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Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce ANNUAL … · Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce ANNUAL REPORT...

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Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce ANNUAL REPORT 2013
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Page 1: Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce ANNUAL … · Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce ANNUAL REPORT 2013 . ... train tickets leaving from the Mystic ... Emerson Theater Collaborative

Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Page 2: Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce ANNUAL … · Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce ANNUAL REPORT 2013 . ... train tickets leaving from the Mystic ... Emerson Theater Collaborative

Cover image and above images courtesy of Carole Drong

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jacqueline Almeida* (First Vice Chair) Karin Barth Jim Bates* (Board Chairman) Katie Beal Bradford David Brown Melinda Burridge Wendy Bury Kristin Clarke Stephen Clemente Andrea Frickman Ken Kopchik Gina Kunst John Layton* (Treasurer) Daniel McFadden Mary-Jane McLaughlin Allison Nasin Christine Neves Vin Pacileo III Susan Pochal* (Former Board Chair) Dale Wolbrink* (Second Vice Chair) Paul Yatcko * Denotes Executive Board Members ADVISORS David Blaney Edward O. McCabe John McGee Jim O’Boyle Joyce Olson Resnikoff Joseph L. Selinger, Jr. Robert Tabor I. Susette Tibus STAFF Tricia Walsh, President Hannah Stewart, Manager of Membership & Operations Cherie’lin Toporowski, Events Director Jonathan Bartlett, Bookkeeper Mary Roy, Administrative Assistant Sally Foster, Weekend Staff at Welcome Center Dustin Lasky, Summer 2013 Admin

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P.O. Box 143 Mystic, CT 06355

(860) 572-9578 www.mysticchamber.org

Download a digital copy of the GMCC Annual Report here!

THOUGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENT PAGE 1 DID YOU KNOW…? PAGE 4 MEMBERSHIP BREAKDOWN PAGE 5 MYSTIC MATTERS & RIBBON-CUTTINGS PAGE 7 NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES PAGE 8 MEMBER RECOGNITION PAGE 9 SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE 11 GMCC ASSOCIATIONS PAGE 15 COMMUNICATIONS HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 16 2013 was a great year for the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce…

Turn the page to see why!

Scan to learn more

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Thoughts from the President 2013 has been a year of change and transition at the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce. With great excitement, we welcome two new staff members, Hannah Stewart and Cherie’lin Toporowski, both of whom immediately set to work implementing new projects and injecting fresh ideas into ongoing events and programs. As we end this year with great success in both events and membership, we look forward to the year ahead which will bring more changes, but further strengthen the GMCC. We continue to seek ways to add value to our membership and our community, all while making the Greater Mystic area a better place to work, live and conduct business. I truly appreciate the support of the staff, Board of Directors and mem-bers of our organization during this year of change, and I am proud to stand at the helm and direct our chamber into the future, thankful to all those who stand alongside me as I navigate these waters. Sincerely,

Tricia Walsh President Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

GMCC Mission

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The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, member-based organization that fosters and promotes business for its members. Our focus is, and always will be, to better our community through our programs, events and commitment to our members through the services we provide. We are keenly concentrated on how we can help improve and nurture the business environment of the Greater Mystic area.

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In 2013, the GMCC welcomed new staff into three positions.

Tricia Walsh, President

Cherie’lin Toporowski, Events Director

Hannah Stewart, Manager of Membership

Tricia joined the GMCC in 2007 as the Manager of Membership & Operations and most recently as the Director of Membership & Communications. Tricia was promoted to President in February 2013. She is a longtime resident of Mystic and feels passionate about the community and the importance of the GMCC. Tricia is a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and brings prior employee management skills to the GMCC.

Prior to joining the GMCC in February 2013, Cherie’lin completed her education at Eastern Connecticut State University and attended Savannah College of Art and Design for Arts Administration Masters Program. As a graduate student at SCAD, she taught special events planning. Most recently, she worked for the Mystic Arts Center as Assistant Educator for Studio Programs and freelances as a grant writer for nonprofits throughout Connecticut.

Hannah joined the GMCC in March 2013. She is a graduate of Bentley University with a Bachelor’s in Information Design and Corporate Communication. As a student, she completed programs with Channel 3 WFSB-CT News, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Rhode Island. Most recently, Hannah held the position of Institutional Advancement for St. Edmund’s Retreat at Enders Island, coordinating programming, development and special events. She is a lifelong resident of Stonington.

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The Welcome Center at Mystic Depot

The Welcome Center is open seven days a week to assist visitors with information about the area. The Welcome Station also houses the Amtrak Quick Ticket Machine, which passengers can use to purchase train tickets leaving from the Mystic station. Here at the Welcome Center,

staff and volunteers greet approximately 100,000 visitors and local residents each year. We are very fortunate to have numerous volunteers to assist the staff and visitors throughout the year.

Depot Volunteers 2013 Cynthia Boeninghaus

Jane Brannegan Celia Gallup

Sarah Lomax Dan O’Connor Joan St. John Bernard Wirth

The GMCC also works with local schools and universities to provide internship opportunities for students interested in business, communications special events, and social media.

GMCC Interns 2013 Roo Bosco

Keith Drakos Anika Pallan Alex Texeira

Thank you to all of our wonderful

volunteers and interns!

The Welcome Center at the Mystic Depot is the office space of the GMCC.

Alex made this great informational brochure for our

members during his internship!

Anika worked on this Annual Report!

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Did you know…? Mystic attracts over 60% of the state’s total visitors. The most common out-of-country visitors to the Welcome Center are from the United Kingdom. The GMCC has a 93% retention rate… the national average is 86%! There are over 760 business who are members of the GMCC, with around 60% located in Stonington, Groton or Mystic.

The favorite membership benefit of many GMCC members is the e-blast, which goes out every Monday to over 1,800 local residents and businesses. This is an opt-in mailing, and members can post announcements and special events for free!

Hannah is a notary public and can notarize member businesses’ documents for them. The 2013 Mystic Outdoor Art Festival featured artists from 15 different states and Canada!

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Membership Breakdown

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GMCC Membership by Town

GMCC Membership by Industry

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In October of 2013, we held our second-ever membership drive, which was extremely successful and brought in 28 new members! In total, the GMCC welcomed 84 new members in 2013. Membership Committee The GMCC Membership Committee meets regularly throughout the year to work on initiatives and new member recruitment. They serve as ambassadors at Business After Hours and other networking events, and check in with renewing and new members in an effort to maintain our high retention rates. These dedicated volunteers are essential to the staff and organization’s success.

Thank You Membership Committee! Jacqueline Almeida, Co-Chair (Mystic Aquarium)

Alex Bancroft (Gothie, Hoyt & Filippetti, LLC) David Brown

Heather Capalbo (Capalbo Accounting Services) Suzanne Giorno (Giorno Investigation Agency)

Christopher Grasso (The Washington Trust Company) Kristin Hartnett (LaughWorks)

George McCullen (The IT Wizard) Bridget Morrissey (Re/Max Property Consultants)

Barry Runyan (Primexcellence) Lorraine Sanborn (Sanborn Consultants)

Hannah Stewart, Co-Chair (Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce) Al Valente (ACI Merchant Services)

Christine Viele (Newport Federal Savings Bank/Savings Institute)

6 Membership Committee Members David Brown (left) and Al Valente (right)

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Mystic Matters 2013

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Ribbon Cuttings

The GMCC is pleased to offer members the unique opportunity to appear on TV! Members are encouraged to film an episode with the GMCC’s local public access show, Mystic Matters, and highlight their business. The show tapes February through November at the Groton Comcast Studios, and airs Monday nights at 8pm on Comcast Channel 12 and Thames Valley Communications Channel 12.

In 2013, 34 shows were taped and are now available on the GMCC

website via a link to YouTube.

Guests included:

ACI Merchant Systems Advanced Improvements, LLC

April’s Balloon Creations Center for Hospice Care Coogan Farm Committee

Duncklee Inc. Emerson Theater Collaborative

F&F Distributors Fairview Odd Fellows Home of CT

Florence Griswold Museum Fripperies

Groton Fall Festival Committee Lawrence & Memorial Hospital

Lifescape Enterprises

Little Learners Children’s Center Market Realty, LLC

Mashantucket Pequot Museum Mystic Blues Festival Mystic River Chorale

Mystic Seaport Riverfront Children’s Center

Sails Up 4 Cancer Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Sanborn Consultants Semolina Pasta Shop & Extra Virgin Oil Store

Simply Enchanted The Light House

The Pink Mermaid

This year, the GMCC was proud to organize ribbon-cuttings for over 15 new or expanding businesses. We wish you all prosperity for years to come!

Charles Schwab Everything Zen Groton Elks Lodge Horses Healing Humans Kevin & Co. Hair Salon Liberty Tax Service Mystic River Yacht Club Mystic Yoga Shala Norm’s Diner Saltbox Kitchens

Seaside Shadows Tailored to You The Pink Mermaid Wayne’s Barber Shop Yoga by the Sea

Hosts Tricia Walsh & Susette Tibus

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Networking Opportunities The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce offers the chance to create valuable connections through a variety of programs, which meet monthly. Each month a Business Before Hours, a Business After Hours, and a Groton Business Association meeting is held at a different GMCC member businesses. These gatherings include everything from guest speakers to door prizes. Everyone is encouraged to attend, with chamber members receiving a discounted rate.

Approximately 1800 business people attended these networking meetings in 2013.

Thank you to this year’s gracious hosts below!

Business Before Hours: 9 networking events in 2013, with over 180 guests

Windham Falls Estates The Pink Mermaid RE/MAX Property Consultants Stonington High School New England Science & Sailing

Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern CT Roseledge Country Inn The Light House Cardinal Honda & Fairview Odd Fellows Home of CT

Groton Business Association: 10 networking events in 2013, with over 200 guests

Columbia Air Services Fairview Odd Fellows Home of CT Riverfront Children’s Center Groton Inn & Suites Puffins Restaurant Edward Jones Investments– Mystic

Quick N Clean Car Wash Marine Science Magnet High School of

Southeastern CT Groton Utilities Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical

High School

Business After Hours: 11 networking events in 2013, with over 1400 guests

Toll Brothers Easymeeting Center for Hospice Care of Southeastern CT Lawrence & Memorial Hospital La Luna Ristorante Duncklee Inc.

Wireless Zone, Groton Florence Griswold Museum The Past Antiques Market & Museum

at Nature’s Art Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa Pendleton Health & Rehabilitation

Center

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Member Recognition BUSINESS OF THE MONTH PROGRAM

In 2012, the GMCC launched a Business of the Month Program to highlight a member business deserving of special recognition. Members are encouraged to nominate local businesses that they feel are deserving of this wonderful acknowledgement. The featured business is spotlighted on the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce website, the GMCC e-blast, publicized in the local newspapers, as well as special signage in front their business recognizing them as the Business of the Month.

January: Mystic Aquarium February: Simply Majestic March: Stonington-Mystic Patch April: Wayne’s Barber Shop May: Noank Community Market June: Mystic Arts Center

July: Wireless Zone, Groton August: The Pink Mermaid September: Kitchen Little October: Olde Mistick Village November: Fields of Fire

This year’s winners were:

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ANNUAL DINNER: DECEMBER 5, 2013

Each year, the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce honors award winners at the Annual Dinner held every December. The categories honored are: Community Service, Employer

of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and the recipient of the Josh Piver Memorial Scholarship, which is managed by the Chamber Foundation.

2013 Award Winners

Employer of the Year: Leo Roche (Harp & Hound) Community Service: Scott Gladstone & Neil Ryan (Wireless Zone) Volunteer of the Year: Groton Business Association Events Committee Josh Piver Memorial Scholarship: Kyle Gillick

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Community Service 2012 - Ana Schneider 2011 - Eric Janney 2010 - Greg Gilmartin & Grossman's Seafood 2009 - Neil Kluepfel & Washington Trust 2008 - Jim O'Boyle 2007 - Susette Tibus 2006 - Hariette Bessette 2005 - City of Groton & Groton Utilities 2004 - Mystic River Historical Society 2003 - Nobert “Bud” Fay and Robert & Carol Granato 2002 - Officer James Moore & Lt. William Jervis 2001 - SunShine Kitchen & Mark Turner 2000 - B.F. Hoxie Engine Company & Reverend G. Kenneth Carpenter 1999 - Mystic Art Association & William Martinelli 1998 - Mystic Junior Women’s Club 1997 - William Pere 1996 - Carol W. Kimball 1995 -Mystic River Park 1994 - Mystic Garden Club 1993 - Joyce Olson Resnikoff 1992 - Janice M. Fitton 1991 - Peter F. Stuart 1990 - Mystic River Ambulance 1989 - Mark Turner 1988 - Bill Topkin 1987 - Robert Cushman 1986 - Stephen Lee 1985 - George Banks 1984 - Louis Palmer

1983 - Willa Schuster 1982 - Stanley Popiel 1981 - Mystic Community Center 1980 - Edward MacDougall 1979 - Joseph Brustolon 1978 - Edward Coogan 1977 - James Allyn 1976 - Charles Brooks 1975 - B. F. Hoxie Engine Company 1974 - Aldo Santin 1973 - William Shea 1972 - Fire Chief Joseph Herman & Frances Wood 1970 - Joseph Santin 1969 - James McKenna 1968 - William Hermann 1967 - William Sylvester 1966 - Marie Croucher 1965 - Chief Frank Mabbett 1964 - Russell Pound 1963 - Fred & Margaret Wilson 1962 - Ralph Hughes 1961 - William Squadrito

Employer of the Year

2012 - Jonathan Duncklee (Duncklee Cooling & Heating Inc.) 2011 - Jeff Marshall (Mystic Shipyard ) 2010 - Mark Fader (The Williams School) 2009 - Lulu Kiley (Captain Daniel Packer Inne) 2008 - Al Dion (Groton Utilities) 2007 - Mary Ann Agostini (Coldwell Banker) 2006 - Mia McSherry (Michael Jordan’s) 2005 - Martha Hug (Whyevernot)

2004 - Edward O. McCabe

Volunteer of the Year 2012 - Mark & Mike Sauchuk 2011 - Courtney Moore & Maura Blaney 2010 - David Brown 2009 - David Sylvia 2008 - David Clay 2007 - David T. & Adam G. Knowles 2006 - Joshua Lyons 2005 - Bruce Brast 2004 - Bob Cardosa 2002 - Caroline McGuinness 2001 - Dr. Peter Lacey 2000 - Jane Brannegan

Josh Piver Memorial Scholarship

2012 - Nicholas Silvia 2011 - Melanie Floyd 2010 - Molly Rathbun 2009 - Nicole Heylmun 2008 - Lannon Eldridge 2007 - Jeffrey Lewis 2006 - Alaina Hallisey

Previous Award Recipients

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Special Events Mystic Outdoor Art Festival

The GMCC is proud to host one of the largest outdoor art festivals in New England! More than 250 artists exhibit oils, watercolors, photography, pastels, sculpture & acrylics, as well as 50 fine crafters display their creative works throughout the streets of Historic Downtown Mystic. This event draws over 75,000 people into the area over the course of the weekend. The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival (MOAF) takes place the 2nd weekend in August each year and celebrated its 56th year in 2013. In addition to being beloved by both

residents and tourists alike, MOAF fills hotels and restaurants, and is an important economic driver for the town of Mystic.

Image courtesy of

Carole Drong

Special thanks to the event’s co-chairs, Josh Lyons and Susette Tibus, who came out of retirement to help coordinate and

plan MOAF for their 11th year! 11

The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival Committee met monthly throughout the year to plan the festival and coordinate this wonderful event. A big thank you to the 2013 MOAF

Committee!

Jim Bates Rich Bernardo Roo Bosco Melinda Burridge Marilyn Dayton Tina Kelsey

Peter Lacy* Josh Lyons (Chair) Christine Neves Ann Szymanski Susette Tibus (Chair) Cherie’lin Toporowski

*Thank you Peter Lacy for your tireless dedication to MOAF— 2013 was Peter’s last year coordinating the judging and awards ceremony.

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The Taste of Mystic draws many hungry visitors to Cottrell Street in Historic Downtown Mystic! Attendees sampled delicious food from 24 area restaurants and enjoyed music throughout the weekend in the Beer Garden located at Seaport Marine.

Taste of Mystic Special Events

2013 Participating Restaurants

Thanks to the 2013 Taste of Mystic Committee Members: Sharon Morgan—Event Chair Karin Barth Roo Bosco Joann Correia John Layton George McCullen Susan Pochal Bill Scheer Edward Stebbins Cherie’lin Toporowski Jennifer Vincent Jessica Youngblood

Angie’s Pizza & Pier 27 Beachside Catering Bridge Restaurant Chef of All Trades David Burke Prime

High Rollers Jasmine Thai Margaritas

Mr. G’s Restaurant Mystic Drawbridge Ice

Cream Mystic Pizza

Mystic Rotary Club

North End Deli Octagon

On the Spot Catering Pizzetta

Red Lantern at Shrine Thai Jasmine Inc.

The Pita Spot The Portuguese Fisherman

Voodoo Grill Wide World of Bagels

Zhang’s

Image courtesy of Carole Drong

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40 UNDER FORTY celebrates the best and the brightest of Southeastern Connecticut, honoring 40 individuals under the age of 40 who go above and beyond for their community and profession. The 1st Annual 40 Under 40 Award Celebration was held on January 18, 2013 at MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort Casino. The awards are produced as a joint effort between the GMCC, the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce and The Day Publishing Company.

On May 10th, the GMCC partnered with the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce to host the 2nd Annual FUSION event, which took place at the Velvet Mill in Stonington. The event promised an experience for all of the senses, with food and beer tastings, as well as music, dancing and live body art. With over 500 guests in attendance, Fusion was extremely successful. We would like to thank the event’s generous sponsors: Valenti Family of Dealerships; Gira!; The Velvet Mill Studios; F & F Distributors; Foxwoods Resort Casino; Octagon Steakhouse; Gourmet Galley Catering; Bridge Restaurant; The Haversham; The Real McCoy Rum; Grey Sail Brewing Company; Langworthy Farm; Simply Enchanted; April’s Balloon Creations; Westerly Armory; M.J. Sauchuk Inc.; and Grossman’s Seafood. The Historic Downtown Mystic Sidewalk Sale occurs every August and invites residents and visitors to stroll the streets of Downtown Mystic, enjoying all the unique and quality products and services the area has to offer!

2013 marked the third year for MYSTIC RESTAURANT WEEK, which took place November 4th-10th and coincided with Charles W. Morgan Week at Mystic Seaport. Participating restaurants offered price-fixed menus for lunch and dinner. This event was proudly sponsored by CMPS Marketing, Edward Jones Investments, Mallove’s of Mystic, and Spicer Advanced Gas.

Participating Restaurants for 2013 included: 4 Roosevelt; Ancient Mariner; Anthony J’s Bistro; AZU Restaurant; Bravo Bravo; Captain Daniel Packer Inne; Ella’s Fine Food & Drink, Flanagan’s; Go Fish; Harp and Hound; Kitchen Little; Latitude 41; Mystic Diner; Oakwood Bar & Grill at Groton Inn & Suites; Octagon Steakhouse; Oyster Club; Steak Loft; and The Mystic Boathouse.

Special Events Additional Events

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SANTA CLAUS ARRIVES BY TUGBOAT occurred on November 30th, as Santa and his elves came to the Mystic River Park on the John Paul tugboat owned by the Wronowski family. Santa greeted the crowds and listened to all the children’s wishes. Also, Santa’s mailbox was in front of Mystical Toys and will continue to be— don’t forget to drop off your letters so he can answer you before his big day!

Also on the 30th at Mystic River Park, carolers gathered around for the TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING & 11TH ANNUAL MYSTIC HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE. This year’s tree was generously donated by Peter & Janilyn Taylor of Mystic. Over 20 vessels glided down the Mystic River, brightly decorated with a multitude of lights. A mix of sail boats, power boats, dinghies and row boats were all judged on creativity and team spirit. Characters from the Mystic Ballet’s Nutcracker were also wandering the park for spectators to enjoy.

2013 HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE WINNERS Most Charismatic Crew: Noank Village Boatyard

Innovative Vessel: Jenny M Best Dressed Vessel: Bonkaro

Miss Mystic Vessel of Grandeur: Grayling Best Small Vessel: SSG Edwin Rivera

A Mystic tradition, the Downtown Mystic Holiday Stroll, is a must for locals. Stroll the streets of Historic Downtown Mystic, and listen to carolers from Ledyard High School and Mystic River Chorale rejoice in the holiday spirit. Merchants stay open late, so everyone can get a start on their holiday shopping. In addition to the stores staying open, you can expect to see Mystic Ballet Nutcracker characters dancing in the storefronts, the Union Baptist Bell Choir performing, and Saxophone Santa himself walking the streets! The GMCC is also proud to host and sponsor numerous programs and events throughout the year for our member businesses. Such events in 2013 included the Education Leadership Breakfast, Tourism Boot Camp workshops, and the Groton Business Update.

Special Events Additional Events

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Photo by Larry St. Pierre Photography

Photo by Carole Drong

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GMCC Associations

The Marine Affairs Committee coordinates and collaborates with local businesses and boaters affected by local coastal waterways, as well as oversees the Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. In addition, the committee worked with the GMCC to produce the annual Mystic Boater’s Guide to help transient boaters who visit the area, of which 8,000 are printed and distributed. 2013 Committee Members: Keith Nielsen (Chairman), Lou Allyn, Amy Blumberg, Kathleen Burns, David Carreau, Dana Hewson, Danielle Lambert, Eric Limouze, Shannon Mckenzie, Courtney Moore, Chuck Stevens, and Paul C. Watts.

The Groton Business Association (GBA) is an affiliation of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce. Their purpose is to promote small business in Groton and to foster a sense of community and an awareness of what Groton

has to offer. The GBA produces a brochure and map, Discover Groton, with 20,000 printed. The GBA also holds three annual events: the Groton Fall Festival which took place on October 12th; the Groton Holiday Lights Parade which will occur on December 7th; and the Groton Business Update which took place in April of 2013. The GBA also meets monthly at different Groton businesses to focus on updates and news in the Town and City of Groton. The GBA is comprised of a Steering Committee which meets throughout the year to focus on specific goals, initiatives and events. They also host monthly networking events at different Groton businesses.

2013 Steering Committee Members: Susan Bailey (Chair), Jim Bates, David Brown, Jewell Jones, Lian Obrey, Jerry Olsen, Kathleen Poole, Lorraine Sanborn, Bill Smith, Al Valente, Tricia Walsh, and Frank Winkler 2013 Events Committee Members: Susan Bailey, Jim Bates, Lena Blanch, David Brown, Sharon Callendar, Jack Cervera, Tricia Cunningham, Linda Fecteau, Suzanne Giorno, Jerry Lokken, Bob Niderno, Lian Obrey, Jerry Olsen, Krissa Ressler, Lorraine Sanborn, Bill Smith, Tricia Walsh, and Frank Winkler

2013 Website Committee: Kathleen Poole, Al Valente, and Tricia Walsh

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Communications IN 2013...

The GMCC conducted Facebook promotions for special events and activities, and expanded Facebook pages for the GMCC, Historic Downtown Mystic, Taste of Mystic, Mystic Outdoor Art Festival and Groton Business Association. Combined, these pages now have over 12,000 likes!

The GMCC partnered again with the Eastern Regional Tourism District, Mystic Country, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT and The Day to produce Mystic Country Magazine, a complete guide to tourism in Eastern Connecticut. Over 250,000 copies were printed and distributed.

The GMCC also produced the Annual Membership Directory & Relocation Guide, which was printed and distributed by The Day to over 29,000 area residents and people relocating to the area.

The Wedding Guide was created and made available through the chamber’s website. It featured GMCC member venues, caterers, photographers and more.

Quarterly ad jackets were run in The Day in 2013 and reached over 50,000 readers.

The GMCC sent out over 65 weekly e-blasts in 2013 to over 1,800 local residents and businesses.

Over 125 press releases were sent out to local media from the GMCC office featuring member businesses’ news and events.

EXCITING UPDATE!

In 2013, a strategic plan was drafted and completed by the Board of Directors and staff for the GMCC’s action items and vision over the next five years. It will serve as a reference point moving forward to measure the organization’s goals.

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P.O. Box 143 Mystic, CT 06355

Phone: (860) 572-9578

Fax: (860) 572-9273 Email: [email protected]

Produced and Designed by Anika Pallan & Hannah Stewart


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