This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
03/09/2016 07:30 AMAbout six years ago, Lorrie Maiorano was looking for more networking opportunities for her work as a real estate agent. She decided to join the East Haven Chamber of Commerce.
“I’ve met so many great people through the networking opportunities offered and that is what made me decide to become more involved,” says Lorrie.
Lorrie quickly become a board member before taking on the role of vice chairman.
She was named chairman in May 2015 and her role is to assist the president and other board members in running the Chamber.
“I enjoy bringing value to our businesses here in East Haven by creating networking opportunities for all of us,” says Lorrie. “I really like being part of the community.”
As chairman, Lorrie is involved in the many events held by the Chamber, including the Meatball Challenge, which is coming Tuesday, March 22 at the Village at Mariner’s Point from 5:30 to 8 p.m. This is the Chamber’s third annual “challenge” event with 2014 looking for the best macaroni and cheese and 2015 searching for the best pizza.
“Each year it gets bigger and bigger,” says Lorrie. “People couldn’t wait to sign up. There’s been a lot of interest and the winner gets a trophy and bragging rights.”
The Meatball Challenge already has 19 local restaurants signed up to vie for the title of “Best Meatball.” At the event, attendees will receive three marbles and after tasting all of the meatballs, they can vote for the People’s Choice winner. Vinnie Penn of 960 WELI will be the guest judge, awarding the Judge’s Award to his favorite.
Lynn’s Deli won best mac-and-cheese in 2014 and Frisco’s won best pizza in 2015. Both People’s Choice winners are returning for this year’s contest and are looking to add Best Meatball to their wall of honors.
Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members with $5 of every admission being donated to East Haven Youth Services for its Teen Center. Lorrie noted that tickets are selling fast and that the Chamber is hoping for the event to sell out. Tickets are available on the Chamber website, easthavenchamber.com.
“These events are a great way to bring the community together for a little fun, promote local businesses, and help out a local charity,” says Lorrie, who is married with two children. “It’s important for us to give back.”
In addition to a tasting of nearly 20 meatball, attendees will also get Foxon Park soda as Foxon Park is a sponsor of the event. There will also be door prizes and raffle prizes.
While the Meatball Challenge is a focus of the Chamber right now, there are a number of other events in the works for the coming months, as well. On Tuesday, April 26, the Chamber will celebrate the wedding of its mascot, Leo the Lobster, to Marina the Mermaid at the Foxon Country House. Other upcoming events include the annual dinner on May 17, the annual golf tournament on June 24, a cookout on July 19, and Lobster-Palooza on Aug. 18.
The Chamber, which draws members not only from East Haven but throughout the Shoreline, also hosts its Business After Hours on the third Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with the March 15 event being held at the Irish American Club. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.
“I invite everyone to our events, check it out, and let us know how we can help your business,” says Lorrie. “It’s so important for small business owners to find time for networking. I have found it helps your run your business the way we all want to run it and grow your business.”
Lorrie has found networking to be such an integral part of her business that she joined a Professional Networking Group that meets on Tuesdays from 8 to 9 a.m. at ABAPC, 14 Summit Place, Suite 202, Branford. The group has 20 to 25 members that meet regularly.
“We help each other with our businesses and refer clients to each other’s businesses when we can,” says Lorrie, who notes new members are welcome. “It gives us a great team of professionals so if a client is looking for a referral, I can reach out to someone I know and trust.”
In addition to being the chairman for the East Haven Chamber of Commerce and an active member of the Professional Networking Group, Lorrie is also a committee members of East Haven Boy Scout Troop 401, where her son is a newly ranked Eagle Scout. Her son is a freshman at UConn, while her daughter is finishing her master’s degree at Clark University.
While Lorrie enjoys the benefits of being involved with the Chamber to her business, she also cherishes the friendships she has gained over the years.
“Some of my very close friendships have grown within the Chamber,” says Lorrie. “Being involved helps make new friends and the friendships I had going in have really flourished.”
For information or to join the Chamber, call Lorrie Maiorano at 203-915-3217 or visit www.easthavenchamber.com.