Norwalk Chamber March 2015 Report

Connecticut Governor
Dannel P. Malloy
Governor Malloy to Speak
at Chamber Annual Meeting
Governor Dannel P. Malloy
will be the guest speaker
at this year’s Greater
Norwalk Chamber of Commerce
Annual Meeting, to be
held on Thursday, April 2. The
evening will begin with a cocktail
reception at 5:00 p.m. followed by
dinner, and a special address by the
Governor. The event will take place
at the Continental Manor, 112 Main
Street in Norwalk.
Governor Malloy, who is serving
his second term as governor,
will discuss the state of the state
and his future plans for Connecticut.
Since 2011, his administration’s top
agenda items have included creating
jobs, improving public education,
Pump up Your Networking
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stabilizing the state’s finances, making
long-overdue investments in the state’s
transportation infrastructure, and protecting
the environment. Malloy was born and raised in Stamford, where
he served as the city’s longest-serving mayor from 1995 to 2009.
To join the area business community for the Chamber’s most significant
event of the year, contact the Chamber at info@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com
or call (203) 866-2521.
MARCH 2015
Table of Contents
Featured Chamber
Members . . . . . . pages 4–5
Professional IT Training
Opportunity . . . . . . page 7
In the Spotlight . pages 8–9
Events Calendar
MULTI-CHAMBER
NETWORKING AND EXPO
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Norwalk Community College,
West Campus
188 Richards Avenue | Norwalk
CHAMBER ANNUAL
MEETING
Thursday, April 2, 2015
5:00 p.m.
Continental Manor
112 Main Street | Norwalk
BUSINESS BREAKFAST
Thursday, April 9, 2015
7:45 – 9:00 a.m.
Crown Prints
25 Harbor Avenue | Norwalk
When you get business professionals
from up and down the
Fairfield County coast you’re
in for a jam-packed afternoon of business
buzz and networking. Don’t miss this opportunity
at the upcoming Multi-Chamber
Expo and Networking event on
Wednesday, March 18, 2015, from 2:00
PM to 5:00 PM at the Norwalk Community
College, West Campus, 188 Richards
Ave nue in Norwalk.
Join the Chambers of Commerce of
Bridgeport, Darien, Fairfield, Norwalk,
Stamford, Stratford and Trumbull, and
Westport as their members connect or
reconnect over food and refreshments.
Get the chance to learn about other area
companies and get the word out about
yours at the Expo where more than 100
businesses will showcase their services
or products.
Admission is free. To reserve an
exhibit table, email: info@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com
or call (203) 866-
2521.
Reach the entire Chamber membership
and The Hour readership in the
THE CHAMBER REPORT
If you are interested in advertising in the
June 2015 issue of
THE CHAMBER REPORT, call
203.354.1097 for information today!
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Raymour & Flanigan
641 Connecticut Avenue | Norwalk
To RSVP to any of these events:
Call: 203.866.2521
Email:
info@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com
Online:
www.norwalkchamberofcommerce.com

The Greater Norwalk Chamber
of Commerce Board of Directors
2014 – 2015
Chairman’s Message
J. Michael Sutton, Chairman
Benefit Planning Services,
LLC
Lissette Andino
EverSource
Harry Carey
AT&T
Karen Condron
Sharp Performance USA
Michael M. Devine
Earth Energy Alliance
Heidi DeWyngaert
Bankwell
Irene Dixon
Hilton Garden Inn
Jerry Effren
The Greyrock Companies
Clay Fowler
Spinnaker Real Estate
Partners, LLC
Marc J. Grenier
Law Offices of
DePanfilis & Vallerie, LLC
Donald R. Gustafson
Shipman & Goodwin, LLP
James Haynes
Norwalk Hospital
Kathryn Hebert
City of Norwalk
Douglas Hempstead
Stew Leonard’s
Glen Leblanc
Fairfield County Bank
David Levinson
Norwalk Community
College
Michael McNeill
Dolce Norwalk Center
Edward J. Musante, Jr.
Greater Norwalk Chamber
of Commerce
Randy Napoletano
Norwalk Bank & Trust
Peter M. Nolin
Carmody Torrance Sandak
& Hennessey, LLP
Kristin Okesson
Connoisseur Media CT
Joseph K. Passero
Klaff’s, Inc.
Terri Polley
Financial Accounting
Foundation
C. Eric Rains
Eric Rains Landscape
Architecture, LLC
Danielle Robinson
Diageo
Luciano V. Sclafani
Gus Sclafani Corp.
Stanley M. Seligson
Stanley M. Seligson
Properties
Douglas Smith
People’s United Bank
Richard Tavella
Rick’s Main Roofing
Chet Valiante
The Hour Publishing Co.
Ruthann Walsh
Pepperidge Farm, Inc.
Steven Warren
Albert D. Phelps, Inc.
Frank N. Zullo
Tierney Zullo Flaherty
& Murphy
On April 1 st my two-year term as chairman will end and I can honestly say that it
has gone by much faster than expected. It truly has been a pleasure to serve as
chairman and the people that I have worked with at the Chamber do an absolutely
wonderful job of running programs and events to benefit all of our members.
I think that it is really an exciting time to either work or live in Norwalk. Several projects
have been completed during the past two years and more have been approved. I am hopeful
that the General Growth Partners retail project will get approval to move ahead so that we
won’t miss out on the opportunity to have a mixed-use development that will not only create
more jobs in Norwalk, but will also add significantly to the tax base of the city. I am also
hopeful that we will be able to get charter revision through so that a Norwalk mayor will have
a four-year term rather than just two. Under our current charter, a newly elected mayor barely
gets their feet on the ground and soon they have to begin running for re-election. Moreover,
many cities of our size and import have four-year terms for mayor or chief elected official.
Looking at the bigger picture, the economy has seen improvement in Connecticut; however
we are still lagging behind the national numbers in some key areas. Unemployment was at
6.4 percent in December 2014, a full percentage point lower than December 2013 — an improvement,
but the U.S. unemployment rate was 5.6 percent. To date, we have recovered 80 percent of jobs lost during the
recession, while the U.S. number is over 120 percent. Proposals being considered by the 2015 General Assembly for more
expansive paid sick leave, paid family medical leave, and a state-run retirement plan do not send the message that Connecticut is
business-friendly. We are still ranked at, or near, the bottom of most polls as one of the least friendly business environments, and
our General Assembly must begin to take notice and realize that we cannot continue down this path.
In closing, I would like to thank Ed Musante, Brian Griffin, Deb Cocchia, and Connie Taylor for all the wonderful work that
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
our members, thank you for your support. It is your participation and involvement that makes us who we are — an organization
that not serves and enhances the local business community, but also benefits the community at large.
Cordially,
J. Michael Sutton
Chairman
GREATER NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
101 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06852-0668
203.866.2521 | Fax: 203.852.0583
www.norwalkchamberofcommerce.com
info@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com
Editor:
Carolyn Ripp/Snyder Group cripp@snydergroupinc.com
Design: Judie Szuets • Production: The Hour Newspapers
The Chamber Report, published quarterly, welcomes information about your company and your comments.
Contact the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce at the phone number above.
Sign up for our e-newsletter
The Chamber eport, at
info@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com
Chamber Staff:
Edward J. Musante, Jr., President emusante@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com
Brian Griffin, Vice President bgriffin@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com
Deb Cocchia, Administrative Assistant dcocchia@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com
Connie Taylor, Bookkeeper ctaylor@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com
2 THE CHAMBER REPORT l March 2015

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Featured Chamber Members
It all started with a New Year’s resolution. Twelve years ago,
Kristen Jensen took a big risk. She was looking for a change
in her life. So for the new year she got proactive, and started
seeing a career coach. She took the leap into her own photography
business, bought the best digital cameras on the market, designed
a state of the art website, and started Kristen Jensen
Productions.
For over 20 years, she worked on the other side of the camera.
As a model with Ford Models and an actress, she traveled to
over 30 countries and worked with hundreds of top photographers.
After the birth of her son, she was looking for something
creative to do closer to home and photography seemed a perfect
fit.
“Back when I was modeling. I started taking photos of models
and the images were amazing. I then started hanging out with
the photographers and art directors on set, collaborating with
them on creating an image, selling a product,” says Jensen. “I
realized at that time I was really talented and people took notice
of my advice and what I had to say. I felt right away that I had
found my calling as an artist, photographer, and image strategist.”
Since then, Jensen has built her business as a lifestyle photographer
and videographer working on advertising, magazine,
Whether you’re looking for someone to make the perfect
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the right hire for your business.
Billed as the #1 jobsite in the world with 140 million unique
monthly visitors, Indeed offers a range of options for those looking
for employees and those seeking a job. Companies can post
job listings for free, or they can sponsor a listing (getting them
more prominent visibility at the top of search results) and only
pay when job seekers click on the position.
Job seekers can create resumes on Indeed Resume, and companies
can search resumes for free and get targeted results for
4 THE CHAMBER REPORT l March 2015
KRISTEN JENSEN PRODUCTIONS
and portrait assignments. In addition, Kristen shoots still life’s
including food, interiors, and luxury products.
Jensen works a variety of clients including corporations,
small businesses, independent contractors, CEOs, celebrities,
artists, musicians, magazines, families, and individuals. About
75 percent are business customers, most from the greater Fairfield
County area.
For small businesses she often focuses on image strategy.
ERIC RAINS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Eric Rains can’t wait for spring – but not for all the usual
reasons. Spring is when his firm’s projects of the past
few years come to life again, serving their surrounding
communities as parks, elderly care facilities, private family retreats,
multi-family entertainment spaces, hotel and restaurant
courtyards.
South Norwalk-based Eric Rains Landscape Architecture
(ERLA) provides site design services for corporations and commercial
properties, institutions, mixed-use developments, and
residential estate properties.
Rains started the company almost four years ago after working
with another firm in the area for 15 years, running their
commercial studio. After studying landscape architecture, he
began his career outside Washington D.C. in Maryland working
with such great clients as the U.S. Library of Congress, The
Landscape Architect of the Capital, The Federal Reserve, Mc-
Cormick Spices International, Georgetown University, and both
Johns Hopkins Hospital and University. Since starting the company,
Rains has worked on a number of notable projects in the
Norwalk area including National Hall in Westport, Ironworks in
South Norwalk, the Central Greenwich Public Library, Restoration
Hardware (nationally registered historic Post Office building)
in Greenwich, and MasterCard World Headquarters in Purchase,
New York.
However, the work is not limited to the greater New York
metro area. Eric Rains Landscape Architecture has projects and
consulting work in Boston, MA, Pittsburgh, PA, South New Jersey,
and Long Island. The consultant teams for his projects often
include professionals from all over the country and in some instances,
the world. ERLA works very closely with other design
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any field. Payment is only required when the company is ready
to contact prospective hires.
Employers can also create detailed profile pages that include
This includes branding an individual and/or product and presentation.
“I include in all of my photo and video shoots consultation
on hair, makeup, wardrobe, and how-to-pose and know
your right angles,” says Jensen. “I also offer logo design and
special print/video packages.”
Jensen’s work has also gone toward a greater good, which,
she says, has been some of her most challenging yet rewarding
work. “The most challenging project I worked on was a documentary
for Multiple Myeloma for which I wrote, produced,
and directed the entire thing,” says Jensen. “The 25 minute completed
piece was able to raise over $600,000 to help fight Multiple
Myeloma.I am also extremely challenged by photographing
breast cancer survivors. I have been doing so for the past eight
years and every year I have a black and white show that raises
awareness about breast cancer. This has been my deepest (most
heartfelt) work as an artist and it has helped many women and
continues to do so.”
If you’re looking for a photographer, videographer, or someone
to help you or your business with your image, contact Jensen
at (888) 278-1011, kristen@kristenjensen.com, or visit www.kristenjensen.com
professionals such as architects, developers, engineers, and land
use attorneys.
The design style of the firm includes simple and clean lines,
shapes, and forms that facilitate the intended use or purpose of
the space. It is never complicated with elements or details that
do not support the use or purpose.
One of Eric Rains Landscape Architecture’s most rewarding
roles in the area is as part of the team that recently completed
Ironworks. “Projects like Ironworks are important because of
their impact on the community,” says Rains. “It is exciting to
know that people’s experiences while visiting SoNo are enhanced
in ways that were not possible before the project. It is also exciting
to see all the many new residents and businesses that were
not here before.”
To learn more about Rains and his company , visit www.ericrains.com,
or contact Rains at (203) 853-7600 or info@ericrains.com.
reviews, photos, and job listings – this allows potential employees
to find the company that is just the right fit for them. For small
and medium businesses, Indeed offers a dedicated team to support
them via phone, live chat, and email.
Founded by Paul Forster and Rony Kahan in 2004, Indeed is
a subsidiary of Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. The corporate office
is in Stamford, CT, but has offices in Austin, Mountain View,
New York in the United States, as well as offices in Dublin and
London.
For more information on how Indeed can help your company
find the right candidates to fill your open positions, please contact
them at 1-800-296-2085.

Featured Chamber Members
Norwalk’s newest dance company opened with a full season
of ballet classes this past September. Norwalk Metropolitan
Youth Ballet [NMYB] offers a full slate of
classes for students from beginner to advanced, several En Pointe
ballet residencies, and performances in the local public and
parochial schools.
Adam Holms, M.A., a Fairfield native, is a co-founder and
artistic director of the Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet. He
has taught dance in his home state for nearly a decade. Holms’s
noteworthy teaching credentials include some of the most prestigious
nationally and internationally recognized dance organizations.
Mr. Holms is one of the lead outreach ballet instructors
for American Ballet Theatre’s Outreach Department, a judge,
and the director of choreography for CLAP American Ballet in
Guayaquil, Ecuador. In addition, he has worked with his Ecuadorian
colleagues to create Arts in Action, an arts education outreach
program serving the greater Guayaquil region of Ecuador.
“I am fortunate to bring some great professional ballet connections
to the studio, but what makes my work with NMYB
most fulfilling is my admiration and adoration for the dancers,”
says Holms. “We are delighted to be in this diverse city, and
look forward to continuing to help all of our dancers achieve
their personal goals.”
NORWALK METROPOLITAN YOUTH BALLET
Most recently, students from NMYB participated in the
Philadelphia Regional Semi-Finals of the Youth America Grand
(YAGP) January 15–17, 2015. YAGP is the world’s largest network
of dance and provides participants and finalists with scholarships,
master classes, educational activities, performances, and
so much more. NMYB was the only dance studio from Connecticut
to participate in the Philadelphia Regional Semi-Finals,
which has a reputation for being the most challenging of the regionals
in the area.
“We are a brand new studio and have already established
ourselves in the professional ballet community with our successful
participation at the Philadelphia Semi-Finals of YAGP,”
says Holms. “Our dancers were not only well prepared, they
THE PREFERRED GROUP LLC
were poised, well-trained, displayed solid technique, behaved
as courteous professionals through every aspect of the process,
and were proud ambassadors of ballet for the City of Norwalk.”
Sara Adriani of Easton, Olivia Creigh of Milford, and Benjamin
Boveroux, Anna Davis, and Alexander Holms, all of Trumbull,
are NMYB’s Ensemble Étoile. They competed with a piece
of original choreography called “We Are Dancers,” which was
created specifically for this competition by Holms.
Creigh competed as a soloist in the Junior Competitive Contemporary
division with a piece of original choreography called
“A Time Gone By” with a Romeo and Juliette theme. Davis
competed in the Pre-Competitive Classical division with a variation
from “La Fille Mal Gardee” as well as in the Pre-Competitive
Contemporary Division with an original piece of choreography
called “One for Max.” Davis placed in the top 12
semi-finalists in both of her divisions and was invited to compete
in the YAGP finals in New York in April.
Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet is located at 36 Main
Street. They are currently enrolling in technique classes, June
Interim Session, as well as summer ballet workshops. Classes
are geared for students ages six to adult, and leveled from
beginner to pre-professional. For more information, visit
www.nmyb.org, email info@nmyb.org or call (203) 258-4820.
The Preferred Group LLC is a communications firm designed
to construct and convey a client’s message to a desired
audience whether via public relations, advertising, or social media.
The company also specializes in communications for political
campaigns.
Whether you run a small/medium sized business or nonprofit
and want to reach a larger audience, your organization may be
looking for ways to be more active in your community. Or perhaps
you’re a political candidate looking to navigate the landscape
of your electorate. The Preferred Group provides counsel
to all of these groups.
“For companies today, establishing a presence in your desired
marketplace using the various mediums of TV, the internet,
Facebook, and radio is an absolute must, says president Vinny
Mangiacopra. “We can help small businesses, organizations,
Guidelight Financial (GLF) is a Norwalk based business that
has two focuses: one, independent financial planning advice and
wealth management solutions to individuals, the other the corporate
retirement plan business. GLF effectively helps small business
owners and 401(k) plans deal with the impact of new and evolving
Department of Labor fiduciary responsibility and fee disclosure
rules. By leveraging their independence and fiduciary capabilities,
GLF provides small businesses clarity and guidance in helping
them comply with the complex regulations they face.
GLF utilizes a custom six-step process built around three
principles: simplicity, focus, and balance when it comes to corporate
retirement planning. They evaluate the company’s current
plan, conduct a feasibility study, create a fiduciary shield, and
benchmark vendors against current provider. They also offer employee
education while reviewing the continued appropriateness
of the plan over its life. GLF can work with virtually any 401k
vendor.
and entrepreneurs to market better in our new digital age.”
Norwalk resident Mangiacopra founded The Preferred Group.
He ran for mayor of Norwalk in 2013. At 31, he was the youngest
GUIDELIGHT FINANCIAL
Most plan sponsors or employee investment committee members
lack the time, expertise, or true understanding of their fiduciary
liability (i.e., personal). GLF will sign on as co-fiduciary
to reduce liability in the investment due diligence process. They
also provide a written service agreement detailing full disclosure
of compensation and services provided.
GLF was founded by Felix Serrano in 2009 after more than
a decade as a wealth manager in New York City for a major financial
services firm. When Serrano decided to set out on his
person in Norwalk’s history to run for mayor. Born and raised
in Bridgeport, Mangiacopra has worked for former Mayor John
Fabrizi and probate court in Bridgeport; served as Economic &
Community Development Coordinator for the town of Monroe,
and served as campaign aide to former Westport First Selectwoman
Diane Farrell and also to United States Congressman
Jim Himes.
“The way we connect is the foundation of relationship. Those
relationships are what help each of us grow, inspiring more out
of one another. With vision and honest rapport, collectively we
can achieve what we considered impossible on our own,” says
Mangiacopra.
For more information visit www.thepreferredgroup.org, or
call Mangiacopra at (203) 650-3065.
own, he, along with his business partner Steve Ortega, set up
Guidelight Financial in the heart of South Norwalk. Having been
born and raised in Norwalk, coming back home was important
to Serrano.
Serrano has a wealth of knowledge, having earned the highly
coveted Certified Financial Planner (CFP ® ) designation, the Accredited
Investment Fiduciary ® (AIF ® ) designation as well as a
Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law.
He currently serves as chairman of the Norwalk Redevelopment
Agency. Serrano has also served as vice president of the Board
of the Puerto Rican Family Foundation in New York City and
was a Merrill Lynch liaison to the Hispanic National Bar Association.
For more information or for a free evaluation of your current
401k plan, contact GLF at info@guidelightfinancial.com or call
(203) 354-3131.
THE CHAMBER REPORT l March 2015 5

2014 Holiday Reception at Dolce Norwalk
During the 2014 Holiday Reception, United Way Campaign Champion and
Chamber Vice Chairman Terri Polley talked to the crowd about the
importance of the new ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained,
Employed) initiative being addressed by the United Way of Coastal
Fairfield County. At the event, Chamber members generously raised funds
for this new program to help those who suffer financial hardship.
6 THE CHAMBER REPORT l March 2015

Members enjoy
great food and
unbeatable
hospitality during a
Business After
Hours at Sparks
Sports Grill.
Professional IT Training
Opportunity
The Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board is accepting applications for IT
training scholarships, through a H1B grant. To find out more about this training opportunity,
you're invited to attend an information session.
INFO SESSION:
The first Thursday of each month at 11:00 AM: March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2
ELIGIBILITY:
18 years or older unemployed for 27 weeks or more, underemployed (part time), some
college credits, a desire to successfully complete the program.
To reserve a seat, contact CITI at (203) 251-9516 or go to www.citi.uconn.edu and contact
us!
From the stage of
the Music Theatre
of CT, Chamber
members introduce
themselves to the
crowd at the
February Business
Breakfast.
L. Tim Sheehan,
Executive Director
of the Norwalk
Redevelopment
Agency, provides
an update on
development at the
2015 Economic
Outlook &
Development
Review.
R. Director of the
CT Center for
Economic Analysis,
Fred Carstensen,
speaks at the 2015
Economic Outlook
& Development
Review.
THE CHAMBER REPORT l March 2015 7

In the Spotlight
Eleventh Annual Courage to Speak ® Family Night
Greater Norwalk area concerned citizens, parents, children,
prevention specialists, clergy, schoolteachers and
administrators, and law enforcement are invited to attend
the Courage to Speak ® “Empowering Youth to be Drug Free”
Family Night on March 16, 2015. This community event will
take place at 5:45 p.m. at West Rocks Middle School, 81 West
Rocks Road in Norwalk.
The event includes student speakers, a dynamic, riveting, and
thought-provoking Courage to Speak ® presentation combining
the intensely personal story of a family shattered by drugs with
the latest information and statistics on substance abuse and prevention.
In addition, the Courage to Speak Community Leadership,
Volunteer and Recognition Awards will be presented.
The Courage to Speak ® Foundation is dedicated to saving
lives by educating and empowering youth to be drug free and
encouraging parents to talk to their children about the danger of
drugs.
Ginger Katz, along with her husband Larry, travel and speak
to a variety of audiences and age groups at many forums around
the state and the country. With a team of experts, the organization
developed drug prevention education curriculum evaluated and
recommended by Yale School of Medicine. Many facilitators
and teachers across the country implement the Courage to Speak
Foundation student curriculum in elementary, middle, and high
schools as well as a multi-session program for parents called
Courage to Speak Courageous Parenting 101 ® , which gives parents
tools toward keeping their children safe.
The Courage to Speak Foundation's office is located at 71
East Ave, Suite M, Norwalk CT. For more information about the
evening or the organization, please call (203) 831-9700 or visit
www.couragetospeak.org.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children Celebrates 15 Years
at Kaleidoscope Ball
Stepping Stones
Museum for
Children’s flagship
fundraising social
event is returning to Norwalk
on Saturday, March
28. Balancing whimsy
and sophistication, the
Kaleidoscope Ball, a
black-tie optional, adultonly
affair, will feature
cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner by Abigail
Kirsch, a unique auction, music, dancing, and a
special awards presentation to recognize leaders
within our community.
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation
of the 2015 Stepping Up for Children
Awards. Since 2006, the museum has been recognizing
individuals, nonprofit organizations
and companies that are committed to improving
and enriching the lives of children and families.
This year’s honorees are Andrew and Carole
Clarkson, founders of the Jeniam Foundation;
Matia Finn-Stevenson, Associate Director of the
Edward Zigler Center in Child Development
and Social Policy at Yale University and; Norwalk
ACTS.
Proceeds from the 2015 Kaleidoscope Ball
will help support the museum’s
Open Arms initiative.
This initiative makes
it possible for every child,
family, and school to enjoy
the museum regardless of
financial, language, or special
needs barriers. Reaching
more than 70,000 children,
caregivers, and
teachers throughout the region
last year, Open Arms offers Get Into It!
FREE evenings on the first Thursday of every
month, along with free of charge traveling exhibits
for schools and other educational experiences
for parents and children.
The Kaleidoscope Ball is sponsored by the
Foster Family Fund, GE Capital, Pepperidge
Farm, Pitney Bowes, First County Bank, and
General Growth Properties. Media support is
provided by Moffly Media and WEBE 108.
PALM Beer and Keno Graphics are providing
in-kind support. The event emcee is Jay
Michaels of WEBE 108.
For more information or to purchase tickets,
visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/kb or call
(203) 899-0606, ext. 217.
Dragons Afoot at the Maritime Aquarium
The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk is
the only place in the United States where
you can see a baby black dragon – one
of only an estimated 31 in the country. The black
dragon and other “dragons” (animals that have
the word dragon in their names) are now part of
a new special exhibit, “Dragons! Real or Myth?”
The black dragon is a water-monitor lizard
that has a “melanistic” gene that makes it all
black (similar to what makes an albino animal
all white). You won’t find one in any other U.S.
aquarium or zoo; all other known black dragons
are privately owned.
“Dragons! Real or Myth?” lets Maritime
Aquarium guests also get close to such species
as dragon moray eels; a seahorse cousin called
the weedy sea dragon; fish called dragon
wrasses; and terrestrial lizards like flying dragons,
sailfin dragons, bearded dragons, frilled
dragons, and more.
Besides highlighting the unique characteristics
of these animals, the exhibit explores the
facts and fiction about mythological dragons
and their roles in cultures throughout time.
Guests are encouraged to find similarities
between the displayed live creatures and the
fire-breathing dragons of lore.
Entry into “Dragons! Real or Myth?” is free
with Aquarium admission. The Maritime Aquarium
is the only aquarium focused on Long Island
Sound presenting sharks, seals, river otters, sea
turtles, jellyfish, and more than 100 other species
from Long Island Sound and its watershed. It is
locates at 10 N. Water Street, Norwalk, CT. For
more information call (203) 852-0700 or visit
www.MaritimeAquarium.org. The Aquarium is
open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
8 THE CHAMBER REPORT l March 2015

In the Spotlight
Support your love of Long Island
and the natural beauty
of the great local treasure of
the Sheffield Lighthouse and island.
Join the Norwalk Seaport
Association at their “Stars Over
Sheffield” Gala on Saturday,
March 21, 2015, 6:00 p.m.-11:00
p.m. at the Norwalk Inn & Conference
Center, 99 East Avenue in
Norwalk. Proceeds will help fund
the organization that maintains the
island and historic structure.
Norwalk Seaport Association
Annual Gala
Attendees will enjoy dinner
and dancing as well as a live and
silent auction. the Norwalk Seaport
Association will also present
their annual Beacon Award to GE
Capital Real Estate for their dedication
to the restoration and
preservation of Sheffield Island
Lighthouse and their educational
commitment to the youth of the
community.
For more information or reservations,
visit www.seaport.org or
call (203) 838-9444.
Now you can
bank well
in Norwalk.
3 rd Annual Community Spelling Bee Coming in April
Put on your thinking
caps and gather a team
for the Norwalk Education
Foundation’s 3 rd Annual
Community Spelling
Bee on Thursday April 9 th at
Norwalk City Hall. This
year’s Spelling Bee is also
hosted by Norwalk Early
Childhood Council.
The Spelling Bee celebrates
learning while raising awareness and support
for the programs and initiatives of the Norwalk
Education Foundation and the Norwalk
Early Childhood Council. It will be an evening
of lively and exciting competition amongst
friends, family, and neighbors.
Community members can support the Bee
in several ways. Companies, organizations, or
individuals can sponsor a
team of three individuals to
compete in the Bee. They can
make a financial contribution
as a “sponsor” of the event.
In addition, NEF is looking
for in-kind items to be used
as prizes.
The Norwalk Education
Foundation works to address
gaps in education by offering
supplemental programming that will strengthen
outcomes for all Norwalk students. NEF does
this by supporting classroom innovation and excellence,
college and career readiness, community
outreach, and technology education.
For more information on the Spelling Bee,
visit www.norwalkeducation.org, call (203) 854-
4068, or email info@norwalkeducation.org.
Visit our new branch at
370 Westport Avenue
for all your banking
and lending needs!
Get Energized with Mobile Marketing:
Constant Contact Program for Businesses
The Greater Norwalk Chamber of
Commerce, the Norwalk Public Library,
and Constant Contact will cosponsor
a free workshop, "Get Energized with
Mobile Marketing.” The session will take place
on Friday, March 27, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at
the Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Avenue.
Studies showing over 50 percent of consumers
open their emails on some type of mobile
device to make decisions and purchases.
Learn how to improve your communication
with customers and prospects by using mobile
email marketing templates and mobile friendly
websites. Better understand the mobile transition
so you don't get left behind.
The morning’s workshop will cover how
people use their mobile devices for accessing
online content and ways your business can become
more mobile friendly via your website,
texting, and email. The session will be followed
by networking and an interaction group session.
For more information, contact Cynde
Bloom Lahey, Programming Specialist at the
Norwalk Public Library, (203) 899-2780 ext.
15133 or clahey@norwalkpubliclibrary.org.
Bank smart. Bank local. Bank well.
NORWALK | FAIRFIELD | NEW CANAAN | STAMFORD | WILTON
mybankwell.com
THE CHAMBER REPORT l March 2015 9

Welcome New Members
November 21, 2014 to February 20, 2015
A&A Office Systems Inc.
909 Middle Street
Middletown, CT 06457
Mr. Rick Allerton
Account Executive
TEL: (800) 635-5053
rallerton@aaofficeonline.com
www.aaofficeonline.com
Office Products & Services
Bridgeport Bluefish
500 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Mr. Drew Labov
Director of Ticket Operations
TEL: (203) 416-1719
dlabov@bridgeportbluefish.com
www.bridgeportbluefish.com
Sports & Entertainment
Peggy Bud
32 Gray's Farm Road
Weston, CT 06883
Ms. Peggy Bud
Communication Expert
TEL: (203) 227-8723
peggy@peggybud.com
www.peggybud.com
Communications Services
CT Aesthetic Dentistry
205 Main Street, #4
Norwalk, CT 06851
Doctor Duke
Doctor
TEL: (203) 857-1900
Dentists
Datto, Inc.
101 Merritt 7
Norwalk, CT 06851
Ms. Michelle McComb
TEL: (203) 529-4159
mmccomb@datto.com
www.datto.com
Data Backup Solutions
Frontier Communicatons
310 Orange Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Ms. Megan Dolan
Commerical Marketing Coordinator
TEL: (203) 771-2596
michaela.church@ftr.com
www.frontier.com
Telecommunication Systems/Services
Helping Hearts Home Care
1 Ravenwood Drive
Weston, CT 06883
Ms. Jane Hutchison
Owner
TEL: (203) 454-4222
hutch44@optonline.net
www.helpinghearthomecare.com
Home Care Services
Indeed.Com
177 Broad Street, 6th Floor
Stamford, CT 06901
Ms. Rebecca Pollack
Manager, Client Communication
rebecca@indeed.com
www.indeed.com
Job/Employment Search
Oak + Almond
544 Main Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
Mr. Anthony Pirraglia
Owner
TEL: (203) 846-4600
anthony@oakandalmond.com
www.oakandalmond.com
Restaurants
The Stand Juice Company
1 North Water Street, Suite 501
Norwalk, CT 06854
Mr. Mike Hvizdo
Owner
TEL: (203) 956-5670
mike@thestandjuice.com
Restaurants
Subway
588 Main Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
Mr. Tipu Sheikh
Owner
TEL: (203) 846-4391
tipusheikh@sbcglobal.net
Restaurants
Tom French Coaching
14 Valley View Road
Newtown, CT 06470
Mr. Tom French
Owner
TEL: (203) 451-0737
tom@tomfrenchcoaching.com
www.tomfrenchcoaching.com
Business Consulting /Coaching
Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center
466 Main Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
Ms. Jennifer Clancy
Director
TEL: (203) 846-6046
jclancy@tutortime.com
www.tutortime.com
Child Care Services
Valencia Luncheria
164 Main Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
Ms. Kathleen Turey
Catering Food Track Manager
TEL: (203) 846-8009
catering@valencialuncheria.com
www.valencialuncheria.com
Restaurants
Wall Street Theater
71 Wall Street
Norwalk, CT 06850
Mr. Bob Kennedy
Executive Director
TEL: (203) 667-0270
bobk@wallstreettheater.com
www.wallstreettheater.com
Performing Arts & Instruction
Breaking Local News
As It Happens.
SIGN UP FREEat
TheHour.com
Breaking News Email
10 THE CHAMBER REPORT l March 2015

75 YEARS OR MORE
The Hour Publishing Company
Lovejoy and Rimer, PC
50 YEARS OR MORE
King Industries Inc.
R. T. Vanderbilt Holding Company Inc.
25 YEARS OR MORE
Bluewater Coastal Company
Continental Manor Catering
R.L. DePanfilis & Company, LLC
Dooney & Bourke, Inc.
Family & Children's Agency, Inc.
Financial Accounting Foundation
Hank May's Goodyear Tire &
Auto Service
Keystone House, Inc.
Norwalk Community College
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Westport Motors Inc.
YMCA of Norwalk Inc,
c/o Wilton Family Y
15 YEARS OR MORE
A D A Architects LLC
All Season's Marine Works
Chamber Insurance
Trust/CFR
Courage to Speak ® Foundation
Empire State Realty Trust
Human Services Council
JPMorgan Chase
Kaiser-Battistone
Norwalk Transit District
Gus Sclafani Corp.
Sharp Performance USA
Spinnaker Real Estate
Partners LLC
WEB Realty Company
John H. Wygal &
Company LLC
10 YEARS OR MORE
Connecticut Tick Control
First Niagara Risk
Management
Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Norwalk
Geriatric Care Management
Associates, LLC
Thank You, Renewing Members!
November 21, 2014 to February 28, 2015
GO Environmental
Lexpress International, Inc.
Wal*Mart
Women's Business Development Council
5 YEARS OR MORE
Connecticut Business Systems
Darien Rowayton Bank
Davinci's Pizza
Day Street Community Health
Jeffrey M. DePanfilis, D.C.
Fortis Property Group LLC
Leros Point to Point
Matthew A. Caputo Attorney
Michele's Pies
James P. Murphy & Associates
Norwalk Arts Commission
Paychex, Inc.
Person to Person
Ring's End Paint & Design Center
Riverside Cemetery Association
LESS THAN 5 YEARS
Absolute Access
Absolute Logic
The Beacon Projects Group
Bridgeport Bluefish
Peggy Bud
Building Blocks Early Learning Center
Can Man Sanitation, Inc.
Cassena Care at Norwalk
CrossFit Norwalk
CT Aesthetic Dentistry
Datto, Inc.
Edward Jones Investments
Ethan Allen Design Center in Norwalk
First Allied Securities
Tom French Coaching
Frontier Communicatons
Frosch Travel
Glenn Allen Building and
Renovating Co.
Gregory and Adams, P.C.
Hawley Lane Shoes
Helping Hearts Home Care
Indeed.com
Mutual Housing Association of SW CT
Oak + Almond
Opticare/Norwalk Office
Roosters MGC
Safe and Sound Electric, LLC
Slovin Chiropractic Center
Stamford Mortgage Company
Subway
Total Wine & More
Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center
Valencia Luncheria
Wall Street Theater
Wilks – A Spectro Scientific Company
Winston Preparatory School
THE CHAMBER REPORT l March 2015 11