Build it and they will come.
And they did. Streaming down the mountain sides with strollers and lawn chairs, kids and coolers, filing in orderly ribbons of cars creeping up and down Hopmeadow, East Weatogue, Drake Hill and Iron Horse, filling up every parking space in downtown Simsbury, and then some. The official count was 30,993 as of July 20, and that was just the paid tickets, not including the hundreds of volunteers, musicians, technicians, sponsors and others necessary to make the whole thing work. They came to the six-part Talcott Mountain Music Festival held June 24-July 15 at the freshly minted Simsbury Performing Arts Center at Simsbury Meadows. Classical, Broadway and Motown music were performed to bring in the most diverse audiences possible. The full-bloomed day lilies, festival signs, patio dining, brick side walks, vintage lamp posts, throngs of people and fireworks, gave Simsbury the feel of a resort town.
What is the story behind this success? How did the “band shell” morph into the “Simsbury Performing Arts Center” and get built so fast? How will its presence affect the way we live and do business in Simsbury?
Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer, lays the credit at “Colonel” John Jepson’s feet and his band of 200-300 Talcott Mountain Music Festival Volunteers. Jepson, takes no credit, but emphasizes that the idea of a Simsbury Performing Arts Center germinated more than ten years ago when several Hartford Symphony Board Members who were Simsbury residents suggested to the Symphony Board that it consider a summer venue in Simsbury. He detailed how important it was in those early years to get the apolitical support of Town officials and leading businesses such as The Hartford, CL& P, Ensign Bickford and Chubb, and how, since the success of that first Talcott Mountain Music Festival in 1996, the idea grew to build a permanent structure to replace the rented band shell.
What exactly was built and what is still to be done?
The Performing Arts Center presently consists of a 2,930 square foot, raised concrete curved stage, a 1,377 sq. ft. wood framed support area, a shell with structural steel roof system and wood clad interior and exterior walls, and an ancillary building (the red barn) which is now on a permanent foundation. Added features are the coffered interior ceiling for acoustics (and to keep the birds out), electric systems for show lighting and sound, underground utilities, plumbing, landscaping, irrigation, sound tower platforms, loading docks, sound system, brown-stone faced concrete along the front of the stage, and secondary access and “fairground” parking from Wilcox Street.
Second phase plans exist to include a 4,749 square foot backstage area with bathrooms, dressing rooms, an events “Green Room”, Greenway information booth, sales office and general storage. This would replace the trailers now on the site. There is no published time table to complete the second phase.
According to Sawitzke, the Performing Arts Center at Simsbury Meadows can accommodate 1600 people at tables and a maximum of 10,000 on the lawn.
The Town has engaged the services of the marketing firm Gold Orluk and Partners in Avon, to promote the center. Rick Orluk, principal partner, speaks enthusiastically, although in general terms, about the future of the Performing Arts Center. He does not feel that the lack of major highways near Simsbury is an impediment. He feels that people will travel only a certain distance for their entertainment and points instead to the affluent and well-educated population in the Valley itself as the primary audience for the Performing Arts Center. When asked if events like a Renaissance Festival could be held there, or plays, musicals or ballet the answer is “why not”? He points out that well-known events promoter Jim Koplick was attracted enough to the Simsbury Performing Art Center to bring a big act like the Beach Boys there. (As of this writing, that concert has not yet taken place).
Rich Correia, Fiddlers Green visionary and commercial real estate entrepreneur, talked about the challenge and promise of having the Performing Arts Center in such close proximity to the shops and restaurants at Simsbury’s center. He feels that business should take the broad view that ultimately, by its close proximity to Simsbury Center, the public will become educated about the restaurants and shops of the downtown.
Owners of businesses along Hopmeadow and Iron Horse seem ambivalent or, at best, cautiously optimistic. Yes, the festival crowds come, but they don’t stop to eat or shop here. Most of the shop owners said that they feel the Performing Arts Center is a wonderful thing for Simsbury and generally, what is good for Simsbury will be good for them …eventually. Especially if on-site parking, perhaps utilizing some of that 500 acre open space area, is built. That way, businesses won’t have to guard their parking spaces.
Organizers agree that a better job needs to be done in getting attendees to utilize the shuttle buses running between The Hartford’s parking lot on the south end of town and Simsbury Meadows to alleviate the downtown parking situation. Another suggestion is that retailers and restaurants be allowed an affordable on-site presence. (This is presently allowed but on a limited basis).
Businesses and officials admit that they cannot measure how many people, residents or “out-of towners” will be drawn to Simsbury Center and notice the shops and restaurants and the general beauty of the place and come back another day to take advantage of it all. Certainly, the Simsbury Performing Arts Center and the events it attracts will greatly shape the ambiance of the downtown in years to come. The University of Hartford has just announced that the Community Division of the Hartt School of Music will become a tenant of Simsmore Square with 2 ballet room and eight music rooms. This development reinforces Simsbury’s potential to become a popular center for the performing arts. Right now, Simsbury businesses hope it will grow –slowly and with their input.
Profile - DAVE NAGY
by Jewel Gutman
Dave Nagy, born in Hartford and raised in Simsbury, has many reasons to feel proud. His business, Specialty Saw, Inc., is about to expand again. This means that Dave will be hiring more local people to work for him.
Dave was one of six children. His father, Raymond, who started Specialty Saw, imbued each of them with his own work ethic. Each grew up assuming responsibility for himself or herself and all contributed time and effort to family chores. Ray Nagy started the business in his home on Seminary Road, then moved it to Tariffville and finally to 30 Wolcott Road, its current site. Dave bought the business from his father, taking ten years to complete the purchase. Dave is pleased to show his products, and he is prepared to tell his customers that if they don't like the work, they don't have to pay the bill. No one has balked at payment as of this date.
Specialty Saw's blades range in size from 10 inch to 80 inch diameter, for use in metal cutting by the automotive industry, the military, the nuclear industry and, especially, the primary metals industry. Specialty Saw's largest customers include Alcoa, the U.S. Government, Revere Copper & Brass, U.S. Steel and Yard Metals.
Dave has learned to solve his clients' problems with his tools. He can service the blades, as well as create them. In the mid '90's, taking a cue from the Thomas Register, Specialty Saw's first website was created, and today the company has customers across the United States and in other countries, due in part to the internet and through referrals from satisfied customers.
His younger son, Jeff, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, recently started working with him after several years in the Marriott and Radisson Hotel chains. Bryan, his older son, holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Robotics, both from Carnegie Mellon University, and is now employed at the National Robotics Engineering Consortium. In the fall Bryan will be marrying a As a lifelong Simsbury resident and a long term Simsbury business owner, Dave and his employees (who average 15+ years of service) are appreciative of the opportunity to expand the business in Simsbury and are thankful for the town's support.
years.
As a lifelong Simsbury resident and a long term Simsbury business owner, Dave and his employees (who average 15+ years of service) are appreciative of the opportunity to expand the business in Simsbury and are thankful for the town's support.
Growing Your Business: What Works, What Doesn't
Lewis Green, Founder and Principal L&G Business Solutions
We first launched L&G Business Solutions in Seattle in 1999 as Lewis Green Communications. From day one, we reaped healthy profit margins and experienced quick growth. Why? I brought clients with me from my corporate world experiences and having lived and worked in Seattle for 20 years, my business network was strong and healthy.
When we moved the business to the East Coast from Seattle 1-1/2 years ago, we had one client in Greater Hartford and suffered from no reputation or brand awareness, except with a few former New York and New Jersey clients. In short, we needed to grow our business fast or perish.
Here are some of the techniques we used and often recommend to our clients. Keep in mind that when L&G consults clients, we don't presume that one size--a program or a process--works for all businesses. Instead, we provide a customized and integrated Sales and Marketing Plan to meet the needs and circumstances of each client.
Professional Memberships: We belong to organizations whose members represent our potential clients. (Key: We narrowly define who our potential clients are and what they look like.)
Networking: We are out of the office two to three days a week meeting key business decision makers and influencers at Chamber events, networking group events, trade shows, conferences, speaking opportunities, business newspapers, radio and TV, etc.
Pro Bono Work: We take on pro bono work. Such work includes Chamber marketing, public relations and survey development; holding office in Chambers, Networking Groups and other Community Organizations; and community development groups. (Key: Our reason for doing pro bono work is to give back to the Community: If we get a referral great, but we don't do the work for that reason.
Direct Mail and Telemarketing: We use direct mail and then follow up with telemarketing as a way to build brand and get meetings with potential clients. (Key: The follow up greatly increases return rate.)
Web Site and Web Log: We drive people to our Web Site and Web Log using key advertising placement and search engines. This week we landed three new clients who found our Web Site through key and carefully planned advertising placement:
(Check us out: HTTP://www.l-gsolutions.com).
We work hard to make both the Web Site and this Log informative, credible and appealing to business people. But we primarily use the Web Site and this Log to build brand recognition, a key to growth.
Public Relations: When we have something newsworthy to say, we send out a press release to key media. If the release is published, we reach the clients we want to reach and we build brand recognition and brand image. (Key: Press releases must be newsworthy.)
Information: Because we are InfoGurus, we share lots of free information in our eZine, on our Web Site and at our Blog. We believe that the more we share about Sales and Marketing results in more success for our potential and the more business for L&G Business Solutions.
Finally, placing advertising, sending out letters and post cards, transmitting press releases and building a great site aren't enough in and of themselves. If we sit around waiting for the phone to ring, we won't be sitting around long--at least not in our current business. Why? We need to actively, not passively, grow our businesses, and before we use any of the above tools, we need an integrated Sales and Marketing Plan with measurable goals in place so we know specifically what we are trying to achieve and where we are going.
Simsbury Freecycle - Changing the World, One Gift at a Time
by Nancy Hendryx
Dressers, a lawn mower, desks, tools, a propane tank, 70 VHS tapes, a DVD player, firewood, a fax machine, and couches - these are just a few of the items that changed hands via Simsbury Freecycle™ over a couple of days in July! Nothing is too small or too large to be given away on Freecycle.
Simsbury Freecycle is an online group that helps individuals and businesses give away their unwanted clutter and also find goods and other items free of charge. Items given away must be free... no trading or bartering, and no strings attached.
Freecycle originated in Tucson, AZ in 2003 to foster recycling and waste reduction. As of July 15, 2005, there are 2,894 groups, and 1,470,938 members worldwide. Connecticut has 30 local groups, and Simsbury Freecycle, begun on 11/29/2004, already has 432 members.
Once you join, you can use one email to communicate to the entire group, for example:
OFFER: Drop spreader (Henry James area)
Anyone who is interested replies directly to you, and you choose the lucky recipient according to your own criteria and timescale. A wonderful byproduct of Freecycle is that it builds a sense of community. Active members get to meet and know other local residents - and sometimes friendships form! It is an ultimate networking tool. (Please note that you can opt not to get all of the emails, instead visiting Simsbury Freecycle's page whenever convenient.)
It's always good for individuals and businesses to have an outlet for disposing of unwanted gifts, outdated electronics or items that are just taking up space and gathering dust in an attic, garage or basement, and it's also handy to know of a source for free goods when your kids need larger ski boots or a need pops up for something that doesn't have to be brand-spanking new. Although - sometimes people do give away completely unused items!!
Membership is free, and non-profit organizations are strongly encouraged to participate. To join, visit the group's homepage at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SimsburyFreecycle/ - or for more information, visit www.freecycle.org.
Simsbury Bank Announces Further Expansion With a Bloomfield Branch
The Simsbury Bank & Trust Company is pleased to announce its second branch expansion in as many months. The Bank will open a full-service branch in neighboring Bloomfield, anticipated for the first quarter of 2006, in a to-be-built shopping plaza at the intersection of Cottage Grove Road and Bloomfield Avenue. The branch will feature state-of-the-art facilities for the Bank's consumer and business customers and will include a 2 bay drive-up and two ATMs - one at the drive-up and one for walk-up use. The Bank had announced its new Canton branch in April, anticipating opening there in November 2005.
The Bank branch in Bloomfield will expand the variety of banking options in an area undergoing rapid growth. In its first ten years, The Simsbury Bank grew from one branch to three and is now the second largest bank in the three towns in which it currently has branches - Avon, Granby and Simsbury. The Bank is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and seeks to build on its history of strong customer service and quality products which led to its steady growth over the past decade.
New owners Lori Vincent and Elliott Stewart of Happy Tails Dog & Cat Grooming, LLC, 542 ½ Hopmeadow Street want you to know they are now offering delivery service on all food, treats and merchandise.
Susan Herriford of Stamp and Scrap Nest LLC opened her new store at 1384 Hopmeadow Street in June. It is located next to Bosco's Garden Mart across the street from the International Skating Center of Connecticut. "I love scrap booking and rubber stamping and have been creating cards and scrapbooks for over 10 years. There is a whole new exciting line of products on the market. I have been ordering things to fill my store that I am sure will delight the experienced and the newly initiated crafter. It is my goal to keep up with the latest trends and to carry a good quality product to help crafters get the desired results for their projects."
Hanna Keller of Coldwell Banker in Avon is a realtor passionate about using the newest available technology to benefit her clients. Because of her experience in Information Technology, she provides her buyer clients with customized reports that include full screen pictures and more complete information of the properties. Sellers benefit from her ability to increase their global market exposure on Internet through her website http://hannakeller.home.comcast.net and better use of the multiple listing service to market to all Connecticut agents and their clients. Hanna has been a resident of Simsbury since 1982.
Christensen Insurance, LLC is pleased to announce that Noris Christensen has been selected to serve as a charter member of ConnectiCare's Solo Producer Advisory Council. Noris has represented ConnectiCare for over ten years and is one of a select group of producers in the state to be selected for the Council.
3 to 7 Year-Olds Learn On The Fast Track-Real Learning/Real Fun
Now your young child can start learning how to learn at a FasTracKids Academy. Owners Rebecca and Walter Balicki, licensees of FasTracKids International, are pleased to bring proactive enrichment education opportunities to Farmington Valley kids between the ages of 3 and 7.
The FasTracKids curriculum is the product of decades of research into early childhood education. In his book Accelerated Learning for the 21st Century, Malcolm Nicholl writes that "there is a window of opportunity for children between 3-7 years while the brain is still forming connections. Up to 75-80% of children could perform at a so-called "gifted" level, if their brains are properly stimulated at an early age."
With a maximum student-to-instructor ration of 8:1, FasTracKids students do not spend time memorizing lists. Instead, they participate in a highly interactive program that teaches topics such as Astronomy, Technology, Biology and Economics. These classes are 2-hour sessions, once a week over 24 months. Based upon a teaching methodology called "zig-zagging", children interact with a giant SMART® Board and CD-ROM lessons, perform hands-on experiments and are videotaped making short presentations designed to help them process what they have just learned.
With 130 attorneys in five offices in Connecticut and Massachusetts, Murtha Cullina offers a full range of legal services to businesses governmental units, non-profit organizations and individual clients through New England and beyond.
Ed Danek, Jr., President/CEO of Hartford Federal Credit Union received the 2005 Professional Recognition Award from the Connecticut Credit Union Association. The award which was presented on April 16 is made annually to Connecticut credit union executive for outstanding contributions to their credit union as well as the credit union movement.
The nationally known trade magazine, Art World News, gave Philip M. Janes, owner of the Arts Exclusive Gallery, front page status with "Quote of the Month" in their April 2005 issue. "I want the buyer to understand that an image is respectfully framed, yet also see the preciousness of the imagery. The focus is not just on color and a frame. Rather, they should identify with an image, understand its history, and learn about themselves in the process". This is approximately the twelfth time in the past five years that significant mention of the gallery has appeared in Art World News. This publication is received by architects, art consultants, museums, galleries, interior designers and art consultants throughout the United States and Europe.
542 ½ Hopmeadow Street want you to know they are now offering delivery service on all food, treats and merchandise. 
