Chamber Names Prominent Business Owner To Head Its Membership Drive

John Lombardi, of the Lombardi Companies off Route 85 in Oakdale, has been named to head the 2011 membership drive being conducted by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, Tony Sheridan, the chamber’s president and CEO announced Tuesday in a press release.

"We’re pleased to have a business leader of John’s stature leading our effort," Sheridan said in the release. "He is a hard-working, roll-up-your sleeve individual and he brings that kind of spirit to the campaign."

Lombardi owns and operates four businesses, Lombardi Business Park, Lombardi Gravel & Excavation, Lombardi Inside-Out Development Company, and Lombardi Realty.

"The Chamber is strong and getting stronger with each new member that joins, so I hope business owners see the value in making an investment in the future of business in Connecticut and helping themselves by joining the Chamber," he said in the release. "There is strength in numbers."

Using that theme There is Strength in Numbers, the Chamber effort will continue until the end of the calendar year, with Lombardi heading the effort.

Sheridan, the Chamber president, said it is important to remember that Chamber membership brings value to it.

'We offer a range of benefits for our members and because of our large membership (1,600 and rising), we are recognized as the preeminent voice for business in the region," he said. 

"Although we have among our members, the largest and most recognizable of names, most of our members are small businesses of the mom-and-pop size and we work just as hard for them as we do for the large firms."

Although the campaign is just being rolled out, with the bulk of newspaper and online promotions to come, there are encouraging signs that the message is being heard because since the June 1^st beginning there have been nearly two dozen businesses join.

"We expect that number to increase substantially as we move forward and step up the promotional tempo," Sheridan said.

 As part of the effort, the Chamber is sponsoring a referral incentive program, which offers prizes that include an iPad, flat-screen TV, a romantic getaway and many others. Details may be obtained at www.ChamberECT.com.

The Chamber, which celebrated its 100^th anniversary late last year, provides educational opportunities, networking events and programs,  government affairs representation, among others, including an insurance operations center.

There is a business incubator at its headquarters, 914 Hartford Tpke., Waterford, a range of online and print publications that are designed to keep Chamber members informed of important happenings that could affect their businesses.

"We are proud to be a strong advocate for a Buy Local campaign to support those merchants who support us with their tax dollars that provide vital services here," Sheridan said.

 The Chamber plays an important role in the community through events such as the annual Military Appreciation Breakfast, and the annual Leadership program that trains future leaders of businesses and non-profit organizations.

Each year, the Chamber’s non-profit Foundation raises funds for programs that help children.  Nearly three quarters of a million dollars have been raised in recent years to support groups that provide critically important programs and services for young people.

The Chamber publishes a comprehensive business directory each year and partners with other local organizations to put out the region’s official tourism guide.  A strong advocate for tourism, the Chamber put together a promotional video touting the region. It was shown on Cross Sound Ferries to more than 1-million visitors last year.

Businesses interested in joining may contact Sheri Cote, scote@ChamberECT.com, or by calling 860-701-9113. The membership drive continues until the end of the year.