Chamber Announces Breakfast with SBA, DECD Leadership Jan. 22

SBA New England Administrator Seth Goodall, CT DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith to Address Small Business Community at Jan. 22 Business Breakfast 
 
Eastern CT  – Seth Goodall, the U.S. Small Business Association’s (SBA) New England Regional Administrator, and Catherine Smith, Commissioner of the CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will be the keynote speakers at the Chamber’s next Business Breakfast, scheduled for Fri. Jan. 22, 2016 from 7:45-9:00 a.m.  at Groton Inn & Suites in Groton.
 
Business owners and those interested in starting a business are encouraged to attend this event. Goodall and Smith will review economic trends among small businesses in eastern CT, highlight programs and partnerships available that boost growth and progress for small businesses, and respond to guest comments and concerns in a Q&A session.
 
“Chamber and non-Chamber members encouraged to attend,” said Tony Sheridan, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT. “Startups and existing businesses in our region can learn how our economic climate is faring, and what our state and national partners are doing to further promote business in eastern CT. The Chamber is proud to present this important program from two of New England’s most critical small business advocates.”
 
Admission is $17 for Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT member businesses and their employees. Non-member admission is $25. Entry includes hot breakfast provided by Groton Inn & Suites before programming begins. Register in advance to avoid a $5 walk-in fee on Jan. 22.
 
Learn more and RSVP online at www.ChamberECT.com/events or call the Chamber office at (860) 701-9113. Groton Inn & Suites is located at 99 Gold Star Highway in Groton.
 
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this Business Breakfast. Contact the Chamber for further information.

About Seth Goodall:
Seth Goodall was appointed by President Obama to serve as SBA’s New England Regional Administrator in 2013. Goodall oversees SBA’s six New England district offices and is responsible for the delivery of the agency’s financial and technical assistance and government contracting activities. As an entrepreneur, public servant and attorney, Seth has a long history of working with and on behalf of small businesses in New England.
 
About Catherine Smith:
Catherine Smith was appointed as Commissioner of the DECD by Governor Malloy in 2011. Smith’s top economic development priorities are to strengthen the state’s efforts to nurture and drive innovation; promote and market the state’s many business advantages within Connecticut and beyond its borders; and place a renewed emphasis on all aspects of customer service in order to make the state more business-friendly and attractive for investment.   
 
About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut:
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber works to create value for its members and the region by providing forums for business networking, leadership and discussions of issues that affect the region; providing opportunities for members to showcase their products, services and accomplishments; helping small businesses succeed through educational programs; and working to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut.  For more information, visit www.ChamberECT.com.