IVESity SBROS. i nc e 1 Qual
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Volume 4, Number 7, Thursday, February 18, 2021
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Chamber president gets award from the New England Patriots MICHELLE WARREN
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CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
WINDHAM/MANSFIELD — Like many across the state and nation, Windham Region Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer/ President Diane Nadeau lost her job in March due to the pandemic. But that didn’t stop the Mansfield resident from helping small business owners at a time when many are struggling. For several months, Nadeau was performing the same services she did as a paid staff person, but did so as a volunteer. For that effort, Nadeau was recognized by the New England Patriots Foundation last month as a “2020 Patriots Difference Maker of the Week” for her commitment to the Windham Chamber Foundation. “I think there are so many people that do amazing things and give back to the community and do it just because it’s the right thing to do and don’t expect any recognition or acknowledgment,” she said. The honor is part of the “Celebrate Volunteerism” theme that was started a decade ago and is carried out by the Patriots throughout the season. As part of the award, the Patriots Foundation is donating $5,000 to the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce. “This has been a challenging year, unlike anything we’ve experienced in our lifetimes,” Patriots Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert Kraft said in a statement issued by the Patriots Foundation last month. “Charitable organizations have been called upon to support more children and families than ever before. We admire all
Nadeau
of the hardworking volunteers that have stepped up and helped these nonprofits to continue to serve those in need. “Through this ‘Celebrate Volunteerism’ initiative, we will shine a light on some of these outstanding volunteers, make a donation to their respective charity and encourage our fans to get involved.” Nadeau lost her job in March, with the chamber being declared a non-essential business. She said she was eventually able to return to her paid position in the fall. The $5,000 donation from the Patriots Foundation will go toward the Technology Assistance Program (TAP), a program started by the chamber of commerce in the spring with the assis-
tance of the Liberty Bank Foundation, which provided a donation. “This pandemic crisis really brought home the message that out here in rural Connecticut, a large number of small businesses do not have technology skills or equipment,” Nadeau said. Through TAP, professional staff and volunteers work with small business owners, senior citizens and veterans to assist them with technology. Assistance will be provided on the following topics: using social media platforms; putting together and distributing electronic newsletters; adding a business to local websites; understanding and maintaining a Google Business site; updating websites; setting up email accounts; and using Zoom and other business software. “It’s open to anyone, not just our members,” Nadeau said, noting the service is free. Interns from Eastern Connecticut State University are involved in the program. A portion of a grant from the regional tourism district went toward TAP. Meanwhile, information about resources for small business owners is printed in the chamber’s newsletter, which Nadeau said was disseminated by municipal economic development commissions, legislators, libraries and others. More information about “Celebrate Volunteerism,” including a link to nominate a volunteer, is available online at www.patriots.com/community/volunteerism. More information about the Chamber is available at windhamchamber.com. Follow Michelle Warren on Twitter-@ mwarrentc.
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