A Message from our Director
 
Although we're having wintery weather our Chamber team is thinking about spring and, believe it or not, summer! The preparations for our largest fundraiser of the year, the Annual Duck Race & Festival, starts now with the outreach to our local non-profits to participate in ticket sales.
 
Everyone knows that Duck Day is a fun family event, but did you know that the Duck Race has raised $356,000 for over 240 organizations in the last 13 years? Your favorite organization can raise money to support its group's mission and cause, with no cost to participate. Click here to learn more about how you or the group you care about can sign up.
 
There is, of course, plenty going on between now and June 3rd at the Chamber, including our advocacy efforts with the elected officials. Join us for the Naugatuck Legislative Breakfast on February 28th to connect with your legislators and discuss what the 2018 Legislative Session has in store for your business. Plus keep scrolling for a full listing of our upcoming networking events, news, and Chamber updates.
 
The Chamber staff is here to support you and your business- please reach out if we can be of assistance at (203) 757-0701 or  cligi@waterburychamber.com.

All the Best,  
Register Today - Upcoming Chamber Events
  21st Annual Harold Webster Smith Awards
Friday, February 9
 
Tuscany Trip Informational Wine and Cheese Reception
Monday, February 12
 
February Out for Business at Waterbury Hospital
Thursday, February 15
 
  Watertown Oakville Chamber Legislative Breakfast
Thursday, February 22
 
YPOWR CEO Series: Seminar 3- John L. Hopkins
Friday, February 23
 

Annual  Waterbury Mayoral Luncheon
featuring Neil O'Leary
Tuesday, February 27
 
Naug Chamber logo
Naugatuck Chamber Legislative Breakfast
Wednesday, February 28
 
Chamber Open House Informational Breakfast

Tuesday, March 6
 
YPOWR Minute to Win It Networking Social
Wednesday, March 14
 
Member News, Events and Updates
Ribbon Cutting: Statefarm Insurance - McCormack Agency
State Farm Insurance McCormack Agency recently celebrated the opening of its new location at 22 Park Place in Naugatuck. The business, previously located at 223 Meadow Street, provides auto, home, property, business, life and health insurance products. Participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left: State Representative Rosa Rebimbas (R-70), Burgess Laurie Taf-Jackson, Naugatuck Mayor N. Warren "Pete" Hess, Insurance Account Representative Stephanie Cabral, owner John McCormack, President & CEO of the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation Ronald Pugliese, Insurance Account Representative Tamirys Dos Santos, Burgess Rocky Vitale, and Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce Director Courtney Ligi. For information, visit www.mccormackinsurance.com or call 203-720-0100.   View Member Profile.
Easterseals 25th Annual Chocolate and Food Festival (March 10)
Easterseals 25th annual Chocolate and Food Festival is coming to the Naugatuck Event Center on March 10th! At this popular event participants will be able to sample an overflowing assortment of chocolate, gourmet foods, as well as beer and wine. There will be a silent auction, door prizes and more! To order tickets please visit  www.eastersealschocolateevent.eventbrite.com  or find us on Facebook (Easterseals of Greater Waterbury) Tickets are $20 for adults, and $5 for children ages 5-11. View Member Profile.      View Member Profile.
Room for Rent at Balanced Body
Room for rent for a massage therapist or other holistic modality in a Chiropractic and wellness center. Looking for a motivated therapist with a special interest in therapeutic work and a holistic mindset to join our team. Learn more about us at  www.BalancedBodyCT.com or stop in at 223 Meadow Street, Naugatuck. Call: 203-723-9257  View Member Profile.
Ion Bank  Gives Employees Awards for Outstanding Customer Service
Ion Bank has awarded their quarterly customer service commendation to Amanda Scott, Personal Banker, at our 665 North Colony Road, Wallingford branch.  The SARF Award (Safety & Security, Accuracy, Responsiveness and Friendly, Personalized Service) is given every quarter to the employee who best represents the Bank's engrained culture of giving customers the service and dedication they deserve, every day. "A focus on the customer and providing outstanding service are fundamental features of the Bank's service standards," said Charles J. Boulier III, CEO, Ion Bank. "It distinguishes Ion Bank from other regional banks. It is an honor to recognize employees who best exemplify those features." Amanda joined Ion Bank 5 years ago as a Teller and became a Head Teller before her current position of Personal Banker. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Communications from Southern CT State University. She is a native of Bethany where she currently resides. Photo of Ion Bank employees - left to right - Craig Wallace, VP, Infrastructure Operations; Marcia Arndt, VP, Branch Operations; Kathy McPadden, EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer; Amanda Scott, Personal Banker - Wallingford; Charles Boulier, CEO; Justin Bush, Personal Banker - Naugatuck; Sorrina Salvatore, Business Development Officer; Jeffrey Hernandez, Branch Manager - Wallingford.
 
 
View Member Profile.
Ion Insurance hires Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Ion Insurance Corporation, a full-service independent insurance brokerage affiliated with Ion Bank, has hired Lisa SanAngelo as Vice President, Chief Operations Officer. In this newly created position, Lisa will oversee and manage all areas of the insurance agency to ensure continuation of employee and customer satisfaction and facilitate annual growth and strategic objectives. Lisa was previously employed at H.D. Segur Insurance in Cheshire, CT as Operations Manager and Tracy-Driscoll Insurance in Bristol, CT as Vice President, Operations Manager. She is a native of Wolcott where she currently resides with her husband Gary and children Alexandra, Gabrielle and Nicholas.

 
 
View Member Profile.
To submit your news to the chamber newsletter, fill out the form at www.naugatuckchamber.com/newsletter
Hiring and Training Programs Available
Do you need help finding qualified workers for your business? Could you use some financial assistance to offset the cost of hiring and training new workers, or training your existing workforce? The Waterbury Regional Chamber is working with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board to help businesses in Greater Waterbury learn more about the available hiring and training programs and whether they qualify for them.  This includes providing information on posting jobs on the state's CTHires.com website, as well as information about Manufacturing Innovation Fund Incumbent Worker Training, the Apprenticeship Program, Hiring Veterans, and On the Job Training programs. For information, contact Dave Krechevsky, the Chamber's director of public policy and economic development, at dkrechevsky@waterburychamber.com or 203-757-0701.

Click Here to see information on this grant on the Chamber's Website.
Networking Made Easy!
Promote Your Business
Promote Your Business with Prize Donations
Promote your products and services and get great exposure by donating a gift certificate or item to a Chamber function. 

Donated items are drawn as prizes for our Out for Business events, Young Professionals of Waterbury Region networking events, Out for Health events, and more. 

When you donate, you can gain a new customer and your business is publicly spotlighted by the Chamber.   Start a Donation Today! - Click Here

Shop Local, Shop Chamber
SHOP LOCAL, SHOP CHAMBER
We're working to promote shopping local and shopping Chamber! Our new digital initiative provides the opportunity to promote your business through our e-mail, newsletter, and social media exposure to encourage your fellow members to shop local and utilize your business. Every month, different members will be showcased- and YOU can be a part of it. Click here for further details and consider which month you'd like to sign up for. Contact Julie at  jdonato@waterburychamber.com  today!