Newsletter November 2012 www.westerlychamber.org info@westerlychamber.org 401.596.7761

The Town Council recently refrained from voting in favor of a $24 million project that would have brought sewers to Misquamicut and would have circumvented a public referendum. The creative funding proposal was developed as a way to fairly fund the project, while avoiding the expense of a referendum and a possible 3

rd failed outcome.

Many speakers at the public hearing felt the issue was either one of Environment or one of Economic Development. They are both right. But it’s also an issue of Equality. Misquamicut is the one and only section of town that has had 2 referendums shot down by the voters—once in 1984 and again in 2000. While every other section of town has received support for sewers in referendums, Misquamicut is continually denied equal privileges that other neighborhoods enjoy. How is that fair? Why do some residents feel Misquamicut is less deserving? Misquamicut business owners are willing to voluntarily pay a generously disproportionate percentage of the project, and yet there is still some On January 18, 40 young professionals from throughout southeastern CT will be honored as part of a collaborative program sponsored by The Day, the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Norwich Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce. Join us at MGM Grand for a fabulous celebration. Tickets are $75. Visit theday.com for more information.

opposition, based largely on wild claims that sewers equals rampant development. This Chamber of Commerce represents the “business point of view” and we make no apologies for that. There is no shame in promoting projects that aid our businesses in their effort to stay competitive with other communities. Where would Westerly be without the hundreds of jobs related to tourism? Where would we be without the millions in tax revenues generated from the sales tax, meals tax, hotel tax, and Misquamicut state beach parking revenues? Misquamicut does a tremendous amount to contribute to the economic vitality of the whole town, yet asks for very little in return in terms of services. While this chamber staunchly supports sewers, we do not support excessive development, or “600 room hotels on the beach”. Equating the two is an unfair scare tactic. Here’s the facts: 1. Sewers are to needed to service the EXISTING businesses who need and deserve relief from excessive fees from regular pump (See Sewers continued on page 4) The United Chambers of Southern Rhode Island will be hosting the 2

nd Annual 40

Under 40 Award on Thursday, March 28. Deadline to complete a nomination is February 1, 2013. This event is sponsored by SO Rhode Island and co-presented by the Block Island Chamber of Commerce, Charlestown Chamber of Commerce, Narragansett Chamber of Commerce, North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce. Be sure to go to westerlychamber.org to access a nomination form.

US Chamber Is Not the Voice

of Your Local Chamber

Recently, we have fielded inquiries about our role in endorsing candidates and our affiliation with the US Chamber of Commerce. The US Chamber of Commerce is a terrific organization that provides value to its members, most of whom are very large businesses. The US Chamber embarks on a very aggressive political agenda, endorsing candidates and providing funding and promotional assistance to them. The GWPACC does not endorse or make donations to candidates, nor does it permit political advertising in its publications, on its billboard, website, etc. Instead, we work hard to provide a forum for all candidates to participate in a fair, informative and respectful exchange of ideas that is televised, broadcast on tv and covered in the Westerly Sun. We believe each candidate has something to offer and pledge to work in the best interest of the business community with whomever is elected. Please vote on November 6.

INSIDE - Scenes from Business After

Hours

- New Members

- Member News

- Scenes from Brews & Blues

Don’t Let Effort for Sewers in Misquamicut be a Waste

40 Under 40 Awards for Southeastern CT & Southern RI

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company 125 Eugene O'Neill Drive New London, CT 06320 860-440-3373 Contact: Steven Frazier Established in 1890, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is one of the nation’s premier full-service financial services firms. We offer a full range of investments, including stocks, corporate and municipal bonds, mutual funds, annuities, insurance, options, and managed assets accounts, as well as banking services through Stifel Bank & Trust. Our highly regarded research group has earned numerous accolades from such publications as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Financial Times, and is committed to bringing new investment ideas to our clients. We’re committed to helping our clients pursue their financial goals through a more than century-old tradition of trust, understanding, and solid, studied advice. Stifel clients are provided with quality, personalized service, with the theory that by placing our clients’ needs first, both the client and the organization will prosper. We’ve served the investing needs of the New London community since 2005 and welcome the opportunity to become your advisor of choice. To experience the Stifel difference for yourself, call Financial Advisor Steven Frazier today.

Support Local Charities! Buy a Men of Westerly Calendar

for $20 Great Gift! Calendars are on sale at Adult Day Services of Westerly Bella Vita Salon Casa Della Luce Christina’s CoCo’s Salon The Devine Touch Exceptions Consignments Herbwise Naturals Jonnycake Center of Westerly The Malted Barley Prime Time Café RICAN The Other Tiger Valenti Toyota Warm Center of Westerly Westerly Medical Center The Chamber office and many other locations!

Trattoria Longo – Meatballs & Martinis 12 Canal Street Westerly, RI 02891 401- 315-2952 Jerry Longo Italian Restaurant This restaurant had established a stellar reputation and loyal following on Federal Hill. Now located in Westerly, true homemade Italian specialties are prepared fresh each day. Lasagna, chicken picatta, eggplant, shrimp Sinatra and their meatballs are just some of the highlights. Family owned and operated, you will feel quite welcome and at home in the dining room or at the bar. MorganPress 60 Buckley Circle Manchester, NH 03109-5233 Contact: Bruce Bain Email: Bruce@morganpress.com Phone 603 624 8660 Toll-free 888 624 8660 Fax 603 624 2770 Full service commercial printers with excellent quality and unbeatable low pricing. Seth Jacobson Photography PO Box 234 Saunderstown, RI 02874 401-862-7449 sjacobsonphotography@gmail.com Professional Photographer Weddings and other family special events are his passion. Seth also handles corporate images and a variety of other projects. Check out the Men of Westerly Calendar to see Seth’s work presenting “Mr. August”, and also the cover of the recent Grace Magazine which features Chamber Exec. Lisa Konicki. Seth’s work will also be featured on the cover on the 2013 Go Westerly Magazine.

Parsons Named ATHENA Honoree 2012

Marta Parsons

The 10th

Annual ATHENA Award was bestowed to Marta Parsons on October 24 at Lake of Isles Golf Club. Marta has been an emergency room nurse for over 30 years. She has an extensive background of community service including teaching bicycle safety and helmet awareness to elementary school aged kids in local schools and camps. She also teaches CPR at no charge to boy scouts, girl scouts and various other non- profit organizations. She is an active member of the Westerly Lions Club and helps with their events. She is also responsible for saving the life of a swimmer in distress. She donated her time to “ENCARE” Emergency Nurses Cancel Alcohol Related Emergencies. She volunteered her time to go throughout southern RI and southeastern CT to teach teens in drivers education programs about the dangers of drinking and driving. She would also speak around prom time at high schools to reinforce this issue. Marta is a member of the Westerly Yacht Club and has served on various committees involving the club.

Parsons has received numerous awards throughout her career, including The Emergency Nurse of the Year in 1995 and 1996, bestowed upon her by other emergency nurses throughout Rhode Island, the Nurse Hero Award awarded by The Westerly Hospital in 2006, and Leader of the Year in 2008.

New Members

Member News

Charlestown Wine and Spirits earned the prestigious ENERGY STAR Certification with an Energy Performance Rating of 95. This is the highest rating of any retail store in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Saving Energy, Saving Money, Protecting the Environment. Buildings earn ENERGY STAR Certification based on documented performance. One year of energy use, based on actual utility bills, is compared to a nationwide data base of similar facilities. Buildings are given an Energy Performance Rating - scores of 75 or higher may be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification. Designed and built by Oyster Works Charlestown Wine and Spirits

Living Wills Program Offered

The Westerly Hospital will host a free program entitled “Living Wills and Advanced Medical Directives: Why Everyone Should Have Them” on Wednesday October 3, 2012, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Hospital’s Henry J. Nardone Conference Center. This program, important for adults of all ages, will be presented by Ms. Bonnie Evans, MS, RNP, ACHPN, from Palliative Care Associates of Rhode Island and Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island.

Dime Bank Named 2012 Top

Workplace Dime Bank is pleased to announce they have been named one of the Top Workplaces in Connecticut by The Hartford Courant and FOX CT and have finished in the top four. Awards were based on thousands of employee surveys completed at companies of varying sizes, measuring qualities such as company leadership, compensation and training, workplace flexibility, and diversity. Dime was selected for this award out of 800 participating companies in Connecticut’s Hartford, Middlesex, Tolland, New London and Windham counties.

Wood River Health Services will transition its medical practice to an Electronic Health Records system eliminating its reliance on paper files for patient information. The health center has used an electronic billing system since spring of last year and took its dental practice digital in December. Providers and staff will have instantaneous access to patient information and history, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and improved treatment decisions. The system is the result of years of work by health center staff and a significant investment in federal, state and foundation grant funding.

Stonington Vineyards took top Honors in the red category for its 2008

Cabernet Franc in Connecticut Magazine’s blind wine tasting event. Congratulations to Nick and Happy Smith who are celebrating their 25

th

year in business at the winery. www.stoningtonvineyards.com

Frances Prescott Joins Zoe & Co.

Zoe & Co., Professional Bra Fitters welcomes a new addition to their team, Mrs. Frances Prescott. Fran has completed the extensive training program to provide the perfect fit on which Zoe & Co. has built its reputation. Having correctly fit 100 women she now joins the select team of professional bra fitters at Zoe & Co. that have been helping women throughout New England since 1998 get the support they need. Carrying bras cup sized “AA” to “JJ”, Zoe & Co., Professional Bra Fitters has the largest selection of in-stock bras, unlimited foundations, and fine hosiery. To make an appointment for a professional bra fitting call (401) 596-8050 or stop by 69 High Street in downtown Westerly, RI.

Westerly Community Credit Union’s

Bake Sale The WCCU bake sale on September 21

st

raised $1,245! All proceeds benefitted the Sept. 29 Westerly Heart Walk, chaired by Mary Ellen Buckley, WCCU Vice President of Financial Services.

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union Ground Breaking

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union broke ground on its new headquarters in Waterford, setting the stage for construction of a new $18 million complex that will house its newest branch, corporate headquarters and community room. The new headquarters will be at 1055 Hartford Turnpike (Route 85).

marries traditional forms with energy efficient technologies and building systems that include: Climate Block wall / roof panels, a geothermal heating, cooling, and refrigeration system, and high efficiency lighting. For pictures and more information see project description or call Oyster Works 401-213-6722.

Charlestown Wine & Spirits

Scenes From Business After Hours at

Scenes from Brews & Blues at the Windjammer

Thanks to the Foss Family for hosting a wonderful event!

Our 8th Annual “Brews & Blues” Beer Tasting was held on Friday, September 28, 2012 from 6:00p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Windjammer. This indoor event featured over 35 beers which were paired with delicious foods from the following local eateries: Andrea Hotel, Casa Della Luce, Chen’s Village Restaurant, Cleat’s Sports Club, Dunn’s Corners Market, Guy’s Gourmet, Guytanno’s Cafe, Hauser Chocolates, Kit-Kat’s Smoked BBQ, Lucky House, Paddy’s Beach Restaurant, PizzaPlace, Ritacco’s Market, The Pizza Lady, Vetrano’s, and the Windjammer.

Thank you for your support and generous donations! Live music from the Young Neal and the Vipers entertained guests. A special thank you to Aqua Fresca, Cottrell Brewing Co., Craft Beer Guild, Grey Sail Brewery, Guinness/Diageo, Horizon Beverage Company, Longtrail Brewing Company, Marzano Imports, McLaughlin and Moran, Narragansett Brewery, Perks & Corks, RI Distributing, Sam Adams Brewery, The Mews Tavern, Vias Imports and Liberty Rentals for their charitable donations!

And, last but not least, a BIG thank you to the following volunteers for contributing their time to make this event a success! Karen & Jim Cauley, Theresa Cavalier, Tina Evans, Beth & Jeff Frenette, Teresa Mathwich, Lori Neddeau, Mari Rodriguez, Stephanie Shawn, Tony, Cheryl & Chris Spino, Angie Smith, Deb Turrisi, and Colleen Walsh. Proceeds will support Chamber programs including Santa’s Arrival, Holiday Stroll and Luminaria, Easter Egg Hunt, River Glow, Virtu Art Show, Candidates Night and more.

Go Westerly at TF Green Airport RI Airport Corporation will now allow Go Westerly to be displayed at the airport information center, as had been done years ago. Westerly is a General Aviation Host Community, and RIAC is looking to strengthen their alliance with the business community. Go Westerly Magazine was approved to be the singular Westerly travel guide/publication distributed there.

TLC Boutique Gets New Sign With Chamber Help The Chamber’s Façade Improvement Program recently provided funding for this fabulous new sign promoting TLC Boutique. We are delighted that this great store took advantage of the grant. Congratulations to Loretta Olson and Tina and Pugliese.

Letter from Ella’s Fine Food & Drink

On behalf of all the Staff here at Ella's we want to thank you and your staff for a fantastic event. The exposure to new markets was great for us as I hope it was for others that participated in the chambers event. All the best- James Roland, Ella’s Fine Food & Drink

Wall Street Journal Names Westerly Top 10 Retirement Community Catey Hill, the writer, interviewed Chamber Director Lisa Konicki and some local retirees to gain information as part of the article. This publicity is terrific for our community.

Thanks Wendy Carr & Prime Time! Thank you to Wendy Carr of Prime Time Café and Catering, shown here with popular waiter Marco. Wendy donated several chafing dishes to The Chamber which can be used at our many special events.

United Chambers of Southern Rhode Island Event Holiday Ladies Luncheon Friday, December 14

th at Trio, 15

Kingstown Rd, Narragansett 02882 11:30am – 1:30 pm $25 per member plus a non-perishable food item. Proceeds: $5 from each ticket will be divided up between our local food pantries.

Sewers Continued from Page 1 outs. We support all efforts that improve their ability to sustain themselves and compete with other communities. 2. Westerly has, and will continue to rely upon, zoning regulations that prevent abuse or over development. Sewers can’t change the landscape or development activity— zoning can. It was clear at the meeting that there are as many people in FAVOR of the sewer project as opposed. Some of the strongest support came from those property owners who pay town taxes and do not even have the right to vote. They argued that Westerly has very low taxes and that the time for sewers was now. While ultimately, the issue was pushed aside for future study and a new committee, credit must be given to the entire council for tackling a project such as this in an election year. It was an ambitious undertaking. The democratic process was alive and well in Westerly, with record numbers of people attending the meeting. While many councilors continue to state they are in favor of sewers, they did not feel comfortable voting in favor of the $24 million project without further study. They also did not feel comfortable moving the project forward without a referendum, something many businesses feel is the sure “kiss of death” for this project. Hopefully a newly formed committee will recommend moving forward on this initiative. In a true show of leadership and commitment to this project, the one councilor who voted YES for sewers was Chris Duhamel.

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Business Struggling? Do you Need A Business Check Up?

Free Biz Talk is for you!

New Chamber program provides Free business insight & consulting

Have your sales peaked? Finding it hard to maintain your momentum in the wake of new competition? Looking for ways to streamline your operations and expenses and become more competitive? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should take advantage of a new program launched by The Chamber. This confidential service harnesses the talents and expertise of 3 seasoned, retired business executives who meet with business owners, discuss the challenges being faced, and then conduct their own independent evaluation with the sole purpose of helping the business improve their profits and market share. Advisory services cover a range of issues such as include project management, crisis management, budgeting, succession planning, staff management, outsourcing and more. It is specifically designed for small to medium sized businesses. Bob Hoffman, George Jenssen and Steve Gordon are donating their services so that The Chamber can provide this service FREE of charge to its members. “I used them and they are FANTASTIC” said Jan Chamberlain of First Physical Therapy. “They had me looking at my business and my marketing in an entirely different way. I implemented many of their suggestions and have had measurable results” she added. “I concur. These guys are fantastic and gave us some great advice. They are true professionals and I highly recommend this exercise to anyone in business”, said Tony Spino of Dunn’s Corners Market. Take advantage of this valuable service. Take a fresh look at your business and use these professionals as your sounding board. A confidentiality agreement protects you and all feedback will be confidential, respectful, and brutally honest. For more information or to set up a confidential meeting, contact freebiztalk@gmail.com.

Ribbon Cuttings Galore! The Twisted Vine

Evan Isted cuts the ribbon on this terrific new wine bar in downtown Westerly. Their creative menu features short ribs, specialty cheeses and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

The Sound of Dance

Dmitri and Olga Golubko open their doors. Stop by today to see this beautiful dance studio and learn about the many classes available.

Live Proper Chiropractic Congrats to Luke Pinatello, D.C.

Golf Ball Drop raises $2,200 50% of the proceeds support the WP Young Professionals, and 50% stays within the Chamber’s budget. Thanks to Sergio Cherenzia for chairing this event and to Chris Spino of Dunn’s Corners Market for his incredible dedication. Also thanks to Andrew Burris of the Westerly Sun, Barbara Cardiff of The Villa who served on the committee. For a first time fundraising effort, it was a great success.

Check out Liberty Rentals new vintage rental website. The company has acquired mismatched china and chairs to accommodate up to 200 guests, and is building an inventory of more specialized items. This new line of specialty rentals can provide a shabby chic theme or a classic vintage feel for your next special events, wedding or party. Unusual props are also being acquired for events and for photographers and film sets. For more information contact Frank Jenestreet at Liberty Rentals, 401-782-8368 www.libertyrentals.com

Rhode Island Superior Court Associate Justice Brian P. Stern approved Lawrence + Memorial Hospital’s $69 million bid to acquire The Westerly Hospital. The approval of the L+M bid is the penultimate step in the resolution of The Westerly Hospital receivership process. It now goes before a state regulatory review prior to the actual closing which could come as soon as January 2013. At that point, the New London-based L+M would assume full control of The Westerly Hospital and its affiliates and assets. This was the best case scenario for our hospital’s future. This purchase would preserve the most number of jobs possible, and allow for continued growth and unity amongst our regional community.