A Note from the President

I can not say that this has been an easy year. You all know what we’ve been going through. However, as you can see from the statistical information in this report, your QChamber is maintaining a high level of activity and
advocacy for you, our business members.

We have been here since 1915 and we will continue to be here for you through good times and rough times. It’s
during the tougher times that people really need a place to go to talk with other businesses, share problems,
solutions and issues—and to reach out and get help through the huge amount of resources that we can offer you.

As a result, the amount of participation and networking has increased a great deal and one of the most amazing
and fulfilling results of that is not only how much everyone is able to help each other—but how much business is actually generated! Much of it is indirect—as you get to know another member, the trust builds and you’re likely to refer that member. But you have to use it to benefit. It’s just like a gym membership...if you join and don’t use it, you’ll get nothing from it.

BUT if you “WORK OUR QCHAMBER...IT WILL WORK FOR YOU! “

We are seeing a steady uptick in many areas such as global commerce and manufacturing. The ripple effect will trickle down—albeit in a slow fashion. We’re here to help you in any way we can.

Thank you, Robin

Highlights of the Year
• Added 113 new members to our roster!
• Testified dozens of times - through working with our lobbyists, Legislative Committee, other chambers and other

   business organizations - to fight bills that would raise the cost of doing business in CT and/or negatively impact

   jobs growth!
• Completed the “Buy A Brick Program” with the North Haven Fire Department which resulted in our donating over

   $2,600 to their bicycle helmet program!
• New! Developed Strategic Planning Committee
• New! Developed “Mentor-A-Member” Program
• New! Developed Two New Networking Skills Programs that are free to new and existing members
• New! Que Pasa Group held a Holiday Fiesta and raised dollars for scholarships for Hispanic students
• New! Organized about 30 Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
• New! Wellness Council presented a series of programs for members on “Wellness in the Workplace”!
• New! Redesigned our website and QC Blog (available on our website)!
• New! Developed a “Business Partner” sponsorship program
• Thanks to sponsors of our Networking Programs:
• For QWIN, Wellness, QNet & QBikers: Comfort Keepers, Fish Window Cleaning, Atty Lori Fusco, Quinnipiac Bank,

   Wilson Furniture & Upholstery, Calcagni, Sign-A-Rama, Barnum Financial/MetLife, Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Inc.,

   Signs by Tomorrow, Advanced Allergy Relief of CT, Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, Healthtrax, LifeTiled, Hampton

   Inn and Naugatuck Savings Bank