The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut was proud to participate in the New England Chamber of Commerce Executives (NEACCE) fall conference held at Foxwoods Resort Casino on November 8-9, 2021. Industry associations such as NEACCE are essential to connect with peers and gather ideas for new or improved member services, as well as share our own expertise as a regional leader in business development.
Chamber President/CEO Tony Sheridan moderated the conference’s opening discussion featuring Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler and Foxwoods President/CEO Jason Guyot discussing the Tribe “then, now, and beyond.” Mashantucket Pequot Tribal History in this region dates back thousands of years, with Mr. Butler citing an archeological discovery of a fluted arrowhead known to come from Pennsylvania as an example of commerce and trade all those millennia ago. The operations at Foxwoods continue to rebound after the initial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the implementation of sports betting and iGaming at the casino is off to a good start.
Megan Gilbert, Vice President, was featured as a speaker on two program panels. In the first, “Membership & Innovative Ways to Spark New Ideas,” she highlighted the Chamber’s engagement with its members throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and our unique relationships with the area’s largest employers (known as Regional Benefactors) whose generosity bolsters the Chamber’s operations and the member community. Additional panelists shared ideas for beneficial membership and marketing campaigns, which the Chamber is excited to implement in the future.
Mrs. Gilbert also participated in a panel entitled “Tourism on the Rebound”, sharing the structure and impact of the Chamber’s Administrative Partnership with the Eastern Regional Tourism District (ERTD), also known as Mystic Country. By administering events and marketing campaigns on behalf of the region, ERTD has gained hundreds of thousands of online impressions and provided funding for innovative and collaborative campaigns among local venues.
Jane Davis, Membership Manager, was pleased to attend the conference, and coordinated the Chamber’s silent auction participation. Products from several members, including Olde Mistick Village, Holmerg Orchards, Mystic Knotwork, and FarmTrue, were featured in a stunning gift basket, proceeds from which support scholarships for professional development. Said Mrs. Davis, “I was thrilled to be among peers after so many months apart to exchange ideas and build my collegial network. I am already planning ways to put into practice the tips and tricks I gathered at the conference to benefit the Chamber’s membership.”
Governor Ned Lamont attended the NEACCE awards reception held at Foxwoods’ VUE24, and emphasized the importance of connecting the business community with an open and transparent government, and shared congratulations to each of the New England Chambers in attendance who persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic in their respective states.