Avon Chamber November 2019 | Morning Business Network Connection

Events | News

2019

Please Note:

Our NEW MAILING ADDRESS

Avon Chamber of Commerce

304 West Main Street

Suite 2 | #206

Avon, CT 06001

Have a Question.. Want to Meet.. Need to Chat

We are available to serve you Monday-Friday

Please email us at [email protected]

or call 860.675.4832

ext. 1 - Executive Director

ext. 2 - Dues & Membership Info. Changes

In This Issue :

Morning Business Network

Connection

November 6, 2019

8:30 to 9:30 AM

COSI

385 West Main Street | Avon

INFORMATION

Photo by: Ben Jordan / Photo Images Co.

Morning Business Network Connection meets the 1st Wednesday of each month. With an average of 35 members and guests attending regularly, this event offers a chance for you to better acquaint yourself with other area businesses in a fun and casual atmosphere, as well as take advantage of interesting business topics from a new speaker every month. Every attendee also has the opportunity to briefly introduce themselves and their business.

If you are a Member you may attend every month or whenever your schedule allows. If you are a Non-Member Business that is interested in the Avon Chamber and have not yet attended one of our networking events, then come as our one-time guest and get a feel for all that our organization has to offer.

Don't Forget Your Business Cards

Promotional Materials Welcome

HELP THE AVON FOOD BANK

Bring a Non-Perishable Food Item to Donate at this Event

HOSTED BY

November's Presenter :

TBA

Members FREE | First-Time Business Guests FREE

UPCOMING MORNING BUSINESS NETWORK CONNECTION

Wednesday December 4 | Wednesday February 5, 2020 | Wednesday March 4, 2020 | Wednesday April 1, 2020 (no foolin')

Ribbon

Cutting

November 7, 2019

3:30 to 7:30 PM

BOBS SPORTS CHALET/ AVON

195 West Main Street | Plaza 44 | Avon

Meet and Greet One of the Chamber's Newest Members

Ribbon Cutting @ 5 PM

Enjoy a Pizza Truck, Craft Beer Truck, the Waffle Cabin Tent, Live DJ and Photo Booth

Bob's Sports Chalet is one of Connecticut's longest standing Snowboard and Ski shops, carrying all the top brands including: Salmon Skis, Burton Snowboards, Oakely Goggles & Oakley Sunglasses, Rome Snowboards, Ride Snowboards, Volki Skis, and many more! They are also one of the largest North Face Jacket & Clothing dealers in Connecticut.

Ribbon

Cutting

November 7, 2019

4:00 to 7:30 PM

MOVEMENT MORTGAGE

7 Towpath Lane | Avon

Meet and Greet One of the Chamber's Newest Members

Ribbon Cutting @ 5:30 PM

Celebrate the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of their beautiful new Avon Branch Office.

It's the last BBQ of 2019. Eat, drink and be merry as you tour the space, meet their team, and mingle with friends. Enter the Raffle for a Free Head Shot

Movement Mortgage was created in 2008 amidst one of the biggest financial meltdowns in American history. They are committed to being a Movement Of Change in the mortgage industry, in corporate cultures, and in communities. Through their unique process they are creating a referable experience for both homebuyers and real estate agents alike.

Business

After

Hours

Get Ready for the Holidays

November 13, 2019

5:00 to 7:00 PM

RAYMOUR & FLANIGAN

FURNITURE | MATTRESSES

AVON

15 Waterville Road | Avon

DEADLINE Monday, November 11

Business After Hours is held the 2nd Wednesday of most months and is hosted by various members at different locations/venues throughout the Farmington Valley. This signature networking opportunity brings together on a regular basis an average of 50-75 members and guests, and is designed to help you meet new contacts and grow existing relationships while getting an inside look at a local business.

________________________________________

Experience the hospitality of our host Raymour & Flanigan Furniture/ Mattresses Take advantage of early holiday shopping in their beautiful showroom filled with quality bedroom, dining room, and living room furniture. Experience stylish home decor, area rugs to transform your space, as well as a large selection of mattresses from the best brands.

Please consider bringing a New or Gently Used PAIR OF MITTENS, a WINTER HAT, or WINTER COAT to the Event to be donated to a local charity

HOSTED BY

THANK YOU

to the following Chamber members that have donated an item for the Drawing:

TBA

Members FREE | Business Guests $20

UPCOMING BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Wednesday December 11: Annual Holiday Event/Salvation Army Toy Drive | Wednesday January 8, 2020 | Wednesday February 12, 2020 | Wednesday March 11, 2020

M.A.P.

M entoring A von

P rofessionals

November 14, 2019

9:00 to 10:00 AM

TOWER LANE CAFE

30 Tower Lane | First Floor | Avon Park South | Avon

DEADLINE Monday, November 11

Photo by: Ben Jordan / Photo Images Co.

Ever struggled with a business-related issue? Looking for feedback from other professionals on ideas you have for your business? Interested in learning about industry trends from those in-the-know?

Then this networking group is for you!

M entoring A von P rofessionals [ M.A.P. ] is an Affinity Networking Group that meets the 2nd Thursday of each month and offers all members of our Chamber an opportunity to engage with one another and receive constructive advice, information and mutual support from fellow members.

This 'peer advisory group' addresses a wide-range of business-related concepts, with one identified for discussion each month. Attendees share best practices, suggestions, thoughts and ideas based on their past experiences related to that month's topic.

Meetings are held once a month throughout the year and regular attendance is requested in order to insure the success of the group.

If being part of a collaborative professional networking group that is focused on the growth of all its members sounds interesting to you

then please plan on joining us.

HOSTED BY

SPONSORED BY

U.S. Wealth Management

Topic :

Concierge Banking Services How Can They Help Your Business

Facilitated by :

Kris Lucke

Berkshire Bank/Avon

Members FREE | First-Time Business Guests FREE

UPCOMING M.A.P.

Thursday December 12 | Thursday January 9, 2020 | Thursday February 13, 2020 | Thursday March 12, 2020

Health Council

November 18, 2019

12:30 to 1:30 PM

THE RESIDENCE AT BROOKSIDE

117 Simsbury Road | Avon

DEADLINE Thursday,

November 14

Photo by: Ben Jordan / Photo Images Co.

The Health Council is an Affinity Networking Group that meets the 3rd Monday of each month and is specifically designed for those members whose businesses are either directly or indirectly Related to the Field of Health

The focus of the group is to both connect members working in the various health industries, and to bring timely and informative health-related programs and events to the community.

Each month the group meets for an hour at a different participant's place of business. Everyone has a chance to Introduce themselves and their business, followed by a 10-minute Presentation by our Host. We then open the meeting up to explore topics of interest to our health professionals.

If being part of a member-driven group that provides networking opportunities for and promotes information sharing between health professionals interests you -- then please plan on joining us.

HOSTED BY

Host :

TBA

The Residence at Brookside

Topic :

TBA

Facilitated by :

Shihan Farzinzad

Shihan Skin Care

Members FREE | First-Time Business Guests FREE

UPCOMING HEALTH COUNCIL

Monday January 20, 2020 | Monday February 17, 2020 | Monday March 16, 2020 | Monday April 20, 2020

A.W.E.

A von W omen

E ntrepreneurs

Holiday Showcase

November 19, 2019

8:15 to 9:30 AM

AVON HEALTH CENTER

652 West Avon Road | Avon

Attendees Are Asked to

PARK IN THE BACK

Entrance to the Room is through the LOWER BACK DOOR ONLY

DEADLINE Thursday,

November 14

Photo by: Ben Jordan / Photo Images Co.

This Event is both a Toy Drive AND the group's Holiday Showcase

Attendees are asked to bring a NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY to Donate to Gifts of Love to help resupply their Toy Room which was flooded earlier this year
Shopping is also on the agenda as we get ready for the upcoming holidays. If you are interested in reserving a table to feature your wares please Email The Chamber

_____________________________________________

A von W omen E ntrepreneurs [ A.W.E. ] is an Affinity Networking Group that meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month and offers the women of our Chamber an opportunity to engage with one another and discuss issues that are unique and of particular interest to them.

If being part of a member-driven group that is focused on enhancing the personal and professional growth of area businesswomen interests you then please plan on joining us.

HOSTED BY

Holiday Showcase Participants :

Carol Tsacoyeanes

Ruby Ribbon

Members FREE | First-Time Business Guests FREE

UPCOMING A.W.E.

Tuesday December 17 | Tuesday January 21, 2020 | Tuesday February 18, 2020 | Tuesday March 17, 2020

V alley Y oung B usiness E ntrepreneurs

Cooking Class

November 26, 2019

6:00 to 8:00 PM

CONNECTICUT KITCHEN & BATH STUDIO

3 East Main Street | Avon

DEADLINE Tuesday

November 19

Photo by: Ben Jordan / Photo Images Co.

The last time we offered this program it Sold Out!

Only 7 Places Remain!

We are bringing back our popular COOKING CLASS. Chef Celeste Borelli will show you how to create an easy and delicious meal, and teach you some basic cooking methods, utilizing Connecticut Kitchen & Bath Studio's state-of-the-art boutique kitchen. This is a Hands-On Class where you will not only dine on your creation but have the recipes to take with you to try at home.

WE MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 8 PAID RESERVATIONS FOR THE CLASS TO RUN | Class Limited to 10 Total Participants

Don't miss this opportunity to broaden your culinary skills, dine on a delicious meal prepared entirely by you, and enjoy a fun-filled evening getting to know other area young professionals.

MENU*

Chopped Salad w/Sesame Dressing
Seared Chicken w/Peach Ginger Glaze
Purple Rice
Roasted Broccoli
Chocolate Mug Cake

You May Bring Your Own Bottle of Wine to Enjoy With Your Meal

*Please alert us as to any food allergies so that we may adapt the menu accordingly

If you're a young professional, love happy hour, and enjoy networking, then plan on joining V.Y.B.E. [ V alley Y oung B usiness E ntrepreneurs] the 4th Monday of each month for Apps & Taps @ Seasons Tap Room

V.Y.B.E. is a group for young professionals with a focus on helping each other grow their businesses through networking, sharing experiences and providing referrals.

They are part of the Avon Chamber of Commerce, but you don't have to be a member to participate in Apps & Taps

HOSTED BY

SPONSORED BY

NORCOM MORTGAGE

Adam Horelik

Katie Stevenson

is the Avon Chamber's networking group for young professionals ages 21 to 39 who live and/or work in the Farmington Valley and surrounding area

Connect with V.Y.B.E. on

COST

$30/Person Pre-Paid to:

Kristina Mozzicato

Abundant Helath Massage Therapy & Wellness

2 Forest Park Drive | Farmington, CT 06032

UPCOMING V.Y.B.E.

December 2019 -- Ugly Holiday Sweater Apps & Taps

Avon Chamber of Commerce

Small Business Saturday Promotion

Saturday, November 30, 2019

THANK YOU to Our Participating Members:

(as of 11/4/2019)

_____________________________________________

CLICK HERE To Check Out All the Offers

CLICK HERE To Follow & Share the Event on Facebook

Upcoming Events | December

DEC.4

Morning Business Network Connection

Meets the 1 ^st Wednesday of each month

8:30 to 9:30 AM

INFORMATION

DEC.11

Business After Hours

Annual Holiday Event /

Salvation Army Holiday Store Toy Drive

Held the 2 ^nd Wednesday of most months

5:00 to 7:00 PM

DEC.12

M.A.P. | M entoring A von P rofessionals

Meets the 2 ^nd Thursday of each month

9:00 to 10:00 AM

DEC.17

A.W.E. | A von W omen E ntrepreneurs

Meets the 3 ^rd Tuesday of each month

8:15 to 9:30 AM

Full Calendar

News You Can Use

AN EXCLUSIVE MARKETING OPPORTUNITY JUST FOR OUR MEMBERS!

The Avon Chamber of Commerce , in partnership with member The Valley Book , have created a NEW, EXCITING and EXCLUSIVE Marketing Opportunity for our members! The Valley Book -- a direct mail annual publication to residents and businesses in Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby and Simbury with a circulation of 30,000 -- is offering Avon Chamber of Commerce members a 20% DISCOUNT TO ANY MEMBER THAT PURCHASES AN AD!

Here are the details of this great offer:

All Advertising Avon Chamber Members will receive a Bold Line Listing in Green for name and phone number.

All Display Advertisers receive a 75-Word Thumbnail with name and phone number in Green

Avon Chamber members can also Put the Chamber Logo in their Ad Copy

LOWEST PRICED OPTION -- BOLD LINE LISTING FOR ONLY $40!

CLICK HERE To See the Complete List of Ad Options

____________________________________________________

In addition, the Avon Chamber will be advertising in The Valley Book with a 2-page spread in a prime front-of-the-book position.

Don't Miss Out on This Special Opportunity | Time is Limited

Interested in Learning More? Contact Dan Walsh at The Valley Book 860.670.6575 | www.TheValleyBook.com

MUST be an Avon Chamber of Commerce member in good standing in order to take advantage of this special marketing opportunity

There's Still Time to Participate

As part of our Local First initiative the Avon Chamber is again sponsoring a Small Business Saturday Promotion . This is a FREE Marketing Opportunity for your business! We encourage all our member businesses to consider offering an Exclusive Discount/Offer, Good Only on Saturday, November 30 . As a participant, your business/organization will be promoted by the Chamber: On Our Website | In Our eBlasts | On Our Social Media leading up to the event, and you will also be eligible to receive some promotional items generously supplied to the Chamber by American Express.

THANK YOU to Our Participating Members:

(as of 11/4/2019)

_____________________________________________

If you would like to register your business as a participant in this year's Small Business Saturday promotion, you may either Email The Chamber with your Discount/Offer, or Contact a Member of the Chamber's Marketing Committee

Discounts/Offers MUST be Exclusive -- something that you do not normally offer -- and Available ONLY on Saturday, November 30 | Offers Registered After Tuesday, October 15 may not receive full marketing benefit

E.N.E. Realty Associates and the Avon Chamber of Commerce Brand New CO-WORKING Space!

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO SEE ALL THE DETAILS

The Office Green Chamber Sharing Suites NOW OPEN!

ARE YOU A LOCAL REMOTE WORKER, FREELANCER, OR ENTREPRENEUR looking for professional, quality, affordable Co-Working Space conveniently located in the heart of the Farmington Valley? Then you will want to check out this new opportunity -- Available to both Members and Non-Member area businesses.

If You Are An Avon Chamber Member and Your Business is Health-Related,

The Chamber's Health Council , along with Member Shop Rite of Canton , are sponsoring the B-Well Festival , on Saturday, January 11, 2020, from 10 AM-2 PM . This Free Event is designed to help introduce some of the Chamber's Health-Related Businesses to our community. Cost to participate is $10/business , which will be used toward the purchase of Shop Rite Gift Card to be given in a random drawing to an attendee that visits all the vendor booths.

If you would like to register your business as a participant in our B-Well Festival , Email The Chamber or Sharon Gauthier | Patient Advocate For You by NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13

THANK YOU to Our Participating Members:

(as of 11/4/2019)

TBA

_____________________________________________

General Information : Must provide your own 24" x 48" Table | Must Inform the Chamber if you plan to bring a Trade Show Retractable Banner | No Balloons Allowed | Giveaways are Encouraged | Only Individually Wrapped, Healthy Food Options Permitted | Items Advertising Another Grocery Store Are Not Permitted

Seeking Co-Hosts for Shred Event

Arden Courts of Avon in partnership with the Avon Chamber, will be hosting a Free Community Shred Event in the Spring of 2020. Additional member sponsors are currently being sought. As a sponsor your business/organization will be promoted by the Chamber in eBlasts, on its Website and Social Media leading up to the event, as well as have a presence the day of the event. If interested please Email either Randy Phillips Arden Courts of Avon or the Chamber

Thank You to Our Co-Sponsors (as of 11/4/2019):

U.S. Wealth Management/Tim McCarthy, CPA/PFS

Like/Follow the Avon Chamber on Facebook

Help Your Chamber Help You The more 'Likes' and 'Follows' of our Facebook Page, the greater the reach for your information that we post! CLICK on the Facebook Logo to 'Like' and 'Follow' our page Today

Seeking Two (2) Sponsors for One-Year Pilot Program

We are currently seeking two members that would like to sponsor a one-year pilot program by which we would recognize one member each month at both the Morning Business Network Connection and T he L unch C onnection [T.L.C.] that uses their introduction card from the Perfecting Your 30-Second Introduction Workshops as part of these networking events. Total Cost would be $120. If you are interested in this opportunity please Email The Chamber

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

In addition to our Corporate Sponsorship, the Chamber has TWO NEW Sponsorship Levels, each designed to give our members the opportunity to increase their brand recognition in the local business community. For more information on how you can become a Sponsor please Email The Chamber

CORPORATE

Sponsorship

Our most all-inclusive level, is designed to give a select group of Members superior visibility and maximum marketing value.

DIVISION Sponsorship

[Limited to a Maximum of 6 Businesses]:

A unique option for Members to showcase their business by branding their name with the Chamber.

PROGRAM Sponsorship

This option gives those Members that want to target their marketing message the chance to promote their business by supporting a particular Chamber Program.

Want To Host A Business After Hours?

Just 2 Months Remain for 2022 !

Business After Hours is one of the Chamber's most popular signature networking events, held the 2nd Wednesday of most months. Currently, we have just FEBRUARY and MARCH still available for a business that can handle 50-90 attendees to host this networking event at their location in 2022 . If you are interested in hosting, please do not wait! -- Email The Chamber

Too Small to Host on Your Own? Want to Host Sooner? Consider being a Co-Host

You may either contact another Chamber member who is hosting a Business After Hours [event listings may be found on our website under Calendar of Events ] or contact the Chamber and we will put you in touch with other members interested in co-hosting their event.

Join A Committee

The Chamber has a number of opportunities available for you to play a vital role in your organization. Participation on one of our committees is a great way to enhance your membership, build your business and personal skills, and increase your visibility among your fellow members. Just an hour or so of your time each month is all it takes to reap a greater benefit from your membership. In return, you will develop skills that you might not otherwise have exposure to that can then be employed in the workplace and to strengthen relationships with your fellow members. Committees available include:

EDUCATION

Develops classes and programs that provide useful and timely information for the benefit of current and prospective Chamber members

LEARN MORE

MARKETING

Works to promote the Chamber to the community as a way to increase the visibility of the membership

LEARN MORE

MEMBERSHIP

Promotes the Chamber through calls and visitations to area businesses, Conducts the bi-annual Membership Orientation program, Welcomes New Members with the 'Buddy Program', and Connects with Renewing Members through 'Happiness Calls'.

LEARN MORE

V.Y.B.E. COORDINATORS

Recruits participants in and Develops programs and activities for the Chamber's young professionals group [ages 21-39].

LEARN MORE