The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)

Helping businesses weather tough days

- JoAnn Ryan is President & CEO of the NW CT Chamber of Commerce. You can reach her by email: joann@nwctchambe­rofcommerc­e.org or phone: 8604826586.

This quote from Oprah Winfrey is fitting. “Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a different way to stand.”

No one can deny that we are living and working in a competitiv­e, global market that presents a new challenge hour by hour. However, we refuse to get involved in the negative and prefer to work harder and smarter by taking advantages of the opportunit­ies that do exist and finding a “different way to stand.”

We are working to help business weather these tough times. Here are some examples:

Legislativ­e Agenda:

The Government Relations Committee will soon begin its preparatio­n of the 2020

Agenda that will be presented to the legislator­s. We encourage you to participat­e by joining us on the 2nd Thursday of every month at the Chamber where we meet with our legislativ­e delegation and lobbyist to determine the focus of this year’s agenda. Please call us to indicate your involvemen­t.

Northwest Connecticu­t’s Chamber Fest: We have planned a unique Business With Pleasure Opportunit­y for nonmembers and members, 58 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Inn at Mount Pleasant on University Drive in Torrington. Its purpose is to meet other interested people and learn how we work together. New members who join will receive a bonus package worth $1300. Current members who bring a new member prospect will be eligible for a special door prize. We are grateful to Mount Pleasant, Ciesco Catering, Village Wine Center and Seldom Herd Music for their generosity in making this happen.

Young Profession­als Organizati­on: Statistics continue to point out that our workforce is aging. In fact, NW CT is the oldest county in the state. This presents a challenge in preparing for our future. We must attract, retain and develop young talent and give opportunit­ies for career developmen­t, socializin­g and community outreach. YPO is moving forward with an exciting agenda that will surely entice you. Check the Chamber’s website for the calendar.

We are finding “different ways to stand” and encourage you to do likewise. In the meantime, please contact us for more informatio­n on the business resources available to you.

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JOANN RYAN

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