Chamber Meeting Will Select New Officers, Directors

By Brian M. Johnson, The Bristol Press

March 25, 2022

The Southington Chamber of Commerce's 84th annual meeting, which will see the election of new officers and directors, will return to The Manor Inn on Thursday, April 28.

The meeting will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at the restaurant and banquet facility at 1636 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in Milldale. It will include breakfast and Dana Hilmer, founder of "THRIVEitude" as a guest speaker. The meeting is open to both Chamber members and non-members.

Nominations for new directors include Michelle Dziubina of Liberty Bank and Courtney Appel of Atlas Preservation. If appointed, they will serve a term from 2022 to 2025.

Each Chamber member in good standing will be entitled to cast one vote. Additional names of candidates for directors can be nominated by bearing the signatures of at least 10% of the qualified members of the Chamber. These petitions must be received at the Chamber office, located at 31 Liberty St., Suite 210, by April 2.

Hilmer is an inspirational speaker and executive coach. Barbara Coleman-Hekeler, president and CEO of the Southington Chamber of Commerce, said that she has been "thrilling corporate audiences around the country" for 20 years.

“We’ve all been through a lot with health and politics and I was looking for someone who can re-energize us and get us excited about our businesses and life in general again as we come out of the pandemic,” said Coleman-Hekeler. “We’ve seen in these past couple of years that people have been confined and relegated to remote work. Now, as we’re coming out of this, a lot of people have been stagnant and slow to move beyond. Dana is an incredible person who has a lot of experience encouraging professional and personal optimism. The timing is very right for this sort of program.”

According to danahilmer.com, THRIVEitude, Inc. is "a coaching and training company, the mission of which is to increase whole-life happiness and to help individuals, leaders and organizations cultivate the attitude (mindset) and aptitude (habits) to thrive."

Coleman-Hekeler encouraged people to attend the meeting.

"We hope you and your employees, family and friends will join us as we celebrate over eight decades of the Chamber of Commerce’s contributions to businesses, economic growth and community vitality," she said. "Your continued support and participation are appreciated."

Admission is $30 per person. Those who plan to attend must purchase tickets by Monday, April 25.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For more information, to purchase tickets, or to become a sponsor, visit southingtonchamber.com or call 860-628-8036.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.