Monthly Newsletter June 2010

860-788-3764 jgreen@GBAConnecticut.com GBAConnecticut.com

Feature Member
The Modern Observer Group, LLC

Contact: Eric Lopkin

220 Julia Terrace, Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: 860-343-1579
Email: elopkin@modernobserver.com
Web: www.modernobserver.com

GBA Rocks the CT Business Expo!

By Jennifer Green

Booth 408 at the CT Business Expo on June 10,

2010, was full of energy and we have our
wonderful members to thank! For 8 hours our
booth was buzzing with business owners and
other members of the business community. Solo-
preneurs, non-profit agencies, government
representatives, GBA members, and many others
stopped by to learn more about the group and the
GBA members who participated in the day.

Each hour a GBA member business that signed

up to participate in the Expo was featured at the
booth. The prime spot, a corner booth, was a Eric Lopkin from The Modern Observer Group talks with a visitor
perfect way to give both members and GBA to the GBA booth.

maximum exposure to the busy foot traffic past

our area. With a dedicated table and signage, GBA Members
members were able to promote their businesses Who Exhibited At The Booth!!
to Expo attendees and the results were great.
1degree
Out of the Dog House
According to Eric Lopkin from The Modern Request A Chef
Observer Group, "The CT Business Expo was Star-Schein Insurance Agency
the ultimate networking event. I was able to The Modern Observer Group
present my services to a large number of people, Thirteenth Floor Graphics & Printing
connect with existing contacts, and discuss
business with other business owners." 1
Business Expo...Continued on page 2
Business Expo (cont'd)

Michele Corona from 1degree also felt that the

networking opportunities were helpful. Michele said,
“It was great to meet other business owners and
talk to them about how they are managing with
maintaining and growing their business in this
challenging economy.”

GBA had a similar experiences to Eric and Michele.

Not only did we enroll a new member that day, we
also made great new contacts and touched base
with previous ones. We handed copies of our May
newsletter to every visitor to the booth, which is
good news for everyone who featured an ad, article,
or other submission to that issue! Also, every
member business was featured on our “Wall of
Fame”, which despite it's logistical challenges, was
a great way to promote everyone in the group.

We look forward to following up with everyone we

spoke to at the Expo and are especially looking
forward to participating again in 2011. We hope to
make the event even bigger and better, and if
Charlie Schein from Star-Schein Insurance Agency
is an indication, we'll see our members there again
next year! “I had an excellent time sharing a booth
with GBA. It is certainly something I would consider Charlie Schein from Star-Schein Insurance Agency
doing again in 2011,” said Charlie after the event. talking about his business with an Expo attendee.

 Networking Tip!

One great way to get the word

out about your business is to
encourage your friends and
customers to write a testimonial
about your business on their
Facebook page. What a great,
no-cost way to promote your
business!

2
 Heat Stroke and Your Pets
Provided to You by: Out of the Dog House Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Heat Stroke Definition: High body temperatures (103 to 105 and above) and stress can cause a
pet to go into heatstroke. Dogs cool themselves by panting. St. Bernards, bulldogs, Pekinese and
other breeds with “pug” faces are more susceptible to heatstroke even in moderate
temperatures.

Causes: Heatstroke is most often caused by leaving a pet in a confined space with little or no
ventilation or water, during warm weather with high humidity. It is very important that pets
have access to an adequate supply of fresh cool water at all times.

Signs: Uncontrollable panting, rapid heart rate, foaming at the mouth, depression, lethargy,
agitation, vomiting and/or loss of consciousness. Tongue and gums initially can be bright red,
then as the condition of the pet worsens become progressively blue or gray.

Actions for Survival: Follow heatstroke protocols, monitor core temperature and transport to
the vet or emergency hospital if necessary.

Heat Stroke Protocol:

1. Restrain the pet. Muzzle only if necessary.
2. Bathe or hose the pet with cool water until temperature subsides. You can also place pet in
cool, well-ventilated space and wrap with a wet sheet or towel.
3. Prepare to treat for shock.
4. Monitor core temperature with digital thermometer.
5. Transport to vet or hospital

Personalized at-home care for your pets

Insured and reliable

Free initial consultation

No extra fees for additional pets

860-838-4269

www.outofthedoghousect.com

We treat your pets like our own

3
Build Barter Into Your Operations
by Eric Lopkin

Welcome to 2010. The Great Recession is still taking its toll on business. You need to squeeze every
efficiency out of your business. You need to connect with customers, ensure they are loyal, and keep
them coming back. You need to reach new customers who are gun shy about trying new things. It’s
time to shift your perception and step outside the box. Barter can be a powerful part of your
operations

Marketing

Start by adding barter to your marketing mix. If you issue a coupon you are temporarily cutting your
price. Same thing with a sale or promotional offer. With barter, your price stays the same, but you still
make it easier for a potential customer to sample your product or service,

The advantage to barter is that there is no discounting. People perceive discounted items as being
worth less. Barter keeps the value proposition high, while still allowing customers to save money.
More than that, customers perceive an effort in barter. You’re not simply offering a coupon, you are
working with them to solve a problem. That creates loyalty, and a loyal customer tells people about
you. Barter allows to make a sale, and get referrals for future sales.

Customer Appreciation

Barter, of course, works both ways. You’re not simply giving someone an opportunity to sample your
wares, you have the opportunity to get something you need in return. I can hear the comment
forming in your mind, “I’m not being offered what I need.” That’s because you’re still not thinking out
of the box. You may not need the bartered item, but one of your customers might. Rewarding your
best customers with gift certificates that you have bartered for will show them you appreciate them. It
creates a loyal customer, and if you don’t remember what a loyal customer brings, go back an reread
the last paragraph.

Operations

Of course many times you can

barter for exactly what you need.
Barter can lower your operating
costs by acquiring supplies and
services you need and saving some
money by paying for it with services
done in your down time or surplus
inventory. Your products or services
are only worth what someone will
pay for them. If you are killing time
between projects or have items
sitting on a shelf not moving, using
them to barter is infinitely more
valuable.

These are just a few ways to

improve your operations using
barter. To learn about other tools to
improve your business, contact The
Modern Observer Group at or call
860.343.1579.
4
 Are you eating well enough? Do you have enough energy to keep up with summer?
Have you thought about NOT dieting and instead eating a little healthier each day?

Savory Thymes can help you. Many people lose weight when eating our homemade
healthy dinners without even trying! Call 860-613-2464 or visit us on the web:
www.savorythymespcs.com and order today. There’s no commitment!
We deliver to your home and office.

Ruth L'Hommedieu
860-613-2464
chefruth@savorythymespcs.com
www.savorythymespcs.com

An exclusive offer for GBA members. Work with Malafronte Consulting and James Robert
Creative on your next website project. Combine the talents of two great GBA members. The
graphic design of James Robert Creative to give your site the visual appeal to make you stand out
from your competition and the application and database development of Malafronte Consulting
that turns your website into your 24/7 employee that will give you a competitive advantage over
them. Attention to detail, competitive rates and quick turn around are the cornerstones of our
services. Some examples of functionality you may think of adding
● Ecommerce ● Contact Forms ● Seamless Social Media Integration
● Photo Gallery ● Polls ● Get found on Google
● E-newsletter ● Blogs ● Browser based Content Management
● Calendars ● News Feeds ● Live site statistics and graphs
● Live chat ● Customer Portals ● Mobile Device Integration

Setup a meeting to discuss your next website project this month and we will accept 70% of our
fees as barter and your first year of website and email hosting is free.

5
 Diane Esposito is the founder of Personal Harmony and Health LLC and
that's just what she helps you bring out in yourself. She guides you through
a process for success with personalized, interactive, private or small group ses-
sions and classes.

Diane has practiced the Healing Arts for nearly three decades. She incorpo-
rates Aromatherapy, Guided Imagery, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and
Intuitive Messages in her Customized Reiki Sessions.

REIKI SESSIONS
Relax the Body, Nurture the Mind, & Feed the Soul

Experience Reiki the Affordable Luxury

Request Your Session from the Online Calendar:

http://tungle.me/DianeEsposito

and Your Complimentary Consultation from the

Contact Page on the Website or Call:

203-284-1204

WWW.PERSONALHARMONYANDHEALTH.COM

8 Whispering Pines Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492

6
InLine Adz

Request A Chef
will be at Sailfest
RequestAChef 2010 on July 9th,
10th and 11th in New
London, CT

We will be offering Southern BBQ during the festivities. Come see the largest
fireworks in CT on Saturday night and have some great food. Come see us and
mention you’re with GBA and receive 1 free order of Corn Fritters with our
famous maple butter just for saying hi!

7
 1degree was formed to help businesses with challenges they
face in integrating social media into their sales and marketing
strategies. Instead of providing pre-determined packages that
may not fit your needs we individualize our services for you
specifically and we will work closely with you to implement your
customized approach.

Our clients continually stress that social media takes too much
time and it’s difficult to measure ROI. We will show you how to
integrate social media into your marketing and sales strategies in
a way that fits your individual needs and time. We simplify the
process by developing a strategic plan and help implement it with
little disruption to your business.

We have a team of specialists that we have hand picked to help

get your internet project up and rolling. Whether you need a web
site, blog, writing, design or video we have some of the best in the
field. You also get a dedicated project manager to oversee and
manage the entire process, from start to finish. Because we have
this network, we make your projects affordable, efficient and
professionally done.

We offer a no obligation free initial consultation. Contact Michele

Corona at 860.575.7916, Michele@1degree.biz. www.1degree.biz

Photo Images Co.

It is always nice to go green, or think
green, but maybe a 1931 Rolls Royce
automobile that is green with green
upholstery is not quite what you had in
mind. Maybe you should consider
different colors in a photograph to
promote your business such as on your
website, or brochures. Keep me in mind
when you are ready to select your
colors. Ben Jordan, Photo Images Co.,
860-978-2949, photoi@msn.com.

8
 A NEW LINE OF BUSINESS FROM STAR-SCHEIN INSURANCE AGENCY,
HARTVILLE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE AMERICAN SOCIETY
FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS....

PET HEALTH INSURANCE!

GO TO WWW.STARSCHEIN.COM CLICK ON THE
PRODUCTS TAB, THEN CHOOSE PET HEALTH
INSURANCE.

Pets can be covered for catastrophic only, illness only or

you can provide them with well care.

They can also be covered for all of the above! Do you have
questions? Then call us and ask away!

Star-Schein Insurance Agency...

Don't forget to cover your summer toys too. In addition
Insurance you need
to home, auto and business, we can insure your boat,
with companies you trust!
atv, personal watercraft and motorcycle.

Gift Certificates & Deals for GBA Members

Patrician's Auto Detailing is offering a full detail
service for 100% barter if a GBA member refers
ONE cash customer. (large vehicles only $30
cash) Contact Peter at 315-278-3801 or via email
at Patrician.Detailing@gmail.com.
Joe Lavoie of Hold Your Head High
Motivational Speaking is offering a 20%
commission on the net profit of any event a GBA
member refers him for. Contact Joe at
hold_your_head_high@gmail.com.
Personal Harmony and Health, LLC offers
Healing Arts Classes and Session GIFT
CERTIFICATES to GBA Members at 50% Barter.
GBA Members: Give the gift that relaxes and
rejuvenates as a special treat for yourself or to
thank your loyal clients. The specified value may
be applied to recipient's choice of Healing Arts
Services. See ad below.

Dare to Inspire is offering a $20 gift certficate

good towards their signature products in
exchange for a referral of a business or
organization that joins the site. Contact
jennifer@daretoinspire.net for more info!
Savory Thymes Personal Chef Service is
offering 75% cash / 25% barter for your own
personal use on all her services. Chef Ruth
wants you to be confident when referring her
services.
Diane C. Esposito RMT, Holistic Coach
Relax
Relax and
and Rejuvenate!
Rejuvenate!
He ali n g Ar t s Gift Cer t i fic at es
Aromatherapy available with most sessions.
Holistic Coaching & Readings by Phone or Face to Face
Angel Communication, Guided M editation, & Relationship Classes
Reiki, EFT, Chakra & Aura Clearing Sessions and Classes
Save Now - 50% BARTER - Gift Certificates

Malafronte Consulting 50/50 Deal 203 -28 4-12 04

Transfer the hosting of your website to www. p e r s o n a l h a r m o n y a n d h e a l t h . c o m
Malafronte Consulting and receive a 50%
savings off of your current web hosting
company and bill 50% of your annual hosting
contract with Malafronte Consulting on barter. 9
 GBA Membership Email Marketing
Malafronte Consulting
Insurance (Property/Casualty)
Star-Schein LLC
New Members Listed in Red Contact: Paul Malafronte Contact: Charlie Schein
958 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06514 Rocky Hill, CT
Advertising (Digital) Phone: 203-843-6657 Office Phone: 860-513-1055
InLine Adz Email: paul@malafrontehosting.com Cell Phone: 860-819-9810
Contact: Ray Charpentier Web: www.malafrontehosting.com Fax: 877-513-6363
Windsor, CT 06095 Email: charlie@starschein.com
Phone: 860-752-5628 Energy Saving Web: www.starschein.com
Fax: 860-683-2271 Green Products & Systems
Email: ray.charpentier@inlineadz.com Contact: Ray Charpentier Landscaping, Snow Removal, Lawn Care
Web: www.inlineadz.com Windsor, CT 06095 Baba Landscaping & Snow Removal, LLC
Phone: 860-752-5628 Contact: Bhupal Baba
Alternative Health/Healing Arts Fax: 860-683-2271 Cromwell, CT 06416
Personal Harmony and Health LLC Email: ray.charpentier@inlineadz.com Phone: 860-913-4938
Contact: Diane C. Esposito, RMT/Holistic Coach Web: www.inlineadz.com Email: bhupalbaba@yahoo.com
8 Whispering Pines Drive
Wallingford, CT 06492 Financial Services/Investments Logo Design
Phone: 203-284-1204 Barnum Financial Group James Robert Creative
Email: diane@personalharmonyandhealth.com Contact: Michael Resnick Contact: James Robert Valentino
Web: www.personalharmonyandhealth.com 100 Great Meadow Road, Suite #200 139 Cedar Ridge Road, Newington, CT 06111
Wethersfield, CT 06109 Phone: 860-666-0176
Attorney Phone: 860-670-5008
R. Richard Croce, LLC Email: mindsite09@jamesrobertcreative.com
Fax: 860-218-2899 Web: www.jamesrobertcreative.com
Contact: Rich Croce Email: mresnick@metlife.com
PO Box 15, S. Glastonbury, CT 06073
Phone: 860-501-2815 Malafronte Consulting
Fine Art Contact: Paul Malafronte
Email: rich.croce@gmail.com Peter A. Patrician Design & Illustration 958 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06514
Contact: Peter Patrician Phone: 203-843-6657
Automotive Portland, CT 06480
Patrician's Auto Detailing Email: paul@malafrontehosting.com
Phone: 315-278-3801 Web: www.malafrontehosting.com
Contact: Peter Patrician Email: PPatrician.Design@gmail.com
Portland, CT 06480
Phone: 315-278-3801 Peter A. Patrician Design & Illustration
Graphic Design Contact: Peter Patrician
Email: Patrician.Detailing@gmail.com James Robert Creative Portland, CT 06480
Contact: James Robert Valentino Phone: 315-278-3801
Bookkeeping Services 139 Cedar Ridge Road, Newington, CT 06111
Balanced Books by Joe Email: PPatrician.Design@gmail.com
Phone: 860-666-0176
Contact: Joe Lavoie Email: mindsite09@jamesrobertcreative.com
Phone: 860-426-1057 Motivational Speaking
Web: www.jamesrobertcreative.com Hold Your Head High
Email: Joseph_Lavoie@balancedbooksbyjoe.com
Contact: Joe Lavoie
Catering Peter A. Patrician Design & Illustration Plantsville, CT
Request A Chef Contact: Peter Patrician Phone: 860-426-1057
Contact: Thomas Apgar Portland, CT 06480 Email: hold_your_head_high@gmail.com
PO Box 504, Tolland, CT 06084 Phone: 315-278-3801
Phone: 860-760-5990 Email: PPatrician.Design@gmail.com Personal Chef Service
Email: ChefThom@RequestAChef.com Savory Thymes Personal Chef Service
Web: www.RequestaChef.com Health Counseling Contact: Ruth L'Hommedieu
Healthy Plate Healthy Path PO Box 1005
Computers/Networking Contact: Amanda Valden, CHHC Cromwell, CT 06416
Distinctive Computer Solutions, LLC Colchester, CT 06415 Phone: 860-613-2464
Contact: Sean Rogers Phone: 203-213-4403 Email: chefruth@savorythymespcs.com
298 Cherry Street, New Britain, CT 06051 Email: avalden@hotmail.com Web: www.savorythymespcs.com
Phone: 860-237-8346 Web: www.healthyplatehealthypath.com
Email: info@dcs-llc.biz Pet Sitting and Walking
Web: www.dcs-llc.biz Health Products
Out of the Dog House
My Healthy US
Contact: Vicki Moyer
Consulting/Marketing Contact: Dan and Aristia Partiss
Middletown, CT 06457
The Modern Observer Group, LLC Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: 860-838-4269
Contact: Eric Lopkin Phone: 860-316-5132
Email: vicki@outofthedoghousect.com
220 Julia Terrace, Middletown, CT 06457 Email: myhealthyus@gmail.com
Web: www.outofthedoghousect.com
Phone: 860-343-1579 Web: www.myhealthyus.com
Fax: 860-343-1579
Email: elopkin@modernobserver.com Home Improvement
Web: www.modernobserver.com Rich the Rehabber, LLC
Contact: Rich Hart Membership List
Computers (Repair) Middlefield, CT 06455
Dan LeRoy Phone: 860-575-2589 continued on
10 Email: danleroy@cox.net
Web:www.wix.com/danleroy/danleroy
Email: rehabrich@comcast.net
Web: www.rehabrich.com
next page.
Photographer (Freelance) Send Out Cards
Photo Images Co. Malafronte Consulting
Contact: Ben Jordan Contact: Paul Malafronte Classifieds
702-2 Church Street, Newington, CT 06111 958 Dixwell Avenue
Phone: 860-978-2949 Hamden, CT 06514 ORIENTAL CARPET, 100% silk.
Email: photoi@msn.com Phone: 203-843-6657 Gorgeous 4 x 6 hand sewn. Soothing
Web: www.photoimagesco.photoreflect.com Email: paul@malafrontehosting.com colors of burgundy, salmon and teal come
Web: www.malafrontehosting.com together on a cream background with
Printing (Commercial) fringe. Must see to appreciate full color
Thirteenth Floor Graphics and Printing Social Media Marketing impact. An unusual, modern arrangement
Contact: Agata Piorkowski 1 Degree LLC of colors for an oriental rug. $3,600. This
375 Lake Avenue Contact: Michele Corona is a genuine Oriental carpet hand carried
Bristol, CT 06010 Middlefield, CT 06455 from the Middle East. Call 860-613-2464
Phone: 860-585-7121 Phone: 860-575-7916 for more info. Will barter this.
Email: agata@tfgp.net Email: mcorona149@gmail.com
Web: www.tfgp.net Web: www.ramartijr.com TREADMILL. Never used still in box.
Multi programs, slides under bed, speed,
Restaurants A Passion for Connection time, distance and calories calculated.
Smokin' Rock BBQ Contact: Richard Marti, Jr $350. Call 860-613-2464 for more info.
944 Cromwell Ave Cromwell, CT 06416 Will barter this.
Rocky Hill, CT 06067 Phone: 203-599-1903
Phone: 860-372-4776 Email: ramartijr@gmail.com DIAMOND RING - Ladies - Georgeous
Email: ChefThom@RequestAChef.com Web: www.ramartijr.com with approximately .66 carat 18K gold
Web: www.SmokinRockBBQ.com diamond. Band has pin stripe of white
Web Design and Hosting gold on each side. All in one ring for first
Retail/Online Malafronte Consulting engagement or as an anniversary gift.
Dare to Inspire Contact: Paul Malafronte Size is approx. 6 1/2. Must see to
Contact: Jennifer Loscialpo 958 Dixwell Avenue appreciate, $2100.00. Call 860-613-2464
Glastonbury, CT 06033 Hamden, CT 06514 for more info. Will barter this.
Phone: 860-338-5120 Phone: 203-843-6657
Email: jennifer@daretoinspire.net Email: paul@malafrontehosting.com
Web: www.daretoinspire.net Web: www.malafrontehosting.com

Retail/Resale
The Walk In Closet Consignment
Contact: Jackie Goodwin
72 Pane Road
Newington, CT 06111
Phone: 860-667-6046
Fax: 860-667-6046
Email: shopthewalkincloset@gmail.com
Web: www.shopthewalkin.com
Production (Video)/Cartoon Animation
Dan LeRoy
Email: danleroy@cox.net
Web: www.danleroyproductions.com
Writers
Talcott Mountain Media, LLC
Contact: Matthew Craver This Newsletter Was
126 Wadhams Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone: 860-286-0782
Printed Courtesy of
Email: mcraver@talcottmountainllc.com
Web: www.talcottmountainllc.com
Thirteenth Floor Printing
and Graphics.
Refer a business that enrolls as
a new member and receive one 375 Lake Avenue
month's membership for free! Bristol, CT 06010
Next Enrollment Period:
July 1 – July 7, 2010. Phone: 860-585-7121
Fax: 860-585-7420

Email: agata@tfgp.net
GBA Meetings Schedule
zzzz Web: www.tfgp.net

JULY'S TOPIC: CLOSING THE SALE Services Include

Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 6:00 pm Bindery Services, Black and
White Duplication, Color
Thursday, July 15, 2010, 8:00 am
Duplicating, Customer
Service, Delivery, Design
The meetings above are held at the Services, Finishing Services,
Water's Edge Center for Health and Rehabilitation, Mailing Services, Offset
111 Church Street, Middletown, CT Printing, Pre-Press, Signs
11
P: 860-788-3764 E: jgreen@GBAConnecticut.com W: GBAConnecticut.com