Regional Chamber Launches ‘Ask an Expert’ Workshop Series

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is proud to announce its new "Ask an Expert" workshop series, aimed at providing valuable guidance to the local business community. Starting this February (3-7), professionals will be available at the Chamber’s Regional Innovation Center (92 Eugene O’Neill Dr, New London) during the first full week of every month for personalized consultations on a range of business topics.

This initiative is designed to foster growth and address challenges across industries, with experts offering insight on technology, finance, HR, marketing, and funding. The program is free to the membership and public community, as part of the Chamber's ongoing commitment to empowering local businesses with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.

Expert biographies are provided below this release. 

Workshop Schedule:

• Mondays: IT Solutions
  Jon Cochran, Senior System Engineer, Dynamic Alliance | 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM

• Tuesdays: Accounting & Banking
  Lee Couture, Financial Advisor, Couture Financial | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  Jennifer Willingham, VP, Cash Management Officer, Chelsea Groton Bank | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Wednesdays: HR & Recruitment
  Ken Somers, Managing Partner, Somers HR Solutions | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  Joelle Garret, Business Service Representative, EWIB | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Thursdays: Funding & Business Advising
  Tom Caliento, Business & Technical Advisor, seCTer | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Fridays: Marketing Strategies
  Miranda Creative, Inc. Staff | 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

“We look forward to this diverse team of specialists helping businesses unlock new opportunities and drive growth for the regional economy,” stated Tony Sheridan, Chamber President and CEO.

As the face of the Chamber, Sheridan is always willing to provide additional guidance to the business community during and after these on-site workshops.

As an immigrant and former first selectman, he understands the adversities aspiring entrepreneurs may experience in establishing their companies and aims to help eastern Connecticut professionals sustain and thrive.

Individuals interested in a workshop can drop in during designated hours or schedule a consultation via the Chamber's website (ChamberECT.com/events; Category: Seminar/Workshop/Webinar).

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut will also be hosting the following paid, subject-focused workshops at the Regional Innovation Center in the coming months:

• February – Small Business Tax Essentials Presented by Couture Financial
• March – Hands-Only CPR Certification Instructed by American Heart Association
• April – Fraud Prevention Strategies Presented by Chelsea Groton Bank

Additional details to come.

About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT: 

We are the region’s largest network of professionals, representing over a thousand organizations spanning eastern Connecticut and beyond. Our mission is to create and maintain a positive business climate that meets the needs of our members by supporting economic development and growth in the region. For more information, visit ChamberECT.com.

About the Regional Innovation Center: 

Established in 2023, the Regional Innovation Center serves as a vibrant community hub where small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups converge to thrive affordably. With Chamber programming, inclusive partner services, and dedicated advocacy, we offer the tools needed to ignite growth and success. To learn more, visit https://chamberect.com/innovation-center/.

“Ask an Expert” Biographies

Jennifer Willingham: 

Currently serving as VP and Cash Management Officer at Chelsea Groton Bank, Willingham has nearly two decades of experience and is a recognized leader in her field. Since transitioning from Branch Manager to Cash Management Officer in 2021, Jen has developed impactful initiatives, such as the Banker-in-Residence program implemented last year with the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. She also serves as Treasurer for the Norwich Historical Society, volunteers with the Women’s Business Development Council, and holds multiple financial certifications. Jen provides expert guidance on accounts, loans, credit reports, and other financial resources to support business success.

Joelle Garrett: 

Garrett, a Business Services Representative with extensive workforce development experience, supports The Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), a non-profit agency under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) that oversees workforce funding, policy for 41 towns in Eastern Connecticut. Through her position she assists employers with recruitment, job fairs, and workforce solutions to strengthen the region's economic vitality.

John Cochran: 

Cochran is a longstanding representative of Dynamic Alliance - a trusted provider of comprehensive IT services company with over 20 years of experience serving businesses in Eastern Connecticut. Specializing in delivering tailored IT solutions for small to medium-sized businesses, Dynamic can help you enhance efficiency, improve productivity, and stay ahead of technology challenges. Whether you're looking to strengthen your cybersecurity, optimize your network, or explore cloud solutions, Jon is here to provide expert guidance and actionable advice.

Ken Somers: 

Somers runs an independent consultancy, offering practical solutions for business leaders and their teams to address people-management challenges. With over 40 years of experience as an HR practitioner and executive leader, Ken brings a wealth of domestic and international expertise, having worked in regions such as Asia, India, and Europe, including serving as interim country head for a global insurance company in Poland. His thoughtful, pragmatic approach focuses on leadership development, performance management, talent optimization, succession planning, and executive coaching.

Lee Couture: 

Based in downtown New London, CT, Couture is a seasoned financial advisor with over 30 years of experience as a Series 6 and Series 65 licensed securities professional. Specializing in retirement, estate, and educational planning, as well as tax preparation, bookkeeping, and insurance solutions, Lee offers personalized strategies to help individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals with confidence.

Miranda Creative: 

Miranda Creative is a renowned agency with nearly 40 years of experience in brand management and marketing. The agency has supported clients across all messaging platforms, delivering award-winning campaigns that are both creative and effective. The first session will be kicked off by Hunter Gillen, Lead Brand Manager, who is an expert project manager with significant experience in design, visualization, and brand identity. He will assist clients in topics including Brand Identity and Development Marketing, Strategy and Campaigns, Market Adaptability and Trends, Design and Visualization, and Streamlining Brand Management.

Tom Caliento:

Caliento is a seasoned business consultant and entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in commercial banking, financial systems, and small business management. Armed with a BSBA in Finance and Economics and an MBA from Western New England University, Tom provides practical, tailored advice to help businesses achieve their funding and financial goals. Paired with funding, financial management, and entrepreneurial opportunities through the state’s premiere, private, non-profit entity seCTer (Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region), Caliento has best practice knowledge on stimulating growth, diversifying the economy, and driving regional prosperity.