2011 Testimonials from Members of East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce
(Testimonial Tuesday series began on 2/22/11)
I recently took part in a seminar on Social Media given by Shamrock Financial Corporation. The presenter was Shalimar Albanese. Her knowledge of the different types of social media was in-depth and her presentation style was easy to follow and understand. I have been in the computer industry for over 40 years, but I am afraid I was behind the times with my knowledge of social media and how it might help my business move forward. The seminars given by the chamber are informative and I think one of the underutilized aspects of your membership. There is another seminar given by Shalimar in June and I urge everyone to attend.
Dean Malatesta
Print-MD
www.print-md.com
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My company only joined the East Providence Area Chamber a few weeks ago. However, I've recently met with Liz Goodheart and attended her Project AIDS charity event in April. Just from my meeting her, we've received a call for our drain service.
I have attended two Chamber events so far, and both were fun and informational. It was great to meet new people and having the opportunity to get our business information out to more prospective clients. I really enjoyed the tour of the Citadel broadcasting facility last month. I've recently met with Rochelle Richard at Citadel and signed on for radio and internet advertising! We are so excited about being on LiteRock105fm fairly soon! If it wasn’t for the EP Chamber meeting, I'm not sure I would have pursued radio advertising.
From the chamber members that I have met so far, I have begun to give out their names and numbers to family and friends for cell phones, a mortgage rep, insurance and tax preparation, to name a few.
The events are fun and informational, without being "formal." Everyone is really friendly, outgoing and that helps put me at ease. I'm not used to public speaking, but have found that it was much easier than anticipated due to the format and "feel" of these events.
Eva Wood, owner
Wood’s Rooter Service
woodsrooterservice.com
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I have been a member of the East Providence Chamber of Commerce since Navigant Credit Union opened its 8th branch on Newport Avenue in East Providence 3 years ago. I started out by serving on the membership committee and have since been appointed to the Board of Directors. In both instances I was enthusiastically welcomed into the fold. The membership committee fits well with my business as I can promote the Chamber in conjunction with making business calls. I also enjoy being part of the decision making for an organization that provides so much value to its members.
Because my business is all about networking, I feel I benefit most from participating in the Business During Hours and participating (as well as hosting) the Business After Hours. Although these two events both revolve around ‘making connections and promoting your business’, they are both very different in structure. Business During Hours, being a usually smaller group, gives you more time to ‘get to know’ the other participants, while Business After Hours is a great way to ‘showcase your own business’ as well as network on a larger scale. I have personally gained business as well as received referrals from folks I connected with at these events.
Come to a meeting or function and see for yourself. This is an organization that always makes time for fun while getting the job done.
Kathy Marabello, Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager
Navigant Credit Union
navigantcu.org
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My membership in the East Providence Area Chamber has proven invaluable to my PR and marketing business. Laura is a great networker who is skilled at introducing and referring business people to each other, and helped me see the benefit of serving on the Board of Directors and volunteering at events over the past 11 years. I always believed that you get out of your Chamber membership what you put in. If you don’t have the funds available to sponsor an event or function, you can give of your time and attendance which is equally important and much appreciated. As a result of my participation, Newberry Public Relations & Marketing has experienced increased awareness and visibility, made lots of local business connections, secured qualified vendor resources such as printers and advertising specialty companies, and landed several new clients.
In holding various Board roles, I’ve developed greater leadership skills which have enabled me to run my operations with more confidence and poise. Many of the connections I’ve made have turned into friendships as well, which is a very pleasant way to do business! Whenever something is needed for my business or for a client, I make it a point to consider Chamber members first. I never hesitate to recommend membership in the Chamber because its members and leaders are welcoming, supportive and committed to keeping Greater East Providence a vibrant business community.
Elisabeth N. Galligan, APR, President
Newberry Public Relations & Marketing, Inc.
www.newberrypr.com
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The Blue Horse Tack Shoppe has been a member of the East Providence Chamber of Commerce for quite a few years.
We are happy to be given the chance to rave about the support and networking that can be done through this wonderful chamber.
We are a VERY specialized shop that carries all the needs of all equestrians, young and old.
We enjoy the wonderful, fun events that the Chamber puts on every year. This gives the members an opportunity to get to know each other and form true friendships.
We renew our membership every year, not only because I work for John Birs, Chair of the Membership Committee, but the opportunity to keep updated with all the changing laws and how they impact small business in Rhode Island and knowing that our Chamber has our backs and will fight the best they can for any of the injustices at the State House.
Rosemarie Ross and Donna Ross ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!
Blue Horse Tack Shoppe
www.bluehorsetack.com
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Last year, an automobile came thru the window of my business. It destroyed the entire store as well as seriously injuring me. It took two months for the store to be whole again and a lot longer for my injuries to heal. During that time my employees rallied around me and the business. Without their support I would have lost the business. I also received support from my fellow Chamber members. Their concern was deeply appreciated. It is not always about referrals and conducting business. Sometimes its about personal relationships.
Dean Malatesta, Print-MD
www.print-md.com
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Aspen Aerogels Inc. began “round the clock” manufacturing operations in late 2007. One year earlier, I contacted Laura McNamara to join the East Providence Chamber of Commerce when the plant was still under construction. Laura graciously toured our small group of “out of towners” around the city and thoroughly made us feel at home. Since that time the EPACC has become a wonderful information resource for our operation. Aspen Aerogels always looks to utilize the local businesses and services of fellow Chamber members first and believes that being a good Corporate neighbor is fundamental to long term success. We were honored to receive the EPACC’s Business of the Year award in 2008 and are proud to announce that the Phase 2 expansion is near completion, which will double the manufacturing capacity of the facility.
On a more personal level, I have met and come to know many wonderful, professional colleagues through our Chamber membership. I am privileged to be serving a second term on the EPACC Board of Directors and look forward to continuing to build both our business and our community relationship to world class standards.
Greg Watka, Plant Leader, East Providence
Aspen Aerogels, Inc
www.aerogel.com
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On the top of the list of my business priorities is to be a part of the community that I work in. It is a tremendous benefit and value to my business to know how I can best service the community.
Without being a member of the East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce, I would not have been able to network with the most enthusiastic business professionals I have ever met. My staff has been able to enjoy and benefit from the Chamber's events as well. The family events at a PawSox game and lobster bake picnic were a couple of our favorites last year. Also, the added exposure Capital City Financial has on the EPACC website has enhanced our name brand recognition.
At Capital City Financial, we are proud to be a contributing member.
Johnathon Birs, president, Capital City Financial Corporation
Chairperson, EPACC Membership Committee
www.capcityfinancial.com
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Wood's Heating has been involved with the Chamber for over 30 years and as Sales Manager, I have been involved for over 20 years. My involvement with the Chamber has been most rewarding. It has allowed me that opportunity to be involved in the community. Moreover, the Chamber gives back to the community in many ways.
One example of this is the annual Touch-a-Truck event. The Touch-a-Truck event allows youngsters to play on all kinds of trucks including a fire truck, milk truck, concrete truck, oil truck, police vehicles and many others. It's a great feeling to see the children having such a great time (and some parents too.)
I find that Chamber members aren't just great at what they do but they are also great because of what they do. Chambers members are perhaps some of the most accomplished businesses in the community. That's because they're not afraid to put in the time & effort it takes to be successful.
Lastly, the Chamber is a fantastic way to network. I have met people through the chamber that have become good friends. Many fellow Chamber members have become Wood's customers, too. And, when I'm looking for a company to do business with, I always look to a Chamber member first.
Arthur Dwyer
Wood's Heating and Service
www.woodsheating.com
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As we begin our fourth year of chamber membership, I want to thank you for all of your support and assistance and let you know what a great resource the chamber has been for the Town Planner! Every business can benefit from a chamber membership in many ways, especially those that are new in the community.
I have found the Business After & During Hours monthly networking events to be especially helpful when promoting my company. These events provide a casual & friendly atmosphere to make contacts and develop business relationships with other professionals who prefer doing business with fellow members. In fact, many of our new clients have come directly from the contacts I’ve made at these events. I also appreciate the continuous communication from the chamber that keeps me informed of local and statewide economic and business issues.
I look forward to continuing our partnership with the chamber again this year.
Sincerely,
Brenda J. Celletti,Owner/Publisher
Ocean State Town Planner
www.townplanner.com
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My business has been in East Providence for over 75 years, but since I became active in our chamber I have found real enjoyment in the daily routine of business. The chamber members are great and I enjoy the meetings and activities the chamber has. From Laura to Arthur, John, Christine, Brenda, and Betty, it`s nice to have the many friendships because of being a chamber member.
Allan Gilmore
Gilmore’s Flower Shop
www.gilmoresflowershop.com
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My sales have increased through my participation with the East Providence Area Chamber. By attending several business after hours events over the past year, I have been able to work with several members and help them with their networking needs through ticket packages or hospitality suites rentals at our Stadium. I have also made some good friends in the process. Membership has made dollars and $ense for myself and the organization!!
Cookie Rojas, general sales manager
Pawtucket Red Sox
www.pawsox.com
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