Shoreline East Business Network Announces New Leadership

Tuesday marked the bittersweet conclusion of Keith Mirante's term as chapter president of Shoreline East Business Network

"Many thanks to everyone on our outstanding leadership team", said Mirante in an address to members and guests. "You all volunteer and commit your time to this group of outstanding members, and for that I want to thank you for helping and supporting and making my job easier."

Mirante said Shoreline East Business Network has undergone different phases in each of the past three years, as different leaders have left their mark on the organization.

The group was founded and chartered in 2008 by president David O'Connor and Vice President Frank Kolb. In 2009-2010, Kolb succeeded O'Connor as president, and, working with Vice President Sarah Maxwell, promoted its growth to 56 members. Mirante was the next president in 2010-2011 and, along with Vice President Joe Sarfaty focused on further refinements including the organization or the group and attracting new members in key occupations.

During his recent term, Mirante also became a first-time father.

The leadership team for the 2012 administration was announced at Tuesday’s meeting.  Attorney Donald Brown will succeed Mirante as president effective Oct. 1st. Brown has already begun delegating and holding all members of the leadership team accountable for their increased responsibilities.

Business consultant Mary Stager will be vice president. Her firm, re-thinc, LLC has assisted numerous small businesses during turbulent economies.

"Mary has the ability to make a vision become reality," Mirante said.

Both Sarfaty and Mirante will remain active in the membership committee going forward.  "We are proud to have [Don and Mary] leading us," said Mirante, "and we have your back every step of the way!"

Additional officers for 2012 are as follows:

• Secretary/Treasurer, Frank Kolb
• Education Coordinator, arborist Larry Dvorski
• Membership Committee, Keith Mirante, Joe Sarfaty, Jeff Robinson (owner of The Car Care Clinic in Guilford), and Chris Gagnon of Godfrey Hoffman Associates Surveyors and Engineers
• Visitor Hosts: Guy Esposito of Repellapest, Carl Iaccarino of Carl's Closets and Jerryann Maffeo of Maffeo Cleaning
• Mentor: Peggy Van Antwerp of Juice Plus
• Speaker Rotation, Attorney Stacy Lafferty
• Public Relations: Lurrae Lupone of Feng Shui with Lurrae, Paul Halagan of Halagan Design, John Miller of Signs by Autografix, Dan Litwin of Young's Printing and Scott Leone of Shoreline Internet, who is also webmaster.
• Event Coordinator: Shane Trotta of CT Appraisal Group
• Collateral Coordinator: Lauren Biller of United Adjusters
• And, in an entirely new leadership category called "Special Forces,” realtor Lisa Rollins of The Rollins Group Coldwell Banker), and Lisa Gresham of Equitable Divorce Solutions, LLC

The Shoreline East Business Network meets 7:30-9:00 a.m. each Tuesday at the Guilford Community Center, 32 Church St, Guilford, CT 06437. To visit the website, please go to http://ShorelineEast.biz. Those interested in attending should contact Mary Stager at 203-288-0508.

This article was contributed by Scott Leone.