Chamber Member News | September 2022
Welcome New Members:
A warm welcome to our newest members!* We encourage you to connect with them soon and see where your next partnership can be!


*Joined 8/5/22 to 9/6/22
Events From Your Fellow Members
September 7: Ergonomics Essentials Seminar

Presented by Chamber Member Transfer Enterprises

7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Waterbury Regional Chamber Office
"Sitting is the new smoking," says Peter Berube of Transfer Enterprises. "If you don't have the proper work environment for your body, you'll feel pain in your wrists, back, knees, and elsewhere."

Join representatives from Chamber Member Transfer Enterprises on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Waterbury Regional Chamber offices, located at 83 Bank Street (4th Floor) in Waterbury. Learn about how an adjustable, ergonomic office desk setup can make you healthier, happier, and more productive. Attendees will be entered to win an ergonomic set-up worth $1,900.

To RSVP for this free event, call the Chamber at 203-757-0701.
September 9:The Arts & Culture Collaborative Presents: The Healing Nature of Art
The Arts & Culture Collaborative, Waterbury Region, is presenting a day-long interactive experience called, “The Healing Nature of Art” September 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Osborne Homestead Museum & Kellogg Science Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby. This unique opportunity is aimed at anyone interested in or working in the arts. Cost is $25 and includes lunch. A half-day option (morning or afternoon) is also available at $15. A limited number of scholarships are available. To register, visit: www.waterburyregionarts.com or call 203-757-0701, Ext 316.
 
It's documented that the arts can help the process of healing from loss and grief. Using theater, visual arts, spoken/written word, music and movement, participants will have the opportunity to explore two art mediums in interactive workshops during the event. The workshops will be led by these highly regarded artists in their respective fields:

Judith Ehrman-Shapiro – dance/movement therapy practitioner
Susan A. Katz – nationally recognized poet, author and teacher
Foster Evans Reese – theatrical director and choreographer
Amy Smith & Jazz Borst – Mending Art, Mental Health Connecticut
Jennifer Sokira – Founding Director of Connecticut Music Therapy Services.
The event will take advantage of both indoor and outdoor spaces (weather permitting), on the museum/science center’s beautifully landscaped and spacious grounds.
 
The Arts & Culture Collaborative (ACC) has been working to strengthen and support the arts in the Waterbury region for over 15 years. The ACC promotes, connects, collaborates and advocates for the arts, serving individual artists and performers, arts and cultural venues and organizations of all sizes as well as their audiences.
September 10: Brass City Brew & 'Que
The 2022 Brass City Brew and 'Que, one of Connecticut's largest craft beer tasting festivals, takes place this Saturday, September 10, in downtown Waterbury. Tickets can be purchased now at: www.brasscitybrewandque.com

This event is for individuals 21+. A VIP admission ticket, which is priced at $75, provides access to the event one hour early (noon to 1 p.m.), a tasting glass, $5 food voucher that can be redeemed at any on-site participating food truck, a VIP-only t-shirt, and more. General admission entry begins at 1 p.m. and provides access to the event until close at 5 p.m. General admission tickets (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. event access) are $45 each. A designated driver admission (must be 21+) is also available for $20. Plenty of free parking options are available.

“Beer lovers will be able to enjoy more than 200 different types of brews, that were produced locally, as well as internationally and in other parts of the country. Options in the increasingly popular spiked seltzer and vodka sodas segments will also be available,” said Victor Shah of Wolcott’s Mountain Top Liquors, which is helping to produce the event with Main Street Waterbury. “We have been working hard for this year’s festival and are looking forward to making it one of the most enjoyable ones yet. We have many new breweries joining us this year and attendees will also have the opportunity to sample a variety of small batch and newly-released brews.”

Among the area breweries that will be in attendance include Alvarium, Black Hog, Brass Works Brewing, Clocktown Brewing, Connecticut Valley Brewing Company,
Counterweight, Two Roads Brewing Co., and Witchdoctor Brewing Company. New to the event this year are Captain Lawrence Brewery from New York, Jack’s Abby Crafts Lager from Massachusetts, and Stoneface Brewing Co., from New Hampshire.

Local distillers Continuum Distilling of Waterbury and Full Moonshine of Canton will also be on hand providing samples of their spirits.

Attendees have a selection of food to choose from while at the event, including Waterbury’s Hindsight BBQ, Texas Roadhouse, Wild Bill's BBQ, and The Comfort Zone Food Truck, offering a variety of soft pretzels. Other vendors include I Want Pig Candy (candied bacon), Oliver’s Olive Oils, The Smoke Easy Cigar Parlor, and Sacred Heart University’s Brewing Science program.

In addition to sampling over 200 crafted beers and limited brew batches, attendees will be able to enjoy live music from Sex & Candy (12:30 p.m.), a 90’s tribute band that covers alternative rock, pop, dance, and grunge, as well as hear a performance from the Rob Glassman Band (3 p.m.), which covers music by artists like the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and others. The event will also feature the Post University Game Zone, where attendees can challenge friends and others to a round of Cornhole, Jenga, and other fun games, and have a chance to win prizes. 

For those who love heating up the smoker or preparing a backyard weekend meal for friends, there will be an amateur pit master competition. Attendees will have viewing access to the competitors, but for BBQ food and snacks attendees can purchased pulled pork and other food options from participating food trucks. Competitors can register to compete and win prizes by visiting www.brasscitybrewandque.com

Main Street Waterbury, an affiliate of the Waterbury Regional Chamber, is organizing the Brass City Brew and ‘Que, now in its 16th year. The Premier Sponsor for this year’s event is Blasius Cadillac and the Main Stage Sponsor is Chatfield’s True Value Hardware. 
Become a Broadway Subscriber at the Palace Theater; Single Ticket Sales Start for the Public September 19
The Palace Theater’s 2022-2023 Webster Bank Broadway Series is filled with award-winning shows and songs, boasting 31 Tony Awards, 17 Oscars, and 20 Grammys. This year the theater is offering subscribers an opportunity to experience Broadway through the eyes of Broadway insider, Palace Theater CEO Frank Tavera. Tavera is an industry expert and has been booking shows and programming the Palace’s season for nearly twenty years. All subscribers to the 2022 – 2023 season (renewing and new) will be entered to win a trip for two to New York City to see a Broadway show with Tavera as their host. The evening will include dinner and transportation to and from the Palace Theater. Date & show to be determined based on availability. Drawing date is September 16, 2022.

The 2022-2023 Webster Bank Broadway Series Includes:

Chicago: The Musical, December 3-4, 2022: The “Razzle Dazzle” Bob Fosse smash hit is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This show is the longest-running American musical on Broadway, with its tale of fame, fortune, and murder!

My Fair Lady, January 24-26, 2023: This newly staged revival of the classic tells the story of a flower seller’s transformation into a society lady. From hats to horse races, this show fully entertains and touches your heartstrings.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T., February 17-18, 2023: This amazing new show is the ultimate tribute to Aretha Franklin, the legendary Queen of Soul (who performed at the Palace in 2006).

Cats, March 3-4, 2023: Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music and choreography, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater — "Memory.” Cats tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.

Fiddler on the Roof, April 15-16, 2023: If you’re looking for “Tradition,” you will love FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the beloved and uplifting story of family, community, and love.

For information about becoming a season subscriber call the theater’s box office at 203-346-2000. Single ticket will be on sale to the public on Monday, September 19, 2022.
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Waterbury; Trainings, Benefits, and More
Have you ever thought about becoming a volunteer tutor? Now is your chance!
Mattatuck Museum to Honor Joe and Debra Gugliotti at 13th Annual Brass Button Award on September 14
The Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, Connecticut will be presenting the 13th Annual Brass Button Award on Wednesday, September 14 at 6:00 p.m.

The Brass Button Award recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals to the greater Waterbury area and their lifelong engagement with social and cultural enrichment. This year, the Mattatuck Museum proudly honors Joe and Debra Gugliotti for their years of devoted service in our community.

Joe and Deb are both Waterbury natives who later settled in Wolcott, CT. Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University, while Deb attended Naugatuck Valley Community College. Family is first with Joe and Deb, who focus their time and energy on their three daughters and now their five granddaughters. Deb is co-owner of Hair Revue with their daughter Jaime and has won multiple awards for her craft, and Joe is the Managing Member at WORX Group.

Joe and Deb are supporters of the arts within the Waterbury region including the Mattatuck Museum, the Palace Theater, educational programs, and sporting programs. Joe has sat on the Board of Directors for CT Special Olympics, the United Way, and The Palace Theater. Joe has worked on multiple committees for capital campaigns, chaired annual United Way campaigns, and spearheaded multiple gala and awards committees. He has installed philanthropy as a cultural staple in his company WORX and each year they devote much of their time and resources to support the community.

Through WORX, Joe has provided free websites, branding exercises, and marketing help to numerous non-profit organizations in the greater Waterbury area. His company is behind the public/private project called “The Waterbury”. Many, including Mayor O’Leary, have credited Joe for this project which has pulled businesses together in support of Waterbury as the driver for renewed economic interest in our city.

Always leading by example, Joe has received the Harold Webster Smith Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Waterbury Chamber, the Susan St. James Award from the Connecticut Special Olympics, and the Frederick & Lucy Kellogg Award from the United Way.

Joe and Deb Gugliotti will be celebrated with a reception and awards ceremony on the Mattatuck Museum’s rooftop terrace overlooking the historic Waterbury Green. A live auction will be taking place with a variety of prizes including a Boston Red Sox 2023-2024 game package and a private tour for ten at Litchfield Distillery. Cocktail attire is encouraged for this event.

The Museum is grateful for the generous support of Presenting Brass Sponsor: Post University; Silver Sponsors: Brass Axe Capital, and WORX; Bronze Sponsors: Northwest Connecticut Public Safety Communications Center, Shaker Automotive Group, Thomaston Savings Bank, Torrco, Village Pizzeria and Ristorante, and Webster Bank. 

Additional sponsorship opportunities and program ads are available. Please contact Jennifer Johnston, Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager, at (203) 753-0381 x110 or jennifer@mattmuseum.org.

Tickets are available for purchase at mattmuseum.org/brass-button
Mattatuck Museum Receives Reaccreditation From the American Alliance of Museums and is Sighted for Exemplary Community Engagement
The Mattatuck Museum recently underwent the extensive, year-long process to secure reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation is the museum field’s mark of distinction and offers high profile, peer-based validation of a museum’s operations and impact. It signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. The Mattatuck’s Accreditation Task Force was led by Executive Director Bob Burns and included Board Members Martha Bernstein, Pam Baker, and Ben Ortiz as well as many members of the Museum staff.
Upcoming September Events
Five New Exhibits at the Mattatuck Museum
Local Legacy: Chase Collegiate Archives 1865-2020 opened on August 28. Work It! Women Artists on Women’s Labor, Elemental: Art as Advocacy, and Schandra Singh: Fractured Facades opens on September 11. Walker Evans American Photographs opens on September 18. These exhibitions offer a variety of subject matter from school ephemera, vibrant and captivating paintings, to iconic documentary photography from the Great Depression era.
Enjoy summer Sunday afternoons at The MATT with some fun, good food, and drinks while listening to great music! On Sunday, September 18 the Mattatuck Museum will be celebrating the opening of the Fall Exhibitions and there will be a performance by The Restless Mountain Bluegrass Band, a Connecticut-based acoustic bluegrass band playing traditional standards and entertaining classics, from 2-4pm on the Museum’s Rooftop Terrace. Concerts will be held on the new Rooftop Terrace and moved inside to our Performing Arts Center in the event of inclement weather. To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar
Join the Mattatuck Museum on Sunday, September 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for an exhibition celebration with remarks by the Museum’s fall exhibitions artists, lenders, and Mattatuck Museum Director, Bob Burns, at 1:00 p.m. The Restless Mountain Bluegrass band, a Connecticut-based acoustic bluegrass band, will be performing on the rooftop terrace at 2:00 p.m. for an additional cost. Families are invited to participate in the Exploration Activities in the Studio. During the celebration, Education Programs Manager, Abigail Sites, will be on hand to preview the exciting lineup of fall program offerings. To learn more about these fall programs, please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar. The Art of Yum Café will be open with delicious meals, snacks, coffees, and sweet treats available for purchase. Admission to the Fall Exhibitions Celebration is free for Museum Members and children under 5, and $5 for the public. The Restless Mountain Bluegrass band performance will be $5 for Museum members and $10 for general admission. Pre-register at mattmuseum.org/calendar or call (203) 753-0381 x130.
October 5: Quilts that Care 10th Anniversary Celebration
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Member News and Updates
Branagan Communications Consultants Launch Regional Publicity Campaign for poet Susan A. Katz
Barbara Branagan-Mitchell, the creator of Branagan Communications Consultants LLC (BCC), a public relations, publicity placement, writing and editing, and marketing communications agency, has just launched a regional publicity campaign for poet Susan A. Katz of Washington, Conn., who will release her fifth book, ‘Dreaming Missouri” on August 31st. As an awareness-building specialist, Branagan-Mitchell assists businesses and non-profit organizations raise positive awareness of their company, organization, products, or services through the creation of publicity placement campaigns. BCC’s PR campaigns frequently include press releases, event listings, captioned photos, and public service announcements which she writes and places with print and broadcast media outlets across Connecticut including daily and weekly newspapers, radio and television stations, and community news outlets. Barbara offers free phone consultations to help businesses and organizations identify timely news angles about their activities, achievements, products, and/or services. To learn more, visit www.branagancommunications.com, call Barbara Branagan-Mitchell at 860-210-0149, or email to barbara@branagancommunications.com
Three Chamber Members Join Board of Trustees for the Connecticut Community Foundation
Connecticut Community Foundation’s members have elected three community leaders with a history of community service to join its Board of Trustees. James A. Higgins (Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union), Janie L. McDermott (Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP) and Adrienne Parkmond (The WorkPlace) will join a board composed of local residents from across 21 towns in the Foundation’s service area in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. 

James Higgins is the Chairman of YPOWR (Young Professionals of Waterbury Region) and the President and CEO of Skyline Financial Federal Credit. He is a resident of Naugatuck, serves on the Naugatuck's Finance is involved in parent-teacher organizations across four of the Naugatuck public schools. He also serves on committees and boards of several organizations, including Exchange Club of Waterbury, Credit Union League of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Community Foundation's Building Equitable Opportunity grant committee. James graduated from Albertus Magnus College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and a Master of Business Administration in Business and Leadership.

Janie L. McDermott is an attorney at Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP, in its Waterbury office. Her practice focuses primarily on trusts and estates, nonprofit matters, and land use matters. Janie is a member of Carmody’s Pro Bono Committee and DEI Committee. Previously Janie worked with the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky (AppalReD), the ACLU of Connecticut, and was a fellow at Yale Law School’s Jerome N. Frank Legal Services Organization. Janie currently serves on the board of the Litchfield Community Center, and volunteers with Pro Bono Partnership and Lawyers for Children America. She lives in Litchfield.
 
Adrienne Parkmond is a Waterbury resident and Chief Operations Officer of The WorkPlace, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field, Adrienne has developed and implemented nationally recognized, state of the art workforce development programs. Adrienne currently serves as board chair for Waterbury Promise, president of the New Haven Pearls of Excellence Foundation and a member of Connecticut Community Foundation’s Building Equitable Opportunity grant committee. In addition to these roles, Adrienne has served as a board member or volunteer at several other organizations over many years of service to the community.
 
Adrienne holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Villanova University and a Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law. Adrienne was named among the NAACP’s 100 Most Influential Blacks in CT in 2021.

Bios of all of the Foundation’s trustees can be viewed at www.conncf.org/board
Waterbury Vision Center Offering Eye Exams for $75
Specials at Mutual Security Credit Union
Information Technology Update from Golden Technologies
A timely and interesting article in the latest issue of the Harvard Business Review entitled “New Cybersecurity Rules Are Coming. Here’s How To Prepare.”

Private sector businesses have been basically left on their own to respond to cyber incidents.

Now, the State and Federal governments are responding by creating laws and regulations. Inherent in this situation is the regulation of technology while being forced to react due to recent high-profile incidents nationally.

Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration, Departments of Transportation and Energy, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency all are preparing new rules.
The State of Connecticut enacted two Cybersecurity laws in 2021. Public Act 21-119 is an incentive for businesses to adopt cybersecurity standards and Public Act 21-5 expands the definition of personal information companies are required to report if they experience a data breach.

Wombat Security states that up to 90% of breaches can be avoided with quarterly employee training on cybersecurity awareness.

WorkWise is an online suite of cybersecurity topics to increase your awareness and reduce your risk while online.


Test drive one module of WorkWise the online education tool, Social Engineering at no charge which will improve your organization’s security

justin.golden@gtscloud.com (972)679-9738 (m)
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