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By: Maria Moore

Business Council Sponsors Booth at Frozen Farmers’ Market

Hot chocolate and marshmallows were the business of the day at the New Hartford Business Council (NHBC) Steering Committee meeting this past Wednesday.  No, members were not deciding on which beverage to enjoy during the meeting, but rather they were finalizing the details of what they would be providing at their booth this coming Sunday at the Farmers’ Market.  The Business Council had sponsored a weekly booth at the Farmers’ Market this past summer and the Steering Committee approved sponsoring a booth at this Sunday’s event, the Frozen Farmers’ Skating Party and Farmers’ Market. Mindful of the weather at this point of winter the Business Council members decided to serve hot chocolate at their booth.  Deb Kuszaj of Blue Sky Foods had already purchased supplies, but on being told by Anita Barden, one of the organizers of the Farmers’ Market, that last year ~ the first Frozen Farmers event ~ there had been about 200 people who had attended, Deb thought it best to pick up more chocolate.  Steering Committee members also discussed whether or not to charge for the hot chocolate as a means to build up funds for future community projects, but guided by Gardner Graves of Realty Works who volunteered to cover the cost of the chocolate, those present decided to ask for a donation for the hot drinks.

The Business Council booth will have information available from its member businesses.  If you are a member of the Business Council and you would like to add your materials to the booth, please stop by and drop them off at the booth on Sunday from 11:30 on.  The Business Council booth will be manned by Dawn Whalen of COMPUTER EXPLORERS, Gardner Graves and Kim Trumbull, both of Realty Works, and other Business Council members.   The booth is being sponsored by Realty Works, Blue Sky Foods, GeminEye Images, Peggy’s Personalized Promos, and the Economic Development Commission.

First Selectman To Speak At March 3 Business Council Meeting

First Selectman Dan Jerram will be attending the next meeting of the Business Council Steering Committee on March 3.  Steering Committee members decided to ask Dan to address the topic of ‘The Current Business Climate in New Hartford’.  They also agreed to devote the whole meeting to Dan’s presentation and to give members the opportunity to ask questions on this topic of the First Selectman.

If you are a member of the Business Council and you would like to attend the March 3 Steering Committee meeting with the First Selectman please let Dawn Whalen, NHBC co-president know for planning purposes; email Dawn at ctce200@ctce.us.  The meeting will be held at Chapin Park Bed and Breakfast on the Green at Pine Meadow.

Business Council Website Update

Steering Committee members decided not to pursue setting up a Business Council website at this time, but rather to revisit the subject at a future meeting.  The Business Council Members’ Directory will continue to be hosted on NewHartfordPlus as members agreed that it added value to their membership.

Membership Update

Mary Ann Gunning, Membership Chair for the Business Council, reported that the Business Council now has 77 members, 24 of whom are new members.  Phil Worley, Executive Director of the Canton Chamber of Commerce, added that there are 29 joint members of the two organizations.

Many Thanks: To Mary Ann Gunning of Chapin Park Bed and Breakfast for hosting the Business Council Steering Committee meetings at her bed and breakfast.

George Tolhurst Named PECOE Employee Of The Month

George Tolhurst

George Tolhurst of New Hartford was one of three employees who were named Employee of the Month for January by their employer QuEST ~ Project Engineering Center of Excellence (PECOE) in East Hartford.  George is a graduate of Regional #7 and the University of Hartford.  Following is the announcement by Christopher Wisse, PECOE Director, of George’s recognition:

George joined PECOE in June 2009, and is currently supporting the Compression Systems Module Center.

During a recent Tollgate 3, George received glowing feedback from his customer, who mentioned they were able to start him off gradually with his work, but he has “gone from walking to running.” He has “exceeded expectations” and “shows leadership qualities.” Additionally, the customer gives George and “A” for the work he has performed. They think he has a “good attitude”, “has progressed well” and they are “glad he is back” in 2010. He has certainly left a good impression on his customer. Because of the confidence they have in him, he has also been given the opportunity to learn some design programming. He has shown a lot of growth over the past few months and has impressed his customer thoroughly.

As Employees of the Month Janina, George and Ana receive not only our gratitude but a monetary award, just a token of QuEST’s appreciation for their efforts.

A Note About the QuEST Employee of the Month Program: QuEST Project Engineering Center of Excellence (PECOE) based out of the East Hartford office and Windsor Locks campus has implemented an Employee of the Month recognition program. The program is intended to increase communication and provide a vehicle for recognition of good performance. Lack of communication can lead to a disconnected feeling, especially for those working outside of our offices. Additionally, management too often fails to take the time to say “Thank you”, whether directly or indirectly, for the exceptional efforts of its employees.

Congratulations: To George Tolhurst on his achievement after only 6 months with his company.  We look forward to hearing much more about this bright young man.

Skates And Shopping Bags Ready For Sunday?…

Just in case you haven’t heard: The Second  Annual Frozen Farmers Skating Party and Farmers’ Market will be held tomorrow, Sunday, February 21 from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. on the (white) Green at Chapin Park in Pine Meadow.  Be sure to come along to do some skating, or watch others skate, catch up with neighbors and of course, shop with our local farmers.

NewHartfordPlus will also have a small booth, where we will have our sweatshirts and our NEW bumper stickers available.  Hope to see you all there!

The Frozen Farmers’ Skating Party and Farmers’ Market is being sponsored this year by the New Hartford Farmers’ Market and the New Hartford Rec Department.

Joanne Dahill of Marwin Farm shows Bob Moore a list of her farm's offerings at the First Frozen Farmers' Market in February of 2009 on Chapin Park.