CHAMBER CHATBOOK
FROM THE GOSC BOARD PRESIDENT
KARA PACHNIUK
Owner
Nourish + Nosh Nutrition
2025 Greater Old Saybrook
Happy Holidays Chamber Members,
Chamber President
This month marks my final month serving on the Board. It has been a long (very long!) nine years of serving our community, and I’ve loved every minute of it. You’ll still see plenty of me, as I’m a regular at our networking events, and I’ll continue to volunteer and show up wherever I can.
One unforgettable highlight from this past year was the opportunity to join our Chamber trip to Tuscany. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Italy, so I couldn’t pass up a chance to visit my favorite place in the world. It was my first time traveling with a tour group, and I have to say that it exceeded every expectation.
After a few travel hiccups on the way over, we quickly settled into eating and drinking our way through Florence, Siena, Lucca, and charming mountain towns with the most breathtaking views.
This winter, when I’m stuck inside with two wild kids, I’ll be closing my eyes and transporting myself right back to my lunch spot in San Gimignano, overlooking the rolling Tuscan countryside.
It was truly a remarkable trip. The tour company we partner with handles every detail, and their team works incredibly hard to ensure every traveler is well taken care of—even when our luggage is not!
Next year’s destination is Portugal, and I can’t recommend it enough. Grab your friends, your sister, your partner, or whoever you love traveling with and sign up while there’s still space. You won’t regret it. Ciao!
Kara Pachniuk
PRESIDENT CIRCLE OF 2025
LEARN MORE A BECOMING A PRE CIRCLE MEMBER
EVENT INFO EVENT INFO
Join the GOSC’s Next Wave for a festive and flavorful night hosted by The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber and celebrity chef Colt Taylor at the award-winning The Essex.
Grab your girlfriends and let's go shopping! Ladies Night is full of festive fun, special discounts, and a drawing with items donated from your favorite shops!
Participating businesses stay open to 8:00 pm for late-night shopping. Registration Required
Members have an opportunity to introduce themselves and their business/organization.
By reservation, 3 members may have a 3minute spotlight to share their business!
Main Street, Old Saybrook
Get your "Elf Passport" checklist to find all the hidden elves inside participating businesses. Each elf found is one entry to win a basket of prizes donated by the local businesses!
Walk down Main Street and fill it with merry little treats and gifts from participating shops. Get in the spirit of shopping local by browsing around our supportive, local businesses!
Purchase a $5 stocking at the Chamber Office starting Wednesday, December 3rd. 150 for presale, 250 stockings total!
Main Street, Old Saybrook
Main Street, Old Saybrook
Join us for a festive afternoon of holiday cheer, delicious bites, and refreshing beverages all in support of Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services!
Bring a $25+ gift card or grocery card from a local Main Street business or nearby big box retailer in lieu of a registration fee.
BECOME A MEMBER!
Looking to grow your business and network?
The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber provides countless opportunities to individuals, businesses, and organizations to do just that! With meetings, events, digital and physical marketing opportunities, and more, members of our Chamber have a greater chance to thrive!
Look out for GOSC Membership renewals! Navigate to your membership portal on our website to view details and membership status/dues.
The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber’s Scarecrow Fest 2025 wrapped up another amazing year of creativity, community spirit, and friendly competition!
A heartfelt thank-you to CYR Drywall for sponsoring this beloved community tradition and helping make the magic happen once again!
Congratulations to our top three winners:
First Place: Old Saybrook Police Department.
Second Place: Sweet Luna’s Frozen Desserts & Bubble Tea
Third Place: All the Single Kitties
HOLIDAY
WORK CELEBRATIONS ASK HR
SHEILAMCKINLEY-BELL
Principal Consultant
Set Clear Expectations—Especially if Alcohol Is Involved
Welcome Back to ASK HR!
The holiday season offers businesses a valuable chance to build camaraderie, recognize employee contributions, and end the year on a positive note. Yet many employers struggle with planning celebrations that feel festive while still being inclusive, appropriate, and aligned with their company culture. With a little preparation and clear guidelines, holiday gatherings can be both enjoyable and stress-free.
Celebrate the Season, Not a Specific Holiday
Today’s workplaces are diverse, and employees observe a wide range of traditions—or none at all. Framing celebrations around the “holiday season” or “year-end appreciation” helps ensure that everyone feels welcome. Avoid assuming participation in gift exchanges or religious activities, and instead offer optional, low-pressure ways for employees to engage.
Choose Events That Fit Your Team
A holiday celebration doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive to be meaningful. Small businesses can create memorable experiences with thoughtful, budget-friendly activities such as a catered lunch, team potluck, volunteer outing, or a recognition-focused gathering. Consider your team’s preferences: some enjoy parties, while others prefer quieter, daytime events. Offering choices or brief, drop-in-style events can help accommodate different comfort levels.
If your celebration includes alcoholic beverages, communicate expectations for professionalism and conduct in advance. Consider offering drink tickets instead of open bars, always provide food and nonalcoholic options, and ensure leadership staff model appropriate behavior Remind employees that the event, even if offsite, is still a work function.
Recognize the Team’s Hard Work
Holiday celebrations are an excellent time to acknowledge the effort and resilience employees have shown throughout the year. A brief, heartfelt message from leadership or small tokens of appreciation can go a long way. Recognition doesn’t need to be formal authentic gratitude often has the greatest impact.
Keep It Inclusive and Enjoyable
Ultimately, the goal is to bring people together in a way that feels positive and inclusive. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and respect for individual preferences, holiday work celebrations can strengthen relationships, boost morale, and help start the new year on a high note
Sheila McKinley-Bell can be reached online at: sheila@shorelinehr.com or by phone at 860-256-9881.
HOW TO ADVERTISE
Email alex@oldsaybrookchamber.com to secure your spot. The Chamber is always looking for graphic advertisements, articles, topics, and ideas. The Chamber Chatbook was created to provide readers with helpful Chamber and community information. Chapters are issued every other month. Deadline to submit advertisements or articles is the first of the issued month. Next Chapter releases in January 2025!
Advertisement Pricing:
Business Card - $40
Banner - $75
Half Page - $100
Event Listing - $40