Business & Culinary Showcase

TIME FOR THE GREENWICH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FASHION SHOW!
A fashion show of summer apparel for work and play will highlight the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Business & Culinary Showcase on Thursday, May 28, from 5:30 to 8 pm at the Hyatt Regency-Greenwich, 1800 E. Putnam Ave. Participating Greenwich retailers will feature top summer looks for men and women.

Left to right: John Gram of Michael Kors, Verayl Stubbs of Brooks Brothers, Mary Dreux of Anne Fontaine, Phyllis Ayman of How to Say it With STYLE, fashion show moderator, Jill Dupont of Out of the Box, Daisy Pierce of Pamela Ferrari, Liz Hoffman of J. McLaughlin, Marietta Contadino of Marietta C. and Mary Ann Morrison, President and CEO of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce. Not pictured: Stephanie Goureau of COURAGE b.

Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Business & Culinary Showcase

May 28, 5:30 – 8:00 pm

Hyatt Regency-Greenwich

Summer Fashion Show and “Throwdown Chowder Challenge” to Highlight Event
Tickets will be sold at the door

In today’s challenging economic environment, now, more than ever, is the time for businesses to promote their products and services and for individuals to make valuable connections through networking. An opportunity waits at the upcoming Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Business & Culinary Showcase at the Hyatt Regency-Greenwich, Thursday May 28, 2009, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Two new events – a fashion show of summer apparel and a “Throwdown Chowder Challenge” – will highlight this year’s program. The showcase is expected to draw more than 65 exhibitors and 400 attendees.

Eight Greenwich retailers will feature the latest summer fashion looks and styles for both men and women, showcasing the most up-to-date outfits and accessories for both work and play. This special fashion show will be presented by Anne Fontaine, Brooks Brothers, COURAGE b., J. McLaughlin, Marietta C., Michael Kors, Out of the Box and Pamela Ferrari. Phyllis Ayman of How to Say it With STYLE will be the moderator.

Greenwich Deputy Chief/Fire Marshall Joseph H. Benoit, Jr. will create his specialty, Manhattan clam chowder, in the first annual “Throwdown Chowder Challenge,” while Mary Ann Morrison, President and CEO of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, will whip up her family’s famous cheese chowder. Investment Counselor Charles Mansfield will prepare his special corn and lobster chowder after weeks of perfecting his recipe. Chef Jean-Louis Gerin of Restaurant Jean-Louis, Bill Rosenberg, Executive Chef at F.I.S.H., and Chef Rafael Palomino of Greenwich Tavern, formerly Palomino, will choose the winning chowder. Folks attending the Business & Culinary Showcase will also have the opportunity to taste the chowders to make their own decision.

Along with these two new events, the showcase will also feature the area’s top restaurants and caterers who will present their signature hors d’oeuvres and specialties. In addition to a variety of innovative exhibits, a number of exhibitors will feature the latest in “green” products and services. Banks, hotels, beauty salons, lawyers, doctors, transportation firms and utility companies are among the many categories of participating local businesses.

Participating restaurants and caterers include Avenida Restaurant, Bambou Asian Tapas and Bar, F.I.S.H., the Ginger Man Restaurant, Gofer Ice Cream, Le Gourmet Store/Restaurant Jean-Louis, Greenwich Tavern (formerly Palomino), Pomodoro Pizzeria & Trattoria, ShopRite Grade A Supermarkets, Solaia, Susan Kane Catering, Villarina Pasta and Catering and Winfield’s at the Hyatt Regency-Greenwich.

“This event offers a great opportunity for individuals to make connections and develop new business relationships, which are critical in today’s economy,” said Morrison. “The showcase is a very cost-effective way to reach a large audience and our new special events this year add another dimension to the program, creating a more interesting format and featuring a variety of different types of businesses.”

For attendees, the event promises to be upbeat and stimulating. Complimentary beverages, exciting door prizes, plus free parking are included. The cost to attend is $15 for Greenwich Chamber of Commerce members and $25 for non-members before May 14. After May 14, add $10 for both members and non-members.

The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Business & Culinary Showcase is sponsored by the Hyatt Regency-Greenwich and Continental Fine Wines. Additional sponsors are Aquarion Water Company, Connecticut Light & Power, Connecticut Natural Gas and Fred Durante, Jr., General Contractors. Media sponsors include AM 1490 WGCH Radio, Greenwich Time and Moffly Media.

Continental Fine Wines is generously donating all the wine for the evening. “We will be serving both red and white wines, boutique in style, that are pleasing to the palate and also priced at a great value,” said Frank Lugossy of Continental Fine Wines. Continental Fine Wines will also have a booth showcasing a wide selection of boutique wines that offer values at every price point. Nestle Waters North America is generously donating the water and also sponsoring a table for the Greenwich High School Energy Conservation Club. ShopRite Grade A Supermarkets is generously donating the soda.  Seaside Design is providing all graphic design. Jeff Weber, Executive Vice President, Business TalkRadio, will serve as MC. TMK Sports & Entertainment is producing the event in coordination with the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce.The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit business organization, has served Greenwich since 1917. The Chamber’s mission is to encompass and promote the well-being of the entire business community within Greenwich while maintaining the town’s residential integrity and enhancing the quality of life.
For sponsor and exhibitor information on the upcoming Greenwich Business & Culinary Showcase, please contact Tammi Ketler, TMK Sports & Entertainment, 203-531-3047 or TMKSandE@aol.com. To attend, register online at www.greenwichchamber.com. For further information, call the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, 203.869.3500.