Pledge: President Paul
Prayer: Gerri Lewis
Song: Andy Anderson
Brents Card Game Winner: Bob Antoniac
Sergeants Report: Rick Beck
Raffle Winners: Donna, Bill O., Ken
Happy Bucks: Rick for paying his cell-phone-going-off fine, Wine Tasting bucks, for our guest Judy Sullivan, Antoniac paid fines for the whole table who were gabbing during happy bucks.
Announcements:
Paul: Jean Hunter, wife of late Rotarian Will Hunter, donated $50 in memory of Ron Scott; Student Dina Wilbank sent a thank you note for her scholarship. She has a 3.9 GPA.; The town of Old Saybrook is having an open meeting at 5:30 here to discuss matters pertaining to town issues.
Jason: Brent asked about Warm the Children, Jason responded that things are progressing nicely
Brent: Golf tournament is the Thursday before Memorial Day, May 24.
Wine Tasting: Marty & Gerri spoke to the club about where we are and that much needs to be done to meet our goals for our fundraiser. Only 37 tickets sold so far. In addition to ticket sales, we need to bring in auction items and find table sponsors as well. The success of this event is contingent on every member doing their part and not just a few so lets get out there and get the job done! Marty will email a spreadsheet this weekend.
Program: Heather Gagnon introduced our speaker Judy Sullivan, Executive Director, Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce
Judy enjoys her job and loves Old Saybrook! Her father owned an appliance store for over 40 years before selling out to Shore Appliance which is still in the same location today. The Chamber has 463 members having gained 12 new members in the last year. 60% of members are in Old Saybrook, the other 40% in the lower valley shore area. Judy talked about the ambassador program begun in 2010 which solicits feedback from members, explains insurance programs available through the Chamber and other functions. Business after Hours has been a successful networking program which is held at various business locations and gets 50 attendees on average. For those who can't make the evening gatherings there are 6-8 breakfast meetings held throughout the year. The Chamber also does the following:
- Works with zoning to help businesses with issues such as temporary signage
- Sponsors socials where business leaders can get together for fun and networking such as bowling nights
- Sponsored a recent visit by the Governor of CT Dannel Malloy at the Saybrook Point Inn
- Worked with police during Hurricane Irene to get information out to businesses
Upcoming Events: March 3 - Chile Fest, proceeds go to the Chamber scholarship fund. There will be 30+ entries and 1,000 tasters. There will be a restaurant day in March to help spur business during this slow time. There will be a business expo in October which is co-chaired by our own Heather Gagnon.
The Chamber has been in its new location for 4 years now and its an excellent spot! Many out-of-towners stop in to get information about Old Saybrook. There are 15 board members and E-News publications are sent bi-weekly.
md
THE FOUR-WAY TEST
of the things we think, say or do
First...
Is it the TRUTH ?
Second....
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Third....
Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Fourth....
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
