Community Corner

Taking Care of Business in East Haddam

22 local businesses participate in the East Haddam Business Association's First Business Expo at the Gelston House.

Members of the East Haddam Business Association (EHBA) had the opportunity to promote their businesses last saturday in conjunction with the 8th Annual East Haddam Chowder Cook-off. Hundreds of chowder tasters headed across the street to the Gelston House to meet  local business owners and learn about the services available in town.

The scenic Connecticut River and views of the iconic East Haddam Swing Bridge set the stage for the personalized table displays. Displays were set up by participating businesses in the historic function room of the Gelston House. The atmosphere in the room was jubilant as business cards, product samples, giveaways, balloons, raffle tickets, pens, and other marketing paraphernalia quickly changed hands along with friendly smiles.

According to Susan Pagnano, founding member and President of the EHBA, the expo was "a huge success and the public turnout was great." The participating business displays were "beautiful", she says. "I was so proud of how well they all came together."

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Crowds of people made their way through the various displays to discover and personally meet local business owners. According to Ken and Judy Grohbrugge of New Inn Kennels, participating in the expo was "Terrific. It was a nice way to promote our business while meeting people [around town]".

Kim Owens, owner of Little Noises Daycare, felt that the expo was "wonderful exposure for our daycare." In this struggling economy, it was "nice to be able to promote local businesses", she says, "we're pleased to see the crowds that turned out in support."

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Twenty-two businesses in total took part in the expo. Participating businesses included Adduci's Bookkeeping Services, All Phase Heating & Cooling, Buell Creek Home Improvements, Chestelm Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Enchanted Castle LLC, Game On LLC, Hillside Sweet Shoppe, Liberty Bank, Little Noises Daycare, Showtime Stables and Susan's Fine Salon & Gathering.

The EHBA was formed this past January (2011) and "has been picking up steam". According to Pagano, "we are excited about the enthusiasm of the public".

The mission of the EHBA is to "promote local business by fostering relationship and promoting unity within the community". Facilitating relationships between local businesses is a key consideration of the EHBA.

The EHBA also strives to "provide local business owners with the resources and support to continue and grow their businesses by empowering, educating and networking."

The EHBA meets every third wednesday of the month and can be contacted at ehbact@yahoo.com or PO Box 183, East Haddam, CT 06423. For information on becoming part of the association, contact Susan Pagnano or any of the EHBA officers. Any business within East Haddam is welcome to join.

Current officers of the EHBA include: President Susan Pagano of Susan's Fine Salon and Gathering, Vice President Maryla Radviszewski of moreFIT, Treasurer Elizabeth Adduci of Adduci's Bookeeping, Secretary Linda Zawisza of DZ Excavating and Public Relations Officer Pam Arabas of MP Impressions.


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