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FAQsAbout the ChamberWhat is the Windsor Chamber of Commerce?
The Windsor Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting business and the community.
The mission of the Chamber is:
- To provide voice for the Business
Community on issues of public policy.
- To help
businesses to work together for their mutual benefit.
- To advocate
initiatives that enhance the town's (region) economic vitality and
quality of life.
What does the Chamber do?
Some of the things the Chamber is involved in:
1.
Representation on Windsor's Economic Development Commission and on the
Windsor Public School Systems Education Advisory Committee.
2. Involvement with the Bradley Development League and work with neighboring town on local issues.
3. Assist businesses in the relocation of their business and employees.
4. Publish Chamber e-News, a Windsor Business Email Newsletter.
5.
Furnish the public with resource information on the town and its
attractions through the website and "What's Going on in Windsor?" email
newletter.
6. Sponsor several town wide programs such as the Annual Benefit Auction, Chili Challenge, Windsor Feud, and more.
Where is the Chamber located?
The Chamber is located on the Windsor town green at 261 Broad Street. Turn from Broad Street on to Maple towards CVS. Bear right at the post office. There is a parking lot in the rear. Please enter by the front door facing the green.
Who runs the Chamber of Commerce?
The Windsor has one full time staff member, the Executive Director, Jane Garibay. Her assistant is Phyllis Stargarter. Several volunteers also work regularly at the Chamber to assist with programs, events and administration.
The volunteer Board of Directors meets monthly to set policy and guide the Chamber in its mission.
China TripWhat's the deadline to sign up?
Registration forms and payment must be completed before July 1, 2011.
What will I see in China?
All the hot spots including:
- The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
- Temple of Heaven
- Tiananmen Square
- The Great Wall of China
- Summer Palace
- Longevity Hill
- Ming Tombs
- Lingering Garden
- Tiger Hill
- Lingyin Temple
- West Lake
- Yu Garden
- The Bund
and more if you choose to add some of the optional tours!
When does the trip take place?
We'll leave Windsor around 10am on October 19, 2011 and return to Windsor around 7pm on October 27th.
What happens if I have to cancel?
If you cancel before August 1, 2011, there is no cancellation fee. Your $200 deposit is non-refundable, however.
If you cancel after August 1, 2011, there is a $500 cancellation fee levied by Air China. You may want to purchase travel insurance for this reason. Adelman Travel can supply full travel insurance for $79. Their contact information is below.
Adelman Travel
Windsor, CT
Eve Magoon, Leisure/Group Specialist
Tel: 860-697-7503
Will I need an electric converter for my laptop, etc?
China uses 220V electricity. You will need a voltage adapter and converter. You can purchase these ahead of time at electronics stores or luggage stores or you may rent them from most of the hotels.
Should I exchange money before I get to China?
No, it's not necessary. You can visit ATMs at the airport or have money changed at your hotel. Major credit cards are accepted at the nicer shops, hotels and restaurants. American dollars are accepted in many places as well (you'll want to bring small denominations as you won't get change from street vendors). You won't need much cash except for any street shopping you do and to pay for the optional tours you choose.
Chinese currency is the yuan or RMB (Renminbi). The current exchange rate is about 6.5 yuan to 1 US dollar.
Should I learn some Chinese words?
It's not really necessary, but is a great idea anyway. Your guides and hotel staff will all speak English very well. At other locations, it may be hit or miss to find people who speak English. Here are a couple of indispensable Chinese phrases:
Hello - Nee-how
Thank you - shih-shih
I don't want (to buy) that - boo-yow
Can I upgrade my flight?
Yes, you ca upgrade from coach to business class for a fee of $6,000. No, we're not kidding.
What if I am travelling alone?
There is a single occupancy fee of $450 that covers all your hotel stays. We can try to find another person travelling alone if you'd like a roommate so neither of you need to pay the single occupancy add-on.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
It is optional, but we recommend buying travel insurance. If you cancel for any reason after August 1, 2011, there is a $500 cancellation fee
levied by Air China. Adelman Travel can supply full travel insurance for $79. Their
contact information is below.
Adelman Travel
Windsor, CT
Eve Magoon, Leisure/Group Specialist
Tel: 860-697-7503
Shoud I negotiate when buying something?
Yes! By all means. Haggling is expected in all but the highest end stores. Even in some of those, Chinese people seem to get away with haggling, so give it a try! When buying something from a street vendor, they may start the price at 10 or more times the value so start low!
Can we choose our seats on the plan?
You may be able to choose your seats when you check in at JFK.
How early should I arrive at the airport?
You should be at JFK airport in New York three hours before the flight is to leave. The Chamber has arranged transportation for you from Windsor to JFK and back so you don't have to make your way to JFK yourself. Transportation from Windsor to JFK and back is included in your trip price.
Is it safe in China?
Yes. You will be on a guided tour with excellent tour guides. China is a very safe place to travel. The crime rate is low. Of course, standard safety precautions should be taken. And it's not a bad idea to make two copies of your passport. One to put in your luggage, and one to carry with you.
What is the weather like in China?
The average temperature in October is around 70 degrees or so. It's cooler in Beijing and we do leave the hotel early and come back late, so you might need a light jacket.
Do I need to worry about customs?
Not really. For customs dollar limits and other questions about bringing goods back to the United States, visit the Customs & Border Patrol website: http://www.cbp.gov/
I sent the Chamber my Passport to get my Chinese travel visa. When will I get it back?
All passports and visas will be sent back to the Chamber in plenty of time for the trip and will be given back to you at that time.
Should I tip people in China?
No, tipping is not a tradition in China. Some of the more modern services do now accept tips, but the Chamber will take care of that ahead of time. You do not need to tip anyone while in China.
Do I need to get any shots before the trip?
No shots are required.
Routine vaccines are recommended by the CDC even if you do not travel. Although
childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the United States,
they are still common in many parts of the world. A traveler who is not
vaccinated would be at risk for infection.
Do I need a visa to go to China?
Yes, a U.S. passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and a Chinese travel visa are both required.
If you do not have a passport yet, do that as soon as possible as it can take weeks or even months to get a new passport.
You can get your Chinese visa yourself too, but you'd have to go to New York to do it. The Chamber can handle the Chinese visa process for you for a fee of $165. The fee includes the visa application fee, processing, and mailing.
Just bring your passport, visa application, two passport photos and a check for $165 to the Chamber located at 261 Broad Street, Windsor, CT before August 15th and we'll send all passports together at one time and return them to you before the trip.
What should I bring?
Besides clothing and your Passport, you might want to bring an electrical converter/adapter, a shoulder bag to carry with you during the day (for your camera, souvenirs, bottled water, tissues, etc), a windbreaker and a Passport holder that you can put under your clothes might be a good idea.
What will the hotels be like in China?
We will be staying in 4- and 5-star hotels during the entire trip which includes four hotels. Some are high rises.
All hotels come equipped with a hair dryer and an iron.
There is internet access at every hotel, but it varies by hotel. Some have a business center, some have wired access and some have wireless access. Visit the websites of the hotels on the itinerary for specific information.
What optional tours are available?
You'll be seeing an amazing number of things on the standard itineray, but if you're energetic, you might want to add on a few of these optional tours:
Hutong Tour of Old Beijing
Peking Opera - VIP seats available
Boat Ride on Grand Canal in Suzhou
Evening Cruise on Huangpu River
ERA Intersection of Time show (Cirque du Soleil-esque)
Shanghai Maglev Train
The Legend of Kung Fu show
There is a nominal fee for each of the optional tours. Most are between $25 and $35 each. These are paid to your tour guide, cash only.
Can I use my cell phone in China?
Check with your cell phone carrier before you plan to use your cell phone in China. They can suggest whether you should purchase a SIM card.
Receiving data (such as email or using the internet) on your phone is very expensive in China.
What are the restrooms like in China?
Most restaurants and all hotels have western style toilets, but be prepared for a culture shock when at other locations. Restrooms at public attractions (esp. the Great Wall) are traditional Chinese restrooms that are little more than a hole in the ground without paper. It is a good idea to carry some toilet paper or tissues with you.
What should I wear in China?
Most days you will be wearing comfortable sight-seeing clothes. Jeans and sneakers are fine. Dress in layers as you may not be returning to the hotel during the day. You might want to wear something slightly nicer to dinner, maybe business casual.
What kind of food will we eat in China? And is the water safe?
You will have a breakfast buffet (including western and Asian food choices) in your hotel every morning. Lunch and dinner will be a variety of traditional Chinese food including some vegetarian dishes.
Bottled water is best to drink and is readily available. Brushing your teeth with the hotel water is fine.
Will there be a lot of walking on the China trip?
You will be walking a fair amount, so bring comfortable shoes. Sneakers are fine. Also be prepared, the Great Wall is all stairs!
Most of the time you'll be in a comfy tour bus.
How long is the flight to China?
The trip is shorter than it used to be. Rather than a 17 - 24 hour set of flights, we're taking a non-stop flight from JFK to Beijing that goes up over the north pole. The flight duration is about 13 hours. Same for the return trip. Chinese airplane food is served.
EventsCan I sell my products at Chamber Business Expos?
Not usually, but around the holidays we allow businesses to sell products and services at our Business Expos. This year we're having two holiday Business Expos:
Dec. 6
Alstom / Aetna
175 Addison Rd, Windsor
Dec. 13
Konica Minolta Business Solutions
500 Day Hill Rd, Windsor
To participate, call 860-688-5165. Space is limited.
Is there a rain date for concerts on the green?
Yes. The rain date for a summer concert is always the following Tuesday at 7:00 pm.?
Is food available before or at concerts on the green?
There are no food vendors on the green during concerts, but popcorn and water are sold by the Lions Club and the restaurants surrounding the green are open for business.
Many people go to one of the local restaurants and eat dinner before the concert or bring their dinner to the green with them for the concert.
What's "Eat To Live?
Eat to Live
is a new program out of the Chamber's Green Committee (businesses
and individuals welcome) with a mission to offer fun discussions about
organic foods, healthy tips and natural living while enjoying healthy
meals together. The group meets every month on the second Monday of
the month at 6:00 pm at The Beanery at Bart's, 55 Palisado Ave, Windsor, CT.
2011 Guest Speakers:
Janaury 10th - Raye Hodgson, Hodgson Biologic
February 14th - Peaceful River Massage
March 14th - Stacy Munro, Nature's Helper
April 11th - Kim Rukas, Earthtone Farms
May 9th - FirstTown Downtown Farmer's Market
June 13th - Chris Raimo, Home Sweet Home Pet Care
When is Small Business Day?
Small Business Day is the Saturday after Thanksgiving, ?Saturday, November 27, 2010.
What is Small Business Day?
We all know what Black Fridays is, the day after Thanksgiving, when large retailers have door buster sales, and there's Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving and biggest day for online shopping. Now, AMEX has declared Saturday, November 27th the first annual Small Business Saturday to encourage people to shop at their local small businesses.
On Small Business Saturday, take some time to look around your town and
you'll find local shops and restaurants that are truly hidden gems of
interesting merchandise, gift certificates, and where service is
top-notch. Mom-and-Pop shops are typically more focussed on customer
service, a mark that larger retailers often fail to hit. You are likely
to meet the owners in person.
Small businesses create jobs and invest in their communities.
Supporting them by shopping and dining local supports your community.
Business owners who want to get involved are eligible for $100 in free
facebook advertising by going to smallbusinesssaturday.com And shoppers
are encouraged to spread the word about Small Business Saturday through
the social marketing tools on the website. For American Express card
members, the first 250,000 to pre-register their card and then spend at
least $25 on Small Business Saturday at a small, independently-owned
small business will receive a $25 statement credit.
Is there a rest room available for the public during concets on the green?
Yes. There are port-o-lets in the back parking lot of the Town Hall during concerts on the green. The library is also open and has restrooms available.
Is the Farmington Valley Band Concert being rescheduled?
Yes, the Farmington Valley Band concert sponsored by Carmon Funeral Homes, that was supposed to go on last Thursday, August 12th has been rescheduled for Tuesday, August 17th at 7:00 pm!
What events does the Chamber hold each year?
We host a number of events each year that the public is invited to attend. See our Annual Chamber Events page for more info.
Here's a partial list:
Businesses Fueling Minds Through Books - January
Windsor Feud - February
"You Asked For It" Business Series - March
26th Annual "Windsor Chamber Cares" Auction - April
Chamber Shad Derby Blood Drive - May
61st Annual Dinner - June
Golf Tournament / Business Outing - July
Passport to Summer Fun - June 1 - August 31
Summer Concerts - June-August
New Teachers' Luncheon - August 18, 2010
Town Wide Sidewalk Sale - August 13-14, 2010
Chili Challenge! - October 9, 2010
5th Annual Windsor Wade & Tea Fair - November 6-7, 2010
JoiningI just joined the Chamber. What next?
The best thing to do is to make an appointment to sit down with Jane Garibay, our Executive Director. She can guide you as to how to best make use of the Chamber according to your business model, number of employees, community interests, etc. Call 860-688-5165 to make an appointment.
What does it cost to join the Chamber?
The price of membership depends on the number of full time employees in your company.? Membership starts at $139 / yr. To join, go to http://www.windsorcc.org/Join
What do I get with my membership?
There are many benefits to being a member of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce. Here are just a few:
- Business Expo Great Marketing Venue
- Business Referrals
- Chamber Insurance Trust
- Conference Room
- Free Listing in the Chamber Directory
- Gift Certificate Program
- Information Center
- Membership in the TVCA
- Networking Events
- Representation in state and local government
NetworkingI'd like to host a Business After Hours. How should I go about it?
Contact our Programs & Business Development committee chairperson Kristen Barbarotta at kbarbarotta@jdbblaw.com or Jane Garibay at info@windsorcc.org to schedule a date for your After Hours. Or call 860-688-5165.
Hosts provide the following:
- refreshments
- raffle prize(s)
The Chamber publicizes the event to its members through the website, mail and email newsletter. Photos will be taken and posted on the Chamber website photo gallery.
Are there any networking events in the morning?
Yes. Our Windsor Business to Business Connections networking group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday morning of each month at Bart's Beanery at 55 Palisado Ave, Windsor, CT. It is one of few networking events open to non-Chamber members as well as members. Anyone doing business in Windsor is admitted.
Does the Chamber have a Facebook page?
Yes. Here is our Windsor Chamber Facebook page. We keep it updated regularly with news and events and encourage members to "like" the page and interact with us there as well.
Any member who has a facebook fan page for their business is welcome to let us know so that we can add it to our page's favorites.
How many networking events are there?
At a minimum, the following networking events are planned each year:
1. Business After Hours - monthly
2. Small Business Roundtable - monthly
3. Business to Business Connections - twice per month
Besides our regular events, there are other networking opportunities including:
1. Business Expos - one or two per year
2. Tobacco Valley Chamber Alliance events - seven per year
3. Public events like the Chili Challenge, Concerts on the Green, and more
How can I get more from my membership?
There are many ways to get more involved in the Chamber than simply paying your membership dues.
One way to get more business from your membership is to attend our networking events. It takes more than one introduction to someone for them to trust you enough to give you their business. Relationships are built by repeatedly networking. Attend frequently!
You can also join one of the Chamber's many committees. Through committees you will meet and spend more time with other business people who are interested in the topic of the committee, again building relationships. Some of our committees are:
- Auction
- Transportation
- Business Development
- Golf Tournament
- and more
SponsorshipDo I have to be a member to sponsor the website, the newsletters, or other events?
No, you don't have to be a member to sponsor our events, website, newsletters, etc. However, in some cases, the prices are slightly higher for non-members.?
How can I spread the word about my business?
We recently began a new program called "Video Introductions" in partnership with Windsor Community Television (Win-TV). It's a great way to get into video that you can use on your own website and is also shown on the Chamber website and on Win-TV for one year. The introductory price is $250 and can be renewed annually.
Additional benefits are included. See our Video Introduction page.
You can see the videos we've done so far on our Videos page.
Do you offer sponsorship opportunities?
Yes. There are a number of ways you can promote your business and sponsor Chamber programs at the same time. Here's a partial list:
- Sponsor the website with your banner
- Sponsor an issue of Chamber eNews, our weekly business news email newsletter
- Sponsor an issue of What's Going on in Windsor, our weekly public events email newsletter
- Sponsor events like our Annual Dinner, Chili Challenge, Golf Tournament, etc. Each event has a unique audience and various different sponsorships - ie. the golf tournament includes a Beverage Cart sponsors, Tee sponsors, Lunch sponsor, etc. The Windsor Wade & Tea Fair offers sponsorship through the printed event program. The Annual Dinner includes Table Sponsors.
There is more information on our sponsorship opportunities page.
Town InfoDo you have maps available?
Yes, we have Windsor town maps available. They are also available at the Windsor Town Hall next door.
We also have some map info available online - see our Windsor maps page.
Where can I find information about businesses in town?
On the Chamber website you can find information about local businesses in several ways.
1. Click the Member directory. You'll find all our member businesses (oaver 350) listed in alphabetical order by business name. Click a business for their full details including contact info, website, description, social networking links, and more.
2. Click on About Windsor (or Members by Category) - You'll find a list of categories like Shopping, Health and Medical, Restaurants, etc. Click the category that interests you and you'll see a list of businesses in alphabetical order with their contact info.
Is the Chamber of Commerce affiliated with the Town of Windsor?
No. The Windsor Chamber of Commerce is a separate non-profit organization whose mission is to support local business and community. We do work closely with the town on many projects, however and have been tasked by the Town with increasing tourism in Windsor.
WebsiteI use Facebook quite a bit. How can I let my friends and colleagues know about something I see on the Chamber website?
You can share any page of the Chamber website by clicking on the "Share This" icon. Choose the social network you prefer and the url of the page you're on will be filled in automatically.
This can be especially helpful for sharing upcoming meetings and events.
Can I add job listings to the Chamber website?
Yes. All Windsor Chamber members are welcome to submit job ads on our site, free of charge.
Here's our job submission form.
Where can I see photos of past events?
We have photos going back about five years on our website from different events including our Annual Benefit Auction, Concerts on the Green, Networking Events, and more. See our Photo Gallery
How can I find out about upcoming events?
The calendar on our website is always kept up-to-date. Check back any time to find out what's going on.
Also, we send out an email newsletter every Thursday morning detailing upcoming events for the next seven days. The newsletter is called "What's Going on in Windsor?". To sign up to receive this newsletter, go to our newsletter subscription page.
I want to promote my business with a video. Do you offer this service?
Yes, the Chamber has a new program in combination with WinTV to create 3 - 5 minute business introduction videos. You can see the videos done so far on our Business Videos page.
How can I update my member directory listing?
Use the "Update Your Listing" form online to change your contact info, update your description, add your social networking links (facebook, twitter, linked in) to your listing.
Can I find office space for rent on the Chamber website?
Yes. We list office space available in Windsor on our Office and Industrial Space Available page. To submit a listing of available office or industrial space, please email the details to info@windsorcc.org
How can I get my events on the Chamber website?
All members are welcomed to add their events to the Chamber's online calendar. On each page of our website (www.windsorcc.org) you'll see a calendar of events which includes Chamber events, member events, and Windsor non-profit events. If you are a Windsor Chamber member or non-profit, add your event by clicking the green "Add Event" button above the calendar. After review, your event will be displayed.
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