Norwalk Chamber March 2015 Report

When you get business profes-sionals from up and down theFairfield County coast you’re

in for a jam-packed afternoon of businessbuzz and networking. Don’t miss this op-portunity at the upcoming Multi-Cham-ber Expo and Networking event onWednesday, March 18, 2015, from 2:00PM to 5:00 PM at the Norwalk CommunityCollege, West Campus, 188 RichardsAve nue in Norwalk. Join the Chambers of Commerce of

Bridgeport, Darien, Fairfield, Norwalk,Stamford, Stratford and Trumbull, andWestport as their members connect or reconnect over food and refreshments.Get the chance to learn about other areacompanies and get the word out aboutyours at the Expo where more than 100businesses will showcase their servicesor products. Admission is free. To reserve an

exhibit table, email: [email protected] or call (203) 866-2521.

MARCH 2015

Table of ContentsFeatured Chamber Members . . . . . . pages 4–5

Professional IT TrainingOpportunity . . . . . . page 7

In the Spotlight . pages 8–9

Events Calendar

To RSVP to any of these events:Call: 203.866.2521Email:[email protected]

Online:www.norwalkchamberofcommerce.com

MULTI-CHAMBER NETWORKING AND EXPO Wednesday, March 18, 20152:00 – 5:00 p.m.Norwalk Community College,West Campus188 Richards Avenue | Norwalk

CHAMBER ANNUALMEETINGThursday, April 2, 20155:00 p.m.Continental Manor112 Main Street | Norwalk

BUSINESS BREAKFAST Thursday, April 9, 20157:45 – 9:00 a.m.Crown Prints25 Harbor Avenue | Norwalk

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Wednesday, April 22, 20155:30 – 7:30 p.m.Raymour & Flanigan641 Connecticut Avenue | Norwalk

Pump up Your Networkingat Multi-Chamber Expo

Sponsored by:

Governor Dannel P. Malloywill be the guest speakerat this year’s Greater

Norwalk Chamber of Com-merce Annual Meeting, to beheld on Thursday, April 2. Theevening will begin with a cocktailreception at 5:00 p.m. followed bydinner, and a special address by theGovernor. The event will take placeat the Continental Manor, 112 MainStreet in Norwalk. Governor Malloy, who is serv-

ing his second term as governor,will discuss the state of the stateand his future plans for Connecticut.Since 2011, his administration’s topagenda items have included creatingjobs, improving public education,

stabilizing the state’s finances, makinglong-overdue investments in the state’stransportation infrastructure, and pro-

tecting the environment. Malloy was born and raised in Stamford, wherehe served as the city’s longest-serving mayor from 1995 to 2009. To join the area business community for the Chamber’s most significant

event of the year, contact the Chamber at [email protected] or call (203) 866-2521.

Governor Malloy to Speak at Chamber Annual Meeting

BENEFIT PLANNING SERVICES LLC

Presented by:

Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy

Reach the entire Chamber member-ship and The Hour readership in the

THE CHAMBER REPORTIf you are interested in advertising in the

June 2015 issue of

THE CHAMBER REPORT, call

203.354.1097 for information today!

2 THE CHAMBER REPORT l March 2015

On April 1st my two-year term as chairman will end and I can honestly say that ithas gone by much faster than expected. It truly has been a pleasure to serve aschairman and the people that I have worked with at the Chamber do an absolutely

wonderful job of running programs and events to benefit all of our members. I think that it is really an exciting time to either work or live in Norwalk. Several projects

have been completed during the past two years and more have been approved. I am hopefulthat the General Growth Partners retail project will get approval to move ahead so that wewon’t miss out on the opportunity to have a mixed-use development that will not only createmore jobs in Norwalk, but will also add significantly to the tax base of the city. I am alsohopeful that we will be able to get charter revision through so that a Norwalk mayor will havea four-year term rather than just two. Under our current charter, a newly elected mayor barelygets their feet on the ground and soon they have to begin running for re-election. Moreover,many cities of our size and import have four-year terms for mayor or chief elected official. Looking at the bigger picture, the economy has seen improvement in Connecticut; however

we are still lagging behind the national numbers in some key areas. Unemployment was at6.4 percent in December 2014, a full percentage point lower than December 2013 — an im-provement, but the U.S. unemployment rate was 5.6 percent. To date, we have recovered 80 percent of jobs lost during therecession, while the U.S. number is over 120 percent. Proposals being considered by the 2015 General Assembly for moreexpansive paid sick leave, paid family medical leave, and a state-run retirement plan do not send the message that Connecticut isbusiness-friendly. We are still ranked at, or near, the bottom of most polls as one of the least friendly business environments, andour General Assembly must begin to take notice and realize that we cannot continue down this path.In closing, I would like to thank Ed Musante, Brian Griffin, Deb Cocchia, and Connie Taylor for all the wonderful work that

they do, but also for making my job very easy. It’s truly been a pleasure to work with them over the past two years. And to all ofour members, thank you for your support. It is your participation and involvement that makes us who we are — an organizationthat not serves and enhances the local business community, but also benefits the community at large.

Cordially,

J. Michael SuttonChairman

The Greater Norwalk Chamberof Commerce Board of Directors

2014 – 2015

J. Michael Sutton, ChairmanBenefit Planning Services,

LLC

Lissette AndinoEverSource

Harry CareyAT&T

Karen CondronSharp Performance USA

Michael M. DevineEarth Energy Alliance

Heidi DeWyngaertBankwell

Irene DixonHilton Garden Inn

Jerry EffrenThe Greyrock Companies

Clay FowlerSpinnaker Real Estate

Partners, LLC

Marc J. GrenierLaw Offices of

DePanfilis & Vallerie, LLC

Donald R. GustafsonShipman & Goodwin, LLP

James HaynesNorwalk Hospital

Kathryn HebertCity of Norwalk

Douglas HempsteadStew Leonard’s

Glen LeblancFairfield County Bank

David LevinsonNorwalk Community

College

Michael McNeillDolce Norwalk Center

Edward J. Musante, Jr.Greater Norwalk Chamber

of Commerce

Randy NapoletanoNorwalk Bank & Trust

Peter M. NolinCarmody Torrance Sandak

& Hennessey, LLP

Kristin OkessonConnoisseur Media CT

Joseph K. PasseroKlaff’s, Inc.

Terri PolleyFinancial Accounting

Foundation

C. Eric RainsEric Rains Landscape Architecture, LLC

Danielle RobinsonDiageo

Luciano V. SclafaniGus Sclafani Corp.

Stanley M. SeligsonStanley M. Seligson

Properties

Douglas SmithPeople’s United Bank

Richard TavellaRick’s Main Roofing

Chet ValianteThe Hour Publishing Co.

Ruthann WalshPepperidge Farm, Inc.

Steven WarrenAlbert D. Phelps, Inc.

Frank N. ZulloTierney Zullo Flaherty

& Murphy

Sign up for our e-newsletter The Chamber eport, at

[email protected]

GREATER NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

101 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06852-0668203.866.2521 | Fax: 203.852.0583

www.norwalkchamberofcommerce.cominfo@norwalkchamberofcommerce.com

Editor:Carolyn Ripp/Snyder Group [email protected]

Design: Judie Szuets • Production: The Hour Newspapers

The Chamber Report, published quarterly, welcomes information about your company and your comments.Contact the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce at the phone number above.

Chamber Staff:Edward J. Musante, Jr., President [email protected] Griffin, Vice President [email protected]

Deb Cocchia, Administrative Assistant [email protected] Taylor, Bookkeeper [email protected]

Chairman’s Message

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE.

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COMMITMENT.

Business Financing Specialists committed to the development and success of our Norwalk businesses.

Let us determine the lending solutionbest suited to your business:

Commercial Mortgages

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(877) 431-7431 • www.fairfieldcountybank.com

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Eric Rains can’t wait for spring – but not for all the usualreasons. Spring is when his firm’s projects of the pastfew years come to life again, serving their surrounding

communities as parks, elderly care facilities, private family re-treats, multi-family entertainment spaces, hotel and restaurantcourtyards. South Norwalk-based Eric Rains Landscape Architecture

(ERLA) provides site design services for corporations and com-mercial properties, institutions, mixed-use developments, andresidential estate properties. Rains started the company almost four years ago after work-

ing with another firm in the area for 15 years, running theircommercial studio. After studying landscape architecture, hebegan his career outside Washington D.C. in Maryland workingwith such great clients as the U.S. Library of Congress, TheLandscape Architect of the Capital, The Federal Reserve, Mc-Cormick Spices International, Georgetown University, and bothJohns Hopkins Hospital and University. Since starting the com-

pany, Rains has worked on a number of notable projects in theNorwalk area including National Hall in Westport, Ironworks inSouth Norwalk, the Central Greenwich Public Library, Restora-tion Hardware (nationally registered historic Post Office building)in Greenwich, and MasterCard World Headquarters in Purchase,New York. However, the work is not limited to the greater New York

metro area. Eric Rains Landscape Architecture has projects andconsulting work in Boston, MA, Pittsburgh, PA, South New Jer-sey, and Long Island. The consultant teams for his projects ofteninclude professionals from all over the country and in some in-stances, the world. ERLA works very closely with other design

professionals such as architects, developers, engineers, and landuse attorneys. The design style of the firm includes simple and clean lines,

shapes, and forms that facilitate the intended use or purpose ofthe space. It is never complicated with elements or details thatdo not support the use or purpose.One of Eric Rains Landscape Architecture’s most rewarding

roles in the area is as part of the team that recently completedIronworks. “Projects like Ironworks are important because oftheir impact on the community,” says Rains. “It is exciting toknow that people’s experiences while visiting SoNo are enhancedin ways that were not possible before the project. It is also ex-citing to see all the many new residents and businesses that werenot here before.” To learn more about Rains and his company , visit www.eri-

crains.com, or contact Rains at (203) 853-7600 or [email protected].

Whether you’re looking for someone to make the perfectcup of coffee or deliver the perfect presentation, In-deed, an online recruiting firm, can help you make

the right hire for your business. Billed as the #1 jobsite in the world with 140 million unique

monthly visitors, Indeed offers a range of options for those look-ing for employees and those seeking a job. Companies can postjob listings for free, or they can sponsor a listing (getting themmore prominent visibility at the top of search results) and onlypay when job seekers click on the position. Job seekers can create resumes on Indeed Resume, and com-

panies can search resumes for free and get targeted results for

any field. Payment is only required when the company is readyto contact prospective hires. Employers can also create detailed profile pages that include

reviews, photos, and job listings – this allows potential employeesto find the company that is just the right fit for them. For smalland medium businesses, Indeed offers a dedicated team to supportthem via phone, live chat, and email.Founded by Paul Forster and Rony Kahan in 2004, Indeed is

a subsidiary of Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. The corporate officeis in Stamford, CT, but has offices in Austin, Mountain View,New York in the United States, as well as offices in Dublin andLondon. For more information on how Indeed can help your company

find the right candidates to fill your open positions, please contactthem at 1-800-296-2085.

It all started with a New Year’s resolution. Twelve years ago,Kristen Jensen took a big risk. She was looking for a changein her life. So for the new year she got proactive, and started

seeing a career coach. She took the leap into her own photogra-phy business, bought the best digital cameras on the market, de-signed a state of the art website, and started Kristen JensenProductions.For over 20 years, she worked on the other side of the camera.

As a model with Ford Models and an actress, she traveled toover 30 countries and worked with hundreds of top photogra-phers. After the birth of her son, she was looking for somethingcreative to do closer to home and photography seemed a perfectfit.“Back when I was modeling. I started taking photos of models

and the images were amazing. I then started hanging out withthe photographers and art directors on set, collaborating withthem on creating an image, selling a product,” says Jensen. “Irealized at that time I was really talented and people took noticeof my advice and what I had to say. I felt right away that I hadfound my calling as an artist, photographer, and image strategist.” Since then, Jensen has built her business as a lifestyle pho-

tographer and videographer working on advertising, magazine,

and portrait assignments. In addition, Kristen shoots still life’sincluding food, interiors, and luxury products.Jensen works a variety of clients including corporations,

small businesses, independent contractors, CEOs, celebrities,artists, musicians, magazines, families, and individuals. About75 percent are business customers, most from the greater FairfieldCounty area.For small businesses she often focuses on image strategy.

This includes branding an individual and/or product and pres-entation. “I include in all of my photo and video shoots consul-tation on hair, makeup, wardrobe, and how-to-pose and knowyour right angles,” says Jensen. “I also offer logo design andspecial print/video packages.” Jensen’s work has also gone toward a greater good, which,

she says, has been some of her most challenging yet rewardingwork. “The most challenging project I worked on was a docu-mentary for Multiple Myeloma for which I wrote, produced,and directed the entire thing,” says Jensen. “The 25 minute com-pleted piece was able to raise over $600,000 to help fight MultipleMyeloma.I am also extremely challenged by photographingbreast cancer survivors. I have been doing so for the past eightyears and every year I have a black and white show that raisesawareness about breast cancer. This has been my deepest (mostheartfelt) work as an artist and it has helped many women andcontinues to do so.”If you’re looking for a photographer, videographer, or some-

one to help you or your business with your image, contact Jensenat (888) 278-1011, [email protected], or visit www.kris-tenjensen.com

Featured Chamber MembersKRISTEN JENSEN PRODUCTIONS

INDEED.COM

ERIC RAINS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

THE CHAMBER REPORT l March 2015 5

Featured Chamber Members

The Preferred Group LLC is a communications firm de-signed to construct and convey a client’s message to a desiredaudience whether via public relations, advertising, or social me-dia. The company also specializes in communications for polit-ical campaigns. Whether you run a small/medium sized business or nonprofit

and want to reach a larger audience, your organization may belooking for ways to be more active in your community. Or per-haps you’re a political candidate looking to navigate the land-scape of your electorate. The Preferred Group provides counselto all of these groups.“For companies today, establishing a presence in your desired

marketplace using the various mediums of TV, the internet,Facebook, and radio is an absolute must, says president VinnyMangiacopra. “We can help small businesses, organizations,

and entrepreneurs to market better in our new digital age.”Norwalk resident Mangiacopra founded The Preferred Group.

He ran for mayor of Norwalk in 2013. At 31, he was the youngest

person in Norwalk’s history to run for mayor. Born and raisedin Bridgeport, Mangiacopra has worked for former Mayor JohnFabrizi and probate court in Bridgeport; served as Economic &Community Development Coordinator for the town of Monroe,and served as campaign aide to former Westport First Select-woman Diane Farrell and also to United States CongressmanJim Himes.“The way we connect is the foundation of relationship. Those

relationships are what help each of us grow, inspiring more outof one another. With vision and honest rapport, collectively wecan achieve what we considered impossible on our own,” saysMangiacopra.

For more information visit www.thepreferredgroup.org, orcall Mangiacopra at (203) 650-3065.

THE PREFERRED GROUP LLC

Norwalk’s newest dance company opened with a full sea-son of ballet classes this past September. Norwalk Met-ropolitan Youth Ballet [NMYB] offers a full slate of

classes for students from beginner to advanced, several En Pointeballet residencies, and performances in the local public andparochial schools.Adam Holms, M.A., a Fairfield native, is a co-founder and

artistic director of the Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet. Hehas taught dance in his home state for nearly a decade. Holms’snoteworthy teaching credentials include some of the most pres-tigious nationally and internationally recognized dance organi-zations. Mr. Holms is one of the lead outreach ballet instructorsfor American Ballet Theatre’s Outreach Department, a judge,and the director of choreography for CLAP American Ballet inGuayaquil, Ecuador. In addition, he has worked with his Ecuado-rian colleagues to create Arts in Action, an arts education outreachprogram serving the greater Guayaquil region of Ecuador. “I am fortunate to bring some great professional ballet con-

nections to the studio, but what makes my work with NMYBmost fulfilling is my admiration and adoration for the dancers,”says Holms. “We are delighted to be in this diverse city, andlook forward to continuing to help all of our dancers achievetheir personal goals.”

Most recently, students from NMYB participated in thePhiladelphia Regional Semi-Finals of the Youth America Grand(YAGP) January 15–17, 2015. YAGP is the world’s largest net-work of dance and provides participants and finalists with schol-arships, master classes, educational activities, performances, andso much more. NMYB was the only dance studio from Con-necticut to participate in the Philadelphia Regional Semi-Finals,which has a reputation for being the most challenging of the re-gionals in the area. “We are a brand new studio and have already established

ourselves in the professional ballet community with our suc-cessful participation at the Philadelphia Semi-Finals of YAGP,”says Holms. “Our dancers were not only well prepared, they

were poised, well-trained, displayed solid technique, behavedas courteous professionals through every aspect of the process,and were proud ambassadors of ballet for the City of Norwalk.” Sara Adriani of Easton, Olivia Creigh of Milford, and Ben-

jamin Boveroux, Anna Davis, and Alexander Holms, all of Trum-bull, are NMYB’s Ensemble Étoile. They competed with a pieceof original choreography called “We Are Dancers,” which wascreated specifically for this competition by Holms. Creigh competed as a soloist in the Junior Competitive Con-

temporary division with a piece of original choreography called“A Time Gone By” with a Romeo and Juliette theme. Daviscompeted in the Pre-Competitive Classical division with a vari-ation from “La Fille Mal Gardee” as well as in the Pre-Compet-itive Contemporary Division with an original piece of choreog-raphy called “One for Max.” Davis placed in the top 12semi-finalists in both of her divisions and was invited to competein the YAGP finals in New York in April. Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet is located at 36 Main

Street. They are currently enrolling in technique classes, JuneInterim Session, as well as summer ballet workshops. Classesare geared for students ages six to adult, and leveled frombeginner to pre-professional. For more information, visitwww.nmyb.org, email [email protected] or call (203) 258-4820.

NORWALK METROPOLITAN YOUTH BALLET

Guidelight Financial (GLF) is a Norwalk based business thathas two focuses: one, independent financial planning advice andwealth management solutions to individuals, the other the corporateretirement plan business. GLF effectively helps small businessowners and 401(k) plans deal with the impact of new and evolvingDepartment of Labor fiduciary responsibility and fee disclosurerules. By leveraging their independence and fiduciary capabilities,GLF provides small businesses clarity and guidance in helpingthem comply with the complex regulations they face.

GLF utilizes a custom six-step process built around threeprinciples: simplicity, focus, and balance when it comes to cor-porate retirement planning. They evaluate the company’s currentplan, conduct a feasibility study, create a fiduciary shield, andbenchmark vendors against current provider. They also offer em-ployee education while reviewing the continued appropriatenessof the plan over its life. GLF can work with virtually any 401kvendor.

Most plan sponsors or employee investment committee mem-bers lack the time, expertise, or true understanding of their fidu-ciary liability (i.e., personal). GLF will sign on as co-fiduciaryto reduce liability in the investment due diligence process. Theyalso provide a written service agreement detailing full disclosureof compensation and services provided.GLF was founded by Felix Serrano in 2009 after more than

a decade as a wealth manager in New York City for a major fi-nancial services firm. When Serrano decided to set out on his

own, he, along with his business partner Steve Ortega, set upGuidelight Financial in the heart of South Norwalk. Having beenborn and raised in Norwalk, coming back home was importantto Serrano. Serrano has a wealth of knowledge, having earned the highly

coveted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, the Ac-credited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation as well as aJuris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law.He currently serves as chairman of the Norwalk RedevelopmentAgency. Serrano has also served as vice president of the Boardof the Puerto Rican Family Foundation in New York City andwas a Merrill Lynch liaison to the Hispanic National Bar Asso-ciation.For more information or for a free evaluation of your current

401k plan, contact GLF at [email protected] or call(203) 354-3131.

GUIDELIGHT FINANCIAL


2014 Holiday Reception at Dolce Norwalk

During the 2014 Holiday Reception, United Way Campaign Champion andChamber Vice Chairman Terri Polley talked to the crowd about theimportance of the new ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained,Employed) initiative being addressed by the United Way of CoastalFairfield County. At the event, Chamber members generously raised fundsfor this new program to help those who suffer financial hardship.

Proud recipients of the Chamber’s 2014 Small Business Award


From the stage ofthe Music Theatreof CT, Chamber

members introducethemselves to the

crowd at theFebruary Business

Breakfast.

L. Tim Sheehan,Executive Director

of the NorwalkRedevelopment

Agency, providesan update on

development at the2015 Economic

Outlook &Development

Review. R. Director of the

CT Center forEconomic Analysis,Fred Carstensen,

speaks at the 2015Economic Outlook

& DevelopmentReview.

Members enjoygreat food and

unbeatablehospitality during a

Business AfterHours at Sparks

Sports Grill.

The Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board is accepting applications for ITtraining scholarships, through a H1B grant. To find out more about this training op-portunity, you're invited to attend an information session.

INFO SESSION:The first Thursday of each month at 11:00 AM: March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2

ELIGIBILITY: 18 years or older unemployed for 27 weeks or more, underemployed (part time), some

college credits, a desire to successfully complete the program.

To reserve a seat, contact CITI at (203) 251-9516 or go to www.citi.uconn.edu and contactus!

Professional IT Training Opportunity


Greater Norwalk area concerned citizens, parents, chil-dren, prevention specialists, clergy, schoolteachers andadministrators, and law enforcement are invited to attend

the Courage to Speak® “Empowering Youth to be Drug Free”Family Night on March 16, 2015. This community event willtake place at 5:45 p.m. at West Rocks Middle School, 81 WestRocks Road in Norwalk. The event includes student speakers, a dynamic, riveting, and

thought-provoking Courage to Speak® presentation combiningthe intensely personal story of a family shattered by drugs withthe latest information and statistics on substance abuse and pre-vention. In addition, the Courage to Speak Community Leader-ship, Volunteer and Recognition Awards will be presented.

The Courage to Speak® Foundation is dedicated to savinglives by educating and empowering youth to be drug free andencouraging parents to talk to their children about the danger ofdrugs.

Ginger Katz, along with her husband Larry, travel and speak

to a variety of audiences and age groups at many forums aroundthe state and the country. With a team of experts, the organizationdeveloped drug prevention education curriculum evaluated andrecommended by Yale School of Medicine. Many facilitatorsand teachers across the country implement the Courage to SpeakFoundation student curriculum in elementary, middle, and highschools as well as a multi-session program for parents calledCourage to Speak Courageous Parenting 101®, which gives par-ents tools toward keeping their children safe.The Courage to Speak Foundation's office is located at 71

East Ave, Suite M, Norwalk CT. For more information about theevening or the organization, please call (203) 831-9700 or visitwww.couragetospeak.org.

In the SpotlightEleventh Annual Courage to Speak® Family Night

Stepping StonesMuseum forChildren’s flag-

ship fundraising socialevent is returning to Nor-walk on Saturday, March28. Balancing whimsyand sophistication, theKaleidoscope Ball, ablack-tie optional, adult-only affair, will featurecocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner by AbigailKirsch, a unique auction, music, dancing, and aspecial awards presentation to recognize leaderswithin our community.The highlight of the evening will be the pres-

entation of the 2015 Stepping Up for ChildrenAwards. Since 2006, the museum has been rec-ognizing individuals, nonprofit organizationsand companies that are committed to improvingand enriching the lives of children and families.This year’s honorees are Andrew and CaroleClarkson, founders of the Jeniam Foundation;Matia Finn-Stevenson, Associate Director of theEdward Zigler Center in Child Developmentand Social Policy at Yale University and; Nor-walk ACTS. Proceeds from the 2015 Kaleidoscope Ball

will help support the mu-seum’s Open Arms initia-tive. This initiative makesit possible for every child,family, and school to enjoythe museum regardless offinancial, language, or spe-cial needs barriers. Reach-ing more than 70,000 chil-dren, caregivers, andteachers throughout the re-

gion last year, Open Arms offers Get Into It!FREE evenings on the first Thursday of everymonth, along with free of charge traveling ex-hibits for schools and other educational experi-ences for parents and children. The Kaleidoscope Ball is sponsored by the

Foster Family Fund, GE Capital, PepperidgeFarm, Pitney Bowes, First County Bank, andGeneral Growth Properties. Media support isprovided by Moffly Media and WEBE 108.PALM Beer and Keno Graphics are providingin-kind support. The event emcee is JayMichaels of WEBE 108.For more information or to purchase tickets,

visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/kb or call(203) 899-0606, ext. 217.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children Celebrates 15 Years at Kaleidoscope Ball

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk isthe only place in the United States whereyou can see a baby black dragon – one

of only an estimated 31 in the country. The blackdragon and other “dragons” (animals that havethe word dragon in their names) are now part ofa new special exhibit, “Dragons! Real or Myth?”The black dragon is a water-monitor lizard

that has a “melanistic” gene that makes it allblack (similar to what makes an albino animalall white). You won’t find one in any other U.S.aquarium or zoo; all other known black dragonsare privately owned.“Dragons! Real or Myth?” lets Maritime

Aquarium guests also get close to such speciesas dragon moray eels; a seahorse cousin calledthe weedy sea dragon; fish called dragonwrasses; and terrestrial lizards like flying drag-ons, sailfin dragons, bearded dragons, frilleddragons, and more.Besides highlighting the unique characteris-

tics of these animals, the exhibit explores thefacts and fiction about mythological dragonsand their roles in cultures throughout time.Guests are encouraged to find similarities

between the displayed live creatures and thefire-breathing dragons of lore.Entry into “Dragons! Real or Myth?” is free

with Aquarium admission. The Maritime Aquar-ium is the only aquarium focused on Long IslandSound presenting sharks, seals, river otters, seaturtles, jellyfish, and more than 100 other speciesfrom Long Island Sound and its watershed. It islocates at 10 N. Water Street, Norwalk, CT. Formore information call (203) 852-0700 or visitwww.MaritimeAquarium.org. The Aquarium isopen from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Dragons Afoot at the Maritime Aquarium


In the Spotlight

Support your love of Long Is-land and the natural beautyof the great local treasure of

the Sheffield Lighthouse and is-land. Join the Norwalk SeaportAssociation at their “Stars OverSheffield” Gala on Saturday,March 21, 2015, 6:00 p.m.-11:00p.m. at the Norwalk Inn & Con-ference Center, 99 East Avenue inNorwalk. Proceeds will help fundthe organization that maintains theisland and historic structure.

Attendees will enjoy dinnerand dancing as well as a live andsilent auction. the Norwalk Sea-port Association will also presenttheir annual Beacon Award to GECapital Real Estate for their ded-ication to the restoration andpreservation of Sheffield IslandLighthouse and their educationalcommitment to the youth of thecommunity.For more information or reser-

vations, visit www.seaport.org orcall (203) 838-9444.

Norwalk Seaport Association Annual Gala

Put on your thinkingcaps and gather a teamfor the Norwalk Edu-

cation Foundation’s 3rd An-nual Community SpellingBee on Thursday April 9th atNorwalk City Hall. Thisyear’s Spelling Bee is alsohosted by Norwalk EarlyChildhood Council.The Spelling Bee cele-

brates learning while raising awareness and sup-port for the programs and initiatives of the Nor-walk Education Foundation and the NorwalkEarly Childhood Council. It will be an eveningof lively and exciting competition amongstfriends, family, and neighbors. Community members can support the Bee

in several ways. Companies, organizations, or

individuals can sponsor ateam of three individuals tocompete in the Bee. They canmake a financial contributionas a “sponsor” of the event.In addition, NEF is lookingfor in-kind items to be usedas prizes. The Norwalk Education

Foundation works to addressgaps in education by offering

supplemental programming that will strengthenoutcomes for all Norwalk students. NEF doesthis by supporting classroom innovation and ex-cellence, college and career readiness, commu-nity outreach, and technology education.For more information on the Spelling Bee,

visit www.norwalkeducation.org, call (203) 854-4068, or email [email protected].

3rd Annual Community Spelling Bee Coming in April

The Greater Norwalk Chamber ofCommerce, the Norwalk Public Li-brary, and Constant Contact will co-

sponsor a free workshop, "Get Energized withMobile Marketing.” The session will take placeon Friday, March 27, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM atthe Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Avenue.Studies showing over 50 percent of con-

sumers open their emails on some type of mo-bile device to make decisions and purchases.Learn how to improve your communicationwith customers and prospects by using mobileemail marketing templates and mobile friendly

websites. Better understand the mobile transi-tion so you don't get left behind.The morning’s workshop will cover how

people use their mobile devices for accessingonline content and ways your business can be-come more mobile friendly via your website,texting, and email. The session will be followedby networking and an interaction group session.

For more information, contact CyndeBloom Lahey, Programming Specialist at theNorwalk Public Library, (203) 899-2780 ext.15133 or [email protected].

Get Energized with Mobile Marketing: Constant Contact Program for Businesses

Now you can bank well

in Norwalk.

Visit our new branch at 370 Westport Avenue

for all your banking and lending needs!

NORWALK | FAIRFIELD | NEW CANAAN | STAMFORD | WILTON

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A&A Office Systems Inc.909 Middle StreetMiddletown, CT 06457Mr. Rick AllertonAccount ExecutiveTEL: (800) [email protected] Products & Services

Bridgeport Bluefish500 Main StreetBridgeport, CT 06604Mr. Drew LabovDirector of Ticket OperationsTEL: (203) 416-1719dlabov@bridgeportbluefish.comwww.bridgeportbluefish.comSports & Entertainment

Peggy Bud32 Gray's Farm RoadWeston, CT 06883Ms. Peggy BudCommunication ExpertTEL: (203) [email protected] Services

CT Aesthetic Dentistry205 Main Street, #4Norwalk, CT 06851Doctor DukeDoctorTEL: (203) 857-1900

Dentists

Datto, Inc.101 Merritt 7Norwalk, CT 06851Ms. Michelle McCombTEL: (203) [email protected] Backup Solutions

Frontier Communicatons310 Orange StreetNew Haven, CT 06510Ms. Megan DolanCommerical Marketing CoordinatorTEL: (203) [email protected] Systems/Services

Helping Hearts Home Care1 Ravenwood DriveWeston, CT 06883Ms. Jane HutchisonOwnerTEL: (203) [email protected] Care Services

Indeed.Com177 Broad Street, 6th FloorStamford, CT 06901Ms. Rebecca PollackManager, Client Communication

[email protected]/Employment Search

Oak + Almond544 Main AvenueNorwalk, CT 06851Mr. Anthony PirragliaOwnerTEL: (203) [email protected]

The Stand Juice Company1 North Water Street, Suite 501Norwalk, CT 06854Mr. Mike HvizdoOwnerTEL: (203) [email protected]

Subway588 Main AvenueNorwalk, CT 06851Mr. Tipu SheikhOwnerTEL: (203) [email protected]

Tom French Coaching14 Valley View RoadNewtown, CT 06470Mr. Tom French

OwnerTEL: (203) 451-0737tom@tomfrenchcoaching.comwww.tomfrenchcoaching.comBusiness Consulting /Coaching

Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center466 Main AvenueNorwalk, CT 06851Ms. Jennifer ClancyDirectorTEL: (203) [email protected] Care Services

Valencia Luncheria164 Main AvenueNorwalk, CT 06851Ms. Kathleen TureyCatering Food Track ManagerTEL: (203) 846-8009catering@valencialuncheria.comwww.valencialuncheria.comRestaurants

Wall Street Theater71 Wall StreetNorwalk, CT 06850Mr. Bob KennedyExecutive DirectorTEL: (203) 667-0270bobk@wallstreettheater.comwww.wallstreettheater.comPerforming Arts & Instruction

Welcome New MembersNovember 21, 2014 to February 20, 2015

Breaking News Email

Breaking Local NewsAs It Happens.SIGN UP FREE at

TheHour.com

75 YEARS ORMORE

The Hour Publishing CompanyLovejoy and Rimer, PC

50 YEARS ORMORE

King Industries Inc.R. T. Vanderbilt Holding Company Inc.

25 YEARS ORMORE

Bluewater Coastal CompanyContinental Manor CateringR.L. DePanfilis & Company, LLCDooney & Bourke, Inc.Family & Children's Agency, Inc.Financial Accounting FoundationHank May's Goodyear Tire & Auto Service

Keystone House, Inc.Norwalk Community CollegeThe Maritime Aquarium at NorwalkWestport Motors Inc.YMCA of Norwalk Inc, c/o Wilton Family Y

15 YEARS ORMORE

A D A Architects LLCAll Season's Marine WorksChamber InsuranceTrust/CFR

Courage to Speak® Founda-tion

Empire State Realty TrustHuman Services CouncilJPMorgan ChaseKaiser-BattistoneNorwalk Transit DistrictGus Sclafani Corp.Sharp Performance USASpinnaker Real Estate Partners LLC

WEB Realty CompanyJohn H. Wygal & Company LLC

10 YEARS ORMORE

Connecticut Tick ControlFirst Niagara Risk Management

Fred Astaire Dance StudioNorwalk

Geriatric Care ManagementAssociates, LLC

GO EnvironmentalLexpress International, Inc.Wal*MartWomen's Business Development Council

5 YEARS ORMORE

Connecticut Business SystemsDarien Rowayton BankDavinci's PizzaDay Street Community HealthJeffrey M. DePanfilis, D.C.Fortis Property Group LLCLeros Point to PointMatthew A. Caputo AttorneyMichele's PiesJames P. Murphy & AssociatesNorwalk Arts CommissionPaychex, Inc.Person to PersonRing's End Paint & Design CenterRiverside Cemetery Association

LESS THAN 5 YEARSAbsolute AccessAbsolute LogicThe Beacon Projects GroupBridgeport BluefishPeggy BudBuilding Blocks Early Learning CenterCan Man Sanitation, Inc.Cassena Care at NorwalkCrossFit NorwalkCT Aesthetic DentistryDatto, Inc.Edward Jones InvestmentsEthan Allen Design Center in NorwalkFirst Allied SecuritiesTom French CoachingFrontier CommunicatonsFrosch TravelGlenn Allen Building and Renovating Co.

Gregory and Adams, P.C.Hawley Lane ShoesHelping Hearts Home CareIndeed.comMutual Housing Association of SW CTOak + AlmondOpticare/Norwalk OfficeRoosters MGCSafe and Sound Electric, LLCSlovin Chiropractic CenterStamford Mortgage CompanySubwayTotal Wine & MoreTutor Time Child Care Learning CenterValencia LuncheriaWall Street TheaterWilks – A Spectro Scientific CompanyWinston Preparatory School


A&A Office Systems Inc.909 Middle StreetMiddletown, CT 06457Mr. Rick AllertonAccount ExecutiveTEL: (800) [email protected] Products & Services

Bridgeport Bluefish500 Main StreetBridgeport, CT 06604Mr. Drew LabovDirector of Ticket OperationsTEL: (203) 416-1719dlabov@bridgeportbluefish.comwww.bridgeportbluefish.comSports & Entertainment

Peggy Bud32 Gray's Farm RoadWeston, CT 06883Ms. Peggy BudCommunication ExpertTEL: (203) [email protected] Services

CT Aesthetic Dentistry205 Main Street, #4Norwalk, CT 06851Doctor DukeDoctorTEL: (203) 857-1900

Dentists

Datto, Inc.101 Merritt 7Norwalk, CT 06851Ms. Michelle McCombTEL: (203) [email protected] Backup Solutions

Frontier Communicatons310 Orange StreetNew Haven, CT 06510Ms. Megan DolanCommerical Marketing CoordinatorTEL: (203) [email protected] Systems/Services

Helping Hearts Home Care1 Ravenwood DriveWeston, CT 06883Ms. Jane HutchisonOwnerTEL: (203) [email protected] Care Services

Indeed.Com177 Broad Street, 6th FloorStamford, CT 06901Ms. Rebecca PollackManager, Client Communication

[email protected]/Employment Search

Oak + Almond544 Main AvenueNorwalk, CT 06851Mr. Anthony PirragliaOwnerTEL: (203) [email protected]

The Stand Juice Company1 North Water Street, Suite 501Norwalk, CT 06854Mr. Mike HvizdoOwnerTEL: (203) [email protected]

Subway588 Main AvenueNorwalk, CT 06851Mr. Tipu SheikhOwnerTEL: (203) [email protected]

Tom French Coaching14 Valley View RoadNewtown, CT 06470Mr. Tom French

OwnerTEL: (203) 451-0737tom@tomfrenchcoaching.comwww.tomfrenchcoaching.comBusiness Consulting /Coaching

Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center466 Main AvenueNorwalk, CT 06851Ms. Jennifer ClancyDirectorTEL: (203) [email protected] Care Services

Valencia Luncheria164 Main AvenueNorwalk, CT 06851Ms. Kathleen TureyCatering Food Track ManagerTEL: (203) 846-8009catering@valencialuncheria.comwww.valencialuncheria.comRestaurants

Wall Street Theater71 Wall StreetNorwalk, CT 06850Mr. Bob KennedyExecutive DirectorTEL: (203) 667-0270bobk@wallstreettheater.comwww.wallstreettheater.comPerforming Arts & Instruction

Thank You, Renewing Members! November 21, 2014 to February 28, 2015

Documents

Norwalk Chamber March 2015 Report