A letter from the Executive Director,
Jenn Tracz

Exciting things continue to happen here at CABO, and I’m happy to share some recent successes with you.  Our membership continues to grow, so don’t forget about CABO cash available to those who refer new members.  The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce event at Foxwoods was a success, and we’re looking forward even more to the National Business & Leadership Conference August 1-5 in Las Vegas.  Our 2012 member directory is in the works, which is a great opportunity to get your message out to business across the state.  Make sure you also check out the new features we’ve added to www.thecabo.org.  Our website is a great way to keep updated on CABO events and the benefits of your membership.  Finally, we’re seeing even more interest in the NGLCC Supplier Diversity program.  This program is a huge benefit of belonging to CABO and can help your business create partnerships with businesses large and small.  You can read more about these opportunities in this issue.

As always we appreciate the suggestions and comments of our members, so if you have something you'd like to talk to us about, call me at 203-903-8525 (make note CABO has changed phone numbers) or e-mail me at jtracz@thecabo.org.

In this newsletter

• Be Seen in the Member Directory
• Advertise on the website!
• Out for Business Conference 2011
• Aetna Ave
• LGBT Supplier Certification
• Foxwoods - Experience the Wonder of it All
• CABOgraphy
  
• Tips from Murtha Cullina
• Murtha Cullina new NGLCC legal partner
• CABO forms a Lawyer's Group
• Special offers from Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union, Comcast & Bearingstar Insurance
  

A special thanks goes out to Matthew Craver of Talcott Mountain Media, who helped a great deal in writing the content for this quarter's newsletter.

Make Sure You’re Seen
in the New Member Directory

The second edition of the CABO member directory will be printed in October, 2011.  This will be the second edition of the directory and we would like everyone’s help in making it even better.  To make sure your listing in the directory has all the correct information, please go to the CABO website at www.thecabo.org before () and select the Member Login link at the top-right corner.  After you log in, select the Member Info > Business Info link on the left side.  You can update you business name, contact information, representative names and more from here.

Did you know that we are also still taking advertising for the directory?  We have room for ads from business card size up through full-page ads, starting at just $100.00.  See our page at http://www.thecabo.org/marketing/printedmemberdirectory.aspx for full details on size and pricing options.

Advertise on thecabo.org
Website!

You can now upgrade your presence on the CABO web site with advertising.  In addition to the great benefits that we’ve offered in enhanced directory listings and additional category listings in our online member directory, you can now purchase banner ads on thecabo.org. Banner ads are 480 x 60 pixels in size and can be purchased in 3 month increments.  If you purchase 12 months of banner ad placement, you will receive 2 months free.  See http://www.thecabo.org/marketing/
WebsiteAdvertising.aspx for all pricing and to place an ad through Paypal or a major credit card.

Join us in Vegas for the National Business & Leadership Conference

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of commerce sponsors a national conference every year.  This is a great event for networking, leadership development, professional advancement, and advocacy.  In fact, CABO owes its founding to this event since it was after such a conference that Dena Castricone returned to Connecticut with the idea for creating a local organization to provide greater opportunities for the GLBT business community.  This year’s event promises to be better than ever, with speakers including Suze Orman, Senator Harry Reid, and more.  It is August 2-5 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.  Planet Hollywood is offering a special rate of $99 per night through July 1 and the event registration starts as low as $299 for the entire event.  Don’t delay signing up for these early discounts!

Take Advantage of the New Small Business Tax Credit

What it is

As you may know, small group employers may qualify for a tax credit that could help them save on health benefits for their employees. Companies with 10 or fewer full-time employees making an average of $25,000 or less will see the biggest cost savings. The new and revised information to apply for the tax credit is available on the IRS.gov website.

What it means

• Companies that could not previously afford to offer health benefits may now be able to.
• Other companies may now be able to maintain the health benefits coverage they have.
• Or businesses may now be able to offer employees a more comprehensive health benefits plan.

How Aetna can help

We’ve created the Tax Credit Calculator, an online tool that shows a company’s estimated savings. It’s easy to use—just three questions. Click here and try it yourself.

For more information, visit www.AetnaAve.com or contact your Broker or Aetna representative.

LGBTE Certification

Supplier Diversity Initiatives at major corporations continue to open doors and crack open the corporate procurement process.  The NGLCC certifies business for eligibility in these initiatives as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender owned Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs).  Recently, the following CABO members have gone through the LGBTBE process:

• Graven Imagery
• Barmont Productions
• Green Ink Communications
• Columbia Consulting Group
• JTracz Designs
• The AMI Solution

Certification is an important marketing tool that can serve as a critical point of differentiation between your business and your competitors.  You can find information about eligibility and start the certification process by following the “Why Join” > “NGLCC” > “LGBTE Certification” link on www.thecabo.org.  If you have any questions we can help you navigate the process or direct you to the right resources.

NGLCC Supplier Diversity is huge benefit of belonging to CABO and the main goal of supplier diversity is to match LGBT owned businesses with NGLCC corporate partners to help create successful relationships where both parties benefit. If you own 51% of your business, are LGBT, and want to bring your business to the next level leveraging corporate relations, then NGLCC Supplier Certification is for you! Contact Jenn at jtracz@thecabo.org or 203-903-8525 to get the process started today! Read the recent success story excerpt below to see how supplier diversity works and can benefit you.

Looking for a job?

Check out the job board on the CABO website.

Do you have a discount to
offer fellow members?

Are you looking to see what discounts are currently offered? Check out our hot deals!

Have you received CABO Cash?
Referrals | Rewards | Recognition

What is CABO Cash?
It's a way you can earn monetary credits, which can be used just like cash for CABO events, membership dues and marketing opportunities.
How can I receive CABO Cash?
It's simple - just refer new business members!
Click here for more details!

Foxwoods, one of CABO's proudest partners invites you
to experience the "Wonder of it All"

Foxwoods Resort Casino, North America’s largest resort casino and one of CABO’s proudest sponsors, invites members and non-members to make Foxwoods their  “Summer Hot Spot” with the very best gaming, entertainment, dining and nightlife this side of Las Vegas.

On July 2, Foxwoods celebrates 25 years of bingo with its wildly popular Firecracker Bingo event. In celebration of the game that has helped launch Foxwoods into the extensive property it is today, these high stakes games feature an astounding $1 million jackpot, a multitude of prizes including $100,000 in cash door prizes and a 2011 Chevrolet Corvette valued at more than $73,000.

As part of its Summer program, Foxwoods is also offering free concerts for Dream Card holders on Tuesday nights, dubbed “Free Tunes Tuesdays.” Be sure to check out these upcoming acts appearing on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the MGM Grand Theater: Foghat (July 5); Court Yard Hounds (July 12); Kool & The Gang (July 19); Salt-N-Peppa with SVW(July 26); Musiq Soulchild (August 2); The Bacon Brothers Band (August 9); and the Spin Doctors (August 23).

July 10 through 16, a collection of Foxwoods’ finest eateries celebrate restaurant week with prix-fixed menu specials each night. Restaurants include Al Dente, Alta Strada, Cedars Steak House, Craftsteak, David Burke Prime, Golden Dragon, High Rollers, Paragon, Scorpion Bar and Shrine. And don’t miss Foxwoods’ renowned Executive Chef Duane Owen and his culinary team as they showcase daily chef demonstrations on the promotional stage.
 
Foodies rejoice with Foxwoods’ summer food festivals offering the ultimate taste of summer with “Summer Seafood” (July 30 & 31, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.) and “Backyard BBQ” (August 20 & 21, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.). Guests will enjoy New England’s freshest seafood and mouth-watering BBQ during these events at the Premier Ballroom at MGM Grand at Foxwoods.  Admission is free with Dream Card; food and beverage tickets are $1 with most items ranging from 1 to 4 tickets.

Foxwoods is always proud to offer something for everyone and welcomes a number of other nationally-renowned entertainers and concerts in 2011, including: Styx & Yes (July 8); Loretta Lynn (July 15); Peter Frampton (July 19); Cedric The Entertainer (July 23); Steely Dan (July 29); Alison Krauss & Union Station (August 6); Train & Maroon 5 (August 7); The Beach Boys (August 12), Alice Cooper (August 13); Pit Bull (August 20); ZZ Top (August 26); Jay Leno (August 27); and Snoop Dogg (September 3).

For more information, visit www.foxwoods.com or call 1-800-FOXWOODS.

Murtha Cullina LLP Named Legal Partner in the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

CABO Lawyers' Group

Murtha Cullina LLP has been named a legal partner
in the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of
Commerce (NGLCC). The NGLCC promotes the
economic growth and prosperity of more than
1.4 million lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) business owners and entrepreneurs.

"We are very excited about partnering with the NGLCC,"
says Dena Castricone, associate at Murtha Cullina LLP
and founder and president of CABO. "Given Murtha's
support of CABO through the years, the National Legal
Partnership was a natural next step. Through the NGLCC,
we look forward to working with other companies across
the country to advance diversity initiatives in business. It's
also a great way to expand our presence in the LGBT
community."

The CABO Lawyers’ Group provides value to its attorney members by creating a forum in which they can share information about their respective practice areas, add to their respective knowledge bases, and strengthen relationships among the members, so that the CABO Lawyers’ Group becomes an important component of each member's referral network, allowing its members to better serve the legal needs of their clients.

Don't make me pull this car over!

In her debut release, Kristin has created a step-by-step journey that leads working moms to a fulfilled, more powerful life ... one where they are living life to the fullest ... and enjoying the journey!

How many times have you heard your working mom friends complain about the zillion things on their to do list?  And, if you are a working mom...how often have your caught yourself complaining? Working moms are faced with so many things to do that its hard to keep our heads on straight!  And, we continually hear people talk about achieving "BALANCE" in our lives.  I’m here to tell you that it isn’t about balance AT ALL.  It is about passion, and empowerment ... it’s about making everything fit into that crazy 24/7 schedule of yours ... and more importantly, it’s about enjoying the journey! Find out more about the book here.

At Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union, we are committed to serving our members every step of the way. Not only do we offer nearly every financial service you will need throughout the years, we also provide many ways to do business with us. You can bank online, by phone, and of course in a branch.
 
We are a full-service financial institution, with products such as checking and savings accounts, free e-Banking and free electronic bill payer, mobile and text message banking, a Smartphone app for iPhone, Android and Blackberry, VISA® credit cards, free text & e-mail alerts, new and used auto loans, personal loans and lines of credit, and a diverse mortgage program.
 
We want to do business with each and every one of you. We are proud to support the LGBT community and hope you and your family choose to do your banking with us.
 
To find out more about our services, visit www.nutmegstatefcu.org. Friends of CABO also receive special offers. Click here to view our CABO Hot Deals.
 
Find out why we are The One for Everyone.

Comcast Business Services:
Transforming Connecticut’s Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

If you own your own small or medium-sized company, your priority is running your business, not running an IT department. Still, someone has to make sure everything works. Luckily, today Comcast is making it easier than ever for business owners to stay focused on the big picture, with its Business Class suite of communications, information and entertainment services. Comcast provides Business Class Internet, Business Class Voice and Business Class TV in a variety of packages designed to boost efficiency and productivity for any size business.

Until now, many of the features that Comcast offers its Business Class customers were reserved only for big companies. With Comcast’s offering, local companies can now leverage the power of our fully converged nationwide fiber-optic communications network, while enjoying the convenience of one provider for all three services, one bill and one number for dedicated, round-the-clock support.

The Bearingstar Difference
What makes Bearingstar Unique?

Our local agency staff is dedicated to serving you. Bearingstar agents are trained to provide a professional risk analysis to help identify any exposures and then customize a protection plan that fits your needs. Providing stellar customer service is at the forefront of every interaction and we strive to ensure that each customer contact is a memorable event.

We are a member of the Arbella Insurance Group which is comprised of one of the best property and casualty carriers in New England. Because Arbella is a regional carrier, they focus on protecting you against the risks you are susceptible to and you can take advantage of their excellent pricing and discounts.  In the event that you have needs outside of what Arbella offers, Bearingstar agents also have access to multiple markets to help you find the right coverage at the right price.

Perhaps most importantly, you get the advantage of partnering with a local agent who lives in your neighborhood and works closely with you as your advocate on all service related matters.

CABO members and their colleagues at work are eligible for a savings of up to 30% on your auto, home, condo and renter's insurance.  Furthermore, we have a REFERRAL REWARD program which provides $25 American Express gift card, to any CABO member,  for each referral that results in an actual sale.  Anthony Cervoni, CABO member and Bearingstar agent, is available for more information on all of our programs.  Email him at anthony.cervoni@bearingstar.com. Bearingstar Insurance. Working with you. Working for you.

The Rainbow Times produces 3 Main New England Pride Guides:
CT Pride Guide is next

This year, The Rainbow Times has been the main media partner of three major New England Pride Organizations. At the present, two of these Official Guides have already been produced: the 30th Anniversary Noho Pride Guide & the 41st Anniversary Boston Pride Guide. In September, TRT will produce the 30th Anniversary CT Pride Guide & the Rainbow RiverFest Guide. It has been a very busy time for The Rainbow Times and the newspaper presence and growth has been tenfold in New England.

Advertising in the CT Pride Guide means that TRT gives back to CT Pride, and has given back in former years to the Pride organization that it has worked with in the past.

“In return, we allot a percentage of ad sales to each organization, as a donation from TRT,” said Gricel Martínez Ocasio, TRT Publisher. “We are always giving back to our communities because we believe in what our Pride Organizations do for the betterment of it.”

The 30th Anniversary CT Pride Guide ad reservation is available now. Potential advertisers can reserve their ad space in the Guide immediately by calling 413-282-8881. To view the rate card, visit: www.therainbowtimesmass.com/ctprideratecard.pdf.