing tangible benefits to our members while supporting the community as a thriving place to work and live.
INCLUDED WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP
ONLINE BUSINESS LISTING
Your business is listed in our online directory which is a great resource for tourists and locals alike who seek information on products, services, attractions, and information.
GO MYSTIC APP
Since its launch, the Go Mystic App has been downloaded over 12,000 times and is distributed at several hotels, visitor centers on I95, and our downtown Visitor Center. It serves as a go-to resource for both tourists and locals, with all Chamber members listed in the app.
TRAVELING VISITOR CENTER
The traveling visitor center will be parked in downtown Mystic to provide visitors with information on the area. Additionally, it will be out and about in southeastern Connecticut and beyond, promoting the region.
SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION
The Chamber’s social channels are a valuable resource to promote our members. We are socially strategic and pay close attention to your social, resharing, tagging and partnering on posts to increase the value of your social media.
5 THINGS TO DO IN MYSTIC SERIES
Our weekly video series highlights local businesses and upcoming events, averaging 20,000-25,000 views on our social media platforms. We encourage businesses to share their events with us for promotion in the 5 Things videos.
COMMUNITY PROUD
The Chamber created a social media series called Community Proud, Celebrating Those That Live and Work Among Us. This is a way for the Chamber to meaningfully promote members of the community, humanize and draw attention to the business.
RAFFLES
Our raffles, which feature local businesses and encourage patrons to follow your business socially, generate an average of 800 entries and over 15,000 views, driving engagement and visibility for participating businesses.
NEWSLETTER
Share your events, job openings, news or special offers free of charge through our bi-weekly newsletter.
MEMBER TO MEMBER CONNECTIONS
The Chamber helps you grow your network and peer relationships, connecting with business owners and community organizations through programs like Business Before Hours, Business After Hours and Chamber events. Build your network, open doors to new opportunities and facilitate the exchange of ideas.
NEW MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
All new members are announced in the Westerly Sun quarterly insert, and socially, ensuring the information reaches a large amount of the community through many different channels.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Introduce your new business venture with an official Mystic Chamber ribbon cutting. We coordinate with you and invite the community to celebrate your opening, new location or expanding service. Invitations to local leaders, press release to local press, and social posts pre and post event are included at no cost to the member. Ribbon cuttings can be applicable to new business openings, anniversaries, renovations, and special occasions.
RESOURCES
We seek out and partner with experts to provide meaningful seminars and programs for members and staff. SEO workshops, Human Resource topics are a few of the programs presented and the Chamber is always working with professionals to develop programs surrounding hot topics of interest.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
As a Chamber member, you have access to exclusive sponsorship opportunities for our annual events including:
• Mystic Outdoor Art Festival
• Santa Arrives by Tugboat + Lighted Boat Parade
• Floatswella
• Pride Week
• Pickleball Tournament
• Groton City Brew Run
• Party of 12
• Halloween Parade + Trunk or Treat
• Tarzan Brown Run
• Celebration of Black History Month
COMMUNITY
By being a Chamber member, you become an integral part of the community. Members enjoy exclusive perks such as museum opening night tickets, boat ride tickets, and access to grand openings.
GO MYSTIC GIFT CARD AND MEMBER GIFT CARDS
The gift card program is a way for consumers to buy or gift local to others by purchasing cards redeemable at all the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce members. Buying the Go Mystic card ensures the cards are used locally, thus reinvesting in the community.
The Chamber also actively promotes member gift cards on our website, suggesting direct purchase from the business
CONFERENCE ROOM
The Chamber office has a conference room for use by members, free with membership.
Go MysticAPP
Since its launch, the Go Mystic App has been downloaded over 12,000 times and is distributed at several hotels, visitor centers on I95, and our downtown Visitor Center. It serves as a go-to resource for both tourists and locals, with all Chamber members listed in the app.
To date, there have been over 100,000 inquiries into specific businesses and events. In addition, there have been over 6,500 visits to member websites and over 33,500 hits to see a restaurant's menu or make an online reservation.
We continue our efforts to get the public acclimated and engaged with the app and in that spirit, we now have all of our event details there. For the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, the app provided direct access to the artist list, event map, award winners and sponsors. Same with the Groton City Brew Run where one could register for the September 7th race through the app, see the participating breweries and see the results. You will find the remaining Chamber events for the year there including Santa Arrives by Tugboat, the Lighted Boat Parade, and our year end Awards and Party of 12.
In addition, the app automatically syncs with the mysticchamber.org event calendar. We are actively promoting the calendar as the most robust event listing in southeastern Connecticut and to that end, we are assisting members with inputting events.
The Chamber receives hundreds of inquiries every month through our office and website. This app allows us to also be kinder to the environment, using less paper with a phone application.
The Chamber covers the cost of the app and does not charge members to be included. We hope to extend the use of the app in 2025 by giving businesses access to their information allowing them to communicate directly with their customers.
App My Community was developed In the summer of 2017 by Joe and Rose Dueming after vacationing at a beautiful RV resort. Staying as guests of a long-term camper, they did not receive all of the communication handouts typically given upon check-in. Although all enjoyed a great time over the next week, there were multiple times they experienced a lapse in communication.
In daily life, our phones enable us to get the answers we need quickly. Why should enjoying the amenities offered by our local communities be any different? Their vision was a mobile app that enables people to have a deeper connection within their community, thereby giving them a more memorable experience.
If you are interested in listing your business on the Go Mystic App, please feel free to call the office and speak with Bruce.
CHAMBEREvents
CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce partners with the Mystic Noank Library and Kevin Booker for an annual Celebration of Black History Month. The event is held indoors at the Union Baptist Church and hundreds of people come out to support. This celebration includes singing, African drumming, guest speakers, students, and locals from the surrounding area who want to share a reading, poem, or their story.
MYSTIC PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
The Chamber recently hosted its first Pickleball Tournament. Players of all skill levels can compete in a spirited and friendly environment. The Pickleball Tournament serves as a perfect opportunity for pickleball enthusiasts to showcase their skills while fostering community spirit and supporting local businesses. The event features multiple competition categories, ensuring that everyone from beginners to seasoned players can participate.
YOGAPALOOZA CT
Yogapalooza is a community event organized in celebration of International Day of Yoga. The annual yoga event is held in June on the Branford House lawn, located at the UConn Avery Point Campus in Groton, CT. Yogapalooza is a vibrant festival that features over 14 outdoor yoga classes led by local instructors including styles such as Yin, Restorative, and Vinyasa yoga. Participants are given the opportunity to explore holistic practices such as meditation, reiki, sound bath, and breathwork. This event fosters a sense of spirituality, wellness and community, offering vegan food vendors, workshops, and a marketplace of like-minded exhibitors featuring massage, tarot, henna, reflexology, merch and more
The Chamber’s events enhance community spirit and support local commerce and tourism, ensuring Mystic remains a unique and welcoming destination for all. We host events of all sizes ranging from 500-30,000 attendees.
MYSTIC PRIDE
Mystic Pride Week offers a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Participating local businesses, restaurants, and venues foster an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can come together to embrace diversity, acceptance, and love. Mystic Pride week also features family-friendly activities, making it a community-wide celebration of equality and pride.
FLOATSWELLA
Every summer since 2020, the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce teams up with the Mystic Seaport Museum and Northswell to present Floatswella, a paddle-craft only event featuring live music that takes place on the Mystic River. This community event is open to the public and free to attend.
MYSTIC OUTDOOR ART FESTIVAL
The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival (MOAF) is the oldest art show of its kind in the Northeast region. Every August, this two-day, juried event attracts tens of thousands of art enthusiasts. The festival showcases over 250 artists from around the country with over a mile of fine arts and crafts including oils, watercolors, photography, textiles, sculpture, jewelry, woodwork, acrylics, and more. The trail of artists follows the Mystic River into the Mystic Seaport Museum. The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival includes a Children’s Art Park at the Mystic Seaport Museum and a Performing Arts Stage in Mystic River Park highlighting local theater productions, performances, and musicians from around the community.
GROTON CITY BREW RUN
The Chamber and Groton Utilities host the Annual Groton City Brew Run at Eastern Point Beach in Groton, benefiting The Riverfront Children's Center. Participants enjoy a 5K run or walk, followed by a lively brewfest featuring local craft breweries, live music, and delicious local food vendors. This is a fun, family friendly event combining fitness, socializing, and craft beer.
CHAMBEREvents
CELEBRATE MYSTIC
Each October we take the opportunity to “Celebrate Mystic!”, the number-one tourist destination in Connecticut and number-one in the hearts of locals. This annual event is designed to bring the community together for a day of celebrating local culture featuring an array of local food vendors, beverages, and live music performances. With Cottrell Street closed to traffic, attendees can enjoy a relaxed and festive atmosphere as they sample delicious food, enjoy live tunes, and mingle with neighbors. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the best of Mystic and connect with the community.
HALLOWEEN PARADE
Families travel from near and far dressed up in their favorite Halloween costumes to parade through Downtown Mystic, over the Mystic Drawbridge, and down side streets leading to the Mystic Fire Department. Halloween inspired activities at the fire department include a Trunk-or-Treat event with local members and special vendors in addition to crafts, inside. The Chamber partners with the Mystic Fire Department, Stonington Police Department, Groton Town Police Department, Stonington High School, and Fitch High School to deliver this community-oriented Halloween event that brings locals, guests and businesses together for a fun-filled day.
TARZAN BROWN RUN
The Tarzan Brown Run is a popular road race in November, held in Downtown Mystic. Named in honor of local hero and Native American marathon runner who competed in the 1930s and 1940s, Tarzan Brown, the event pays tribute to his athletic achievements and legacy. The race typically features various distances, including a 5K, 10K, and sometimes a half marathon, catering to runners of all levels. This annual event not only promotes physical fitness but also supports local charities and community causes.
SANTA ARRIVES BY TUGBOAT AND THE LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
Santa Arrives by Tugboat and the Lighted Boat Parade are beloved traditions that take place in late November to kickoff the holiday season. Santa makes his grand entrance from The North Pole into Mystic River Park aboard a tugboat, greeted by a crowd awaiting his arrival. Later in the evening, the Christmas Tree in Mystic River Park is lit and immediately after, the Lighted Boat Parade starts. The Lighted Boat Parade takes place on the Mystic River and is a parade of festively decorated vessels competing for prizes in categories including "Most Creative" and "Best Holiday Spirit." This unique combination of maritime tradition and holiday cheer draws families and visitors to Mystic, CT for a magical start to the holidays.
PARTY OF 12
"Party of 12" is the Chamber’s annual celebration honoring local business leaders and celebrating the passion of the Mystic community! Held in December at the Velvet Mill in Stonington, CT, the event features a wide array of dishes and refreshments served by top local restaurants along with live entertainment and dancing. Awards such as the Joyce Olson Resnikoff Tourism Award and the Keel Award are presented to business owners who have significantly contributed to tourism and the local economy. The Ballast Award is presented in partnership with Stonington Public Schools to a business who has been in business for 15 years in the Mystic, CT area and The Just One Chance Award, presented with the support from The Inclusion A Sylvestre Foundation.
MESSAGE FROM OUR EVENTS MANAGER AIMEE HARVEY
The Mystic Chamber of Commerce hosts a wide array of events throughout the year, fostering community engagement and economic growth in the Mystic area. These events serve as platforms for local businesses to connect with residents and visitors alike.
Community Events such as the Mystic Outdoor Art festival, Yogapalooza, Groton City Brew Run, Celebrate Mystic, the 50th Anniversary of the Mystic Aquarium, Halloween Parade and Lighted Boat Parade with Santa arriving by Tugboat showcases a variety of partnerships with area business both large and small.
Overall, being a part of the Mystic Chamber of Commerce events can be a rewarding experience that not only helps your business thrive, but also enriches the local community and fosters a sense of belonging.
If you’d like to be involved in any of these events, please email Aimee at aimeeharvey@mysticchamber.org
ELEVATING THEArts
One of the Chamber’s key initiatives this year was to elevate the arts in our region.
At the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, we proudly introduced a Performing Arts Stage in the Mystic River Park, sponsored by the Garde Arts Center and Mystic Rotary, which showcased a variety of local talent. Featured presenters included the Granite Theatre youth program, the Knickerbocker Music Center, La Grua Center, Broadway Theatre Studio, Mystic Chamber Music Series, Mystic Seaport Museum, and the Rotary Club of Mystic.
Bruce Flax, President of the Mystic Chamber explains “We hope to create an arc that the arts follow. The allure
of Mystic can be the catalyst for the created arts arc. When people come to Mystic, we can tell them about all of the arts within a 20 mile radius and thus, a short drive.”
The Chamber believes that supporting the arts not only enriches our community but also drives economic growth and cultural liveliness.
Earlier this year, we hosted Business After Hours events at the United Theatre and Granite Theatre and enjoyed a special evening at the Ivoryton Playhouse for Mystic Pizza The Musical. As we move forward, the Chamber is excited to continue fostering partnerships with local arts organizations and to champion the creative spirit that defines our community.
“The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable ally in our mission to engage the community through arts and culture. Their unwavering support and dedication have helped us reach new audiences and elevate the visibility of La Grua Center. The Chamber's efforts have not only boosted our programming through marketing efforts but have also strengthened our connections to Mystic area businesses and organizations. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to future collaborations.”
-Daniel
Brandl, Executive Director, La Grua Center
"We believe that the arts have a profound impact on the vitality of our community, bringing people together and fostering a shared sense of culture and creativity. That's why we are so excited to partner with the Mystic Chamber of Commerce to expand our reach into southeastern Connecticut. Together, we are supporting the arts in ways that strengthen our community, create connections, and make the arts accessible to all."
- Margaret
Corini, Community Director, The United Theatre
“The Garde continues to be grateful and beyond impressed with the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce's focus on regional partnerships. For the price of a Chamber membership an organization can take advantage of networking opportunities, advice on best practices for tourism outreach, assistance in marketing programs and events, and introductions to potential partners and sponsors.”
- Jeanne Sigel, Garde Arts Center
“The Noank-Mystic Community Band became a member of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce in 2024. As a member, we have posted our concerts on the event calendar, as well as the schedule of our popular Summer Sounds concert series, which is held on Tuesday evenings in Mystic River Park. We feel that these postings have helped increase our audience size. We were also able to leave program booklets at the Visitor Welcome Center in downtown Mystic.”
- Barbara Shiffer, Noank-Mystic Community Band
“I cannot say enough about the Performing Arts Stage at the Mystic Outdoor Arts Festival. Member Arts organizations were given the opportunity to showcase their upcoming shows right in the center of the festival... for free! We used it as a performance opportunity for our 30 summer camp students, and to see the faces on the kids and family members alike as they were performing at such an amazing event was priceless. As I continue to speak to and work with the team behind the Chamber, I am sure this is only the beginning. In a time when the arts are being pulled from schools and funding is dwindling, it's great to know that we have- and will continue to have- the undying support of our Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce.”
- Nicole DiMattei, Granite Theatre
@mysticchamber ON SOCIAL MEDIA CHAMBER
16,000 12,000
The Chamber and our social following is growing at a rapid rate. Through innovative campaigns such as the 5 Things to Do in Mystic videos or the Community Proud series, we are catapulting the Chamber and its members to new heights.
The 5 Things to Do in Mystic videos began in August 2023 and since have seen a viral uptick in popularity garnering 20,000-25,000 views per weekend! Each week, with Chamber President Bruce Flax as the host, we film at a local business and promote 5 things happening in the area for the upcoming weekend. Since its inception, the Chamber has featured over 150 local businesses in the videos and over 170 member events. Locals and tourists use the series as a guide for what to do on the weekends. It’s reaching people in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and beyond. We’ve filmed with local businesses such as Shane’s Barbershop, Captain’s Mansion, Connecticut Sun WNBA team, Haring’s, Mystic Museum of Art, and more.
The Chamber is always working for ways to meaningfully promote members of the community and in doing so, we created a social media series called ‘Community Proud, Celebrating Those That Live and Work Among Us!’, presented by CorePlus Federal Credit Union. Since the series started in April 2024, it has reached over 170,000 and engaged over 10,000 with our posts and featured 20+ local community members.
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Programs
TRAVELING VISITOR CENTER
The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce had an idea to create a Traveling Visitor Center that could not only be parked in Mystic to help people navigate the area, but also to bring to events within a 30-40 mile radius, and promote our region.
The region includes the best beaches in Misquamicut, New London, and the Boardwalk of Niantic, the best in entertainment at Foxwoods and Mohegan, and the number one attractions in the State of CT with Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium and the Mystic River Bascule Bridge. The Traveling Visitor center will travel all over NE promoting the region, driving people here for multiple experiences and longer stays. This vehicle provides the messaging for our Mystic Region.
HISTORY OF THE TRUCK:
2022
The Chamber purchased a 1983 formal postal mail truck from Jeff Walters in Houston, Texas. He renovated the AM General FJ8c postal mail truck into Thrilla N Vanilla, a working ice cream truck.
2023
Antonino Auto Group shipped the truck to Mystic where they helped start repairing it. Guy Palazzo finished the repairs and did amazing work. Abbie Park, a local graphic designer, worked with us on the design of the truck.
2024
Critical Signs owners Shawn and Jenn got the old wrap off and installed the new wrap. The Traveling Visitor Center made its debut in the Mystic Irish Parade.
& BEYOND
The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce looks forward to utilizing the truck to promote the region!
SpotlightMEMBER
Located in the heart of Mashantucket, CT, Foxwoods Resort Casino is one of the Northeast's premier destination resorts, offering an unparalleled experience across six world-class casinos. With AAA Four-Diamond accommodations, over 2,200 luxurious rooms, and a wide array of dining options, Foxwoods caters to every taste and preference.
Guests can indulge in relaxing spa treatments, play a round on an award-winning golf course, enjoy live entertainment at state-of-the-art theaters, shop at Tanger, or host an event in versatile conference spaces that accommodate groups of all sizes.
GAMING AND SPORTS BETTING
Foxwoods is renowned for its extensive gaming options, boasting
a casino floor filled with table games and slot machines. Catering to seasoned gamblers and casual players, Foxwoods has something to offer every visitor. Whether you're testing your luck at blackjack, trying your hand at roulette, or taking a spin on one of the thousands of slot machines, the thrill of the game is always in the air.
When it comes to sports betting and gaming, Foxwoods has partnerships with fan-favorite betting and entertainment platforms, including DraftKings and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s Wondr Nation.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
Foxwoods Resort Casino offers a range of luxurious accommodations to unwind in. Whether you prefer a
spacious deluxe room or suite, every option is designed for comfort and relaxation. Guests can relax in spas and wellness experiences at the GSpa or Norwich Spa at Foxwoods, which offers a variety of treatments, fitness facilities, and pools. Plus, guests have access to fun-filled activities including bowling at High Rollers, ziplining on the High Flyer, and go-karting at Monza. The upcoming Great Wolf Lodge, set to open in 2025, will further enhance the resort’s familyfriendly appeal.
Foxwoods is not just about gaming: it’s also where entertainment takes center stage. The property boasts exciting lineups of top talent each month – ranging from artists like Miranda Lambert and John Legend to comedians including Kevin Hart, Wanda Skyes, and Jerry Seinfeld. From world-class musical acts
FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO
to laugh-out-loud comedy, Foxwoods brings its guests the best in entertainment.
DINING
Always innovating to offer more, Foxwoods continues to expand its offerings with new and exciting attractions. Recent additions include dining hotspots like Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Wahlburgers, and Grace by Nia, along with celebrity pastry chef Zac Young’s Sprinkletown Donuts & Ice Cream.
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Foxwoods Resort Casino provides modern and versatile convention and meeting spaces to infuse new life into any meeting or event. You can be anyone and do everything with endless possibilities of unique experiences for your guests. Its impressive 40,000 square foot expo center –which accommodates up to 5,000 guests – makes the resort casino the ideal location for businesses.
If you’re here for the celebrations or to enjoy the many attractions and amenities, Foxwoods is committed to providing a memorable experience. Discover all that Foxwoods Resort Casino has to offer at Foxwoods.com.
Email us at resort_sales@foxwoods.com for more information or to reserve your table(s) today!
MEMBERSpotlight
The world’s first and finest submarine builder, General Dynamics Electric Boat was established in 1899 to construct a 54foot submersible vessel developed by John Holland. Just one year later, USS Holland, the world’s first practical submarine, was accepted by the U.S. Navy, marking the beginning of the U.S. Submarine Force. For over 125 years, Electric Boat has continued our legacy of firsts, designing, constructing and maintaining the most capable submarines to ensure our nation’s defense.
Launched in 1954, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus, was designed and built by the men and women of Electric Boat,
ushering in a new era of U.S. Navy history. In the succeeding decades, we have never stopped innovating, delivering ever-more capable and stealthy submarines, including the Virginia class.
Those who work or live near Groton, Connecticut, understand why it’s the Submarine Capital of the World—especially if you’ve seen a Virginia-class submarine cruising down the Thames River. Virginia-class submarines provide the U.S. Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation’s undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. These complex vessels have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special
warfare enhancements that enable them to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements. Through the extensive use of modular construction, open architecture and commercial off-theshelf components, the Virginia class is designed to remain state-of-thepractice for its entire operational life through the rapid introduction of new systems and payloads. Electric Boat recently celebrated the rollout and float off of Virginia-class submarine PCU Idaho (SSN 799), two major milestones that get her closer to serving our nation.
Electric Boat’s storied history has led to our role as the prime contractor for the next-generation Columbia class, the nation’s top strategic
GENERAL DYNAMICS ELECTRIC BOAT
defense priority. Construction is underway on the Columbia class of ballistic-missile submarines, which will be the largest ever built by the United States at two-and-a-half-times the size of the Virginia class. Arguably the most complex machines ever made, Columbia-class submarines will replace the aging Ohio-class nuclear ballistic submarine force due to begin to retire from service in 2027. General Dynamics invested nearly $2 billion in new facilities to support this crucial program for our nation’s defense, and these new buildings have changed the skyline at our Groton, CT, and Quonset Point, RI, facilities.
While Electric Boat has experienced many changes over the years, the one constant has been our people. As we tackle the important work ahead, we continue to grow at a historic rate, welcoming the next generation of talent aboard the team. To prepare to deliver one Columbiaclass submarine and two Virginiaclass submarines a year, Electric Boat is hiring and training thousands of new skilled tradespeople to tackle the important work ahead. Our legacy will continue as shipbuilders who dedicate their skill, craftsmanship and commitment to protecting the sailors who operate in the harshest environment in defense of our nation. As we reflect on our 125-year history, we also look forward to our bright future as a talented team dedicated to shipbuilding excellence.
MEMBERSpotlight
HARTFORD HEALTHCARE
With more than 41,000 colleagues, Hartford HealthCare’s unified culture enhances access, affordability, equity and excellence. Its caredelivery system — with nearly 500 locations serving 185 towns and cities — includes two tertiary-level teaching hospitals, an acute-care community teaching hospital, an acute-care hospital and trauma center, three community hospitals,
a behavioral health network, a multispecialty physician group, a clinical care organization, a regional home care system, an array of senior care services, a mobile neighborhood health program and a comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation network. On average, Hartford HealthCare touches more than 23,000 lives every single day. The unique, system-wide Institute Model offers a unified high standard of care in crucial
specialties at hospital and ambulatory sites across Connecticut offering unparalleled expertise at the most affordable cost.
The institutes include: Ayer Neuroscience, Behavioral Health, Cancer, Digestive Health, Heart and Vascular, Orthopedics and Tallwood Urology & Kidney. Visit Hartford HealthCare at HartfordHealthCare.org and stay connected through newsletters and social media.
OWL’S HOUSE & the FARM STORE
Nestled in the heart of “Mystic Country,” we invite you to experience Owl’s House, a private 2-bedroom guest house Refined style and the charm of farm life intertwine, creating a relaxing, pastoral retreat. Discover our Farm Store, featuring our grassfed Texas Longhorn beef, and a curated selection of gourmet items that elevate every meal and moment into one to be savored.
MEMBERSpotlight
The origin of Groton Utilities is firmly planted in local history. We were created by the people of the Borough of Groton in 1904 when it was decided that utilities should be publicly owned. Due to these beginnings, we have always felt the local community is a very important part of what we do – because we are a part of this community!
Groton Utilities began serving the local area in 1904 shortly after purchasing The Groton Water Company and The Groton Electric Lighting Company. Since inception, Groton Utilities has had the same goals in mind—providing reliable, quality utility services at the most
affordable rates possible, while being a vital member of the local community.
Living in a town served by a publicly owned utility offers residents tremendous advantages over standard for-profit utility companies. In these times of an ever-increasing cost of living, probably the most important aspect to having a publicly owned utility for our customers is our electric rates, which on average are 20 to 30 percent lower than the local benchmarks. Beyond that, if you live in a public power community, it means you own your electric utility and can participate in running it. It means you benefit from affordable energy, better service, and a utility that cares about the overall wellbeing and growth of the community.
GROTON UTILITIES
Furthermore, our recent high-voltage transmission lines upgrade project ensures that the area will have even more available, reliable power for years to come.
In addition to our reliable and affordable electricity, Groton Utilities is proud to have finished a project of the utmost importance—the building of our state-of-the-art water treatment plant. Completed in 2021, the project was in the works for nearly ten years. The result is a facility that has greatly strengthened the drinking water infrastructure in this region of Connecticut for the next several decades.
The new filtration plant can process 12 million gallons of water per day with its updated technologies, including state-of-the-art manganese
contactors, to comply with current and future regulations. In addition, two new water storage tanks were constructed, both of which can hold up to 1.0 million gallons of water in reserve. Drawing source water from our five reservoirs, we have put ourselves in a strong position to fight the effects of summer draughts that have caused other communities much more trouble.
Groton Utilities provides water to approximately 45,000 people daily.
Lastly, Groton Utilities considers our contributions to the local community to be as important as the services we provide. Groton Utilities regularly contributes to local non-profits through sponsorships and grants, while also providing students from local high schools with
scholarships for college. Additionally, GU organizes and sponsors local community events, such as the City of Groton Summer Concerts in the Park as well as the annual Groton City Brew Run 5K Brewfest event at Eastern Point Beach.
Groton Utilities—created by the local community in 1904—and at their service for nearly 120 years ever since.
OCEAN BEACH PARK
When visiting Mystic, be sure to visit Ocean Beach Park in New London, CT. The park has been named a top beach in the country multiple times by Travel and Leisure Magazine and has plenty to do when you visit! Relax with the sand between your toes or enjoy a game of beach volleyball with friends. Ocean Beach Park has great seasonal boardwalk attractions including a playground, kiddy spray park, waterslides, rides, arcade, mini golf and Olympic size pool. The park has a restaurant with a deck that overlooks the beach and boardwalk with adult beverages and full menu as well as concession stands. The gift shop has all you need if you forgot something, as well as some great souvenirs. For larger groups there is a three ocean view banquet rooms and a picnic pavilion, perfect for any event. Stay for the evening with Ocean Beach’s seasonal entertainment offerings. On Mondays there is a huge classic car cruise night, Wednesdays feature Boardwalk Magic, Friday nights feature the best in tribute bands, sometimes with fireworks shows, and on Saturday’s local bands. The park also has a nature walk with an observatory deck. Until you can visit, think sunshine!
PROJECT OCEANOLOGY MEMBER
Project Oceanology was founded in 1972 to provide students firsthand experiences with the marine environment. They are proud to continue our mission to nurture interest and inspire enthusiasm for science and for the planet’s marine environment. Over one million participants have experienced the ocean and its inhabitants aboard Project O’s Research Vessel - Enviro-Lab, on the shoreline, or in their waterfront laboratories.
While Project O’s core mission and hands-on education have remained the same, their programs have expanded and evolved to meet the needs of society today. The school programs provide education to K-12 and college age students. They offer professional development for teachers, internships for high school and college students, and customize their educational programs for students to meet their teachers specific learning objectives. In the summer Project O offers popular residential and day camp programs to nearly 500 campers. They also participate in scientific research, and efforts to protect and restore the Long Island Sound watershed.
Project O is preparing the next generation of ocean stewards, policymakers, leaders, and global citizens and know that they cannot do that alone - their success is a reflection of the incredible support from the community and partners of Project O!
COREPLUS CREDIT UNION Spotlight Spotlights
CorePlus Credit Union (CPCU) was voted by their members and The Day’s readers as the BEST of the BEST Credit Union in back-to-back wins for 2023 and 2024. They are a federally chartered, member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative credit union with seven branches in Northern and Eastern Connecticut.
Their origin dates back to 1936 when a group of 27 teachers with just $15 on deposit started Norwich Connecticut Teachers Federal Credit Union. The Credit Union continued to grow for the next eight decades, acquiring several other credit unions to broaden its membership to the over 29,000 members it serves today. CorePlus’ recently acquired multiple common bond charter has allowed them to offer membership beyond just Windham and New London County, but to anyone that joins the American Consumer Council, a free, non-profit organization that provides financial education to its members.
Beyond CorePlus’ seven physical locations, they also have the digital infrastructure to fully support online relationships with an easy online application and the digital services to ensure you can bank from virtually anywhere. From online appointment scheduling to secure chat and video banking, CorePlus is able to offer progressive technological services to its members while still providing the trusted member service of a community credit union.
CorePlus remains committed to offering the best-inclass service whether in-person at one of their branches, on the telephone with its contact center, or through its various digital communication services. CorePlus members have come to expect the best and easiest banking experience, and CorePlus Credit Union has worked hard to exceed their expectations. CorePlus’ employees and board members are also committed to supporting their local communities through promoting financial literacy, volunteerism and community service and embodying their mission statement of financial wellness for all.
