Chamber's 'Community Concierge' Program Connects Newcomers, Local Experts

Eastern CT – The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT introduces its new “Community Concierge” program in summer 2017.

The Community Concierge is the region’s 21st-century ‘Welcome Wagon.’ As envisioned by the Chamber, the Community Concierge will be a comprehensive tool for new arrivals to become acquainted with life in eastern CT.

It will feature a local network database with information about family and individual quality of life activities, including civic associations, educational resources, local talent shows, open mic nights, sports activities, churches, schools, and other information.

Additionally, Community Concierge will provide information on professional opportunities for spouses and significant partners.

As they arrive in eastern CT, new residents will be encouraged to connect with the Community Concierge program as “Newcomers.” Eastern CT residents and those who consider themselves knowledgeable about our region can sign on with the program as “Connectors.” Connectors will embody a spirit of warm hospitality and help make Newcomers feel welcome by connecting them with community services and engagement opportunities.

The Community Concierge program will encourage face-to-face interaction between Newcomers and Connectors with regularly scheduled meet-and-greet networking events. Other social events will be introduced as the program develops in the coming months.

Millennials (those born in the mid-1980s to early 2000s) and their work/living habits are a key audience for the Community Concierge program. 

“Social interaction and a sense of belonging are key characteristics expressed by millennials,” said Sheri Cote, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT. “Millennials are interested in spending time in creative, interactive settings. The Community Concierge program will continually work to educate visitors and locals of events and opportunities that support those interests.”

Visit the Community Concierge’s website at www.CommunityECT.com to find signup information as a Newcomer or as a Connector. New website features will be implemented periodically.

Sponsorship and venue hosting information for Community Concierge meet-and-greets is available by emailing SCote@ChamberECT.com.

While Community Concierge is open to any business or relocating individual, the concept was developed with special consideration to the large-scale hiring at General Dynamics Electric Boat in the near future.

By 2030, General Dynamics Electric Boat anticipates 15,000 to 20,000 new hires in eastern CT.

Considering the massive anticipated influx of new arrivals, programming such as the Community Concierge is essential in establishing the eastern CT region as a great place for all to live, work, and play. The Community Concierge initiative, spearheaded by the Chamber, is one of many projects taking shape within the Thames River Innovation Place (TRIP) initiative.

The TRIP initiative is a new alliance of public, private, and non-profit organizations from New London and Groton which will showcase these two cities as an “Innovation Place” within CT. Innovation Places support the success of local companies and entrepreneurs by providing guidance, resources, and networks to accelerate their growth. As Innovation Places develop, new businesses and new residents will be attracted to the area.

CTNext is the primary supporter of Innovation Places within Connecticut. In spring 2017, CTNext awarded the initial proposal for a Thames River Innovation Place a $900,000 matching grant to achieve its goal of fostering engagement in the communities of New London and Groton. The Chamber’s Community Concierge initiative complements additional programming by the Spark Makerspace, CURE Innovation Commons, and other involved community partners seeking to showcase eastern CT as an attractive place to do business.

View the Community Concierge website at www.CommunityECT.com for the latest developments in this exciting initiative. For additional information about the program and to learn how you can play a part, contact Sheri Cote at SCote@ChamberECT.com or call (860) 701-9113.

Find more information about TRIP and its associated projects at www.ThamesRiverInnovation.org. 

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.