Celebrating Our Members
March 2021
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A warm welcome to our newest members!* We encourage you to connect with them soon and see where your next partnership can be!
*Joined 2/1/2021 - 3/4/2021
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Welcome to New Member Central Health Uniform |
Central Health Uniform is a mobile scrub store that travels across the state of Connecticut, to different nursing homes, selling scrubs. We sell medical uniform scrubs and accessories to medical professionals locally and online. Our traveling season is from April to October. We brimg the scrub store to you your facility and it's been a big hit with tins of positive feedback. Experience the convenience of shopping at Central Health Uniform mobile by booking a date for your event. In order to setup your event please call 203-572-5495 or visit our website at www.centralhealthuniform.com
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Events From Your Fellow Members |
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Foxwoods Restaurant Week (March 15-21) |
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Experience culinary perfection during Foxwoods Restaurant Week, featuring traditional prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner for only $20.21! Treat yourself to incredible specials and amazing flavors at Cedars Steaks & Oysters, Caputo Trattoria, Hard Rock Café and more! Join us for an unforgettable dining experience.
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Exchange Club Collecting Donations for Troops (Through March 31) |
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For the entire month of March, the Exchange Club of Waterbury is collecting items for the troops stationed overseas. They are sending as many boxes as they can fill! Needed items include Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, antibiotic ointment, lip balm, toothpaste, dental floss, mouth wash (travel size), good disposable razors, deodorant, foot powder, nail clippers, tweezers, individual “to go” drink mixes, plastic jars of coffee, powdered non-dairy creamer, jerky, tuna/chicken in foil envelopes, tuna/chicken salad kits, nuts, train mix (limit chocolate), protein/granola bars, hard candy (no chocolate-it melts), chewing gum, small sturdy flashlights/batteries, cup o’soup, instant hot chocolates, instant oatmeal, heavy (wool) socks, hand warmers, dried sausage (that does not require refrigeration). Donations can be dropped off at O’Rourke & Birch Flower Shop, 170 Freight Street Ste B1, Waterbury, CT 06702. Deadline for donations is March 31. For more information, people can contact Past President Virginia O’Rourke at 203.206.8338 or Acting President Megan Charette at 203.525.4251.
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Easterseals Presents Chocolate to the Rescue (Through March 31) |
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Easterseals of Greater Waterbury is holding a special fundraiser this month, when they would usually hold their annual chocolate expo. The first 150 donors to make a gift of $50 or more to Easterseals via the event link will receive a complimentary chocolate sampler box filled with a special selection of chocolates and cookies that have been donated by some of our favorite local businesses, including fellow Chamber members Fascia's Chocolates and Sweet Maria's, among others!
To make your donation, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chocolate-to-the-rescue-tickets-141044135807
Or, to make a payment by cash or check, reach out to Liz Szymanoski at 203.754.5141 ext. 243 .
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Literacy Volunteers Needs You! (Through March 31) |
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If you are an Ion Bank customer you can help Literacy Volunteers earn grant money by following the link below and voting for our program! For every vote Literacy Volunteers receives between February 1st – March 31st we will earn $25! https://cap.ionbank.com/CAP/Vote.aspx?ID=39
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Virtual Career Fair (March 16) |
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Looking to hire? Know someone looking for work? Take part in this upcoming Virtual Career Fair!
Date: March 16
Time: 10 am-1 pm
Contact:
Lauren Zordan VP Programs & Events
NW CT Chamber of Commerce
860-482-6586
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MSW Perfecto Cigar Dinner (May 7) |
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Main Street Waterbury is hosting its Annual Cigar Night on May 7, 2021 from 5:30pm - 9:30pm at La Bella Vista, 380 Farmwood Road, Waterbury. Spend a relaxing Friday night with great friends, great food and great cigars - al fresco style. Tickets include 4 premium cigars, food catered by La Bella Vista, wine, beer, and scotch/bourbon sampling. Not to mention, the opportunity to win some great raffle prizes! Tickets can be purchased online for $80 each or $75 each with 2 or more tickets. Tickets will be limited, first come first served. No tickets will be sold at 'door'. Purchase tickets online at: https://buytickets.at/mainstreetwaterbury/491113/r/wtbycham
Hosted by The Smoke Easy Cigar Parlor with support from the Brass Mill Center and Nutmeg Fine Wines & Spirits. Sponsorships are available, please contact Anabela Maia at amaia@mainstreetwaterbury.com to learn more.
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Offers a Wide Variety of Spring Semester Courses and Events |
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During the spring semester, in addition to over 40 of the high quality courses for which OLLI is known, a diverse and entertaining calendar of special events is available with something for everyone:
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UConn Waterbury is pleased to announce details of its spring 2021 semester. OLLI offers academic and social learning experiences to anyone 50 or over. All OLLI's classes are currently taught online, while still offering the broad range of courses and learning experiences for which Connecticut's only OLLI is known.
During the spring semester, in addition to over 40 of the high quality courses for which OLLI is known, a diverse and entertaining calendar of special events is available with something for everyone. March events include:
March 12th, 7:00pm: Acclaimed author Martha Hall Kelly discusses her novels, including Lilac Girls, the New York Times bestselling novel that revealed the incredible story of World War II heroine, Caroline Ferriday of Bethlehem, Connecticut, Lost Roses, and the forthcoming Sunflowers Sisters.
March 23rd, Noon: Powerful Voices: Connecticut Women Changing Democracy, presented by Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame
March 29th, 7:00pm (FREE TO THE PUBLIC):
Celebrating Women Artists and Composers Across the Centuries, presented by Waterbury Symphony Orchestra's Maestro Leif Bjaland, Robert Cinnante, and WSO Cultural Ambassador, Vincent de Luise, M.D.
All events are free for OLLI members. Non-members pay a $10 registration fee to attend most events. There is no educational requirement to join OLLI. Many classes are developed and taught by individuals who volunteer their time to share their knowledge and experience with other members.
Registration for the OLLI Spring 2021 semester opens on Monday, February 1st at 9:00 a.m. Session dates are February 15th to April 30th. Daytime and evening courses are offered every week during the semester, Monday - Friday. Annual registration is $65, with classes starting at $5. For registration and further information, visit OLLI's website at: olli.uconn.edu, email osher@uconn.edu or call 475-222-6261 / 6232.
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AAA Virtual Town Hall: Transportation and Climate Initiative (March 9) |
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Looking to advertise your company's news? The Chamber is happy to get updates out to members about your latest news. Click the button below and fill out the form to see your information featured in next month's newsletter! |
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B & G Sports In Waterbury Merges With ColorGraphix In Oxford |
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The owners of the highly-respected B & G Sports Company, Inc. in Waterbury and ColorGraphix LLC in Oxford, Connecticut, have announced the merging of their two long-established businesses. Matt Brunyansky (left), president of B & G Sports, Inc. commented, “We are very excited and pleased with this merger of our two well-established businesses effective February 24, 2021.” ColorGraphix, LLC Owner Jeff Jones stated, “This merger will significantly increase our service offerings including the addition of trophies and engraved items for ColorGraphix’s customers, plus full lines of athletic equipment. B & G Sports customers will have considerably faster and easier access to a full line of promotional items and enhanced graphic services.” All embroidery and silk screening services will continue to be performed in-house to the high quality and rapid turn-around customers have come to expect from both companies. To learn more visit www.BGSportsInc.com or call 203-757-2571, or visit www.colorgraphix.com or call 203-264-5212.
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Wheeler Family Health & Wellness Center at 855 Lakewood Road, Waterbury, Provides Chiropractic Care |
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Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Center at 855 Lakewood Road, Waterbury, in conjunction with Anthony H. Debe, DC, offers chiropractic care for people of all ages. Services are available to the public, as well as for patients registered for Wheeler’s primary care or behavioral health services. In-person and telehealth visits are available. Commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid are accepted.
“Chiropractic care offers many advantages such as pain relief, motion improvement, and more,” said Dr. Debe. “This type of care also facilitates concise diagnosis, effective co-management of conditions, and referral and linkage with other services, particularly those services offered through Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Centers.”
Wheeler’s chiropractic services include treatment of a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including disk disorders, sciatica, sprains and strains, and other issues involving the muscles, ligaments, and joints. Treatment for headache reduction and patient education centered on healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification also are offered.
In addition to Waterbury, chiropractic services are offered through Wheeler’s Susan Walkama Family Health & Wellness Center at 43 Woodland Street in Hartford.
Elements of treatment include:
· Joint mobilization and manipulation
· Soft tissue therapeutic procedures
· Muscle stretching and strengthening exercises
· Workplace/ergonomic recommendations
· Posture rebuilding exercises
· Healthy lifestyle support to relieve common causes of pain, and more
Dr. Debe completed his bachelor’s degree at Stony Brook University and earned his doctorate from the University of Bridgeport. He is an adjunct professor at Naugatuck Valley Community College and the University of New Haven, where he teaches Anatomy and Physiology.
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Holy Cross High School Supporting the Greater Waterbury Food Industry |
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Holy Cross High School has always had the support of local, small businesses. Entrepreneurs, business owners and local officials have graciously donated their goods and services for the betterment of the school. Holy Cross leadership recently found themselves in a situation where the school could give something back to some of those supportive businesses. School leadership examined how they provided lunch options to the students. In the past, the school partnered with food service providers. However, the administration found itself reassessing the daily lunch model with the arrival of COVID-19.
"We brainstormed ideas," said Kathleen Partin '93, Director of Finance and Operations. "We didn't want to risk purchasing inventory that could potentially go bad if we were not in the building for an extended period of time due to the pandemic." Mrs. Partin thought about all of the local restaurants and delis that supported the school in the past. "We decided to reach out to nine restauraunts to see if they would be interested in providing lunches for our students. Five replied back and said they were interested."
Crusader lunches now take on a local flair. On Mondays, the aroma of Noochies Italian food fills the hallways. The beloved burgers (and more) of Frankies loom large on Tuesdays with a Brooklyn Baking Company cookie to finish off the meal . The iconic Nardelli's sandwiches are offered on Thursdays. Amalfi's closes out the week on Friday with pizzas and more.
"Hot and cold items are offered each day," said Mrs. Partin. "Every day, there are healthy options. Students don't just get fried food. They can also purchase beautiful sandwiches and salads." "Bringing in local restaurants this spring to provide the lunch program for our students was an easy decision to make," said Dr. Thomas C. Pellegrino, President of Holy Cross High School "Beyond the quality of the food and the popularity of the vendors with our students and families, we felt this was one small way Holy Cross could help support the local food industry here in Waterbury. The offerings are diverse and offered at reasonable prices. The students love it, which is the most important thing."
"I am an alum of the school. My kids also went to Holy Cross," said Justine D'Amelio '84, who owns and runs Noochie's with her husband, Gianni. "When Kathleen asked us to be a part of this, we were so honored and thankful that we were able to bring our products into Holy Cross. We have a lot of pride in them and are happy to share them with those who know us and those who don't."
"I was excited when Holy Cross reached out to me, " said Chris Dwyer '10, owner of the Nardellis in Southbury. "It is always an exciting opportunity to mix what I do for a living with the school I went to."
Dwyer was very prepared for the demand of making lunches for a large number of hungry adolescents. "Bagged lunches are more prevalent now because of COVID-19. We have a good system in place at the store. We prep what we can the day before and time out what we need to do on the day of delivery. It's hard to start something new like this. I give Kathleen a lot of credit."
Lunch sales have doubled since this started in February. "Every week, we see more orders coming in," said Mrs. Partin. "The snow days have been challenging, and we appreciate the patience of our local partners. We are definitely pursuing this through the end of the school year. We will reassess what we are doing for the next school year."
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WThe Top 7 Reasons Why You’ll Want To Work With Valued Technology Services For Your IT Projects And Support |
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1. We SPECIALIZE In Working With Fast-Growth Companies. That means we understand your incredibly hectic and stressful work schedule and WHY it’s critical to remove obstacles, frustrations and technical problems to keep you productive. We understand your desire to eliminate waste, extra steps, work-arounds and manual labor. We also have tech support available 24/7/365 since we know you don’t work the normal “9-5” day and can help you maintain the freedom to work remote while making sure you meet compliance standards for data security and backups.
2. We Have The Unique Ability To Address Your IT Needs – From Vision Through Long-Term Support. We assist from vision to design and planning, to product specification through pricing and acquisition, to installation, implementation, documentation and project management, to post-project support of you and/or your users. This allows you to have one consistent team to work with that understands your environment, your people, how you work and your history, which means you don’t have to waste time educating us.
3. We Have A Team Of Experts With A Combined 20+ Years Of Experience On Staff. Unlike other IT firms, we have a team of engineers on staff with diverse, specialized areas of expertise who work together to deliver the most effective and correct solutions to you. That means you’ll always be able to get someone on the phone who knows YOU and understands YOUR environment and YOUR systems to provide helpful answers and quick resolutions of problems instead of having to talk to a complete stranger hundreds of miles away who knows nothing of you or your systems and wastes your time asking a lot of really dumb and annoying questions to try and “help” you.
4. We Use Our Vendor Relationships To YOUR Advantage. Having an advanced level of partnership and relations with key vendors (Microsoft, Datto, Webroot) allows us access to special pre- and post-project assistance support levels that most “partners” do not have. We are able to provide the right solutions, priced right and validated by the vendor, so if any issues come up, we can get them resolved quickly and effectively.
5. We Support Both On-Premise And Cloud Solutions. Some IT firms won’t offer or recommend cheaper cloud solutions because THEY make less money. Our philosophy is – and always has been – to offer what’s BEST for the customer, not us. That’s how we keep so many customers long-term. We’ll base our recommendations on what YOU want and what YOU feel most comfortable with. Our job is to lay out your options, educate you on the pros and cons of each and guide you to the best, most cost-effective solution for you.
6. All Projects Are Completed As Agreed On And On Budget. When you hire us to complete a project for you, we won’t nickel-and-dime you with unforeseen or unexpected charges or delays. We guarantee to deliver precisely what we promised to deliver, on time and on budget. We can offer our agreements on a fixed-fee basis, so you know exactly what you’re going to pay, not a penny more.
7. We Have Flexible, Tailored-To-Your-Needs Support Options to help you better manage your environment. We provide our customers with a variety of managed support options, ranging from back-end maintenance and monitoring for issues, to user help-desk support with ticketing, to strategy and budget and asset/license life-cycle management. We have successfully provided IT support and can create a solution specifically for you and your team.
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$337,923 in New Grants from Connecticut Community Foundation Include Funds to Combat Hunger, the Effects of COVID, Homelessness and Environmental Contamination |
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Connecticut Community Foundation recently awarded $337,923 in grants to over 25 nonprofit organizations serving residents of Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. The funds will bring vital programs and services to people in need in 2021.
Julie Loughran, president and CEO, stated, "At a time when so much has been disrupted and needs are so great, these grantees are on the ground throughout Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills, providing local residents food, shelter, health care, education supports, and so much more. We are proud to support their work, and grateful to the local donors whose generosity made these grants possible."
Recent grants include:
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Grants totaling $61,360 to eight nonprofit organizations that work in youth mentoring and early childhood care and education, including support for early childhood providers as they grapple with the economic impact of COVID.
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$100,000 to 13 organizations working to meet the basic needs of local residents. Among the awards are grants to reinforce the structure of an emergency food pantry, help people experiencing homelessness find a path to stability, and support literacy education opportunities for adults.
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$75,025 in grants to 11 organizations for environmental efforts that range from providing training, mentoring, and internships in forestry to eight public high school students, to cleaning-up and restoring contaminated properties.
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$30,890 in grants to benefit residents of Southbury through the Southbury Community Trust Fund. Projects funded include providing fresh and nutritious meals to senior centers, assisting schools with the purchase of school supplies, and supplying quilting materials to make quilts for cancer patients.
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$70,648 in grants to six nonprofits that improve quality of life for older people.
One of the many grants awarded will go towards supporting the CHD (Center for Human Development) Hospitality Center in Waterbury. This organization helps provide a safe haven for homeless families and individuals. The center also offers information about programs designed to move people out of homelessness and toward independence.
Belinda Arce-Lopez, Program Director of CHD Hospitality Center in Waterbury, CT says, “We are incredibly grateful to the Connecticut Community Foundation for investing in the work we do to help people experiencing homelessness in the greater Waterbury region. This award will do so much to strengthen the resources we have to help those in vulnerable circumstances confront barriers and work towards achieving a healthy, balanced life. We believe positive change starts by meeting the most basic needs first: a hot shower, clean clothes and a warm, welcoming environment. Funding from this grant will directly impact the lives of over 800 individuals who seek help and support at the Center each year.”
Grants are made possible by the generosity of donors who have established more than 500 charitable funds at the Foundation to benefit residents of Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills.
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Managing Partners and Private Wealth Advisors named in Forbes Magazine “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” List |
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David R. Bouffard, MBA, CRPC®, APMA® and Mark R. Jones, CFA®, CFP®, Managing Partners and Private Wealth Advisors with Ameriprise Financial in Middlebury were named to the list of “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” published by Forbes magazine. The list recognizes financial advisors who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism, and success in the business.
As a private wealth advisory practice, Fiduciam Financial provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with their clients. Bouffard and Jones have 40 years of combined experience with Ameriprise Financial. For more information, please contact Lisa Gayle at (800) 895-6625 or visit the Ameriprise office at 835 Straits Tpke, Ste A, Middlebury, CT 06762.
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Branagan Communications Consultants Launches Publicity Campaign to Announce Merger Of B & G Sports With ColorGraphix |
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Barbara Branagan-Mitchell, owner of Branagan Communications Consultants public relations, publicity placement and marketing communications agency, launched a regional area press release/publicity placement campaign to announce the merger of the highly-respected and long-established B & G Sports Company, Inc. in Waterbury and ColorGraphix LLC in Oxford. Celebrating 28 years of sole proprietorship success, Branagan Communications Consultants specializes in helping businesses and organizations to raise rapid awareness of their achievements, products and services, and more. Branagan-Mitchell offers free phone or zoom consultations to help businesses and organizations identify newsworthy publicity angles. Barbara can be reached directly at 860-210-0149 or via email to barbara@branagancommunications.com. To learn more, visit www.branagancommunications.com.
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Bsquared Intel Announces Report Card App Beta Release |
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Bsquared Intel is excited to announce the beta release of their report card application. The report card application currently checks for six cyber security pain points to help your organization get a high level view of your security posture. You can also compare your grade to the score of the entire user base and in your general industry to see how you stack up against everyone(This data is anonymized). For a limited time Bsquared Intel is offering this service for free for Chamber Members during the month of March.
To qualify you must be the owner of your organization or have the authority to act on behalf of your employer to take advantage of this service. You must also be willing to give feedback and answer some questions.
To learn more, or if you’re interested in participating in the testing, please contact Bill Becker for details at info@bsquaredintel.com or call 203.828.0012.
To stay up to date with cyber security and intelligence news and get tips, tricks, and tools, as well as what’s going on with Bsquared Intel you can do so via:
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Golden Technology Services and Bsquared Intel Can Protect Your Business Online |
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Bsquared Intel is CT based cyber security and intelligence firm. From Verizon's 2020 Data Breach Investigation Report, 70% of breaches were caused by external actors and 86% of the attacks were financially motivated. When it comes to businesses 28% of the victims were small businesses. We focus on external threats to an organization because your perimeter is no longer the four walls of your office, it's the Internet. Let's have a conversation so you can learn more about how Bsquared Intel can help you with your information security goals. Contact Bill Becker at info@bsquaredintel.com or call/text 203.828.0012.
Golden Technology Services Inc. is a CT based computer, network and IT security services corporation with a focus on cyber awareness education and testing. A cyber attack or hack is a deliberate attempt to gain access to your computer systems, networks and infrastructure which can result in stolen sensitive data with significant financial and reputational loss.
- 77% - The percent of cyber crimes that target small-to-mid-sized businesses
- 90% - Up to 90% of breaches can be avoided with quarterly employee training on cyber security awareness
- 78% - 3 in 4 people claim to know the risks of clicking unknown links in emails and yet still click on these links
- 97% - The percent of consumers that cannot correctly identify phishing emails
Test drive – WorkWise the cyber awareness on line education offering’s “Social Engineering’ module at no charge to see the content as well as the look and feel from our U.S. Alliance Business Partner InteProIQ: https://inteproiq.com/demo/socialengineering/ Contact Justin Golden at info@gtscloud.com or call (972)679-9738.
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SharedWork Program Offers Solutions for CT Employers |
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Connecticut Manufacturing Assistance Center |
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Upgrade your business with the help of CMAC, an industry leading specialist in hand assembly and quality assurance. At CMAC, the quality, care and control are the same as you would want in your own facility. Let us take your hand assembly needs and execute them to your specifications and on your schedule.
Planning your next move?
Look no further! The Connecticut Manufacturing Assistance Center is here for all your hand assembly and quality assurance needs. Centrally located in Waterbury, CT, CMAC’s unique operation can assist by providing a high quality and on time product for you. For more information contact: Zachary Westfahl 920-204-4969 or email Zach.zach.westfahl@gmail.com
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AARP Connecticut Offers Year-Round Discounts |
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AARP Connecticut offers members terrific year-round opportunities to save money and connect them with people and places in their community while supporting local, nonprofit educational and cultural venues.
Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall – AARP members can enjoy great discounts on admission and memberships to a variety of Connecticut museums and cultural attractions, local theater, musical performances, educational classes, and more!
New offers are added throughout the year so bookmark www.aarp.org/ctdiscounts and check back often for information about current discounts for AARP members and updates. Special restrictions may apply, so please be sure to read all offer details before purchasing. For information about discounts for AARP members from exclusive merchants and national retailers, click here.
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Palace Theater Affinity Program |
Did you know that as a Chamber member you get special discounts to select shows at the Palace Theater? As an affinity member, you receive a minimum 10% discount off most Palace events with the opportunity to receive even larger discounts on certain performances. When you purchase tickets by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Palace Theater Box Office, mention to your sales and service representative before the point of purchase that you are a Waterbury Regional Chamber Member and would like to take advantage of the Affinity Discount. If you are purchasing tickets online, at www.palacetheaterct.org, use the Promotional Code: WRC. Please keep in mind that some restrictions may apply and discounts may only pertain to certain seating sections based on performance restrictions. For more information on show specific discounts, please contact the Palace Theater Box Office at 203-346-2000.
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RECEIVE OUR TEXT ALERTS!
Text "chamber" to (203) 496-4462 to receive a few updates or reminders from the Chamber. You can respond to any text and we will receive your response!
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