CONNECTICUT’S TOURISM REGIONS APPLAUD GOV. MALLOY’S REJOINING DISCOVER NEW ENGLAND

State’s Three Regional Tourism Districts Announce Plans to Participate in International Tourism Summit

CONNECTICUT, JANUARY 19, 2011 – In support of the Governor’s recent announcement reinvesting in Discover New England, the State’s three Tourism Regions have announced that they will participate in Discover New England’s Annual Summit and International Marketplace on April 4-6 in Washington, New Hampshire.

The three offices – the Western Regional Tourism District, Central Regional Tourism District, and Eastern Regional Tourism District – will join efforts to host an interactive booth and be a participating sponsor at Discover New England’s annual major annual marketing event.

At the Summit, Connecticut’s Regions will meet with International Tour Operators and Travel Agents and International Press from the U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, and other European countries to tout Connecticut’s many attractions. The presence of the State’s Region’s Tourism leaders will ensure that Connecticut and the many tourism industry businesses represented by the three regions can deliver their marketing messages directly to key decision-makers.

Over the past few years, Connecticut has been losing market share in the very lucrative market of international visitors. While the State Tourism Office has been unable to promote Connecticut as a destination to these travelers, the State Regional Tourism Districts have been working together to maintain Connecticut’s presence. In rejoining the Discover New England organization, the Regional Districts and the State will once again be able to immediately call on their support to encourage foreign visitors to choose Connecticut as a destination.

Connecticut Tourism Regions have a long track record of representing Connecticut’s hotels and attractions at the Discover New England Summit and International Marketplace as well as at the U.S. Travel Association’s Annual Pow Wow, one of the biggest International Marketplaces in the World.

JanetLeave a comment

Bridgeport’s Arena is Renamed Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard

Webster Bank, a leading New England commercial bank, has entered into a ten-year naming rights agreement for the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut with Centerplate. Effective immediately, the Arena will be named Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard.

Centerplate is responsible for managing and marketing the arena for the City of Bridgeport and is also the leading hospitality provider to North America’s premier sports and convention centers.

“We are extremely proud and pleased to welcome Webster Bank as the naming rights sponsor for our Arena at Harbor Yard,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “This is a great day for the City and for the bank.”

In exchange for the naming rights investment, Webster Bank will be featured prominently in signage, including a new full-color outdoor marquee. There will also be signage facing the harbor and visible from the Long Island Ferry and the Metro North Railroad Station, and another facing the northbound side of Interstate 95.

“We’re delighted to demonstrate Webster’s commitment to Connecticut’s largest city and to have the Webster Bank brand paired so prominently with this spectacular entertainment venue in the heart of the Park City,” said Michelle Crecca, Webster Bank’s chief marketing officer. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for us to create a multi-faceted, long-term Webster brand experience – not only with the people who attend a game or a show, but with city residents and commuters who will see the Webster name from Interstate 95, the train station and the ferry landing.”

In addition to the exterior building signage, Webster Bank will appear on highway directional signage, at the box offices, on either end of the basketball court, and within the center ice location whenever ice hockey is in operation. The agreement also provides Webster Bank with the exclusive rights to install Webster ATMs in the arena concourse. Webster will also receive digital messaging rights, promotional exposure in brochures, collateral materials and websites, and premium hospitality options.

“We are delighted to have found the ideal naming rights partner for this signature Bridgeport property,” said Des Hague, President and CEO of Centerplate. “Together with Webster Bank, we have crafted a platform to engage consumers and provide a meaningful benefit to Bridgeport and its citizens.”

JanetLeave a comment

Celebrate a Traditional Burns Night In Washington CT

Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns, will be honored at a Highland Feast with a piper, Celtic music, and Haggis on January 29 at St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, Washington Green. This Burns Night celebration, a Scottish tradition, will feature a six-course meal with smoked salmon, venison, partridge, and a tasting of 6 to 10 single malt whiskies.

It may not be Scotland, but anyone can celebrate the anniversary of the famed poet’s birth, and St. John’s is ready to do it in style. A piper will announce the Haggis, delivered to the main table by the chef. Haggis, a sheep’s stomach filled with the sheep’s intestine and oatmeal, is a big part of the tradition, although there will be plenty of other good things to eat at this Burns Night. Scottish fare includes tatties (potatoes) and neeps (turnips), and a pudding called a “Tipsy-Laird-Trifle.” The meal will be preceded by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served with dinner.

Kilts, trews and tartans are encouraged and everyone will join in the recitation of favorite Burns poems, toasts, prayers, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

The Highland Feast is $95 per person, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit St. John’s Community Outreach Committee. For more information or to make reservations, call St. John’s at 860-868-2527. St. John’s Episcopal Church is located at 78 Green Hill Road, just across from the Washington Green. The Parish Hall faces 9 Parsonage Lane, with plenty of convenient parking.

JanetLeave a comment

Warm Up the Winter at the Zoo!

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, the state’s only Zoo, has an exciting February planned with most events and activities free with the cost of admission. From a Black Tie Ball to a celebration for the Year of the Rabbit and a February Frolic for children there is plenty of winter fun for the entire family.

On February 5, from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, there will be a Asian New Year Celebration. Children will join with their friends to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with special stories, crafts, a children’s parade, and many more fun activities. Snow date is February 12.

The elegant black tie Red Ribbon Ball will be held on Feb. 5th at 6:30 pm at the The Waterview, 215 Roosevelt Drive in Monroe. Dinner, Dancing and a live silent auction honoring Charles Carroll, director of public facilities for the City of Bridgeport are in store for those in attendance. For a table of ten the cost is $1,500 or $150 per ticket. Sponsorships are available. For information, call (203) 394-6573.

The 5th Annual Monkey Love Drive wil be held through Feb. 9th – stuffed monkeys collected at the Zoo will be distributed to children at Casey Family Services of Bridgeport, Valley YMCA in Ansonia, Covenant to Care for Children in the New Haven area, Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, and to area Congregations. In addition, monkeys are being given to children of soldiers currently stationed abroad. Visitors to the Zoo are asked to bring a stuffed monkey to donate and will receive $1 off regular admission for participating.

The Zoo Celebrates Valentine’s Day with a special story time , craft activity and even an animal encounter. All activities are free with Zoo admission.

The Zoo’s popular February Frolic, is offered from Feb. 22- 24 from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm. This daily school vacation program is for children ages six through twelve who love animals, the environment and learning. Each day may include zookeeper talks, behind the scenes tours, hands-on learning, games, crafts, and more. Children may sign up for a day or more. Cost of the program is $40.00 per day, cost for Zoo members is $35.00 per day. For information and to register, call 203-394-6563 or visit beardsleyzoo.org.

To beat the winter doldrums, visit the Zoo’s Tropical Winter Greenhouse where the Vanilla Orchid is in bloom! As you explore the Greenhouse you will see bananas and other fruits growing overhead as well as several species of orchids and cacti that flower all winter long. It’s a short walk through another world! The Greenhouse is free with Zoo admission.

The Zoo is open every day from 9 am – 4 pm., the Café and Carousel Concessions will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays and will close at 2:30 pm Wednesday – Friday. The Gift Shop will close at 3:30 pm Monday – Friday. The Café, Carousel and Gift Shop will operate regular hours on weekends and holidays. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $11.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is $9.00, and children under 3 years old and Zoo members are admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge.

JanetLeave a comment