Local business group survives a ‘difficult year’ for funding

Norwich — The Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region faced a "difficult year," one fraught with business and funding uncertainty, outgoing chairman of the board John W. "Bill" Sheehan told the group’s annual meeting this morning.

"The economic downturn played havoc with attracting new business to southeastern Connecticut," Sheehan reported to the gathering of about 100 business leaders and politicians at the Norwich Holiday Inn.

In fact, SeCTer executive director John Markowicz said the group recently had to cancel a planned event to promote the region at the New York Yacht Club after getting only a smattering of responses.

But marketing director Deborah Donovan unveiled a new film produced for SeCTer that attempts to introduce entrepreneurs to the local business climate. The film features local business owners — including Dwayne Buckingham of Inncom in East Lyme, Tom Mosley of Mini Melts in Norwich and Bob Marelli of Seconn Fabrications in Waterford — talking about the talented local work force and local programs that have helped them thrive here.

"You have to feel good after you see it," Markowicz said.