Newsletter - ChamberMastercloud.chambermaster.com/.../726/File/NewsletterMay.pdfPellegrino and her...
Transcript of Newsletter - ChamberMastercloud.chambermaster.com/.../726/File/NewsletterMay.pdfPellegrino and her...
Rep. Urban, named as a Task Force Board
member on grant applications thought the
Westerly-Pawcatuck Joint Development
Task Force was defunct. She was unaware
her name had been used, and had not been
contacted in years by the Task Force. The
legislator, “disturbed immensely”
immediately resigned upon learning of this
issue.
The Task Force Treasurer, listed on grant
applications, has made a correction to the
paper stating he is not their Treasurer or
Board member. This is the 2nd of 5 listed
“board members” clarifying they had no
involvement.
Every local state official, town official,
DBA representative, and Chamber
representative was led to believe the Task
Force was defunct for years.
There has been no Task Force collaboration
or communication with local Town or state
leaders, business groups, or arts groups. This
is in complete contrast to what was stated on
the Task Force website.
No Task Force public meetings have been
held in recent years. It had been their
practice to hold them monthly. Their web
site stated they held them monthly.
Not a single Task Force Board meeting has
been held in recent years. Not standard
practice for an IRS approved non-profit
Newsletter May 2011 www.westerlychamber.org [email protected] 401.596.7761
INSIDE - Business After Hours
- Where Was the Task Force?
- New Members
- Member News
Expenditures have been made for several
years without a Board vote of approval of
finances. Not standard practice for an IRS
approved non-profit
Without a Board meeting or vote, grants
were written for a Library computer,
Library room rentals, resume seminars, a
Task Force Manager, and Library
subscriptions to mutual fund publications.
Not 1 of those funded projects is listed on
the Task Force 20 Point Action Plan.
There are no meeting minutes for several
years. Not standard practice for IRS
approved non-profits.
In 6 years, there has been no progress on the
20 Point Action Plan by the Task Force.
Other groups such as the DBA and Chamber
of Commerce have tackled some items with
no participation, financially or otherwise,
from the Task Force that watched in silence.
The Task Force website was not updated for
6 years. It listed a phone that was
disconnected and touted progress and
partnerships that did not exist.
In summary, there is a total lack of
transparency in the use of public funding.
While an audit is a small step in the right
direction, it does not excuse that these grants
were obtained by what some might
characterize as a “misrepresentation of the
Board”, and with disregard to the Task
Force Action Plan and mission. It does not
excuse the fact that projects that received
funding are still not complete, such as book
that‟s been six years in the making. It does
not excuse a complete lack of participation
downtown over 6 years. The Chamber and
DBA believe that any RI EDC funds should
be re-allocated from the WPJDTF so that the
Town of Westerly Economic Development
Committee can provide oversight,
transparency and expenditure approval.
Chamber, DBA & Towns
Fund Wayfinding Signs
Item #13 on the Westerly Pawcatuck
Joint Development Task Force Action
Plan, page 15 “Gateways and Signage.
Install attractive gateway signs”
Mission completed. Not by the Task Force,
but by the DBA, Chamber and Towns of
Stonington and Westerly.
After several months of planning,
fundraising and design input, there are
beautiful new wayfinding signs erected in
our historic downtown. Three are placed in
Westerly and the 4th will be placed in
Pawcatuck later this month.
Grand Opening! Miss Gina’s Produce
Outlet, Spindrift Village, 271 Post Rd, Westerly
Chamber and DBA to Task Force:
“6 Years, $70,000+ funds, Zero Done for
Downtown Revitalization”
Trolley talks were taking place amongst all of the Town‟s business
groups. The Trolley is one of the 20
items listed as a priority o the Task Force
Plan.
Businesses needed help with facade
improvements and signage.
Business Owners/residents were
parking overtime on streets. Some
people were parking on High and Canal
and Broad for 4- 6 hours a day, and
doing it on a regular basis. The DBA
and Chamber collaborated on a Friendly
Ticket program to raise awareness of the
problem and encourage people to use
designated lots, rather than take valuable
customer parking. The Chamber funded
the flyers and the cost of paying an
employee to monitor the spaces and
make a report to the police about
habitual offenders.
Creating Events to Stimulate
Economy was needed- (2010)
Businesses lamented about the lack of
retail activity downtown and the
desperate need for more promotions to
draw people into the business district.
Two new downtown special events were
introduced and had a huge impact on
downtown sales- the Restaurant Week
and the Jingle Bell Holiday Shop Crawl.
Perhaps funds could have been used to
support those programs.
The Flood of April 2010 hit and our
downtown was paralyzed. Some
businesses were damaged, others forced
closed by the municipality. Commerce
was at a screeching halt. The Chamber
raised $73,000 and awarded grants to
them. The Chamber gave free
membership, and secured free ads in The
Resident, Day and So RI for flood
victims.
Streetscape Improvements-Signage was
Needed (Dec 2010) - Downtown
wayfinding signage was spearheaded by
the DBA, Chamber and Towns of
Pawcatuck and Stonington. The Chamber
and DBA secured quotes, worked on the
design, raised and committed funds for
this project.
Empty Storefronts were everywhere! - (May 2010) Promoting economic
development and enhancing the retail mix
downtown is supposed to be a priority of
the Task Force. The sluggish economy
has taken a major toll on downtown. We
have a high number of empty storefronts
and several businesses closed their doors
in late 2009-2010. Efforts to recruit new
businesses have been stepped up
significantly by the Chamber of
Commerce. Over $8,000 was spent on a
marketing campaign to lure businesses
downtown last year. Ads ran in 4
publications and featured photos of
downtown business owners and touted the
many reasons why a business should
establish downtown.
The DBA continued to produce the
Summer Solstice, an event it inherited
from the Task Force when it went
“dormant”.
The Post Office parking lot was a
major issue- 2011. When the lot
converted to a paid lot, a major division
took place downtown. People boycotted
the lot, a great amount of negative
publicity was generated, store owners
were at odds. Solutions needed to be
sought, collaboration was necessary.
Collaboration was Lacking At
Downtown Meetings – A Task Force
representative did not attend a single
DBA, Chamber or Town meeting, and did
not initiate communication on anything
related to downtown.
Helping New Businesses was needed- A
Task Force representative did not attend a
single ribbon cutting ceremony. There
have been no workshops on marketing,
creating an attractive window display, or
any other assistance provided to a new
business.
A Civic Tourism Lab was held in
Downtown (2008) - Representatives from
the arts, business, landlords, etc came
together to discuss downtown issues and
try and identify solutions. This 4 hour
long program brought in planners,
economic development specialists,
marketing and events specialists and town
leaders from all over the country to study
downtown.
Supporting the Arts District was
needed- Nobody from the Task Force
helped with the relocation of the Artists
Cooperative Gallery in 2010 or promotion
of their offerings, or promotion of any
Arts Stroll/the Arts District for 6 years.
Stated on the Task Force website that was up from 2004 until taken down 4-17-11 after criticism.
“We are the group taking the lead, with the towns of Westerly and Stonington, on infrastructure improvements such as the streetscape
improvements, and the River Walk. We assist with downtown property and business owners with sign and façade improvements. We
work on historically appropriate revitalization efforts and we use our resources to draw people downtown.”
Chamber and DBA position on this promotion of the Task Force: In 6 years they have done nothing to draw people downtown.
They have not participated in any streetscape improvements, have never reached out to downtown business owners and have done
nothing to help with facade improvements. The Chamber and DBA publicly ask the following:
Where was the Westerly-Pawcatuck Joint Development Task Force When……?
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Buckley Heating & Cooling and
Belmont Market Announce “Heat
and Eat” Campaign to Benefit the
Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale.
Federal research shows that while all
families increase their expenditures on home
heating fuel during the winter, low-income
families offset this cost by decreasing food
purchases. In response, Buckley Heating &
Cooling and Belmont Market are partnering
in a new “Heat and Eat” Campaign to
benefit the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale
and increase awareness of its efforts to
create hunger-free communities. The
campaign will award a minimum of 25 new
automatic delivery fuel customers a $25
Belmont Market Gift Card. A matching gift
card will be donated to the Jonnycake
Center of Peace Dale. Buckley Heating &
Cooling Fuel Sales Representative Steve
Maciel, who also runs the non-profit End
Congratulations to Casa Della Luce for
winning the Chowder Cook Off for the
Rotary Club of Westerly. Their chowder
was sampled by hundreds of guests who
voted them tops among 20 local restaurants.
Stop by the restaurant today and sample
some for yourself!
CCI Computer Centers
On-site Computer Support
38 West Broad Street
Pawcatuck, CT 06379
860-599-1947
Waste
Management of
Rhode Island
Commercial Trash Services
(800) 955-0518
Benevides &
Turano LLC,
CPAs and Business
Advisors
85 Beach Street
Westerly, RI
401-596-9797
A $4,000 award from the Dime Bank
Foundation helped the Westerly Senior
Citizens Center purchase 200 multi-purpose
stack chairs used in the Senior Center
cafeteria. The cafeteria is used not only for a
daily meal site, but also for numerous
daytime Senior Center activities and
programs, as well as daily socialization. The
room also acts as a waiting area for health
clinics, hosts weekly senior meetings, and
accommodates larger programs and lectures.
The center is also designated as the area‟s
emergency shelter.
The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art in
Salem is celebrating the start of its 10th
anniversary season! Check them out on line
to see all of their special activities and
events, and friend them on Facebook.
NewportFed has donated $500 to the
Westerly Public Schools. This donation will
enhance the fund that is being developed to
support the building of a play area for the 3
and 4 year old children that attend the
Westerly High School Child Development
Program.
Melissa Ashley Brides is celebrating its
10th Anniversary in downtown Westerly.
Congratulations to Denise Marcey
Pellegrino and her staff who have built a
reputation for unparalleled personal service.
The store features a wide array of designer
bridal gowns in all price ranges, along with
bridesmaid dresses, shoes, mother-of-the-
bride attire, special occasion dresses,
headpieces, jewelry and more. Visit them at
32 High Street in historic downtown
Westerly. www.melissaashley.com
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union,
headquartered in Groton, CT, was recently
honored with a Merit Award for its
outstanding community efforts and
marketing achievements in the credit union
industry.
The award was presented by the Credit
Union National Association (CUNA)
Marketing and Business Development
Council, a national network comprised of
nearly 1,000 credit union marketing and
business development professionals. Awards
are given in each of 33 categories ranging
from advertising to community events and
beyond.
Proposed Ordinances That
May Affect Your Business
A proposal prohibiting skateboards on
commercial property downtown is in the
work in Westerly. The Code Review
Committee will bring that forward soon. A
proposal to eliminate street vendors and
force them to apply for participation in an
event through the event organizers is being
considered by the Town Council at time of
this newsletter printing.
MEMBER NEWS
N E W M E M B E R S
Donna’s Cucina
5 Coggswell Street
Pawcatuck, CT 06379
860-495-5577
Donna Kirby-Reynolds Donna and her staff are committed to
serving you American and Italian comfort
foods using the finest, freshest local
ingredients and a healthy cooking style.
Quiet location with a relaxed, quaint,
atmosphere for casual dining. Daily
Specials. Watch for our summer Thursday
and Friday evening dining hours with
„Special Menu Selections‟
Enjoy a Special Treat - Let Donna be your
Private Chef and enjoy the atmosphere of
her kitchen and the privacy of a dining
experience especially reserved for you and
your Guests. Served Buffet, Family Style,
or ala Carte. Let us help you plan your
event! Hours: Wed - Fri: 6:30 am to 2:00
pm Sat & Sun: 7:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Takeout Available. Off street parking. For
any of your catering needs, contact the
restaurant for an appointment with Catering
Services Manager, Richard Gingerella.
Marilyn’s Bookkeeping Service
PO Box 1633
Pawcatuck, CT 06379
860-908-1600
Marilyn Lesniewski Marilyn‟s Bookkeeping Service is an on-site
or off-site service and offers either personal
or business bookkeeping. Personal
bookkeeping includes bill paying, bank
reconciliation, personal correspondence, and
miscellaneous paperwork. Business
bookkeeping/quick books pro includes
accounts receivables, accounts payables,
monthly bank reconciliation, payroll, payroll
reports, payroll taxes, and financial reports.
I offer personal and confidential service for
all your bookkeeping needs.
Kennel Cushions, LLC
253 Grindstone Hill Road
N. Stonington, CT 06359
860-514-5151
www.kennelcushions.com
Margaret Warfield
The business was formed after a top breeder
of mastiffs asked if we could manufacture,
durable, water resistant cushions for use in
her mastiff kennel. Using materials used in
school gymnasiums, we designed a 2" thick
polyurethane foam pet cushion, covered
with a heavy gauge vinyl and stitched with a
nylon reinforced stitching.
Kennel Cushions are non-toxic, rugged,
water resistant and are easily disinfected.
They do not hold odors, and never require
laundering. Kennel Cushions provide
support for muscles and joints, and are ideal
for preventing hygroma. Our Cushions are
highly recommended by veterinarians,
breeders, professional dog trainers and pet
owners alike.
We offer Cushions in standard sizes to fit
most crates, as well as custom sizes for your
vehicle, home, RV or kennel. Our cushions
are proudly made in North Stonington, CT
and offer a 1 year warranty on workmanship
& materials.
Ten Sandwich Shop
1 Commerce Street
Westerly, RI 02891
401-322-0281
Paul Fazio
Ten Sandwiches in downtown Westerly, RI
is a specialty sandwich shop whose relaxed
and welcoming atmosphere is complimented
by their simple, straightforward menu
design. Westerly natives, Padraic and Paul
Fazio, had a vision for a neighborhood café
that focused on fresh, high quality
ingredients that only local small farmers and
artisans could provide. Their menu consists
of 10 creative sandwiches that change with
the seasonal availability of local ingredients.
Breakfast sandwiches, fair trade organic
coffee and tea, along with homemade soups
and baked goods are offered along with a
carefully selected craft beer and wine menu.
At Ten Sandwiches you can enjoy a
sandwich with a glass of wine or sip a coffee
and surf the web. Visit them at 7 Commerce
Street in downtown Westerly, RI (across
from the Westerly Sun Building) and friend
them on Facebook!
Hunter Ridge
40 Collins Rd
Ashaway, RI 02804
401-499-3718
Wendy Brayman After a two year hiatus, Wendy Brayman
and Hunter Ridge are back in Rhode Island
at a new facility in Ashaway. Hunter Ridge
is open to all levels of equestrian interests
and competitive levels. While there are a
number of children and adults competing at
rated and local shows, we also train
beginners in basic horsemanship and equine
care. Horses have excellent full care, which
include turn out, schooling, and personalized
programs to meet the needs of each horse.
During the summer we offer equestrian
camp, open to all levels and abilities, with
school horses available. We look forward to
seeing you at our new location. Any
questions? Call Wendy at 401-499-3718.
On Friday, May 6, 2011, the Mystic
Seaport: The Museum of America and the
Sea will host over 300 U.S. travel, tourism
and hospitality industry professionals from
around the country. They will join forces
for a one-day, major “give back” initiative to
help revitalize the nation‟s leading maritime
museum. The participants will volunteer
their labor for the day to address a wide-
range of deferred maintenance projects
around the grounds to enhance the visitor
experience.
The Tourism Cares Volunteer Project
Program is internationally recognized as the
most innovative “give back” program in the
travel industry. 2011 marks the 9th
consecutive year of this highly successful
nonprofit program. Previous Tourism Cares
Volunteer projects include Angel Island
(California), Ellis Island (New York), St.
Louis Cemetery in New Orleans
(Louisiana), and Spangler Farm in
Gettysburg (Pennsylvania).
Teams of volunteers will roll up their
sleeves and provide valuable hands-on
assistance with restoration and preservation
needs for Mystic Seaport including:
Applying a water-based preservative to the
Charles W. Morgan, the Museum‟s 1841
whale ship.
-Painting the hull of the 1882 ship Joseph
Conrad.
-Cleaning, painting, and otherwise “sprucing
up” the public areas of the Museum.
The Museum will be closed to visitors for
the day.
Pawcatuck Resident Letter to Chamber
Director Lisa Konicki on 4-25-11
“I just wanted to say, as a resident of
Westerly-Pawcatuck (I live on Mechanic
Street and moved there specifically because
I loved the neighborhoods) it is really
heartening to read about the way you
advocate for our area. (I read The Sun as
well as The Day) I don’t think people know
how few vibrant downtowns there are like
that left. And I really hope the trolley
happens! Anyway, every time I see your
name in a news story, I think “You go girl!”
Faye Trafford, Pawcatuck, CT
“This was a wonderful note to receive,
especially having never met Ms. Trafford”
said Konicki.
Jamie Silvestri of NAPA Auto
Parts to Receive SBA Award
Congratulations to Jamie Silvestri of NAPA
Auto Parts who will be receiving an SBA
Award for Small Business Disaster
Recovery. Jamie will fly to Washington in
May to receive this national award.
Silvestri, lost the entire inventory from his
Canal Street business and relocated to
Franklin Street. A volunteer fireman, he
pumped water from resident‟s cellars and
served as a fire department liaison for the
Town‟s emergency management operations
center.
NAPA received a $3,600 boost from The
Chamber‟s Jump Start Small Business
Recovery Program last Spring. It was one
of 22 businesses that received outright
grants thanks to the Town of Westerly, The
Chamber and donations by local businesses.
Tourism Cares for Mystic Seaport Volunteer Project
Scenes From Business After Hours
Business After Hours at Chamber Easter
Egg Hunt in
Wilcox Park
Community-Wide Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon