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Norwalk Chamber March 2015 Report

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Connecticut Governor<br />

Dannel P. Malloy<br />

Governor Malloy to Speak<br />

at <strong>Chamber</strong> Annual Meeting<br />

Governor Dannel P. Malloy<br />

will be the guest speaker<br />

at this year’s Greater<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce<br />

Annual Meeting, to be<br />

held on Thursday, April 2. The<br />

evening will begin with a cocktail<br />

reception at 5:00 p.m. followed by<br />

dinner, and a special address by the<br />

Governor. The event will take place<br />

at the Continental Manor, 112 Main<br />

Street in <strong>Norwalk</strong>.<br />

Governor Malloy, who is serving<br />

his second term as governor,<br />

will discuss the state of the state<br />

and his future plans for Connecticut.<br />

Since 2011, his administration’s top<br />

agenda items have included creating<br />

jobs, improving public education,<br />

Pump up Your Networking<br />

at Multi-<strong>Chamber</strong> Expo<br />

Sponsored by:<br />

BENEFIT PLANNING<br />

SERVICES LLC<br />

Presented by:<br />

stabilizing the state’s finances, making<br />

long-overdue investments in the state’s<br />

transportation infrastructure, and protecting<br />

the environment. Malloy was born and raised in Stamford, where<br />

he served as the city’s longest-serving mayor from 1995 to 2009.<br />

To join the area business community for the <strong>Chamber</strong>’s most significant<br />

event of the year, contact the <strong>Chamber</strong> at info@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com<br />

or call (203) 866-2521.<br />

MARCH <strong>2015</strong><br />

Table of Contents<br />

Featured <strong>Chamber</strong><br />

Members . . . . . . pages 4–5<br />

Professional IT Training<br />

Opportunity . . . . . . page 7<br />

In the Spotlight . pages 8–9<br />

Events Calendar<br />

MULTI-CHAMBER<br />

NETWORKING AND EXPO<br />

Wednesday, <strong>March</strong> 18, <strong>2015</strong><br />

2:00 – 5:00 p.m.<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> Community College,<br />

West Campus<br />

188 Richards Avenue | <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

CHAMBER ANNUAL<br />

MEETING<br />

Thursday, April 2, <strong>2015</strong><br />

5:00 p.m.<br />

Continental Manor<br />

112 Main Street | <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

BUSINESS BREAKFAST<br />

Thursday, April 9, <strong>2015</strong><br />

7:45 – 9:00 a.m.<br />

Crown Prints<br />

25 Harbor Avenue | <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

When you get business professionals<br />

from up and down the<br />

Fairfield County coast you’re<br />

in for a jam-packed afternoon of business<br />

buzz and networking. Don’t miss this opportunity<br />

at the upcoming Multi-<strong>Chamber</strong><br />

Expo and Networking event on<br />

Wednesday, <strong>March</strong> 18, <strong>2015</strong>, from 2:00<br />

PM to 5:00 PM at the <strong>Norwalk</strong> Community<br />

College, West Campus, 188 Richards<br />

Ave nue in <strong>Norwalk</strong>.<br />

Join the <strong>Chamber</strong>s of Commerce of<br />

Bridgeport, Darien, Fairfield, <strong>Norwalk</strong>,<br />

Stamford, Stratford and Trumbull, and<br />

Westport as their members connect or<br />

reconnect over food and refreshments.<br />

Get the chance to learn about other area<br />

companies and get the word out about<br />

yours at the Expo where more than 100<br />

businesses will showcase their services<br />

or products.<br />

Admission is free. To reserve an<br />

exhibit table, email: info@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com<br />

or call (203) 866-<br />

2521.<br />

Reach the entire <strong>Chamber</strong> membership<br />

and The Hour readership in the<br />

THE CHAMBER REPORT<br />

If you are interested in advertising in the<br />

June <strong>2015</strong> issue of<br />

THE CHAMBER REPORT, call<br />

203.354.1097 for information today!<br />

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS<br />

Wednesday, April 22, <strong>2015</strong><br />

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.<br />

Raymour & Flanigan<br />

641 Connecticut Avenue | <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

To RSVP to any of these events:<br />

Call: 203.866.2521<br />

Email:<br />

info@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com<br />

Online:<br />

www.norwalkchamberofcommerce.com


The Greater <strong>Norwalk</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong><br />

of Commerce Board of Directors<br />

2014 – <strong>2015</strong><br />

Chairman’s Message<br />

J. Michael Sutton, Chairman<br />

Benefit Planning Services,<br />

LLC<br />

Lissette Andino<br />

EverSource<br />

Harry Carey<br />

AT&T<br />

Karen Condron<br />

Sharp Performance USA<br />

Michael M. Devine<br />

Earth Energy Alliance<br />

Heidi DeWyngaert<br />

Bankwell<br />

Irene Dixon<br />

Hilton Garden Inn<br />

Jerry Effren<br />

The Greyrock Companies<br />

Clay Fowler<br />

Spinnaker Real Estate<br />

Partners, LLC<br />

Marc J. Grenier<br />

Law Offices of<br />

DePanfilis & Vallerie, LLC<br />

Donald R. Gustafson<br />

Shipman & Goodwin, LLP<br />

James Haynes<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> Hospital<br />

Kathryn Hebert<br />

City of <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

Douglas Hempstead<br />

Stew Leonard’s<br />

Glen Leblanc<br />

Fairfield County Bank<br />

David Levinson<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> Community<br />

College<br />

Michael McNeill<br />

Dolce <strong>Norwalk</strong> Center<br />

Edward J. Musante, Jr.<br />

Greater <strong>Norwalk</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong><br />

of Commerce<br />

Randy Napoletano<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> Bank & Trust<br />

Peter M. Nolin<br />

Carmody Torrance Sandak<br />

& Hennessey, LLP<br />

Kristin Okesson<br />

Connoisseur Media CT<br />

Joseph K. Passero<br />

Klaff’s, Inc.<br />

Terri Polley<br />

Financial Accounting<br />

Foundation<br />

C. Eric Rains<br />

Eric Rains Landscape<br />

Architecture, LLC<br />

Danielle Robinson<br />

Diageo<br />

Luciano V. Sclafani<br />

Gus Sclafani Corp.<br />

Stanley M. Seligson<br />

Stanley M. Seligson<br />

Properties<br />

Douglas Smith<br />

People’s United Bank<br />

Richard Tavella<br />

Rick’s Main Roofing<br />

Chet Valiante<br />

The Hour Publishing Co.<br />

Ruthann Walsh<br />

Pepperidge Farm, Inc.<br />

Steven Warren<br />

Albert D. Phelps, Inc.<br />

Frank N. Zullo<br />

Tierney Zullo Flaherty<br />

& Murphy<br />

On April 1 st my two-year term as chairman will end and I can honestly say that it<br />

has gone by much faster than expected. It truly has been a pleasure to serve as<br />

chairman and the people that I have worked with at the <strong>Chamber</strong> do an absolutely<br />

wonderful job of running programs and events to benefit all of our members.<br />

I think that it is really an exciting time to either work or live in <strong>Norwalk</strong>. Several projects<br />

have been completed during the past two years and more have been approved. I am hopeful<br />

that the General Growth Partners retail project will get approval to move ahead so that we<br />

won’t miss out on the opportunity to have a mixed-use development that will not only create<br />

more jobs in <strong>Norwalk</strong>, but will also add significantly to the tax base of the city. I am also<br />

hopeful that we will be able to get charter revision through so that a <strong>Norwalk</strong> mayor will have<br />

a four-year term rather than just two. Under our current charter, a newly elected mayor barely<br />

gets their feet on the ground and soon they have to begin running for re-election. Moreover,<br />

many cities of our size and import have four-year terms for mayor or chief elected official.<br />

Looking at the bigger picture, the economy has seen improvement in Connecticut; however<br />

we are still lagging behind the national numbers in some key areas. Unemployment was at<br />

6.4 percent in December 2014, a full percentage point lower than December 2013 — an improvement,<br />

but the U.S. unemployment rate was 5.6 percent. To date, we have recovered 80 percent of jobs lost during the<br />

recession, while the U.S. number is over 120 percent. Proposals being considered by the <strong>2015</strong> General Assembly for more<br />

expansive paid sick leave, paid family medical leave, and a state-run retirement plan do not send the message that Connecticut is<br />

business-friendly. We are still ranked at, or near, the bottom of most polls as one of the least friendly business environments, and<br />

our General Assembly must begin to take notice and realize that we cannot continue down this path.<br />

In closing, I would like to thank Ed Musante, Brian Griffin, Deb Cocchia, and Connie Taylor for all the wonderful work that<br />

they do, but also for making my job very easy. It’s truly been a pleasure to work with them over the past two years. And to all of<br />

our members, thank you for your support. It is your participation and involvement that makes us who we are — an organization<br />

that not serves and enhances the local business community, but also benefits the community at large.<br />

Cordially,<br />

J. Michael Sutton<br />

Chairman<br />

GREATER NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE<br />

101 East Avenue, <strong>Norwalk</strong>, CT 06852-0668<br />

203.866.2521 | Fax: 203.852.0583<br />

www.norwalkchamberofcommerce.com<br />

info@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com<br />

Editor:<br />

Carolyn Ripp/Snyder Group cripp@snydergroupinc.com<br />

Design: Judie Szuets • Production: The Hour Newspapers<br />

The <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>Report</strong>, published quarterly, welcomes information about your company and your comments.<br />

Contact the Greater <strong>Norwalk</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce at the phone number above.<br />

Sign up for our e-newsletter<br />

The <strong>Chamber</strong> eport, at<br />

info@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com<br />

<strong>Chamber</strong> Staff:<br />

Edward J. Musante, Jr., President emusante@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com<br />

Brian Griffin, Vice President bgriffin@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com<br />

Deb Cocchia, Administrative Assistant dcocchia@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com<br />

Connie Taylor, Bookkeeper ctaylor@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com<br />

2 THE CHAMBER REPORT l <strong>March</strong> <strong>2015</strong>


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Featured <strong>Chamber</strong> Members<br />

It all started with a New Year’s resolution. Twelve years ago,<br />

Kristen Jensen took a big risk. She was looking for a change<br />

in her life. So for the new year she got proactive, and started<br />

seeing a career coach. She took the leap into her own photography<br />

business, bought the best digital cameras on the market, designed<br />

a state of the art website, and started Kristen Jensen<br />

Productions.<br />

For over 20 years, she worked on the other side of the camera.<br />

As a model with Ford Models and an actress, she traveled to<br />

over 30 countries and worked with hundreds of top photographers.<br />

After the birth of her son, she was looking for something<br />

creative to do closer to home and photography seemed a perfect<br />

fit.<br />

“Back when I was modeling. I started taking photos of models<br />

and the images were amazing. I then started hanging out with<br />

the photographers and art directors on set, collaborating with<br />

them on creating an image, selling a product,” says Jensen. “I<br />

realized at that time I was really talented and people took notice<br />

of my advice and what I had to say. I felt right away that I had<br />

found my calling as an artist, photographer, and image strategist.”<br />

Since then, Jensen has built her business as a lifestyle photographer<br />

and videographer working on advertising, magazine,<br />

Whether you’re looking for someone to make the perfect<br />

cup of coffee or deliver the perfect presentation, Indeed,<br />

an online recruiting firm, can help you make<br />

the right hire for your business.<br />

Billed as the #1 jobsite in the world with 140 million unique<br />

monthly visitors, Indeed offers a range of options for those looking<br />

for employees and those seeking a job. Companies can post<br />

job listings for free, or they can sponsor a listing (getting them<br />

more prominent visibility at the top of search results) and only<br />

pay when job seekers click on the position.<br />

Job seekers can create resumes on Indeed Resume, and companies<br />

can search resumes for free and get targeted results for<br />

4 THE CHAMBER REPORT l <strong>March</strong> <strong>2015</strong><br />

KRISTEN JENSEN PRODUCTIONS<br />

and portrait assignments. In addition, Kristen shoots still life’s<br />

including food, interiors, and luxury products.<br />

Jensen works a variety of clients including corporations,<br />

small businesses, independent contractors, CEOs, celebrities,<br />

artists, musicians, magazines, families, and individuals. About<br />

75 percent are business customers, most from the greater Fairfield<br />

County area.<br />

For small businesses she often focuses on image strategy.<br />

ERIC RAINS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS<br />

Eric Rains can’t wait for spring – but not for all the usual<br />

reasons. Spring is when his firm’s projects of the past<br />

few years come to life again, serving their surrounding<br />

communities as parks, elderly care facilities, private family retreats,<br />

multi-family entertainment spaces, hotel and restaurant<br />

courtyards.<br />

South <strong>Norwalk</strong>-based Eric Rains Landscape Architecture<br />

(ERLA) provides site design services for corporations and commercial<br />

properties, institutions, mixed-use developments, and<br />

residential estate properties.<br />

Rains started the company almost four years ago after working<br />

with another firm in the area for 15 years, running their<br />

commercial studio. After studying landscape architecture, he<br />

began his career outside Washington D.C. in Maryland working<br />

with such great clients as the U.S. Library of Congress, The<br />

Landscape Architect of the Capital, The Federal Reserve, Mc-<br />

Cormick Spices International, Georgetown University, and both<br />

Johns Hopkins Hospital and University. Since starting the company,<br />

Rains has worked on a number of notable projects in the<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> area including National Hall in Westport, Ironworks in<br />

South <strong>Norwalk</strong>, the Central Greenwich Public Library, Restoration<br />

Hardware (nationally registered historic Post Office building)<br />

in Greenwich, and MasterCard World Headquarters in Purchase,<br />

New York.<br />

However, the work is not limited to the greater New York<br />

metro area. Eric Rains Landscape Architecture has projects and<br />

consulting work in Boston, MA, Pittsburgh, PA, South New Jersey,<br />

and Long Island. The consultant teams for his projects often<br />

include professionals from all over the country and in some instances,<br />

the world. ERLA works very closely with other design<br />

INDEED.COM<br />

any field. Payment is only required when the company is ready<br />

to contact prospective hires.<br />

Employers can also create detailed profile pages that include<br />

This includes branding an individual and/or product and presentation.<br />

“I include in all of my photo and video shoots consultation<br />

on hair, makeup, wardrobe, and how-to-pose and know<br />

your right angles,” says Jensen. “I also offer logo design and<br />

special print/video packages.”<br />

Jensen’s work has also gone toward a greater good, which,<br />

she says, has been some of her most challenging yet rewarding<br />

work. “The most challenging project I worked on was a documentary<br />

for Multiple Myeloma for which I wrote, produced,<br />

and directed the entire thing,” says Jensen. “The 25 minute completed<br />

piece was able to raise over $600,000 to help fight Multiple<br />

Myeloma.I am also extremely challenged by photographing<br />

breast cancer survivors. I have been doing so for the past eight<br />

years and every year I have a black and white show that raises<br />

awareness about breast cancer. This has been my deepest (most<br />

heartfelt) work as an artist and it has helped many women and<br />

continues to do so.”<br />

If you’re looking for a photographer, videographer, or someone<br />

to help you or your business with your image, contact Jensen<br />

at (888) 278-1011, kristen@kristenjensen.com, or visit www.kristenjensen.com<br />

professionals such as architects, developers, engineers, and land<br />

use attorneys.<br />

The design style of the firm includes simple and clean lines,<br />

shapes, and forms that facilitate the intended use or purpose of<br />

the space. It is never complicated with elements or details that<br />

do not support the use or purpose.<br />

One of Eric Rains Landscape Architecture’s most rewarding<br />

roles in the area is as part of the team that recently completed<br />

Ironworks. “Projects like Ironworks are important because of<br />

their impact on the community,” says Rains. “It is exciting to<br />

know that people’s experiences while visiting SoNo are enhanced<br />

in ways that were not possible before the project. It is also exciting<br />

to see all the many new residents and businesses that were<br />

not here before.”<br />

To learn more about Rains and his company , visit www.ericrains.com,<br />

or contact Rains at (203) 853-7600 or info@ericrains.com.<br />

reviews, photos, and job listings – this allows potential employees<br />

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and medium businesses, Indeed offers a dedicated team to support<br />

them via phone, live chat, and email.<br />

Founded by Paul Forster and Rony Kahan in 2004, Indeed is<br />

a subsidiary of Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. The corporate office<br />

is in Stamford, CT, but has offices in Austin, Mountain View,<br />

New York in the United States, as well as offices in Dublin and<br />

London.<br />

For more information on how Indeed can help your company<br />

find the right candidates to fill your open positions, please contact<br />

them at 1-800-296-2085.


Featured <strong>Chamber</strong> Members<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong>’s newest dance company opened with a full season<br />

of ballet classes this past September. <strong>Norwalk</strong> Metropolitan<br />

Youth Ballet [NMYB] offers a full slate of<br />

classes for students from beginner to advanced, several En Pointe<br />

ballet residencies, and performances in the local public and<br />

parochial schools.<br />

Adam Holms, M.A., a Fairfield native, is a co-founder and<br />

artistic director of the <strong>Norwalk</strong> Metropolitan Youth Ballet. He<br />

has taught dance in his home state for nearly a decade. Holms’s<br />

noteworthy teaching credentials include some of the most prestigious<br />

nationally and internationally recognized dance organizations.<br />

Mr. Holms is one of the lead outreach ballet instructors<br />

for American Ballet Theatre’s Outreach Department, a judge,<br />

and the director of choreography for CLAP American Ballet in<br />

Guayaquil, Ecuador. In addition, he has worked with his Ecuadorian<br />

colleagues to create Arts in Action, an arts education outreach<br />

program serving the greater Guayaquil region of Ecuador.<br />

“I am fortunate to bring some great professional ballet connections<br />

to the studio, but what makes my work with NMYB<br />

most fulfilling is my admiration and adoration for the dancers,”<br />

says Holms. “We are delighted to be in this diverse city, and<br />

look forward to continuing to help all of our dancers achieve<br />

their personal goals.”<br />

NORWALK METROPOLITAN YOUTH BALLET<br />

Most recently, students from NMYB participated in the<br />

Philadelphia Regional Semi-Finals of the Youth America Grand<br />

(YAGP) January 15–17, <strong>2015</strong>. YAGP is the world’s largest network<br />

of dance and provides participants and finalists with scholarships,<br />

master classes, educational activities, performances, and<br />

so much more. NMYB was the only dance studio from Connecticut<br />

to participate in the Philadelphia Regional Semi-Finals,<br />

which has a reputation for being the most challenging of the regionals<br />

in the area.<br />

“We are a brand new studio and have already established<br />

ourselves in the professional ballet community with our successful<br />

participation at the Philadelphia Semi-Finals of YAGP,”<br />

says Holms. “Our dancers were not only well prepared, they<br />

THE PREFERRED GROUP LLC<br />

were poised, well-trained, displayed solid technique, behaved<br />

as courteous professionals through every aspect of the process,<br />

and were proud ambassadors of ballet for the City of <strong>Norwalk</strong>.”<br />

Sara Adriani of Easton, Olivia Creigh of Milford, and Benjamin<br />

Boveroux, Anna Davis, and Alexander Holms, all of Trumbull,<br />

are NMYB’s Ensemble Étoile. They competed with a piece<br />

of original choreography called “We Are Dancers,” which was<br />

created specifically for this competition by Holms.<br />

Creigh competed as a soloist in the Junior Competitive Contemporary<br />

division with a piece of original choreography called<br />

“A Time Gone By” with a Romeo and Juliette theme. Davis<br />

competed in the Pre-Competitive Classical division with a variation<br />

from “La Fille Mal Gardee” as well as in the Pre-Competitive<br />

Contemporary Division with an original piece of choreography<br />

called “One for Max.” Davis placed in the top 12<br />

semi-finalists in both of her divisions and was invited to compete<br />

in the YAGP finals in New York in April.<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> Metropolitan Youth Ballet is located at 36 Main<br />

Street. They are currently enrolling in technique classes, June<br />

Interim Session, as well as summer ballet workshops. Classes<br />

are geared for students ages six to adult, and leveled from<br />

beginner to pre-professional. For more information, visit<br />

www.nmyb.org, email info@nmyb.org or call (203) 258-4820.<br />

The Preferred Group LLC is a communications firm designed<br />

to construct and convey a client’s message to a desired<br />

audience whether via public relations, advertising, or social media.<br />

The company also specializes in communications for political<br />

campaigns.<br />

Whether you run a small/medium sized business or nonprofit<br />

and want to reach a larger audience, your organization may be<br />

looking for ways to be more active in your community. Or perhaps<br />

you’re a political candidate looking to navigate the landscape<br />

of your electorate. The Preferred Group provides counsel<br />

to all of these groups.<br />

“For companies today, establishing a presence in your desired<br />

marketplace using the various mediums of TV, the internet,<br />

Facebook, and radio is an absolute must, says president Vinny<br />

Mangiacopra. “We can help small businesses, organizations,<br />

Guidelight Financial (GLF) is a <strong>Norwalk</strong> based business that<br />

has two focuses: one, independent financial planning advice and<br />

wealth management solutions to individuals, the other the corporate<br />

retirement plan business. GLF effectively helps small business<br />

owners and 401(k) plans deal with the impact of new and evolving<br />

Department of Labor fiduciary responsibility and fee disclosure<br />

rules. By leveraging their independence and fiduciary capabilities,<br />

GLF provides small businesses clarity and guidance in helping<br />

them comply with the complex regulations they face.<br />

GLF utilizes a custom six-step process built around three<br />

principles: simplicity, focus, and balance when it comes to corporate<br />

retirement planning. They evaluate the company’s current<br />

plan, conduct a feasibility study, create a fiduciary shield, and<br />

benchmark vendors against current provider. They also offer employee<br />

education while reviewing the continued appropriateness<br />

of the plan over its life. GLF can work with virtually any 401k<br />

vendor.<br />

and entrepreneurs to market better in our new digital age.”<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> resident Mangiacopra founded The Preferred Group.<br />

He ran for mayor of <strong>Norwalk</strong> in 2013. At 31, he was the youngest<br />

GUIDELIGHT FINANCIAL<br />

Most plan sponsors or employee investment committee members<br />

lack the time, expertise, or true understanding of their fiduciary<br />

liability (i.e., personal). GLF will sign on as co-fiduciary<br />

to reduce liability in the investment due diligence process. They<br />

also provide a written service agreement detailing full disclosure<br />

of compensation and services provided.<br />

GLF was founded by Felix Serrano in 2009 after more than<br />

a decade as a wealth manager in New York City for a major financial<br />

services firm. When Serrano decided to set out on his<br />

person in <strong>Norwalk</strong>’s history to run for mayor. Born and raised<br />

in Bridgeport, Mangiacopra has worked for former Mayor John<br />

Fabrizi and probate court in Bridgeport; served as Economic &<br />

Community Development Coordinator for the town of Monroe,<br />

and served as campaign aide to former Westport First Selectwoman<br />

Diane Farrell and also to United States Congressman<br />

Jim Himes.<br />

“The way we connect is the foundation of relationship. Those<br />

relationships are what help each of us grow, inspiring more out<br />

of one another. With vision and honest rapport, collectively we<br />

can achieve what we considered impossible on our own,” says<br />

Mangiacopra.<br />

For more information visit www.thepreferredgroup.org, or<br />

call Mangiacopra at (203) 650-3065.<br />

own, he, along with his business partner Steve Ortega, set up<br />

Guidelight Financial in the heart of South <strong>Norwalk</strong>. Having been<br />

born and raised in <strong>Norwalk</strong>, coming back home was important<br />

to Serrano.<br />

Serrano has a wealth of knowledge, having earned the highly<br />

coveted Certified Financial Planner (CFP ® ) designation, the Accredited<br />

Investment Fiduciary ® (AIF ® ) designation as well as a<br />

Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law.<br />

He currently serves as chairman of the <strong>Norwalk</strong> Redevelopment<br />

Agency. Serrano has also served as vice president of the Board<br />

of the Puerto Rican Family Foundation in New York City and<br />

was a Merrill Lynch liaison to the Hispanic National Bar Association.<br />

For more information or for a free evaluation of your current<br />

401k plan, contact GLF at info@guidelightfinancial.com or call<br />

(203) 354-3131.<br />

THE CHAMBER REPORT l <strong>March</strong> <strong>2015</strong> 5


2014 Holiday Reception at Dolce <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

During the 2014 Holiday Reception, United Way Campaign Champion and<br />

<strong>Chamber</strong> Vice Chairman Terri Polley talked to the crowd about the<br />

importance of the new ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained,<br />

Employed) initiative being addressed by the United Way of Coastal<br />

Fairfield County. At the event, <strong>Chamber</strong> members generously raised funds<br />

for this new program to help those who suffer financial hardship.<br />

6 THE CHAMBER REPORT l <strong>March</strong> <strong>2015</strong>


Members enjoy<br />

great food and<br />

unbeatable<br />

hospitality during a<br />

Business After<br />

Hours at Sparks<br />

Sports Grill.<br />

Professional IT Training<br />

Opportunity<br />

The Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board is accepting applications for IT<br />

training scholarships, through a H1B grant. To find out more about this training opportunity,<br />

you're invited to attend an information session.<br />

INFO SESSION:<br />

The first Thursday of each month at 11:00 AM: <strong>March</strong> 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2<br />

ELIGIBILITY:<br />

18 years or older unemployed for 27 weeks or more, underemployed (part time), some<br />

college credits, a desire to successfully complete the program.<br />

To reserve a seat, contact CITI at (203) 251-9516 or go to www.citi.uconn.edu and contact<br />

us!<br />

From the stage of<br />

the Music Theatre<br />

of CT, <strong>Chamber</strong><br />

members introduce<br />

themselves to the<br />

crowd at the<br />

February Business<br />

Breakfast.<br />

L. Tim Sheehan,<br />

Executive Director<br />

of the <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

Redevelopment<br />

Agency, provides<br />

an update on<br />

development at the<br />

<strong>2015</strong> Economic<br />

Outlook &<br />

Development<br />

Review.<br />

R. Director of the<br />

CT Center for<br />

Economic Analysis,<br />

Fred Carstensen,<br />

speaks at the <strong>2015</strong><br />

Economic Outlook<br />

& Development<br />

Review.<br />

THE CHAMBER REPORT l <strong>March</strong> <strong>2015</strong> 7


In the Spotlight<br />

Eleventh Annual Courage to Speak ® Family Night<br />

Greater <strong>Norwalk</strong> area concerned citizens, parents, children,<br />

prevention specialists, clergy, schoolteachers and<br />

administrators, and law enforcement are invited to attend<br />

the Courage to Speak ® “Empowering Youth to be Drug Free”<br />

Family Night on <strong>March</strong> 16, <strong>2015</strong>. This community event will<br />

take place at 5:45 p.m. at West Rocks Middle School, 81 West<br />

Rocks Road in <strong>Norwalk</strong>.<br />

The event includes student speakers, a dynamic, riveting, and<br />

thought-provoking Courage to Speak ® presentation combining<br />

the intensely personal story of a family shattered by drugs with<br />

the latest information and statistics on substance abuse and prevention.<br />

In addition, the Courage to Speak Community Leadership,<br />

Volunteer and Recognition Awards will be presented.<br />

The Courage to Speak ® Foundation is dedicated to saving<br />

lives by educating and empowering youth to be drug free and<br />

encouraging parents to talk to their children about the danger of<br />

drugs.<br />

Ginger Katz, along with her husband Larry, travel and speak<br />

to a variety of audiences and age groups at many forums around<br />

the state and the country. With a team of experts, the organization<br />

developed drug prevention education curriculum evaluated and<br />

recommended by Yale School of Medicine. Many facilitators<br />

and teachers across the country implement the Courage to Speak<br />

Foundation student curriculum in elementary, middle, and high<br />

schools as well as a multi-session program for parents called<br />

Courage to Speak Courageous Parenting 101 ® , which gives parents<br />

tools toward keeping their children safe.<br />

The Courage to Speak Foundation's office is located at 71<br />

East Ave, Suite M, <strong>Norwalk</strong> CT. For more information about the<br />

evening or the organization, please call (203) 831-9700 or visit<br />

www.couragetospeak.org.<br />

Stepping Stones Museum for Children Celebrates 15 Years<br />

at Kaleidoscope Ball<br />

Stepping Stones<br />

Museum for<br />

Children’s flagship<br />

fundraising social<br />

event is returning to <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

on Saturday, <strong>March</strong><br />

28. Balancing whimsy<br />

and sophistication, the<br />

Kaleidoscope Ball, a<br />

black-tie optional, adultonly<br />

affair, will feature<br />

cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner by Abigail<br />

Kirsch, a unique auction, music, dancing, and a<br />

special awards presentation to recognize leaders<br />

within our community.<br />

The highlight of the evening will be the presentation<br />

of the <strong>2015</strong> Stepping Up for Children<br />

Awards. Since 2006, the museum has been recognizing<br />

individuals, nonprofit organizations<br />

and companies that are committed to improving<br />

and enriching the lives of children and families.<br />

This year’s honorees are Andrew and Carole<br />

Clarkson, founders of the Jeniam Foundation;<br />

Matia Finn-Stevenson, Associate Director of the<br />

Edward Zigler Center in Child Development<br />

and Social Policy at Yale University and; <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

ACTS.<br />

Proceeds from the <strong>2015</strong> Kaleidoscope Ball<br />

will help support the museum’s<br />

Open Arms initiative.<br />

This initiative makes<br />

it possible for every child,<br />

family, and school to enjoy<br />

the museum regardless of<br />

financial, language, or special<br />

needs barriers. Reaching<br />

more than 70,000 children,<br />

caregivers, and<br />

teachers throughout the region<br />

last year, Open Arms offers Get Into It!<br />

FREE evenings on the first Thursday of every<br />

month, along with free of charge traveling exhibits<br />

for schools and other educational experiences<br />

for parents and children.<br />

The Kaleidoscope Ball is sponsored by the<br />

Foster Family Fund, GE Capital, Pepperidge<br />

Farm, Pitney Bowes, First County Bank, and<br />

General Growth Properties. Media support is<br />

provided by Moffly Media and WEBE 108.<br />

PALM Beer and Keno Graphics are providing<br />

in-kind support. The event emcee is Jay<br />

Michaels of WEBE 108.<br />

For more information or to purchase tickets,<br />

visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/kb or call<br />

(203) 899-0606, ext. 217.<br />

Dragons Afoot at the Maritime Aquarium<br />

The Maritime Aquarium in <strong>Norwalk</strong> is<br />

the only place in the United States where<br />

you can see a baby black dragon – one<br />

of only an estimated 31 in the country. The black<br />

dragon and other “dragons” (animals that have<br />

the word dragon in their names) are now part of<br />

a new special exhibit, “Dragons! Real or Myth?”<br />

The black dragon is a water-monitor lizard<br />

that has a “melanistic” gene that makes it all<br />

black (similar to what makes an albino animal<br />

all white). You won’t find one in any other U.S.<br />

aquarium or zoo; all other known black dragons<br />

are privately owned.<br />

“Dragons! Real or Myth?” lets Maritime<br />

Aquarium guests also get close to such species<br />

as dragon moray eels; a seahorse cousin called<br />

the weedy sea dragon; fish called dragon<br />

wrasses; and terrestrial lizards like flying dragons,<br />

sailfin dragons, bearded dragons, frilled<br />

dragons, and more.<br />

Besides highlighting the unique characteristics<br />

of these animals, the exhibit explores the<br />

facts and fiction about mythological dragons<br />

and their roles in cultures throughout time.<br />

Guests are encouraged to find similarities<br />

between the displayed live creatures and the<br />

fire-breathing dragons of lore.<br />

Entry into “Dragons! Real or Myth?” is free<br />

with Aquarium admission. The Maritime Aquarium<br />

is the only aquarium focused on Long Island<br />

Sound presenting sharks, seals, river otters, sea<br />

turtles, jellyfish, and more than 100 other species<br />

from Long Island Sound and its watershed. It is<br />

locates at 10 N. Water Street, <strong>Norwalk</strong>, CT. For<br />

more information call (203) 852-0700 or visit<br />

www.MaritimeAquarium.org. The Aquarium is<br />

open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.<br />

<br />

8 THE CHAMBER REPORT l <strong>March</strong> <strong>2015</strong>


In the Spotlight<br />

Support your love of Long Island<br />

and the natural beauty<br />

of the great local treasure of<br />

the Sheffield Lighthouse and island.<br />

Join the <strong>Norwalk</strong> Seaport<br />

Association at their “Stars Over<br />

Sheffield” Gala on Saturday,<br />

<strong>March</strong> 21, <strong>2015</strong>, 6:00 p.m.-11:00<br />

p.m. at the <strong>Norwalk</strong> Inn & Conference<br />

Center, 99 East Avenue in<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong>. Proceeds will help fund<br />

the organization that maintains the<br />

island and historic structure.<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> Seaport Association<br />

Annual Gala<br />

Attendees will enjoy dinner<br />

and dancing as well as a live and<br />

silent auction. the <strong>Norwalk</strong> Seaport<br />

Association will also present<br />

their annual Beacon Award to GE<br />

Capital Real Estate for their dedication<br />

to the restoration and<br />

preservation of Sheffield Island<br />

Lighthouse and their educational<br />

commitment to the youth of the<br />

community.<br />

For more information or reservations,<br />

visit www.seaport.org or<br />

call (203) 838-9444.<br />

Now you can<br />

bank well<br />

in <strong>Norwalk</strong>.<br />

3 rd Annual Community Spelling Bee Coming in April<br />

Put on your thinking<br />

caps and gather a team<br />

for the <strong>Norwalk</strong> Education<br />

Foundation’s 3 rd Annual<br />

Community Spelling<br />

Bee on Thursday April 9 th at<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> City Hall. This<br />

year’s Spelling Bee is also<br />

hosted by <strong>Norwalk</strong> Early<br />

Childhood Council.<br />

The Spelling Bee celebrates<br />

learning while raising awareness and support<br />

for the programs and initiatives of the <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

Education Foundation and the <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

Early Childhood Council. It will be an evening<br />

of lively and exciting competition amongst<br />

friends, family, and neighbors.<br />

Community members can support the Bee<br />

in several ways. Companies, organizations, or<br />

individuals can sponsor a<br />

team of three individuals to<br />

compete in the Bee. They can<br />

make a financial contribution<br />

as a “sponsor” of the event.<br />

In addition, NEF is looking<br />

for in-kind items to be used<br />

as prizes.<br />

The <strong>Norwalk</strong> Education<br />

Foundation works to address<br />

gaps in education by offering<br />

supplemental programming that will strengthen<br />

outcomes for all <strong>Norwalk</strong> students. NEF does<br />

this by supporting classroom innovation and excellence,<br />

college and career readiness, community<br />

outreach, and technology education.<br />

For more information on the Spelling Bee,<br />

visit www.norwalkeducation.org, call (203) 854-<br />

4068, or email info@norwalkeducation.org.<br />

Visit our new branch at<br />

370 Westport Avenue<br />

for all your banking<br />

and lending needs!<br />

Get Energized with Mobile Marketing:<br />

Constant Contact Program for Businesses<br />

The Greater <strong>Norwalk</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> of<br />

Commerce, the <strong>Norwalk</strong> Public Library,<br />

and Constant Contact will cosponsor<br />

a free workshop, "Get Energized with<br />

Mobile Marketing.” The session will take place<br />

on Friday, <strong>March</strong> 27, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at<br />

the <strong>Norwalk</strong> Public Library, 1 Belden Avenue.<br />

Studies showing over 50 percent of consumers<br />

open their emails on some type of mobile<br />

device to make decisions and purchases.<br />

Learn how to improve your communication<br />

with customers and prospects by using mobile<br />

email marketing templates and mobile friendly<br />

websites. Better understand the mobile transition<br />

so you don't get left behind.<br />

The morning’s workshop will cover how<br />

people use their mobile devices for accessing<br />

online content and ways your business can become<br />

more mobile friendly via your website,<br />

texting, and email. The session will be followed<br />

by networking and an interaction group session.<br />

For more information, contact Cynde<br />

Bloom Lahey, Programming Specialist at the<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> Public Library, (203) 899-2780 ext.<br />

15133 or clahey@norwalkpubliclibrary.org.<br />

Bank smart. Bank local. Bank well.<br />

NORWALK | FAIRFIELD | NEW CANAAN | STAMFORD | WILTON<br />

mybankwell.com<br />

THE CHAMBER REPORT l <strong>March</strong> <strong>2015</strong> 9


Welcome New Members<br />

November 21, 2014 to February 20, <strong>2015</strong><br />

A&A Office Systems Inc.<br />

909 Middle Street<br />

Middletown, CT 06457<br />

Mr. Rick Allerton<br />

Account Executive<br />

TEL: (800) 635-5053<br />

rallerton@aaofficeonline.com<br />

www.aaofficeonline.com<br />

Office Products & Services<br />

Bridgeport Bluefish<br />

500 Main Street<br />

Bridgeport, CT 06604<br />

Mr. Drew Labov<br />

Director of Ticket Operations<br />

TEL: (203) 416-1719<br />

dlabov@bridgeportbluefish.com<br />

www.bridgeportbluefish.com<br />

Sports & Entertainment<br />

Peggy Bud<br />

32 Gray's Farm Road<br />

Weston, CT 06883<br />

Ms. Peggy Bud<br />

Communication Expert<br />

TEL: (203) 227-8723<br />

peggy@peggybud.com<br />

www.peggybud.com<br />

Communications Services<br />

CT Aesthetic Dentistry<br />

205 Main Street, #4<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong>, CT 06851<br />

Doctor Duke<br />

Doctor<br />

TEL: (203) 857-1900<br />

Dentists<br />

Datto, Inc.<br />

101 Merritt 7<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong>, CT 06851<br />

Ms. Michelle McComb<br />

TEL: (203) 529-4159<br />

mmccomb@datto.com<br />

www.datto.com<br />

Data Backup Solutions<br />

Frontier Communicatons<br />

310 Orange Street<br />

New Haven, CT 06510<br />

Ms. Megan Dolan<br />

Commerical Marketing Coordinator<br />

TEL: (203) 771-2596<br />

michaela.church@ftr.com<br />

www.frontier.com<br />

Telecommunication Systems/Services<br />

Helping Hearts Home Care<br />

1 Ravenwood Drive<br />

Weston, CT 06883<br />

Ms. Jane Hutchison<br />

Owner<br />

TEL: (203) 454-4222<br />

hutch44@optonline.net<br />

www.helpinghearthomecare.com<br />

Home Care Services<br />

Indeed.Com<br />

177 Broad Street, 6th Floor<br />

Stamford, CT 06901<br />

Ms. Rebecca Pollack<br />

Manager, Client Communication<br />

rebecca@indeed.com<br />

www.indeed.com<br />

Job/Employment Search<br />

Oak + Almond<br />

544 Main Avenue<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong>, CT 06851<br />

Mr. Anthony Pirraglia<br />

Owner<br />

TEL: (203) 846-4600<br />

anthony@oakandalmond.com<br />

www.oakandalmond.com<br />

Restaurants<br />

The Stand Juice Company<br />

1 North Water Street, Suite 501<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong>, CT 06854<br />

Mr. Mike Hvizdo<br />

Owner<br />

TEL: (203) 956-5670<br />

mike@thestandjuice.com<br />

Restaurants<br />

Subway<br />

588 Main Avenue<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong>, CT 06851<br />

Mr. Tipu Sheikh<br />

Owner<br />

TEL: (203) 846-4391<br />

tipusheikh@sbcglobal.net<br />

Restaurants<br />

Tom French Coaching<br />

14 Valley View Road<br />

Newtown, CT 06470<br />

Mr. Tom French<br />

Owner<br />

TEL: (203) 451-0737<br />

tom@tomfrenchcoaching.com<br />

www.tomfrenchcoaching.com<br />

Business Consulting /Coaching<br />

Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center<br />

466 Main Avenue<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong>, CT 06851<br />

Ms. Jennifer Clancy<br />

Director<br />

TEL: (203) 846-6046<br />

jclancy@tutortime.com<br />

www.tutortime.com<br />

Child Care Services<br />

Valencia Luncheria<br />

164 Main Avenue<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong>, CT 06851<br />

Ms. Kathleen Turey<br />

Catering Food Track Manager<br />

TEL: (203) 846-8009<br />

catering@valencialuncheria.com<br />

www.valencialuncheria.com<br />

Restaurants<br />

Wall Street Theater<br />

71 Wall Street<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong>, CT 06850<br />

Mr. Bob Kennedy<br />

Executive Director<br />

TEL: (203) 667-0270<br />

bobk@wallstreettheater.com<br />

www.wallstreettheater.com<br />

Performing Arts & Instruction<br />

Breaking Local News<br />

As It Happens.<br />

SIGN UP FREEat<br />

TheHour.com<br />

Breaking News Email<br />

10 THE CHAMBER REPORT l <strong>March</strong> <strong>2015</strong>


75 YEARS OR MORE<br />

The Hour Publishing Company<br />

Lovejoy and Rimer, PC<br />

50 YEARS OR MORE<br />

King Industries Inc.<br />

R. T. Vanderbilt Holding Company Inc.<br />

25 YEARS OR MORE<br />

Bluewater Coastal Company<br />

Continental Manor Catering<br />

R.L. DePanfilis & Company, LLC<br />

Dooney & Bourke, Inc.<br />

Family & Children's Agency, Inc.<br />

Financial Accounting Foundation<br />

Hank May's Goodyear Tire &<br />

Auto Service<br />

Keystone House, Inc.<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> Community College<br />

The Maritime Aquarium at <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

Westport Motors Inc.<br />

YMCA of <strong>Norwalk</strong> Inc,<br />

c/o Wilton Family Y<br />

15 YEARS OR MORE<br />

A D A Architects LLC<br />

All Season's Marine Works<br />

<strong>Chamber</strong> Insurance<br />

Trust/CFR<br />

Courage to Speak ® Foundation<br />

Empire State Realty Trust<br />

Human Services Council<br />

JPMorgan Chase<br />

Kaiser-Battistone<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> Transit District<br />

Gus Sclafani Corp.<br />

Sharp Performance USA<br />

Spinnaker Real Estate<br />

Partners LLC<br />

WEB Realty Company<br />

John H. Wygal &<br />

Company LLC<br />

10 YEARS OR MORE<br />

Connecticut Tick Control<br />

First Niagara Risk<br />

Management<br />

Fred Astaire Dance Studio<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

Geriatric Care Management<br />

Associates, LLC<br />

Thank You, Renewing Members!<br />

November 21, 2014 to February 28, <strong>2015</strong><br />

GO Environmental<br />

Lexpress International, Inc.<br />

Wal*Mart<br />

Women's Business Development Council<br />

5 YEARS OR MORE<br />

Connecticut Business Systems<br />

Darien Rowayton Bank<br />

Davinci's Pizza<br />

Day Street Community Health<br />

Jeffrey M. DePanfilis, D.C.<br />

Fortis Property Group LLC<br />

Leros Point to Point<br />

Matthew A. Caputo Attorney<br />

Michele's Pies<br />

James P. Murphy & Associates<br />

<strong>Norwalk</strong> Arts Commission<br />

Paychex, Inc.<br />

Person to Person<br />

Ring's End Paint & Design Center<br />

Riverside Cemetery Association<br />

LESS THAN 5 YEARS<br />

Absolute Access<br />

Absolute Logic<br />

The Beacon Projects Group<br />

Bridgeport Bluefish<br />

Peggy Bud<br />

Building Blocks Early Learning Center<br />

Can Man Sanitation, Inc.<br />

Cassena Care at <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

CrossFit <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

CT Aesthetic Dentistry<br />

Datto, Inc.<br />

Edward Jones Investments<br />

Ethan Allen Design Center in <strong>Norwalk</strong><br />

First Allied Securities<br />

Tom French Coaching<br />

Frontier Communicatons<br />

Frosch Travel<br />

Glenn Allen Building and<br />

Renovating Co.<br />

Gregory and Adams, P.C.<br />

Hawley Lane Shoes<br />

Helping Hearts Home Care<br />

Indeed.com<br />

Mutual Housing Association of SW CT<br />

Oak + Almond<br />

Opticare/<strong>Norwalk</strong> Office<br />

Roosters MGC<br />

Safe and Sound Electric, LLC<br />

Slovin Chiropractic Center<br />

Stamford Mortgage Company<br />

Subway<br />

Total Wine & More<br />

Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center<br />

Valencia Luncheria<br />

Wall Street Theater<br />

Wilks – A Spectro Scientific Company<br />

Winston Preparatory School<br />

THE CHAMBER REPORT l <strong>March</strong> <strong>2015</strong> 11

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