Tantalize Your Tastebuds

Decadent.

Delicious.

Delectable.

These are just a few words your tastebuds will be shouting during Greater Valley Restaurant Week 2013!

Do you want to indulge in palate-pleasing Italian faire?  Maybe it’s a hankering for something hot and spicy like authentic Mexican cuisine? Or how about whetting your appetite with scrumptious cuisine from India? Look no further because you can satisfy those cravings and more at the hidden gourmet gems right here in the Valley!

From Monday, October 7^th, through Friday, October 11^th, participating restaurants throughout the Greater Valley region will offer delightful deals. The participating restaurants are 121 Restaurant & Bar (Oxford), 500 Degrees (Derby), Antonio's (Ansonia), Aribella (Shelton), Center Street Social (Shelton), Focaccia's Cafe & Catery (Shelton), Hot Tamale Mexican Bar & Grill (Seymour), Il Palio Ristorante (Shelton), La Scogliera (Shelton), Marco Pizzeria & Restaurant (Derby), Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen (Ansonia), Smoke & Bones BBQ (Derby), Tavern 1757 (Seymour), The Gourmet Cafe (Derby), Vazzy’s (Shelton), and Verace Pizzeria, Market & Italian Eatery. Kim's Light Cafe (Shelton), Marco Pizzeria & Restaurant (Derby) and Smoke & Bones Food Truck (Shelton) are also offering "Small Bites" for those who need a quick meal or to go.  

Here's how it works:

Dine for $9 at Lunch is a menu of special restaurant week items. Restaurants will create two or three courses designed to please your palette and your pocketbook.

Share and Enjoy:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

Dinner is a $20.13 fixed price three course menu with most restaurants offering a choice of menu items for each course.

Some of the dinner entrée choices offered in 2012 included Salmon Piccata, Enchilada Ranchero, Petto de Pollo all Milanese, NY Strip Au Poivre, Bistro Burger, Seafood Lasagna, Tandoori Chicken even Zupa di Pesce. Not interested in the pre-fixe menu? That’s okay. The restaurants will still have their regular menu available. 

According to Chamber President Bill Purcell, “over the last several years, the Valley has become a destination for a variety of culinary influences and Restaurant Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich culinary offerings in the Valley. I would urge our residents to patronize these offerings not only throughout this week, but also throughout the year. We are truly grateful to the participating restaurants for their hospitality and their creativity in the menu items they chose for Restaurant Week.”

Restaurant Week is an excellent opportunity to eat a delicious new meal for a great price. All week long, you are invited to head out to a variety of participating restaurants in the Valley to try a new place or visit an old favorite for a new taste.

New this year is “Small Bites” option that gives you the unique opportunity to get special deals at participating bakeries, cafes, delis, coffee shops, pizza places and others. This will include special combo meals or even discounts off some of their specialties depending on the location.  Small Bites provides customers with numerous options for a scrumptious breakfast or even a quick lunch break on the go. 

“Restaurant Week is fun! I look forward to seeing the different restaurants involved and I get excited once the menus are posted. I send an email out to the office and encourage them to get out into the community and to really be a part of it,” exclaimed Jennifer Bull, Principal with the accounting firm of Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala. “It’s a good opportunity to set up lunches with business contacts and family members. Plus it’s fun because you get back to the office after lunch and everyone’s asking each other ‘Where did you go today?’

Curious about that restaurant you’ve heard about or driven by all those times? Restaurant Week is your chance to give it a try knowing exactly what you will be spending.

Brianna McCormack, a Shelton restaurant and student at Southern Connecticut State University says, “Restaurant Week is an affordable way to try out new restaurants that you haven’t been to.  The cultural varieties of restaurants that participate make it fun to try out a new dish every day and night!  Who doesn’t get tired of the same type of food every day? Not only is the variety incredible, but the price is just right! There are many restaurants in the Valley that I have wanted to try but can be pricey on a college students budget. This is the perfect week to venture out and give my taste buds a treat!”

Here are a several reminders from the folks at ConnecticutRestaurantWeek.com for those of you experiencing your first restaurant week. Please keep in mind that beverage, tax and gratuity are not included in the special pricing. There may be some restaurants that do offer a beverage, so consult individual menus for specifics. Gratuity, however, is never included and the wait staff works very hard this week. Please tip generously!

Be sure to get your reservation-making finger ready, because Greater Valley Restaurant Week is back and if you want a table at your favorite restaurant you’ll have to act fast! Get ready to dine and join in the celebration of all things culinary.

For a complete list of participating restaurants and their menus, visit www.greatervalleyrestaurantweek.com. If you are looking for daily updates during the week be sure to like the Greater Valley Chamber on Facebook or follow them on Twitter at Valley_Chamber. 

Shelton Makes "Booming Suburbs" List

Congratulations to the City of Shelton for their recognition on Coldwell Banker’s “Top Booming Suburbs in America” survey, which was recently released as part of the Firm’s “Best Places to Live” series.  The “Booming Suburbs” ranking rated 1,500 communities across the country with populations of 22,275 or more based on levels of employment along with a range of quality of life attributes.  

 Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell attributes Shelton’s ranking among the Top Ten Suburbs in Connecticut to its strong and diverse mix of business & industry, which includes global leaders and entrepreneurial start-ups. Shelton’s ranking is also testament to the quality of its public facilities, including its libraries, public schools and extensive network of nature trails and open spaces.

In addition to Shelton’s #9 ranking, other Fairfield County communities on the list are Trumbull, Westport, Ridgefield, Newtown, Fairfield and Greenwich.

Leadership Greater Valley

There is no shortage of good ideas in the world. We believe it takes more than good ideas to change the world. It also takes skill, vision and heart.

Do you know yourself? A better question is: Have you thought about the way you come across as a leader? Do you like what you see? Do others?

Whether you are new to the area, or have a renewed interest sparked by a new job, new inspiration, or new phase of life, Leadership Greater Valley can connect you to the people, places and possibilities in Greater Valley.

Want to expand your professional network, climb your career ladder faster, or engage in a meaningful civic endeavor? Leadership Greater Valley provides the skills you need to become a more effective, connected and collaborative leader, and the inspiration to connect your values with real-world projects.

Leadership Greater Valley is a training program for professionals combining leadership building with community education. What sets this program apart from others is its ability to go beyond corporate to develop the vision and the drive for community change.

LGV is a 9-week program where participants can get a bird’s-eye-view of the issues facing the Valley community. The class is limited to 15 selected individuals who will have the personal opportunity to learn from the leaders of many local organizations and associations. The small class size allows for participants to gain an intimate, one-on-one experience with instructors. 

The program is unique in that it focuses on the individual before moving on to focus on the Valley. Also, instead of one full day a month for one year, like most other programs, the Leadership Greater Valley program meets for 4-5 hours per session and the program is completed in 8 weeks. The program is perfect for those new to the area or for companies that see potential in someone to become a leader. It’s designed for managers and leaders to develop and hone their leading skills.

Virginia Dedad, program graduate and owner of Royal Service Travel, helped highlight some of the benefits of the program: “The best benefit is that it increases your knowledge of the Valley and the surrounding towns and the introduction to your classmates is invaluable. It’s a wonderful way to meet people and bond with them. You also have the opportunity to meet with leaders in the Valley and get the tools they’ve used to be successful. If someone’s not in a leadership role, it gives them a good insight to what it takes to become a leader. It helps people from all walks of life and all ages.”

When asked what part of the program had the biggest impact, Virginia replied “…the contacts forged through the program.”

And now the reason for the post: Leadership Greater Valley is now accepting applications! This program format has proven successful in many Connecticut communities. We encourage you to review the program details and see how you might benefit at your workplace as a member of the class. Tuition is only $495 corporate first person rate; $350 non-profit and additional people from any one company. So do not hesitate to sign up or to contact us if you have any questions regarding Leadership Greater Valley (203) 925-4981 

Application Deadline is Monday, September 9, 2013

49th Annual Meeting

On Thursday, June 20^th, 2013, members of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce as well as several distinguished guests gathered at the Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby for the Chamber’s 49^th Annual Meeting. The theme? Getting America back to work. This year’s presenter was Joe Carbone, the President and CEO of The Workplace Inc., a nationally recognized leader in creating innovative workforce development programs.

Carbone began his presentation by offering the audience astounding unemployment statistics as a result of the Great Recession. He explained that the labor participation rate has dropped to its lowest point in the last 30 years…11,000 jobs have been lost…in Connecticut, 45,000 people have lost their jobs leaving many of them discourage with the lack of long-term employment.

Carbone explained the “…thinning of the labor force made the road back to employment very different.” This is what makes it difficult for the long-term unemployed to find employment. In the two to three years that they’ve been unemployed, the work force has changed and, after consistently hearing ‘no’ from prospective employers, their self-confidence has understandably been shaken. The ultimate barrier they face is the length of their unemployment, which ultimately denies them the chance to be considered for employment.

Carbone presented his solution—“Platform to Employment: Putting Long-Term Unemployed Back to Work.” This program, featured on 60 Minutes and PBS News Hour, is designed to help in the restoration of the American Dream—equal opportunity for prosperity and success. Platform to Employment strives to give the unemployed a fighting chance. There are five weeks of intensive classes taught by a professional team of people able to help with the issues plaguing the unemployed. “If we did it right, we could give these folks a chance,” declares Carbone.

After the five weeks of classes, the students intern with a business for eight weeks on Carbone’s payroll, effectively eliminating any risk to the business.

Carbone says, “America cannot, and should not, offer everyone a job…” but Carbone looks to offer hope—the underlining secondary theme of the meeting. Platform to Employment is designed to help people compensate for their barriers so they can compete for work—leading back to the American Dream.

Platform to Employment is the embodiment of the American Way. The people who enter the program are severely misunderstood by the work force. They’re not lazy nor are they looking for handouts—“They’re people who feel like they’ve been abandoned…suffering from depravation of hope.” As Americans, Carbone explains, it is our responsibility to “help our brothers and sisters, to give them the necessary tools and services to stand on our own.”

Summer Intern, Noelle Monk

Photo by Fred Ortoli

Kokopelli School of Music and Arts

Today we’d like to tell you about the Kokopelli School of Music and Arts, a 2012 WIN Entrepreneurial Grant recipient and the host site for this week’s Women in Networking meeting.

Pulling up to the building, located at 30 Progress Drive in Seymour, we were greeted with open arms by owner, Jackie Yannes. Walking into the building and looking around, it was clear to me that Kokopelli is a place geared toward the expression of creativity. The walls were proudly decorated with the artwork of the kids taking classes. Just by looking around, you can tell that the business thrives on the creativity of the people who walk through the doors.

The space was occupied by a different music school, but was taken over by Jackie and director, Nicole Kristoff, who realized the true potential of the space and quickly took advantage of it. Nicole explained, “When Jackie and I first opened Kokopelli we had a vision to create a school for students at any age and skill level to attend. We wanted a place for people to go and feel comfortable to explore the world of music and the arts and unleash their creativity.”

Jackie and Nicole took us on a tour of the building and I was certainly impressed that such a seemingly small place could house so much room for different activities and classes. We were brought into the dance studio and passed through hallways decorated with the kid’s artwork. The dance room holds classes for children and adults—everything from ballet to tap to hip hop—and fitness classes—Zumba, adult ballet, piloxing, and even adult hula hooping.

We were next brought into the theater and music rooms where private voice lessons take place. Down the hall there are multiple rooms where kids have the opportunity to learn a number of different instruments—piano, violin drums, cello, saxophone, and many more.

We were shown the “Princess Room” where Kokopelli often hosts birthday parties—nail painting, makeup, and even visits from your favorite Princesses. Nicole explained they host a number of different parties from rock star themed to dance to super hero parties.

Finally, we were brought into the art room where the back walls displayed the incredible artwork of their students. Art classes for the kids and wine and easel nights for adults on Sundays.

We all sat down in the art room and learned about what makes Kokopelli so special.

During the year they offer fitness specials for students of all ages who wish to get into better shape and fun social events for the artist who has never picked up a paintbrush. They also design a schedule with their students in mind by offering classes during the day, evenings, and weekends. They are available for private parties such as birthday parties, corporate events, and mommy & me groups.  During the year their students put on performances that include music, singing, acting, and dance that showcase what they learn in their classes.

“Kokopelli School of Music and Art will be open one year this September. We have grown tremendously for our first year and we look forward to the future. We are currently developing more programs that will enrich our students and the well being of Kokopelli. Exciting classes coming for the fall include Kids Yoga, Mommy & Me Yoga, Boys Hip-Hop, Music and Arts Preschool Program, Kids Fitness Boot camp, Music Boot camp, and much more” says Nicole.

We encourage you to check out the Kokopelli School of Music and Arts. We can guarantee that, in this welcoming and enriching environment, you can find the perfect thing for you.

Head on over to their website to check out the different events they have coming up – including Kokopelli Idol and a Wine & Easel Night.

Watch our blog for an upcoming post with more information on the 2013 WIN Entrepreneurial Grant and the Annual Appletini Harvest coming up in September.

Summer Intern, Noelle Monk

Meet our Councils!

Here at the Chamber, we strive to open up opportunities for you to expand your business. We offer our members professional networking groups and industry councils to help you make connections to help your business grow. In our last post we wrote about our networking groups, so today we’ll cover the councils.

Our Healthcare Council is comprised of individuals and companies from the Healthcare Industry. This includes medical, insurance, and care services. They Healthcare Council is one of our committees looking to educate members, the business community, consumers, and government representatives on different ways to reduce employee absenteeism costs, increase worker productivity and reduce overall healthcare costs.

The Healthcare Council meets on the 3^rd Friday of each month at 8:15am. They also hose a variety of programs and seminars throughout the year covering health issues affecting you and your staff members.

 Our Technology Council was created to serve as the driving force behind the rapid technology growth in the Valley. Their goal is to increase all Chamber members’ technology knowledge while helping them understand how technology can help their business. The council gives Valley technology leaders a forum for collaboration and innovation and brings awareness to local technology resources. Through this, local tech resources can serve Valley businesses. They believe strengthening the technology presence in the Valley will positively affect businesses across different industries. By making local technology resources more easily available to businesses, they can help contribute economic growth in the Valley.

The Technology Council meets Thursday of each month. For more information contact Nancie Gray at (203) 925-4981. (Nominal membership fee)

The Hospitality Council is currently comprised of the Valley area Hotel Managers and Sales Directors. They meet as needed to discuss the issues and concerns facing their industry.

The Human Resource Forum holds a monthly meeting, hosted and sponsored by The Schegg Group, for area Human Resource managers and their Associates as well as other invited guests. Meetings feature speakers on current HR topics.

Young Emerging Professionals (YEPs) looks to help young professionals and entrepreneurs in their 20s and 30s become better engaged in community life, expand professional and social opportunities and become ambassadors future leaders.

Their objective is to create and connect a diverse network of young professionals and to develop an atmosphere and environment that caters to the desires and interest of young professionals and entrepreneurs.

Young Emerging Professionals does have additional requirements that include company membership in the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce as well as nominal annual dues, which include entry into Young Professional Monthly Programs, this, however, excludes major events.

Feel free to contact us for more information on our councils! (203) 925-4981

Summer Intern, Noelle Monk

The Power of Connections

Today, we’d like to explain to you the Power of Connections—your business thrives on it and your future depends on it. We want to be able to help create opportunities for you to make connections and expand your business. We offer a wide variety of networking programs from professional networking groups and Business After Hours to Breakfast Club meetings and industry specific councils.

In order to facilitate opportunities for you to expand your business, we offer our members professional networking groups and industry councils to help you make connections and help your business grow.

Belonging to a Chamber Networking Group may significantly increase your sales efforts, since group members have the incentive to become salespersons for each other's products and services. Members within the group become a marketing force for each other. This mutually supportive environment is what makes a Chamber Networking Group so powerful.

Our professional networking groups include:

Seeds to Leads (S2L) Their mission is three-fold:

·      Growth and prosperity of each member’s business

·      Formation of partnerships among the memberships

o   Meant to enable and enhance each member’s business and social life

·      Education of the membership on current topics of mutual interest

o   Either from within or outside of the group

Seeds to Leads meets the 2^nd & 4^th Wednesday at 7:45am. For membership information, contact Dan White (203) 556-1198

Valley Business Network (BVN): Their group goals:

·      Build trusting personal and professional relationships ultimately leading to professional referrals and business success

·      Hold one another accountable for the services they offer and the professional handling of their cross referrals

o   So they can continue to grow and prosper

·      Guest speakers visit to educate on relevant to current events and issues

Valley Business Network meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month. For membership information, contact Alex Modica (203) 644-2052

Women in Networking (WIN): a women’s only networking group. Keep an eye out for a blog post in the near future!

Women in Networking meets the 2^nd & 4^th Tuesday at 8:45am. For membership information, contact Mala Vaish (203) 659-0300

Groups are limited to one representative from each industry (i.e. one realtor, one banker, one printer). Group members must be members of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. Openings are filled on a first come basis. Groups meet at the Greater Valley Chamber, 10 Progress Drive, 2nd Floor, Shelton, CT

Networking Group dues are $80 annually and are pro-rated quarterly for new members. For more information on these Leads Groups contact the Chamber today.

Meeting times and days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc.—Please double check our online Calendar of Events to confirm dates, times and locations.

Summer Intern, Noelle Monk