NEW MEMBERS ATHENA AWARDS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS CHAMBER NEWS

OCEAN COMMUNITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NEWSLETTER

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AT H E N A AWARD

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N O M I N E E S

NEW MEMBERSINNOVATION FITNESS

53 Canal Street, Westerly, RI 02891Phone: 401-596-0570Website: innovationfitnessri.com/p/westerlyInstagram: @innovationfitness_westerlyContact: Richard Bisbano, Jr.

Innovation Fitness was born out of a perceived need for high quality sports nutrition products and supplements in southern RI and in neighboring CT. Innovation Fitness aims to meet the fitness needs of the average person concerned about his/her health to the serious, hard-core athlete. Product offerings include the highest quality protein supplements, snacks, and nut butters, fat burners, test boosters, amino acids, energy drinks, macro-friendly prepared meals, apparel, and much more. The store is staffed by personnel who are knowl-edgeable about fitness, nutrition, and supplements, and who are dedicated to helping you meet your individual goals. Whether you are looking for a protein supplement, a new pre-workout, items to assist you with strength and recovery and/or products to help with weight management, Innovation Fitness is here to help. The store is open Monday through Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday 10am-4pm, and there is convenient parking on the side of the building. We look forward to assisting you!

PEQUOT HEALTH CARE

1 Annie George Drive, Mashantucket, CT 06358Phone:  860-384-8341Email:  kkukowski@prxn.comWebsite: www.pe-quothealthcare.comContact:  Kathy Kukowski

Pequot Health Care is a wholly-owned entity of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, long recognized as a leader in managing health care plans for business enterprises throughout the United States.Pequot Health Care provides TPA services to self-funded employers for medical, dental, vision and pharmacy benefit services additionally providing FSA, H.S.A. and COBRA administration.  Our state-of-the-art technology and highly experienced staff combine to offer the perfect combination to administer your health plan.  We pride ourselves on exceptional medical claim and prescription processing turnaround times and superb customer service response protocols. Pequot Health Care works closely with nationally renowned utilization review and case man-agement companies offering disease management and wellness programs with call centers throughout the United States.  We are happy to extend these same services to our TPA Customers.  Utilization Review and case management services assure members appropriate quality care and cost effectiveness. Our plan designs are developed to maximize our contract-ing and buying power and the flexibility  to meet your organizational goals and membership expectations, all with superb customer service and expeditious administration.

STONE ACRES FARM

385 North Main Street, Stonington, CT 06378Phone: 860-415-9947Email: Kathie@stoneacresfarm.comWebsite: stoneacresfarm.comContact: Kathie Hewitt

Stone Acres Farm is a sixty-three acre working farm located in the historic coastal New England town of Stonington, Connecticut. The property’s rolling hills, gardens, and acres of vegetable production are open to visitors. We celebrate natural farming, sustainable food, culinary education and the preservation of open space, cultural landscapes, and historic structures. Holiday Parties, Weddings, Corporate Events, Meetings and Team Building: Stone Acres Farm offers a spectacular backdrop for an authentic farm experience with indoor and outdoor venues overlooking our sustainable vegetable and flower gardens and historic farm buildings. Indoor Space year round: The Manor House has the capacity for up to 100 guests for an elegant seated dinner. Perfect for a holiday party! Kick off the evening with a Cocktail Reception in the Fire Place Living Room, Side Garden or The Boxwood Garden where guests will be encircled by historic 8-foot boxwood hedges and glorious flower gardens. Outdoor Space late Spring, Summer and Fall: Receptions and Dinners can be enjoyed for up to 225 guests under a tent on either the Tent Lawn or Fire Pit Lawn which, features a hand built stone fire pit for culinary events and campfires. Receptions in the Side Garden or the Boxwood Garden where historic 8-foot boxwood hedges will encircle guests and glorious flower gardens are available and perfect options for Manor House dinners. For an authentic Connecticut coastal farm experience in the heart of Stonington, and to learn more about our venues for a truly unique event, meeting or team building activity, please contact us for information and to schedule a site visit -- Corporate: Kathie@stoneacresfarm.com, 203.536.2998Weddings and Social: Jane@stoneacresfarm.com,

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OCEAN COMMUNITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 3 WWW.OCEANCHAMBER.ORG

NEW MEMBERS RED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO – MYSTIC

12 Roosevelt Ave. Mystic, CT 06355Phone: 860-245-0037Website: fredastaire.com/mysticContact: Vadim Asmolov Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Mystic offers a full range of Ballroom and Latin dance lessons for all ages, at all ability levels, and with or without a partner.*Wedding Dance Lessons*Popular Social and Nightclub dance favorites (Salsa, Merengue, Hustle, Swing)*Ballroom Dancing (Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Argentine Tango and Quickstep)*Latin-American Dancing (Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive)*Kids Dance Programs (Classes, Privates, Jazz, Ballet, Ballroom, Latin)All lessons are taught by our Certified Dance Instructors who undergo rigor-ous and continuous dance training.Open from 12:30 to 9:00 p.m, Monday through Friday. Please call us at (860)245-0037 to schedule your introductory dance lessons.We enjoy being part of the Ocean Community, love the many special activities we offer in the studio and have a blast participating in regional and national events with other Fred Astaire Dance Studios from around New England and the country. Our studio in Mystic is close to Waterford, Pawcatuck, Ledyard, New London CT., Stonington, Groton, Niantic, Salem, Pawcatuck and Noank CT as well as Ashaway, Bradford, Charlestown, Misquamicut, Weekpaug, Watch Hill, and Westerly, RI.

COMMIX NUTRITION

116 Granite Street, Westerly, RI 02891Phone: 401-584-0280FB Page: facebook.com/CommixNutritionContact: Samantha Waterman Commix Nutrition is a community nutrition club where people are invited to learn about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle by offering Herbalife energizing teas and shakes. Herbalife, a global nutrition company, since 1980, whose purpose is to make the world healthier and happier Herbalife has been on a mission for nutrition - changing people's lives with great nutrition products and programs. Commix offers high-quality, science-backed products, most of which are produced in Company-operated fa-cilities, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife Nutrition independent distribu-tors, like myself, and a supportive community approach that inspires customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.Commix Nutrition, located in the Granite Plaza next to Alley Katz Bowling Alley. We have over 75 different shake flavors that include Funnybone, Birthday Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake and Banana Mudslide. We also create seasonal shakes as well which include: Pumpkin Cheesecake, Apple Pie, Peppermint Patty, Vanilla Christmas Cookie, Raspberry Lemonade or Key Lime Pie, just to name a few. We also sell (hot or cold) teas with such flavors as Mango, Lemon, Pomegranate and Green tea. We have customer appreciation cards too; Buy 10 shakes get 1 free! Come in and visit us: Monday – Friday 7AM – 3PM, Saturday 8AM – 3PM and closed on Sundays.

NORTH STAR REALTY BEACHSIDE

47 High Street #209 Westerly, RI 02891401-935-3390Website: soldbymichaela.comFB: Sold By Michaela home@soldby-michaela.comContact: Michaela Lamb, Broker Associate/Team Leader

North Star Realty Beachside is a full service real estate agency located in downtown Westerly. Michaela Lamb, Broker Associate and Team Leader, opened the satellite office. In its first year North Star Realty Beachside has established itself locally as a multimillion dollar producing brokerage. Mi-chaela treats every transaction as if it were her own, holding high the values of integrity and trustworthiness. She and her agents are committed to clients, have a strong market knowledge, and dedicated work ethic.  From first time homebuyers to investors and everyone in between, they can assist you with all your buying and selling needs.  North Star Realty Beachside loves serving South County’s beach communities, but agents are happy to travel the state for their clients. In addition, Michaela has her CT license. The company is also hoping to expand this coming year and is looking for other motivated, personable, and honest individuals to join the team. You can reach Michaela and her team at 401-935-3390 or find them at the office located at 47 High Street Suite #209.  Contact North Star Realty Beachside and let us guide you home.

RI REALTORS®

100 Bignall Street, Warwick, RI 02888-1009Phone: 401-432-6942Websites: RILiving.com, RIRealtors.org, EastCoastCPN.comContact: Amanda Waterman

RI Realtors is among Rhode Island’s largest trade associations with more than 5000 members. Comprised of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors and its subsidiary, State-Wide Multiple Listing Service (MLS), RI Realtors is the source for all things real estate in Rhode Island.Business professionals can partner with RI Realtors through affiliate membership. With unparalleled access to Realtors and their clients, affiliate members are invited to grow their clientele with the RI Realtors Partner Program. The program offers discounted website advertising on RILiving.com, Rhode Island’s popular property search site; RIRealtors.org, the organization’s member site; and EastcoastCPN.com, southern New England’s commercial real estate exchange. Digital marketing opportunities through online newsletters, e-blasts and social media are also available. And, participation and sponsorship of a variety of events throughout the year provide an opportunity to mix and mingle with the people that can take your business to the next level. Act now to take advantage of our fall promotion to set your business up for success in 2019.

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NOMINEES

ATHENA AWARDS 2018- OCTOBER 24TH, 6 PM

A brief bio on the 5 ATHENA nominees is as follows:

Tricia CunninghamRecently returned to a second post at Fairview Oddfellows Home. In her new position as Director of Community Relations, she will also be responsible for business devel-opment. She previously worked as Director of Development, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and former Director of Development & Community Relations for Fairview Oddfellows Home.  Prior to that she was President of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce. Her com-munity service includes projects that support Groton Rotary Club, Women’s Network of Southeastern

CT, Greater Mystic Chamber Foun-dation, Alzheimer’s Association-CT Chapter, Hospice of Southeastern CT, ARC New London County, Safe Futures, Community Foundation of Eastern CT, Riverfront Children’s Center, Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau, Southeastern CT Enterprise Region, Easter Seals, Pawcatuck Neighborhood Association, Muscu-lar Dystrophy Association, Alliance for Living, Southeastern CT Cul-tural Alliance Planning Committee, Stonington Non-Profit Economic Impact Study, New England Asso-ciation of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Groton Education Foundation, Irish Parade, Mystic Arts Center and many more.  She raised over $7,000 in pledges to cut 18 inches of her signature red locks as a self-made fundraiser to benefit the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation and the Center for Hospice Care. She is a recipient of the Southeastern CT 40 Under 40 Award. She resides in North Ston-ington, CT

Membership Engagement and Youth Development Coordina-tor at Arcadia YMCA.  Formerly Marketing & IT Specialist at Ar-rowhead Dental Associates, Di-rector of Social Media Marketing for Your Advice Device LLC and Learning & Leadership Develop-ment Analyst for Bank of Ameri-ca. She has authored a book and a mini cookbook. Her community service includes projects that sup-port New Hope Chapel, Ocean Community Chamber of Com-merce, Toastmasters of Westerly,

NYC Marathon-Fred’s Team, Teen Challenge Rhode Is-land, Steam Box Providence, Dentistry for a Heart, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Relay for Life, and speaking engagements that inspire oth-ers to pursue and achieve their weight loss goals and enhance their self-value, including TedX Newport. She initiated a paper crane origami project that involved creating and sending 1,000 paper cranes

to Japan as part of a display.  She received a Competent Com-municator Award in 2017 from Toastmasters International.  She achieved a Blue with Black Stripe Belt from East Coast Karate. She received a National Start Award in 2008 from Bank of America.  Regina resides in Charlestown, RI.

Regina Bartlett

We live in a region that is blessed by a long tradition of volunteerism. The 16th annual ATHENA Award Dinner will celebrate 5 ex-traordinary women who have devoted their time to making meaningful contributions in our community.

The ATHENA award was invented 1982 in Lansing, Michigan, to recognize outstanding business and professional men and wom-en in the community and those who create leadership opportunities for women. The program continues to honor those who help foster the potential of all women as valued

members and leaders of the community. The Ocean Community Chamber Foundation is a licensed partner with ATHENA International. There are more than 600 communities in-ternationally that particpate in the program. Our ATHENA Award celebration is not a fundraiser, and in fact, is under-written by sponsors and by the Chamber Foundation. The OCCF continues this tradition because the ATHENA Award signifies what is best, and needs to be fostered, about our commu-nity. It showcases inspiring examples of self-lessness, and celebrates the accomplishments of some amazing individuals whose efforts

make our world a better place.

All 5 nominees have achieved career success, while also giving back to their community and investing resources to help other women achieve leadership roles. Their individual accomplishments are impresive and their motivations are admirable. At the event we will share their unique life journeys and outline the ways in which they selflessly contributed and made a positive impact. For information visit athenaaward.com.

OCEAN COMMUNITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5 WWW.OCEANCHAMBER.ORG

Assistant Superintendent of West-erly Public Schools.  Formerly she was an Assistant Principal, then promoted to Principal at John-ston Senior High School.  Prior to that she was Assistant Principal at South Kingstown High School and a Science/Math Teacher at School One in Providence.    She was Teacher of the Year in 2000 at South Kingstown High School.  She has dedicated 15 years of volunteer service to the American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide and 11 years to Rhode Island Technology Enhanced

Science Instruction.  She has been a speaker on the subject of “opening the door to communi-ty partners” at national confer-ences. She was a Super Review-er for the RI Commissioner of Education and a Lead Reviewer for the RI Commissioner of Education Diploma System.  She has professional affilia-tions with AASA The School of Superintendent’s Association, AASA National Early Learning Cohort, Rhode Island School

Superintendent’s Association, Association for Supervision

and Curriculum Development, National Science Teachers Asso-ciation, Association of American University Women.   She is a resident of Carolina, RI.

Alicia StoreyDirector of Human Services for Town of Stonington.  She started as an Administrative Assistant for the Town and then worked her way up to Youth & Fami-ly Services Administrator and then to the position of Human Services Manager.  She was promoted again to the Director of the Department of Human Services. Her community service includes support of the Ston-ington Autism Parent Support Group and was instrumental in the creation of the Citizens with

Autism Safety System.  The CT Conference of Municipal-ities awarded the town with a Municipal Excellence Award as a result of this program.  She was a leading force behind the creation of the Stonington Beautification Committee.  She’s involved with the Ston-ington Prevention Council, Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Paw-catuck Lions Club, Stoning-ton Non-Profit Roundtable, Southeastern CT Council of

Governments and Rotary Club of the Stoningtons.  Her work involves collaboration with area non-profits which partner with the town to deliver services to residents.  She secures funding for joint programs and supports groups in getting considered for a town subsidy.  She is a lifelong resident of Pawcatuck, CT. 

Leanne Theodore

Community Outreach and De-velopment Director for Stand Up For Animals.  Previously she was Branch Manager of Wash-ington Trust Company, and As-sistant Branch Manager before that.  Deb has also held marketing and financial positions with The Oliver Group and Hauser Choc-olatier.  Her community service includes projects that support Habitat for Humanity, Misqua-micut Spring Festival, The Warm Shelter, Relay for Life, Charlestown

Seafood Festival, Taste of Mystic, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Community Chamber Foundation, Stonington Community Center, Stonington Youth Football, Stonington Foot-ball Athletic Club, Pawcatuck Little League, Pawcatuck Middle School PTO and FAB, Ocean Commu-nity YMCA Reach Out to Youth Campaign,  Stonington Class of 2016 Overnight Graduation Party Committee, Town of Westerly 350th Anniversary Committee and

many golf tournaments.  Deb was a recipient of the Spirit of Wash-ington Trust Award, is a 5 time recipient of the Washington Trust Company President’s Volunteer Service Award, and a recipient of the Washington Trust Company’s Presidential Excellence Service Award.  She is a resident of Pawca-tuck, CT.

Deb Turrisi

NOMINEES

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS SEPTEMBER 2018

6 OCEAN COMMUNITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OCTOBER 2018

CHAMBER NETWORKING LUNCHEONS

Chamber Networking Luncheons

Guest Speaker: J Mark Rooney, Westerly Town ManagerOctober 31, 2018 at 12 noonVenice Restaurant, WesterlyRegister at oceanchamber.org

Guest Speaker: Ryan Fischer, Fenway Sports ManagementNovember 16, 2018 at 12 noonC.C. O’Brien’s, PawcatuckRegister at oceanchamber.org

OCEAN COMMUNITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 7 WWW.OCEANCHAMBER.ORG

Congratulations toTricia Cunningham, ReginaBartlett, Alicia Storey,

Leanne Theodore and Debra Turrision their nominations!

We are proud to supportand recognize these

fi ve incredible womenfor their contributions

to our community.

CtHandCenter.com

92210-01

to all theAthena Nominees

Congratulations

Madison, CT115 Samson Rock Drive

New London, CT59 Faire Harbour Place

Westerly, RI45 Wells Street, Ste 204

8 OCEAN COMMUNITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OCTOBER 2018