Chamber unveils welcoming program
‘Community Concierge’ project is under the designation of Thames River Innovation Place
To welcome newcomers to the region and help them land on their feet, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut has started its “Community Concierge” program.
After a soft launch of communityect.com two weeks ago, the chamber is now trying to get the word out to the newcomers and to the prospective “connectors” who can help them.
“If somebody was to reach out to me and say, ‘My favorite sport ever is golfing,’ I can match them with somebody else who has a favorite activity of golfing,” said Sheri Cote, vice president of the chamber. “We want to make sure we’re connecting people with someone that they can relate to.”
Community Concierge is one of the projects starting under the designation of the Thames River Innovation Place, which received a $900,000 matching grant from CTNext in the spring.
The Community Concierge will feature a database with information about schools, churches and local activities. It also will provide information on job opportunities, if someone moves to the area for work but his or her spouse still is seeking employment.
The website now allows sign-ups for both newcomers to the area and those interested in helping new arrivals. The program will host networking and social events for these groups.
Those interested in sponsoring or hosting meet-and-greets can email Cote at scote@chamberect.com.
“Social interaction and a sense of belonging are key characteristics expressed by millennials,” Cote said in a news release. “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.”
Along with millennials, Community Concierge is targeted to new hires at Electric Boat, though it is open to anyone moving to the area. The submarine company anticipates 15,000 to 20,000 new hires by 2030, according to the chamber.