Chamber Anticipates Bobcat Kemba Walker's Appearance

Congratulations are in order to all of our young people in the county who have closed out their high school careers with graduation ceremonies.  As these young men and women begin the next stage of their lives—either in college, trade school, public service or the workforce—I wish them all the best.  

I was very proud of my granddaughter Chelsea, who graduated from Middletown High School at a great ceremony last Tuesday night. [See videos and pictures here.]

Those who choose to enter the workforce now certainly will face some significant challenges.  It is no secret that the job market is as tough as it has ever been, creating more and more competition for fewer and fewer jobs.  I am convinced that these young people—who are smart, resilient, and savvy—will find a way to make it happen for themselves.  As the economic situation begins to improve, more doors will open for them.

It is not only the young people in our area for whom I am optimistic, but residents in Middlesex County. The Middlesex Career Fair, held last week in the Crowne Plaza’s grand ballroom in Cromwell, drew  more than 1,000 job-seekers to apply to 43 businesses that sought to fill positions.

Congratulations also goes to the Travelers Championship staff for hosting a great 2011 tournament last weekend. Even though it rained, director Nathan Grube and his team put on a terrific, family-oriented event.

A truly remarkable part of the event each year is the hundreds of volunteers from the Greater Hartford Jaycees who give their time throughout the week to staff the event. Without these people, the tournament would not have its signature outstanding guest services and hospitality.

Something that this Chamber has always been known for is the dynamic and diverse speakers that it brings in for its monthly breakfast meetings. July will prove to be yet another exciting breakfast event when we will welcome former UConn men’s basketball standout and newly-drafted Charlotte Bobcat Kemba Walker on July 12.

Kemba was recently drafted by the Bobcats as a lottery selection, going ninth overall to the club.  He will receive the Chamber’s Role Model of the Year Award at the breakfast.

For information, contact Matt Fraulino at (860) 347-6924 or mfraulino@middlesexchamber.com.