Welcome to Small Fast Smart

Thank you to our sponsor

 

This journal is a collaboration between the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and SCORE.

Paul S. Timpanelli is the President & CEO of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council.

As we now begin our second year of our “Small… Fast…Smart” small business interactive journal, I just what to take moment to reflect on the life of one of our journal founders – Dr. George Dunbar. Although George led a long life, his passing nevertheless leaves a significant void in our community.

Throughout my 35 years of public life, I have had the very good fortune of having the opportunity to meet and interact a literally thousands of people from all walks of life and at many stations in life. I have been honored and fortunate to have interacted with untold numbers of Corporate CEO’s business owners, Senators, Governors, Mayors, Presidents, and all in between on all levels. I must say that the experience has been truly rewarding, educational, uplifting, and strengthening for me.

As I reflect, though,  on my relationship with George over the years (we first met when he was CEO of Bryant Electric, I was a college student, and my mom worked the evening shift at Bryant in order to earn the money to pay my $450 per semester tuitions), I must say that his impact on me stands out. George was truly an inspiration. His energy, his forbearance, his passion for business and his sincere love of people created a unique individual whose life was worth living.

Many will remember George as few were not impacted positively by his presence. He will surely be missed.

As we continue our efforts to uplift the state of small business inn our region, let us continue to be inspired by George’s work on behalf of a strong business sector.

And as we continue to seek ways to improve our SFS  journal, let me begin the 2011 year by wishing you well, and asking that you provide me with any feedback that you may have about how we might improve this tool on behalf of small business.

Here is an added source that I think you’ll find useful. When you get a moment, take a look at the web-site of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Here’s the link: http://www.uschamber.com.

On the U.S. Chamber web site you’ll find tool kits that are very valuable help opportunities in the areas generally of concern to small businesses such as sales and marketing, purchasing and inventory, printing and shipping, government contracting, finance, insurance, on-line solutions and employer/ employee relations. These are valuable guides to problem resolution that I think you’ll find effective.

Lastly, as a reminder, I have been appointed by the State Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development to serve on the “Connecticut Small Business Advisory Board. One of the charges of this Board is to develop legislative initiatives that would positively impact the state of small business in Connecticut. I encourage your input into this effort, so, if you have ideas, please send them along to Timpanelli@brbc.org

We are hopeful that this SFS  -  Small Business journal is providing you with timely and supplemental information that is helpful to improving the growth and profitability of your business.  Both the BRBC and SCORE are dedicated to bringing you effective business resources to assist you to improve the value of your businesses.  
 

   

Comments

[Dentist Stratford CT]

Hi - As a new(ish) business in Stratford (Dentist) we are interested in joining the BRBC but would really appreciate it if some of the members can tell us about the tangible advantages.

Thanks!

[Bridgeport Regional Business Council]

Thank you for your response! Here are two testimonials from Stratford businesses. We hope you find them valuable, and please contact the BRBC at info@brbc.org or (203) 335-3800 with any questions!

I would state to any potential member that being an active member in the Stratford Chamber of Commerce has been an important part of our marketing and public relations strategy. We have used the Chamber and its events to meet many well known and active people and businesses in the community. We have used those contacts to “tell our story” and to build partnerships. Our membership has brought us tangible business results and visibility we, otherwise, would not have gotten.

I would be happy to speak to any potential member if they would like to call me.

Jorge A. Santiago
Senior Vice President
The Milford Bank
(203) 783-5784

and

As a financial service institution, Mutual Security Credit Union has found membership in the BRBC and the Stratford Chamber of Commerce absolutely invaluable in terms of brand awareness, potential membership identification, and community outreach and business contacts.

The Monthly Membership Updates provide us with an excellent resource for potential SEG partnerships and their e-Blasts keep all personnel up-to-date with different, localized events at which we can exhibit and participate and worthwhile charities to which we can contribute.

All of our 5 branch locations belong to their respective Chambers and would whole-heartedly recommend membership to any and all new businesses as the contacts and friends you make are priceless in growing your business. The return on your membership due investment is incalculable and totally worth it!

Sincerely,

Kevin Dolan
Mutual Security Credit Union
Marketing Department; Stratford Chamber Board of Directors Member