Chamber Chatbook 12 - September/October

A MESSAGE

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hello!

I hope you are enjoying the Chamber Chatbook. It is one of the many resources available to you at the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber.

Do you have a neighbor or colleague that is not currently a member of the Chamber? We are less than 25 members shy of our 85th Anniversary year goal of 85 new members in 2024! Refer a friend today! Invite them as your guest to our 1st Thursday Business Connections – a fantastic introduction to the culture of the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber.

If you have a few hours to spare the weekend of the 60th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival (Oct 5&6), please consider volunteering! Many hands make light work and we sure would like to make this 2-day 145-exhibitor event light work for all. Thanks in advance!

It’s time to get your creativity on and enter a scarecrow in the 2024 Scarecrow Fest. Why not? What a great way to participate in the community and perhaps advertise your business in a unique way. Who will bring home the Golden Broom award for 2024? Maybe you! Visit the website to register.

If you haven’t already (and a big thank you all of you that have) paid your Membership Renewals – it’s time! Your continued support is very much appreciated and vital to the sustainability of the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber.

Thank you for your support, engagement and trust in the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber. We are a thriving organization because of you!

All the best, Judy

CONTENTS 04

09

14

PRESIDENT CIRCLE

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

HANDLING EMPLOYEE DISPUTES

05

10

15

NEW MEMBERS

CHAMBER CHALLENGES

BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS (FOR PARENTS)

06

11

16

UPCOMING EVENT INFO

60TH ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

GOPINK+ FUNDRAISING

07

12

CHAMBER CALENDAR

ANNUAL SCARECROW FEST

08

13

SAVE THE DATES!

FOOD & FUN

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE WWW.GOSCHAMBER.COM

Visit our website for more information about upcoming meetings, events, sponsorship opportunities, marketing options, and so much more!

Don’t forget to visit our new Chamber blog to read up on business resources, hints, tips, and things to do!

LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A PRESIDENT CIRCLE MEMBER HERE!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Elm Tree Communities

LJ Shoreline Reality

Manlee Mobile Detailing

191 Main Street, Old Saybrook

15 Freedom Way, Niantic

22 Fox Hill Road, Old Saybrook

860 - 554 - 8003 elmtreecommunities.com Real estate investments

880 - 205 - 6321 ljshoreline.com Real estate services

860 - 876 - 8707 Auto dealing

Connecticut Wealth Management

Katey Walker Fine Jewelry

Oasis Senior Advisors

281 Farmington Avenue, Farmington 860 - 470 - 0290 ctwealthmgmt.com

103-A Main Street, Old Saybrook

342 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford

kateywalker.com Fine jewelry

475 - 775 - 0212 oasissenioradvisors.com Elder Care Advisors

GoNetspeed

Finkeldey's BMJ, Inc.

Tradewinds Wealth Management

24 New Park Drive, Berlin 855 - 891 - 7291 gonetspeed.com Communications

Westbrook 860 - 399 - 5266 finkeldeys.com Septic

325 Highland Avenue, Cheshire

Southeastern Connecticut Women's Network

Total Mortgage Services

Antonio and Son Construction Management LLC

Groton

65 LaSalle Road, West Hartford

846 Middlesex Turnpike, Old Saybrook

Financial services

860 - 681 - 3522 sectwomensnetwork.org Business Association

860 - 391 - 1099 totalmortgage.com Mortgage Services

Ribbon Cutting, Katey Walker Fine Jewelry

203 - 889 - 0067 tradewindswealthmanagement.com

Financial services

860 - 539 - 0572 Building / Construction / Remodelling

EVENT INFO 24 SEP 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM 27 SEP 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Ribbon Cutting: Tidewater Lighting & Design

Tech Talk Tuesdays: Session #2

“The Compliance of Cybersecurity & Compliance Inaction" presented by Christopher Brown from Twin Networks.

This presentation covers topics such as data privacy, cybersecurity compliance, and includes practical strategies for businesses to protect themselves from cyber threats.

Registration Required!

01 OCT

Join us Friday morning for a ribbon cutting at Tidewater Lighting & Design!

Help us celebrate their new location and the occasion of joining the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber as one of our members.

Location: 665 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook

60th Annual Arts & 5-6 OCT Crafts Festival SCORE Webinar:

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Business Fundamentals #1

Session 1 of a comprehensive 5-session Business Fundamentals series offering insights and inspiration for starting your business.

In session 1, you will review whether you have a good idea and explore the feasibility of your product or service idea and how it can become a viable business.

(Via Zoom) Pre-Registration Required!

Welcome to the 60th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival! Join us for a weekend filled with creativity, inspiration, and community spirit.

With over 140 talented artists and crafters showcasing their work, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to discover unique pieces for your home, shop for gifts, or simply soak in the creative atmosphere, the Arts & Crafts Festival is the place to be.

AM - 9:00 AM 08 OCT 7:30 Tech Talk Tuesdays: 10 OCT Session #3

"Talk to Me Like I'm AI - Training your AI to represent your brand better than you!”

Presented by Rich Scierka from Scierka-Lang Media.

Stay tuned for more information regarding this talk and what you’ll learn!

Registration Required!

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

SCORE Webinar: Business Fundamentals #4

Session 4 of a comprehensive 5-session Business Fundamentals series offering insights and inspiration for starting your business.

Topics include selecting a pricing model, setting prices, estimating variable costs, accounting for overhead costs, and how to get a handle on managing small business finances.

(Via Zoom) Pre-Registration Required!

EVENT INFO (CONT.) 15-30 OCT

2024 Scarecrow Fest

This annual festival is a cherished tradition that invites families, schools, businesses, and civic organizations to participate by crafting their very own unique scarecrow creations for public display.

22 OCT

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

SCORE Webinar: Business Fundamentals #5

The concluding Session 5 of the "Fundamentals for Starting Your Business" series covers the essential digital requirements to run a business.

The entire town is invited to explore, admire, and cast their votes for their favorite scarecrows.

You’ll walk away understanding that you do not exist without a web presence, but you don’t need to have a full e-commerce-enabled site.

We'll also discuss digital marketing techniques to help you get noticed by your target customers.

Registration Required!

(Via Zoom) Pre-Registration Required!

CHAMBER MEETINGS SEPTEMBER

19th, Thursday - Chamber Connections at Skippers Seafood Restaurant 20th, Friday - Women in Business Luncheon with Carolyn Finch at Penny Lane Pub

OCTOBER

3rd, Thursday, 8:00 AM - First Thursday Business Connection at Vicki Duffy Pavilion 9th, Wednesday, 5:30 PM - French Riviera Traveler’s Meeting at The Estuary 10th, Thursday - PLOT Quarterly Meeting via Zoom, Contact Christa 10th, Thursday, 5:30 PM - Chamber Connections with GSB, Grey Ledge Advisors, hosted by Saybrook Point Resort & Marina

1st Thursday Business Connection - 9/5/24

25th, Friday, 8:00 AM - Bridging Businesses OLD LYME Business Connections at Old Lyme Inn

SAVE THE DATES! 2024 ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS NIGHT

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM THE KATE

HATS OFF TO 85 YEARS!

Join us for a fun evening celebrating the Chamber and its members as we mark the 85th Anniversary of the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber!

Food and drink, a brief meeting, award presentations and silent auction. Stay tuned for more details as the date gets closer.

The following awards will be presented: Business of the Year Volunteer of the Year Community Impact Award To nominate a Chamber member for any of these awards, simply complete the nomination form here and return to Judy at judy@oldsaybrookcchamber.com.

Thank you!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

2023 Business of the Year recipient: Shoreline Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram & Hyundai

CHAMBER ON TAP Looking to connect with other local businesses but don't know where to start? Join us for Chamber on Tap to get your business-match made in heaven!

Meet the right people with matched introductions specific to you. More success with less stress! $25 fee for members / $35 fee for non-members

Chamber on Tap Networking Event, May 2024 @ Myrcene Ale Co.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS As we approach the end of 2024, The Women In Business Council continues to strive to provide women with incredible opportunities and resources to network, inspire, support and grow together!

Please look forward to the next upcoming Women In Business event dates from September through November at Penny Lane Pub:

Carolyn Finch, Speaker 9/20/24

Friday, September 20 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

“Oops Your Body Language is Showing” with Carolyn Finch at Penny Lane Pub

Friday, October 18 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

“Proactive Planning for More Graceful Aging” with Donna Ewers, Graceful Transitions at Penny Lane Pub

Friday, November 15 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Further information to be announced!

OLD SAYBROOK FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATING 100 YEARS!

Pictured left to right: Joe Johnson, OSFD Fire Chief & Devin Carney, Connecticut State Representative

Old Saybrook Fire Department Centennial Parade, 2024

CHAMBER 85TH ANNIVERSARY MEMBERSHIP PROGRESS

We are just 25 new members away from reaching our goal of 85 new members in our 85th year! Help us reach our goal and commemorate this milestone by referring a business today!

Thanks to everyone who registered to participate in the 2024 Chamber Wellness Challenge - the Challenge is on! Keep walking!

This year’s Challenge will support CT Foodshare!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!

Do you want to help us bring the 60th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival to life? Amazing community-driven events like this are made possible by the outstanding volunteers who help them run smoothly.

Check out volunteer opportunities and register today!

CLICK HERE!

We want YOU to join us and take part in the festivities. Everyone is welcome to make a scarecrow submission!

Get creative and submit your scarecrows by October 15th - you might just win the coveted Golden Broom Award!

REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE TODAY! The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber would like to congratulate The Estuary and say cheers to 50 years! We are all looking forward to an even bigger and brighter future!

LET’S COOK! WITH SHANNON SCOTT Fresh Corn Salad

By Shannon Scott, Registered Dietitian Shannon Scott Nutrition LLC Contact: (203) 530 - 0127 shannonscottnutrition@gmail.com

Ingredients:

Salad: 4 ears of fresh corn, shucked 1 up halved grape tomatoes 1 cup diced cucumber 1/3 cup diced red onion 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil

Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil 1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar or cider vinegar 1/2 tsp each salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1. Bring large pot of water to boil. Once boiling add corn and cook for 3 minutes. Drain and allow to cool 2. Cut kernels from the corn then transfer into a large bowl 3. Add tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and basil 4. In a separate bowl whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper 5. Pour over corn and toss to coat well. Keep chilled.

SHEILA MCKINLEY-BELL

Principal Consultant Shoreline HR Consulting Contact | (860) - 256 - 9881

HANDLING EMPLOYEE DISPUTES Welcome back to ASK HR! Each issue will include answers to your questions regarding a variety of human resources-related topics to help you with some of the pressing needs of your business. Our expert is fellow member, Sheila McKinley-Bell of Shoreline HR Consulting, www.shorelinehr.com.

Please feel free to let us know what questions are on your mind.

Today’s question is: How do I handle employee disputes, especially around the upcoming election?

This is a great question and has been a topic of discussion within the HR professional community for most of this year. In many ways it focuses on the importance of Civility and policies concerning Code of Conduct.

At its core, civility involves acknowledging others' viewpoints and expressing opinions without resorting to personal attacks or inflammatory language. This approach fosters an environment where constructive debate can flourish, allowing for diverse perspectives to be heard and considered. It encourages dialogue over discord and promotes mutual understanding.

However, the benefits of civility extend beyond just effective communication. In professional settings, maintaining a civil demeanor can lead to improved collaboration and problem-solving.

When team members engage respectfully, they are more likely to find common ground and work together towards shared goals. In public discourse, civility helps bridge divides, making it easier to address societal challenges collectively rather than perpetuating conflict.

Moreover, civility has a ripple effect, influencing broader social norms and behaviors. When individuals consistently practice civility, they set a standard for others to follow, thereby reinforcing a culture of respect. This not only enhances individual interactions but also contributes to a more inclusive and cooperative society.

In conclusion, while civility may sometimes seem like a simple courtesy, its impact on communication, collaboration, and societal harmony is profound. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, prioritizing civility can pave the way for more effective and empathetic interactions, benefiting individuals, workplaces and communities alike. Additionally, developing a sound policy regarding Code of Conduct provides additional structure, clarification and specific examples of what is and isn’t acceptable behavior in the workplace.

For further information, on this topic, I recommend reading the following article on Forbes.com: Coping with the Rise of Incivility

DANA BROWN

Founder Be Mind Body Fitness Contact | (860) - 993 - 6815 | info@bemindbodyiftness.com

BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS (FOR PARENTS!) As a mom of two young adults and a fitness and wellness coach with 30 years of experience working with literally thousands of parents, I have a deep understanding of the fitness challenges faced by overscheduled parents. Here are some tips to help you make this transition and truly enjoy the benefits of being fit, no matter how busy your schedule becomes.

Embrace Flexibility and Micro “Workout Snacks” for Daily Success: Life with kids is unpredictable, and sticking to a rigid fitness plan can lead to feelings of failure when things don’t go as planned. Instead, embrace flexibility and adapt to your circumstances. Whether it’s a 10-minute bodyweight routine, a quick walk around the block, or even some squats and push-ups while waiting at the bus stop, every little bit counts.

Consistency, even in short bursts, is far more beneficial than sporadic, lengthy workouts that you can’t sustain. Make daily movement nonnegotiable.

Get the Family Involved, But Don’t Overcomplicate It: While family workouts can be a great way to bond, don’t feel pressured to make every workout a family affair. Sometimes, solo exercise is exactly what you need to recharge, and you should not feel guilty about that. That said, when you do want to involve the family, keep it simple. The goal is to move together and have fun without the need for elaborate planning.

Implement Simple "If/Then" Choices for Lasting Fitness Results: If you want to create lasting fitness habits, then incorporate the "If/Then" method into your daily life. This simple strategy helps you make conscious, balanced choices that lead to sustainable results by linking specific actions with positive behaviors. Examples: If you’re feeling sluggish in the afternoon, then take a 5-minute stretch break to re-energize your body and mind.

If you consume something high in sugar, then follow it up with protein, fiber, and water to stabilize your blood sugar.

If you’re tempted to skip your workout due to a busy day, then commit to just 10 minutes of movement, knowing that any activity is better than none.

By applying the "If/Then" method, you can create balance, keep moving, and make nourishing choices for both your body and soul—one simple decision at a time.

Dana Brown, founder of Be Mind Body Fitness and creator of the Harmony Workout™️and Body by Bands™️, brings over 30 years of expertise to her innovative fitness and wellness services. After transitioning from a brick-and-mortar studio, Dana now offers tailored corporate wellness programs, private coaching both in-person and online, exclusive fitness experiences, and guest speaker appearances.

LIKE A DUCK Five local organizations are participating in this unique fundraiser, which is part of a larger annual fundraising campaign called goPINK+. All proceeds benefit Middlesex Health Cancer Center.

Through the “What the Duck” fundraiser, businesses and organizations in Middletown and throughout Middlesex County purchase and decorate wooden ducks to help raise awareness of early cancer detection and funding to support cancer patients locally. The ducks will be on display throughout the month of October and members of the public will be able to vote for their favorite duck.

Shoreline organizations decorating wooden ducks this year include the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce; Saybrook Point Resort & Martina; Acton Public Library; Saybrook Reading; and Valley Shore YMCA. As a whole, goPINK+ is celebrating its 15th year. Throughout its history, goPINK+ has raised more than $424,000 for Middlesex Health Cancer Center. This money helps cancer patients, including patients who have breast cancer, receive free integrative medicine therapy.

Integrative medicine includes massage therapy, reflexology and acupuncture. These are therapies that are not covered by insurance, and they help patients with symptoms of cancer treatment, including fatigue, pain and even nausea.

“What the Duck?” is not the only way to support goPINK+ this October. There will be a goPINK+ Party on October 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Esca Restaurant and Wine Bar in Middletown. Monetary donations to goPINK+ are also accepted, and local businesses and schools will raise money for goPINK+ throughout the month of October in many other ways.

For more information and to support goPINK+, visit MiddlesexHealth.org/gopink.

HOW TO ADVERTISE Email alex@oldsaybrookchamber.com to secure your spot. The Chamber is always looking for graphic advertisements, articles, topics, and ideas.

The Chamber Chatbook was created to provide readers with helpful Chamber and community information. Chapters are issued the second week of every other month. Deadline to submit advertisements or articles is the first of the issued month. Next Chapter releases in November 2024!

Advertisement Pricing: Business Card - $40 Banner - $75 Half Page - $100 Event Listing - $40

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