The holiday season got off to a great start on Tuesday evening with the Business After Hours event sponsored by the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Tony Rescigno and company certainly have reinvented the organization’s networking opportunities with great panache. They are the place to “see and be seen” by both the “new kids on the block” and those who have been “around the block!”
The New Haven Hotel was the evening’s host venue; management really presented the place as the sophisticated venue of choice for a cocktail/buffet of 150 people. From their butternut squash ravioli , crab meat and sliced duck buffets to the decadent chocolate fountain, encircled with strawberries, pineapple and marshmallows, they provided an elegant and sumptuous welcome to this group of potential customers. Michael Donegan is the new director of sales, assisted by Rachel Klein the sales manager (or maybe it’s the other way around); they are energetic and enthusiastic and really impressed with their attention to individuals and detail.
Patti Scussel, the charming and affable director of the Chamber’s Leadership Greater New Haven, greeted many of her current and former class members. As the training ground for those nominees who have a sincere interest in contributing to the quality of life for all of our citizens, she has succeeded in educating the next generation of nonprofit board memberships. The affable Betsy Herlihey entertained another segment of the Chamber assemblage, making sure that introductions were made. Walter Nester facilitated even more new friendships.
John Rochette, well known public relations personality and Southern Connecticut State University Foundations’s leader, never misses the opportunity to visit with old friends at these BAH parties. Kevin McNamara, now wearing the Regional Council of Governments hat, gave that famous grin to all of his old friends — it’s nice to see him back in the thick of things. Attorney Kathleen Conway is always a welcome addition to any group. Attorney Pat DeMaio was deeply engaged in conversation, but kept his vigil near the victuals.
Among the newcomers was Michael Lussier, who is expanding his Abbey Road Transportation business from Manchester to New Haven. We are not sure where the actual limos and vans will be located, but it is likely that the office will be right downtown. I am sure that people were soliciting his participation in the Walter Camp event even while he was soliciting their business. New Haven is like that! Want to join the team? You have to wear the uniform!
All for the Greater Good — of course!!