A rising tide lifts all boats is an apt metaphor for the Thames River region, which encompasses Groton, New London and the Thames River waterfront that forms their shorelines. The Chamber is hosting a State of the Thames River Region with updates from Groton, New London and the Thames River Innovation Place on Friday, July 19 at 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. at the Submarine Force Library and Museum.
Updates from government officials will be provided by New London Mayor Michael Passero, City of Groton Mayor Keith Hedrick, and Groton Town Manager John Burt. The new executive director of Thames River Innovation Place (TRIP), Liz Pasqualini, will be introduced.
Ms. Pasqualini comes to TRIP having completed a master’s degree in Public Administration at Brown, and with an impressive record of growth during her seven years leading the Jonnycake Center of Westerly. Expanding the organization on every metric, including increasing fundraising and supporting staff threefold during her tenure, she brings to TRIP a dynamic approach to collaboration and program development.
She notes the significant progress TRIP has made in a short period of time since being established, assembling a strong team of community stakeholders and beginning to cultivate a portfolio of projects aimed at making Thames River a place for innovation. “I am excited for the opportunity to build on that momentum and on the existing assets and infrastructure shared between Groton and New London,” says Ms. Pasqualini. “These communities extend out from the waterfront which serves as an artery, connecting the two and supplying a steady flow of activity. We know that this activity will be ramping up over the coming years. As champion and convener, TRIP will be working to create a culture of trust, shared values, and collaboration that is supportive of innovation and entrepreneurship.”
The State of the Thames Region: Groton, New London, and Thames River Innovation Place is generously sponsored by Charter Oak Federal Credit Union. The event will be held at the Submarine Force Library and Museum, 1 Crystal Lake Road, Groton, and will offer a continental breakfast. Registration is $10 for chamber members; $20 for nonmembers at ChamberECT.com/events or by calling 860-701-9113.