Committees & Councils

Standing Committees

Ambassadors Committee:

Member volunteers committed to welcoming new members, explaining benefits and assisting with introductions at networking and social functions.

Health Care Council: Develops interactive programs designed to increase awareness and education in the community. It also provides networking programs for healthcare professionals.

Legislative Affairs & Manufacturers Council:

Meets to discuss legislative concerns and to propose legislation to grow and promote the business community. The Chamber's lobbyist works closely with this committee to set its yearly agenda.

Military Affairs Council:

Supports and looks out for the interests of our military community.

Women's Business Networking Committee:

More than 50% of all businesses are managed or owned by women. This committee addresses their needs and provides key networking and educational opportunities. This proactive committee coordinates networking events featuring guest speakers.

Event Committees

Citizen of the Year Committee:

A committee charged with planning one of eastern Connecticut's biggest events of the year. The Citizen of the Year Banquet honors an outstanding person selected from the region at large that has made significant contributions to eastern Connecticut. The committee handles everything from menu planning and table decorations to program design.

Golf Committee:

Plans, organizes and sponsors the Chamber's Annual Golf Outing, a sold-out event every year. Whether you golf or not, your help is needed at organizing this event. From recruiting Tee Sponsors to finding registration table volunteers, there is something for everyone, as well as, a beautiful day away from the office.

Holiday Gala:

A fun, seasonal committee that coordinates this Gala/Auction to raise funds to benefit the children of eastern Connecticut. From seeking donation items to the final Gala evening production, this committee coordinates everything.

William Crawford Distinguished Citizen Award Committee:

The William Crawford Distinguished Citizen Award is periodically presented to an outstanding member of the community who has contributed to the quality of life in our region as well as to his or her neighbors. The Crawford Award Committee plans the annual Crawford Award Dinner and Presentation.

Town Councils

Councils assist the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut by focusing on issues specific to a town/city and promoting partnerships to address those issues. This is accomplished through monthly or quarterly meetings of members and future members. These meetings are to update businesses and citizens on items of importance to the town's/city's economic well-being. Membership in the Chamber is not required to attend council meetings; they are open to all interested parties. For additional information, please contact the Chamber at (860) 464-7373.

East Lyme

Chair: Larry Bevilacqua, Carelot Children's Center

Fishers Island

Chair: Meredith Doyen

Council of the Stoningtons

Chair: Bruce MacDonald

Groton/Ledyard

Chairs: Ed DeMuzzio, CCi, Inc.& Shari Hewes, Holdridge Farm Nursery, Inc.

Lyme/Old Lyme

Chair: Robert Chapman, Chapman Architect & Builder

Montville

Chair: Pam Kinder, United Community and Family Services

New London

Chairs: Rich Bernardo, TEE'S Plus & Barry Runyan, PrimExcellence

Norwich Area

Chair: Angelo Olivieri, Olivieiri Financial Services

Waterford

Chair: Bob Blinderman, R. Blinderman Motor Lines Inc.