SAVE MONEY ON YOUR ENERGY COSTS!

The Chamber has a discount program with North American Power. You can save at your home and business. National Grid rate's just increased but you can SAVE. www.napower.com/westerlychamber

MAIN STREET MATTERS Painting to Begin

March 30 is tentatively set as the date for Westerly to begin its transformation. Twenty downtown businesses have been selected by Benjamin Moore for a potential make over. The confidential list is not “set in stone” and could change depending upon the bids that are received. At first glance, we are thrilled with the scope of the project and delighted that so many local businesses will benefit from the incredible generosity of Benjamin Moore. Selected businesses have NOT been contacted yet, so don’t worry if you have not heard anything yet. Details will be coming very soon!

INSIDE

- New Members

- Member News

-Business After Hours

-40 Under Forty

Chamber News & Views February 2014 www.westerlychamber.org info@westerlychamber.org 401.596.7761

ELECTRIC EVE 5k Neon Glow Run Will Light Up Misquamicut June 27, 2014

Did you see The Bachelor tv show last night? One of the dates consisted of a 5k neon glow run. Guess what? Over 2 months ago this Chamber met with the officials at Misquamicut State Beach, and a handful of local businesses, and we now have our very own Electric Eve RI planned for Friday, June

The Governor’s Workforce Board is pleased to announce the release of an additional $700,000 to fund incumbent worker training to help RI companies upgrade the skills of current employees and build a highly-skilled, high-performing workforce. Rhode Island for-profit and not-for-profit businesses that contribute to the Job Development Fund are eligible to apply for matching grants of $5,000 to $40,000. The grant application may be downloaded at www.gwb.ri.gov/grants.htm. Two significant changes have been made to this grant:

27! Registration at 7pm, race at 9pm. Mark your calendars! It's going to be EPIC fun for families! A magical neon course route, food, funky neon outfits, and an awesome stage show and concert! If you would like to serve on the committee, contact Lisa Konicki.

* Companies of any size may apply for the maximum grant award.

* Companies that have a current Incumbent Worker Training Grant are eligible to apply.

An information session to review the grant application will be held on Monday, January 27 at 8:30 AM at the RI Dept. of Labor and Training, 1511 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, RI. Attendance is highly recommended. To register or for additional information, contact Dan Brown at 462-8823 or dbrown@dlt.ri.gov. Please bring a copy of the grant application with you. Proposals are due on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 no later than 4:00 PM.

Employee training grants for RI businesses $700,000 available in matching grants to train incumbent workers

Supreme Pizza 157 Granite Street Westerly, RI 02891 (401) 596-1001 Contact: George Papadopoulos supremepizzaofwesterly.com We are owned and operated by the Papadopoulos family. The business is conveniently located on Route 1 with plenty of parking on 157 Granite Street. Delivery and take out is offered for people on the go or people at work/home. Our family's main objective is to serve affordable food without damaging the quality. We believe that good food at a reasonable price outweighs bad food at a low price. The menu also has an array of items starting with pizza or subs and ending with dinners and clubs. Give Supreme Pizza a call at 401-596-1001 and allow our family to serve yours!

Law Office of Salvatore Ritacco, LLC 84 Liberty Street Pawcatuck, CT 06379 (860) 599-1111 Facsimile: (860) 599-4444 Office@RitaccoLaw.com ritaccoLaw.com We are dedicated to providing effective, practical solutions at a reasonable price. As a General Practice Law Office, we offer a number of services, including, but not limited to these areas: Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning & Probate Law, Criminal Defense, Collection, Corporate/Business, Family Law, Personal Injury, Landlord/Tenant, Property Law - Land Use, Residential & Commercial Real Estate for CT and RI. We are licensed as a Real Estate Title Insurance Agent in the State of CT & RI for Real Estate Closings. Please call for an appointment and a free in person thirty (30) minute consultation.

Westerly CrossFit LenCo Fitness 19 High St, Lower level Westerly, RI 02891 (860) 287-0860 Contact: Jared Coon jared@lencofitness.com westerlycrossfit.com We are a different kind of gym than you are used to. There are no mirrors, fancy locker rooms or judgment. We offer a wide variety of classes including bootcamp, CrossFit, and TRX suspension training. Each and every workout can be scaled to any fitness level. It takes will, drive, dedication, sweat and hard work to reach your fitness goals. We are a tight knit and accepting group that work together to bring you a great workout every day. Our knowledgeable trainers are certified personal trainers by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). They also hold certifications in other areas including TRX suspension training, small group training, American kettlebell, weight loss specialist, Olympic Weightlifting, Strongman, and Powerlifting. If being in a class sounds too intimidating, we offer individual training sessions. We will work with you to pair you with the trainer that best suits your fitness goals. We are here for results and nothing else. We are dedicated to getting people the results they deserve. Check our schedule and email a trainer to try a free class today! You can find us on Facebook under LenCo Fitness. Independent Representative- North American Power 8 Island View Court, Westerly, RI 02891 (401) 322-1608 Contact: Bob Mahl power@bobmahl.com I am an independent representative for North American Power. NAP is a licensed energy supplier in RI CT NH ME NY NJ IL PA OH MD and GA. Deregulation makes it possible for us to offer consumers competitive rates for their electricity and, in some areas, natural gas. We have a unique customer referral program with which I can show you how to get free electricity month after month and create residual monthly income with no investment and no risk. We offer customers 25% renewable (green) energy and 100% renewable energy. If you would like to support the Chamber go to www.napower.com/westerlychamber.

Golden Years Assisted Living Community 118 High Street Westerly, RI 02891 (401) 596-1333 Contact: Susan Perrotta goldenyearsri.com We are a state licensed 24 bed Senior Living Community that provides seniors with affordable housing, assisted living care and organized activities that are intended to put some “glitter” into their golden years. Our focus is on life transition care and the operation of a residence for those who need assistance but still want to maintain independence. We promote positive social/emotional living for every resident. We have been in operation for over 20 years. For the past 2 years it has been under new ownership and management. The Administrator, Nicole M. Adams, is also a registered nurse. Her passion is focused on each resident and their environment. We have been and are going through several renovations to enhance the overall experience for the residents. Once an old convent transformed into a transitional place for seniors, may be small, but that gives it its very homey feel. It truly is a great place to live.

Interested in hosting a Business After Hours?

Now taking reservations for 2015

Contact Kirsten Petrizzo at 401-596-7761

NEW MEMBERS

Todd M. Cambio, CSCS and owner of Precision Fitness in Westerly, has authored his 3rd book “Corrective Exercises For Reducing Common Aches and Pains” ($4.99 Kindle). In the book, Cambio explains why imbalances in the body tend to be the main reasons a healthy person has reoccurring aches and pains in their body. The book includes 3 simple methods of helping you balance out the body; a foam rolling routine, a corrective exercise routine and a static stretch routine. It contains descriptions and photographs of more than 30 of the most effective corrective strategies used by top trainers worldwide. This book is available at amazon.com.

The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation has done its part by making financial donations to support area food pantries. Ned Handy, Washington Trust’s new President & Chief Operating Officer, recently stopped by the Jonnycake Center of Westerly to hand-deliver a check to the Center’s Director Liz Pasquilini. Handy and his family have volunteered at the Jonnycake Center for the past several years, so he knows first-hand the value of services provided by the Center. The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation also made financial donations to the following Chamber member food pantries: Wood River Health Services, W.A.R.M. Shelter and Jonnycake Center, and the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center.

Governor Chafee appointed Gilbert Bricault, CRB, a local Realtor© and Broker Associate at Coldwell Banker-Cahoone Realtors to the Rhode Island Real Estate Board for a 5 year term. Gil Bricault, CRB “The Family Team-Coldwell Banker” Westerly, RI 02891 401-573-8727 South County Hospital Pharmacy Residents Christine Smelstor and Michael Halse, along with Kyle Fraeilli, Pharmacy Intern, have had posters accepted to the Midyear Clinical Meeting by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The posters will be featured at an exhibit during the 5-day conference in Orlando, Florida.

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union has announced a five-year pledge totaling $50,000 in support of construction of The Regional Community YMCA. The Regional Community YMCA will be located on 15 acres of land in Putnam, Connecticut. For the second year, Dime Bank has been raising money for the fuel assistance program of The Bradford Jonnycake Center. For each sale of Dime Bank logo’d ceramic piggy bank, the bank will donate $5 to The Bradford Jonnycake Center. Banks are available for purchase at all eleven Dime branch locations.

Westerly Community Credit Union has been selected for the 2013 Rhode Island Excellence Award amongst all its peers and competitors by the Small Business Institute for Excellence in Commerce (SBIEC). Westerly Community Credit Union has consistently demonstrated a high regard for upholding business ethics and company values. This recognition by SBIEC marks a significant achievement as an emerging leader within various competitors and is setting benchmarks that the industry should follow. As part of the industry research and business surveys, various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the selected companies in each category. This research is part of an exhaustive year long review process.

The Connecticut Bankers Association recently elected Michael Rauh, President of Chelsea Groton Bank to its Executive Committee of the Board.

Westerly Hospital’s Erin Kennedy, RN, was recently honored at the annual “Celebration of Excellence in Hospital Care” awards ceremony held by the Hospital Association of Rhode Island (HARI). A nurse in Westerly Hospital’s Medical Care Unit, Erin was recognized for exemplary performance and dedication to health care.

MEMBER NEWS

Events Internships Website Internships

Social Media Internships The Chamber of Commerce is the central nervous system of activities on our community. We are responsible for producing many of the major events in town and provide a promotional support role to all the others. We have a very small staff and rely heavily on volunteers and interns. Leslie Dunn, a Westerly resident attending college in Providence has recently joined our team as an un-paid volunteer. Leslie will be dedicating her efforts to our events over the next 11 weeks in order to gain valuable real life work experience that will give her an edge over the competition when she graduates from college this Spring. If you know of someone who would benefit from volunteering at The Chamber, please direct them our way. We have internships for social media, web development and events management.

Board Member Openings If you are interested in getting involved at the leadership level of The Chamber, please submit an email expressing your interest to Lkonicki@westerlychamber.org. Each April the Nominating Committee begins reviewing “the list” of interested candidates and works to develop a strong board that is representative of the membership. Board members must represent businesses large and small, must come from diverse industries, must have demonstrated commitment to The Chamber through volunteer work or membership longevity, and must be geographically located in the Westerly, Stonington, Richmond, Hopkinton Charlestown area. They Board sets the policies and charts the course for Chamber activities in the community. They also are an extremely active group of hands-on business leaders who physically support special events, get involved in local government issues to support business, maintain the grounds of our building and much more. It’s a great deal of work and a great deal of fun. Let us know if you are up to the challenge.

Seeking great photos of Families at Play in Westerly, at beaches (blue skies only), Watch Hill (lighthouse, carousel), and at special events for possible use in Go Westerly Magazine. Your images could be published in this signature publication that promotes our region. We need high quality, high resolution images that are candids, landscapes or action shots (fishing, surfing, camping, kayaking, ice skating). Email pictures to Lkonicki@westerlychamber.org by February 5.

Business After Hours at Savings Institute

Thank you to Jonathan Wood, Senior Vice President and his staff for a successful event. It was very generous of the Savings Institute Bank & Trust to give everyone a parting gift of a

beautiful logo blanket.

In Loving Memory of Sara

The Chamber is deeply saddened at the loss of one of its most treasured and dedicated volunteers. Sara Serra gave us more than 15 years of service and smiles. She was an amazing woman, incredible mother, and generous community supporter. We loved her very much and will miss her dearly. God bless the Serra family. This year’s Wings & Wishes Butterfly Garden will be dedicated in loving memory to Sara Serra. The event will take place at Pleasant Acres Nursery on July 12-13. On July 11 a special butterfly release event will be held and beautiful butterflies will be released in Sara’s honor.

Debbie Stebenne, Queen of Ducks

We extend a HUGE thank you to Deb Stebenne of Sea Shell Motel for scanning over 15,000 of the 20,000 ducks for this year’s duck race on April 26. Deb was an incredible help, and whizzed through the buckets of ducks as if she had done this task all her life. We are so grateful for her cheery disposition and unbridled enthusiasm. We will miss her at the office now that the project is complete!

Our Chamber is #4 in New England

WE DID IT!! Thanks to your incredible support our Chamber is now in the TOP 4 for Facebook Likes of every chamber in New England! We "dethroned" chambers in Cape Cod, MA and Killington, VT for the honor, gaining over 200 new likes in two weeks! Thank you so much-- let's keep our chamber fan base going and our local economy growing! Our next goal is very ambitious: Our Chamber has 2290 likes and we want to beat out Stowe, VT Chamber that has 3062.

RI Health Care - Get Involved

Is your business or organization struggling with rising health insurance costs? The Health Insurance Small Employer Taskforce is engaging small business and non-profit employers to voice your opinions on the state of health insurance in Rhode Island. You can get involved by: * • Visiting our website www.ritaskforce.com/ and liking us on Facebook www.facebook.com/RItaskforce>. * • Joining us at our next public forum www.ritaskforce.com/?page_id=47>. * • Becoming a member and sharing your story—email us to join. The Small Employer Taskforce is committed to amplifying the voice of small business in the health insurance debate. Contact Taskforce Coordinator Mark Gray at mgray@provplan.org for more information or call 401-207-7044.

FREE Business Membership FREE business membership to Sam's Club- in honor of their grand opening of our new club in Warwick, Sam's Club is giving every member of The Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber a Free Business membership good until Jan 24, 2015. You will just need to stop by the club when it opens or anytime after or any location to pick up your card The club opened on Jan 23 at 8:30 and is located at 25 Pace Blvd in Warwick. Phone number is 401-262-3138 and Fax number is 401-821-5401. Try their Click N Pull or Fax N Pull service to save time and effort. They will pull your order for you and have it ready the next day.

The 2nd Annual 40 Under Forty event was held on January 10th at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Casino. The event was a huge success and everyone had a great time. We would like to congratulate, once again, all of the 40 winners! A huge “Thank You” to all of our sponsors and everyone who attended. Additional photos of this event can be viewed on our Facebook page.

Melissa has been hired as the Chamber’s Front Desk Administrator beginning January 6

th. She has worked in the non-

profit sector since graduating from college. Melissa brings many years experience organizing community events, training volunteers as well as presenting at National Conferences on the prevalence of interpersonal violence. Her family has always vacationed and visited south county to enjoy our beaches, tourist attractions and simply enjoy the beauty of our area. Now a resident of Charlestown, she is excited to be working at the Chamber so she can help do her part to make our community thrive.

Please join us as...

40 Brightest Stars of Southern Rhode Island

are honored.

These individuals have been recognized for being the best and brightest our region has to offer while

consistently demonstrating excellence in their profession as well as leadership, commitment, and service to the community. They have helped make southern Rhode

Island a better place to live, work and play.

Tickets $60 each Includes tastings, networking, live music and cash bar

Please help us honor them by attending an awards ceremony on February 6, 2014 at the Village Inn in Narragansett at 6pm.

To purchase tickets please contact any of the participating

chambers.

Contact Lauren Sposato with questions or inquiries at

Lauren.WesterlyChamber@yahoo.com

Grand Opening Celebration of H and R Block located at

143 Franklin Street.

FEBRUARY 2014 CALENDAR OF EVENTS/MEETINGS Compiled by The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce

FEB BINGO! Westerly Senior Center. Cash prizes/Refreshments. Every Sun. & Wed. 6:30pm. 596-2404

FEB WESTERLY ROTARY CLUB MEETING. Mondays. 5:30pm. Venice Restaurant. 401-315-2317

FEB COPD SUPPORT GROUP@WESTERLY HOSP. Nardone Conf Ctr Every Wed. 10am Free. No registration req’d. 401-348-2300

FEB DIVA FRIDAYS GET RE-VAMPED FOR 2013@MOHEGHAN SUN Free to participate 888-777-7922

FEB PAWCATUCK NEIGHBORHOOD CTR Mondays Zumba Lite 9am, Wii Bowling 1:30pm, Gentle Yoga 1:30pm 860- 599-3285

FEB WINE WEDNESDAYS@MOHEGHAN SUN Every Wednesday Visit mohegansun.com/wine-wednesdays

FEB FEBRUARY FREEBIES@NATURE’S ART VILLAGE Every Weekend in Feb. 10am-5pm 860-443-4367

FEB 1,8,15,22 FEBRUARY FILM SERIES@MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM Every Sat. 2pm Free w/admission 800-411-9671

FEB 3 ‘13 WESTERLY COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT@H.Nardone Conf. Westerly Hospital 8am-Noon 860-442-0711

FEB 5 HOXIE GALLERY OPENING@WESTERLY LIBRARY Exhibit by WHS. 5-8pm Free 401-596-2877

FEB 6 40 BRIGHTEST STARS OF SOUTHERN RI AWARD@VILLAGE INN 6pm For tickets 401-596-7761

FEB 7 GO RED FOR WOMEN LADIES LUNCHEON@HAVERSHAM TAVERN Supports Am. Heart Assoc. Noon. Tickets 401-596-7761

FEB 7 WESTERLY ARTS OPENING NIGHT@ARTISTS COOPERATIVE GALLERY 5-8pm RI College Student Show 401-596-2221

FEB 7 DINE &DONATE FOR WESTERLY LIBRARY & WILCOX PARK@TWISTED VINE 5-9PM 401-596-2877

FEB 9 PASTA NIGHT@CALABRESE CLUB Supports Friends of Westerly Animal Shelter 5-7pm 401-742-1025

FEB 11 CAREGIVER SUPPORT GRP@ADULT DAY CTR OF WESTERLY Free & Open to Public. 2ND Tue. 7-8:30pm 596-1336

FEB 12 CHOCOLATE & WINE STROLL DOWNTOWN WESTERLY Sponsored:The Wines Store. Benefits:SUFA. Tickets 401-596-6160

FEB 13 TOWN OF WESTERLY LICENSE BOARD. Town Council Chambers. 2nd

Thur 9:30am

FEB 15-18 PRESIDENTS “ROCK” WEEKEND@DISCOVERY DEPOT 10am-5pm Free family activities 860-443-4367

FEB 16–5/17 BACKYARD MONSTERS: THE WORLD OF INSECTS@MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM 9am-5pm 800-411-9671

FEB 17-18 FACE PAINTING WITH “Z”@ MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM 10am-2pm 800-411-9671

FEB 17-18 BLACK HISTORY WITH ALFREDO ALLEN@MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM 11am-2pm 800-411-9671

FEB 17-18 WORMS FOR DESSERT?@MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM Noon-3pm 800-411-9671

FEB 18 WESTERLY-PAWCATUCK DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION. 16 High St 2nd

Fl. 3rd

Tue. 5:30pm

FEB 19-22 ANIMAL SHOW ON THE GO@MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM 11:30am 800-411-9671

FEB 19 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS@ARDENTE SUPPLY/WATERSPOT Wed 5-7PM RSVP 401-596-7761

FEB 20 EXECUTIVE BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING. Chamber Office. Noon. 401-596-7761

FEB 21 BLOOD DRIVE@MEL’S DOWNTOWN CREAMERY 4-7PM Free pint of ice cream w/donation 860-599-1363

FEB 22 OCEAN HOUSE BLACK & WHITE GALA Benefit Westerly Hospital Foundation 7-11pm 401-584-7000

FEB 25 ITALIAN WINE DINNER@CASA DELLA LUCE Tickets 401-437-4575

FEB 27 BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEE MEETING. Chamber office. 11:45am 401-596-7761

To include an event/meeting on our monthly "Calendar of Events," call or fax to Kirsten Petrizzo@ 401- 596-7761 or fax 401- 596-2190 before the 15

th of the month. E -mail: info@westerlychamber.org web site: www.westerlychamber.org

Benevides &

Turano LLC,

CPAs and Business Advisors

85 Beach Street Westerly, RI

401-596-9797

Waste

Management of

Rhode Island

Commercial Trash Services

(800) 955-0518