Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Chamber of Commerce. Elected to three-year terms, the directors are nominated by the general membership as well as by the Nominating Committee (a sub-committee of the Board). The Nominating Committee presents its slate at the Annual Meeting. The slate is then voted on by the Chamber membership.

The Nominating Committee presents a slate of officers to the entire board and the board then elects the officers. The officers of the Board of Directors comprise the Executive Committee. Members include: the Chamber President, the Chairman of the Board, the Vice-Chairman of the Board, the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary, and the Immediate Past Chairman of the Board. The Executive Committee meets monthly prior to the full Board meeting.

Sub-committees of the Board of Directors are established as needed. Sub-committees have included the Strategic Development Committee and the Nominating Committee.

For more information on the Board of Directors, contact JoAnn Ryan, the Chamber President at 860-482-6586 or e-mail joann@nwctchamberofcommerce.org.

Government Relations Committee

The Government Relations Committee of Northwest Connecticut’s Chamber of Commerce meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Chamber offices. The Committee works closely with the Chamber’s lobbyist, Marshall Collins, following the activities of the State Legislature.

The Committee develops an annual Legislative Agenda which is furnished to the Chamber’s Board of Directors for their approval and then presented to the State Legislative Delegation from the Northwest Corner. The Agenda reviews those issues that are priorities to the business community of Northwest Connecticut.

The Government Relations Committee also works with the Chamber staff to host the Candidate’s Forum, Legislative Reception and the Connecticut Business Day.

For more information on the Government Relations Committee, contact JoAnn Ryan, Chamber President at 860-482-6586 or email joann@nwctchamberofcommerce.org.

Membership Services Committee

Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Services Committee is a group of dedicated individuals who assist the Chamber staff with programs throughout the year. You will see the Membership Services Committee at each Business After Hours event assisting with registration, hostessing and beverages. They also make it a point to welcome the newest members of the Chamber at the networking events. Additionally, the Committee assists the staff annually with the distribution of the Chamber’s Business and Membership Directory.

For more information on the Membership Services Committee, contact Nancy DePecol, Membership & Sales Coordinator at 860-482-6586 or e-mail nancy@nwctchamberofcommerce.org

Insurance Committee

The Insurance Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Chamber office to review issues pertaining to those in the industry as well as to support the Northwest Connecticut Benefit Center and the Chamber Insurance Trust. The Benefit Center, established in 2004, allows the Chamber to market the insurance products available to members through the Chamber Insurance Trust. Products include: Group Health Insurance, Group Dental Insurance, Disability Insurance; Section.

The Chairman of the Insurance Committee (currently Ann Bowen of Ann Bowen Insurance/Investments) is a monthly contributor to the Chamber’s newsletter. Topics of interest to the entire membership are addressed.

For more information on the Insurance Committee or the Northwest Connecticut Benefit Center, contact the Chamber at 860-482-6586.

Celebration of Success Committee

Nominations for the annual awards are submitted by the general membership. The Celebration of Success Committee is responsible for reviewing those nominations and ultimately determining the honorees for the annual awards. The Committee also plans the evening that honors the awards recipients. Members of the Celebration of Success Committee include past recipients and representatives from the membership at large.

For more information on the Celebration of Success Committee, contact JoAnn Ryan at 860-482-6586 or e-mail joann@nwctchamberofcommerce.org.

Home Expo Committee

The Home Expo Committee is comprised of a group of representatives from companies exhibiting at the Home Expo in April. The committee organizes the details of the Expo weekend. They determine what entertainment will perform, what special events will occur, and other specifics of the Expo.

For more information on the Home Expo Committee, contact Sherri Dadomo, the Chamber’s Director of Events at 860-482-6586 or e-mail sherri@nwctchamberofcommerce.org

Leads Exchange Group

The Leads Exchange Group networks with Chamber sales professionals and business executives in non-competitive businesses to promote success and growth for that business. Members provide leads and referrals for other members by sharing information about prospective clients. Additionally, members assist others with business recommendations and ideas for improving the prosperity of their business.

The Leads Exchange Group meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month. For more information on the Leads Exchange Group, contact Tracy Cravanzola, Office Manager & Program Assistant at 860-482-6586 or email tracy@nwctchamberofcommerc.org