Chamber Announces Military Community Support Awards

Mike's Famous Harley Davidson & Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation/Foxwoods to be Recognized at Nov. 13, 2015 Military Appreciation Breakfast

Eastern CT  – The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT’s Military Affairs Council has selected Mike’s Famous Harley Davidson of New London and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation/Foxwoods Resort Casino of Mashantucket as the recipients of the 2015 Military Community Support Award. Both businesses will be recognized at the Chamber’s 6th Annual Military Appreciation Breakfast, which will be held on Fri. Nov. 13 from 7:45-9:00 a.m. at Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa in Groton.
 
The Military Community Support Award is given annually to Chamber member businesses which have gone above and beyond to show support of the region’s men and women in uniform. Recipients receive a commemorative plaque, a speaking opportunity at the Nov. 13. Military Appreciation Breakfast, and complimentary reservations to the event.
 
Mike’s Famous Harley Davidson was selected because of its outstanding commitment to supporting active military members as well as veterans. The dealership’s programs include “Operation Personal Freedom,” which offers a free Harley-Davidson Riding Academy® Beginner’s Rider Course for all active and retired military personnel. Mike’s Famous works regularly with the Wounded Warrior Project and Adaptive Sports Foundation to improve the lives of service men and women who are living with post-traumatic stress disorder and physical handicaps. The company’s New London location is the collection and staging headquarters for Toys for Tots, which is locally sponsored by the Thames River Detachment Marine Corps League.
 
Mike’s Famous has also raised and donated thousands of dollars for military veterans and veterans’ assistance programs, and the dealership organizes many additional events and programs to thank active personnel and veterans for their service.
 
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods Resort Casino earned accolades throughout the region in 2015 for their strong support of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s (USCGA) centennial celebrations this year. In January, the Tribal Nation and Foxwoods sponsored a special Military Academy and College boxing match and provided free tickets for military members to attend. In July, Foxwoods dedicated its spectacular fireworks show to the Coast Guard Academy, as well as donated dozens of tickets to The Supernaturalists magic show to Coast Guard cadets.
 
In August, Foxwoods provided the Coast Guard-themed giant birthday cake which capped the USCGA’s centennial celebration held at New London Waterfront Park. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods have been instrumental in boosting the morale of Coast Guard service members, and have helped eastern CT rally around the women and men who protect our shores.
 
“These organizations really go above and beyond in demonstrating support for the military,” said Tony Sheridan, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT. “Through organizing community events, fundraising efforts, and showing our regions’ service members appreciation year-round, Mike’s Famous Harley Davidson, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, and Foxwoods continue to bring eastern CT’s civilians and the military closer together. We’re very proud to recognize them on November 13.”
 
“We are truly honored to receive this incredible award,” said Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council. “Foxwoods and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation both celebrate and support our local veterans through our annual Veterans Day Parade, the Veterans Powwow, and by offering special deals to those who have allowed us the freedoms that we enjoy today. I am proud that as an organization we currently employ over 400 team and Tribal Members who have served our country over the years.”
 
"Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson of New London is honored to be the recipient of the 2015 Military Community Support Award, said Owner Mike Schwartz. “We are proud to be part of a community so rich in military history, and are humbled to be recognized by the Chamber for our actions while serving those who serve our great nation.”
 
Help celebrate these organizations on November 13 from 7:45-9:00 a.m. at Mystic Marriott. Guests at the 6th Annual Military Appreciation Breakfast will enjoy performances by Groton’s Fitch High School choir and a color guard by the U.S. Navy Silver Dolphins. They will also hear remarks from senior service representatives from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Army.
 
Admission is $17 for Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT member businesses and their employees, and $25 for non-members. The Chamber encourages registering in advance to avoid a $5 walk-in fee on Nov. 13. Through the generosity of Chamber members and sponsors, we are able to extend complimentary invitations to our local service men and women as a small token of our appreciation.
 
Learn more and RSVP online at www.ChamberECT.com or call the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT office at (860) 701-9113 to reserve your spot.
 
Previous recipients of the Military Community Support Award include Navy Federal Credit Union (2014), Fields of Fire and Country Glen Apartments (2013), Black Hawk II Party Fishing Boat (2012), and MJ Sullivan Automotive Corner and Harp & Dragon (2012).

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