ELECTED 

Lisa Griffin, President and CEO of Eastern CT Savings Bank, has been elected to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce. Other officers elected are: Jeff Brining, of Norwich Public Utilities, Vice Chair; Les King, of Aspen Properties, LLC, Vice Chair; Stacie Lambert, CPA, CFO of The American Group, Treasurer; and Pam Kinder, Vice President of Business Development at United Community and Family Services, Secretary.

Griffin joined the Chamber Board of Directors in 2013 and became an Officer serving as Secretary in 2014, quickly moving to Vice Chairman in 2015. She serves as the Chairman of the Leadership program and is a member of the Chamber's Economic Development Committee. She replaces Nancy Cowser, who served as GNACC Chairman from 2019-2020.

Five new members have also been elected to be added to the board of directors: Roy Colebut-Ingram, Foxwoods Resort Casino; Evert Gawendo, The Nutmeg Companies, Inc.; Scott Sjoquist, Mohegan Tribal Health; Steve Bousquet, American Landscape & Lawn Science; and Andy Messier, CPA.

For more information call (860) 887-1647 or visit www.norwichchamber.com.

WORKSHOPS

SCORE:

"Media in Motion," Ron Wertz, Digital Marketing Specialist at Miranda Creative, Thursday, March 18, noon–1:30 p.m., Zoom.

"The Three-Page Business Plan," sponsored by Liberty Bank, presenter Eric Munro, Wednesday, March 24, 2–3:30 p.m., Zoom.

"Fundamentals for Starting Your Business Session #1: What's the Big Idea?", sponsored by People's United Bank, Tuesday, March 30, 5:30-7 p.m., Zoom.

"Fundamentals for Starting Your Business Session #2: Customers & Competition," Tuesday, April 6, 5:30-7 p.m., Zoom.

Contact for questions/info: Anne Driscoll, anne.driscoll@scorevolunteer.org.

NETWORKING

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT will host a Virtual Forum: Offshore Wind Energy on Thursday, March 18, 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Participants may choose to attend individual sessions at $10 each; or all three for $25. The event is sponsored by Burns & McDonnell. Speakers, agenda, and registration are available at www.ChamberECT.com/events or call 860-701-9113.

Young Professionals of Eastern CT will host a Virtual YPsocial Trivia Night on Thursday, March 18, 6-7:30 p.m. Young professionals network while playing a "Family Feud" style game. YPECT is a program of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT, sponsored by Charter Oak Federal Credit Union and Keith Turner Homestead Funding Corp. To register or learn more, visit www.YPECT.com or call 860-701-9113.

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT will host a Business After Hours: Virtual Networking with the Chamber on Monday, March 22, 4-5 p.m.  Members attend free courtesy of our Regional Benefactors, nonmembers $10. To register or learn more, visit www.ChamberECT.com/events or call 860-701-9113.

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT will host a webinar with Access Health CT and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz on Monday, March 22, 11 a.m.–noon. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Visit www.ChamberECT.com/events or call 860-701-9113.

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT will host a webinar providing updates on federal Paycheck Protection Program loans on Tuesday, March 23, 10-11 a.m. Chelsea Groton Bank EVP, Chief Operating Officer Tony Joyce will discuss the PPP process, application, forgiveness and second draw. PPP applications close on March 31. To register or learn more, visit www.ChamberECT.com/events or call 860-701-9113.

EVENTS

The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce EPIC Blood Drive is Friday, March 19 from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, Norwich. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redCrossBlood.org (sponsor code:  EpicNorwich).

GIVING

The Jonnycake Center of Westerly has received a $5,000 grant from the Royce Family Fund. The Jonnycake Center of Westerly is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides services designed to lift individuals in need out of crisis and lead them toward a path of self-sufficiency. The $5,000 grant from the Royce Family Fund will help the center's Food Pantry procure up to 25 tons of food from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and other partners. Established in 1986, the Royce Family Fund gives in support of education, environment, and health and social services. For more information, visit www.jonnycake.org.

Westerly Community Credit Union recently awarded WCCU Teacher Grants, totaling just under $8,000, for the 2020/21 school year. This is the 5th year that Westerly Community Credit Union has awarded grants.The recipents are Kelly Gonzales of the North Stonington School District; Elaine Temel, Laura Dow and Kate Southard of the Stonington School District; Ide Koulbanis of the Westerly School District; Kim Daigle, Mary Ellen Sposato and Ryan Bridgham of the Chariho School District; Bevin Winner, Erin McKeen, Gwynne Millar, Melissa Marino and Nicole Pichette of the Exeter-West Greenwich School District; Gail Dandurand, Jane Flood, and Leah Mitchell of the Narragansett School District, and Brenda Dillmann of the South Kingstown School District. For more information, visit www.westerlyccu.com.

MEMBERSHIP

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT welcomes its newest members: Heavitree of Griswold Bed & Breakfast, Innovast Digital Marketing; Make Your Mark Customs; Research and Development Solutions, Inc.; Sterling Precision Machining; and The Connecticut Audubon Society, Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center. Visit www.ChamberECT.com to discover a full Chamber member directory.