FRONT LINE OPPOSITION TO BYPASS

Chamber News & Views February 2017 oceanchamber.org info@oceanchamber.org 401.596.7761

The Governor’s staff met with Paths to Progress, a statewide bike path coalition that our Chamber serves on. A priority list for the $10 million state bond money was created and at present, Westerly is “penciled in” to receive $500,000! If the Town approves the $30,000 request for the updated feasibility study in this budget, we should update the 2009 plan and then be in the position to receive these funds this fall. The proposed path would run along Shore Road in Westerly.

Since early in the summer, the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce has been the lead in our region informing officials about the FRA proposed bypass plan. While other groups have remained silent, we’ve held informational meetings in Mystic, addressed the Westerly Town Council twice, donated funds to SECoast for the legal battle, engaged our members and elected officials. Chamber leader Bruce Morrow and members of the Westerly Town Council rallied at the Rhode Island State House on January 25 to oppose the FRA’s “alternative route” rail line. This effort is to make a very public statement that Westerly is strongly opposed to this plan for its potential negative economic impacts as well as the impacts on the environment. Also in attendance was Senator Algiere, and Representatives Azzinaro and Fillipi. Please join us at the February 11th rally at Olde Mistick Village from 10am -12noon near the Red Caboose located by the Mystic Aquarium

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS JANUARY:

BIKE PATH PROGRESS

77 Franklin Street, Westerly, RI 02891 P: 401-596-6464

NEW VIDEO CAMERA DOWNTOWN

The Ocean Community Chamber Foundation has bought and donated another new $3,300 camera to the Stonington Police Department. This video camera has been installed on Joe Falcone’s building to address the bridge activity and to monitor vandalism that has taken place. This effort will support our downtown business district. Thank you to Save The Bay for their cooperation and to Joe Falcone who owns the building.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bruce Morrow

INSIDE - New Members

- Ribbon Cutting

- Upcoming Chamber Events

NEW MEMBERS

Miner Discount Fuel, LLC Westerly, RI 02891 Phone: 401-596-7800 Minerdiscountfuel.com Contact: Lori & Rob Redding

Professional. Experienced. Knowledgeable. As a third generation owner and President of Miner Discount Fuel, Rob Miner is proud to continue his commitment to the lowest fuel pricing (we WON’T be beat!) and the finest in customer service. We deliver #2 Heating oil for residential and commercial customer; Kerosene for residential customers; On and Off Road Diesel for Fleets and Marinas. Check our website for prices…we post our prices daily for RI and CT, www.MinerDiscountFuel.com. We invite you join the Miner family because Life’s Finer with Miner! For any 1st delivery of 150 gallons we are offering $5.00 off to Chamber members Call or order online 401-596-7800. For questions or information email Lori@MinerDiscountFuel.com. We are thrilled to be part of the Ocean Community Chamber!

Town of Richmond, RI 5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898 Phone: 401-539-9000 Richmondri.com Contact: Karen Pinch

Richmond is a rural town of approximately 23.7 square miles in southern Rhode Island with a population of 7,800. Richmond has historically been a farming and forestry community with small mill villages along its waterways. Today, residents value its open spaces and natural features and like its small-town feel and quiet streets. Richmond is known for its recreational opportunities, including several golf courses, many hiking trails, and plenty of places to access the river.

The Town of Richmond Continued…… Richmond has a five-member Town Council with the day-to-day operations handled by a Town Administrator. The Town employs less than fifty people. The Richmond Police Department is a full-service police department, and the Town is considered one of the safest in Rhode Island. Two volunteer fire districts are responsible for fire protection, and rescue services are also separate from the Town. Children in Richmond are educated by the Chariho Regional School District. For additional information, please see our website at www.richmondri.com

Ritacco Electric, LLC 4B Spuchy Drive, Westerly, RI 02891 Phone: 401-596-7799 Ritaccoelectric.com Contact: Frank Ritacco

Ritacco Electric is your one stop solution for residential and commercial electrical wiring, upgrade and fixture installs. An owner run business operated by master electrician Frank Ritacco, Ritacco Electric is licensed for all electrical contracting including low voltage and networking cable jobs. When it comes to quality electrical work from a reliable company, the logical choice is Ritacco Electric. Serving Southeastern CT and Southern RI since 1997.

Roofing & Home Solutions, LLC. 22 Hawley Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379 Phone:860-222-3276 Roofingandhomesolutions.com Roofing and home Solutions, LLC wants to be certain your home Improvement project is a fantastic, easy experience and not a contracting nightmare. We strive to provide Superior customer service, since we desire to keep your contracting needs in the future. Roofing and Home Solutions, LLC. Is a Connecticut and Rhode Island roofing company with over a decade of experience. We offer a 2 year Craftsmanship warranty on all of our projects. Shingles also receive a lifetime materials warranty. We specialize in roofing, siding, windows and gutters.

April’s Balloon Creations LLC 21G Flintlock Road, Ledyard, CT 06339 Phone: 401-316-7266 Aprilsballooncreations.com Contact: April Brunelle

April's Balloon Creations LLC specializes in creating unique and awe inspiring Balloon Art. This unique art form can be expressed in the form of top notch balloon animals, jaw dropping life size sculptures, amazing decor, or even wearable balloon dresses. April is an award-winning artist known in her field for her skills and creativity. There is hardly anything she cannot build or create given enough time and balloons.

John Henderson Construction, LLC 300 Pendleton Hill Rd. Voluntown, CT 06384 Phone: 860-639-8695 Johnhendersonconstruction.com Contact: John Henderson

We are an owner operated, full service, building and remodeling company who has been in business for over 20 years. We have a shop centrally located right in Westerly, RI. In addition to our construction team we also specialize at installing residential and commercial roofs. We are a Certified GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor. Only 2% of roofing contractors have this certification. This means we can offer true Lifetime Warranties to all our customers and we install the best roofing system you can have. Whether it's a new home, a renovation, a roof, new siding, or new windows we would love for you to become another one of our satisfied Connecticut or Rhode Island customers!

Above: The Velvet Vine held their ribbon cutting on Friday, January 6th. This funky, warm and friendly wine bar has great food and drinks. Located in the Velvet Mill in Stonington Borough. Congratulations Michelle Isted!

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Benevides &

Turano LLC,

CPAs and Business Advisors

85 Beach Street Westerly, RI

401-596-9797

The Chamber of Commerce is donating use of 5 of its laptops to community volunteers from VITA, an IRS sponsored organization. The volunteers provide free tax preparation services to elderly and low-income clients in our community. Locally, Robert Ritacco who has volunteered more than 20 years in this capacity has led the program. The Chamber is proud to be able to share our equipment and assist residents with this vital community service.

SUPPORTING FREE TAX PREP

Rally to STOP the FRA NEC Rail Bypass

Saturday, February 11th

10AM – 12PM At “The Caboose”

Olde Mistick Village Coogan Blvd., Mystic CT

See Stonington Community Forum for updates. To help or more info

contact Stephen Bessette 860-460-1544

Stephenbessette@gmail.com

Stonington Community Forum Olde Mistik Village Mystic Aquarium

Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Mystic Chamber of Commerce