Category Archives: Business

Old Lyme Resident Hartmann’s Company, Elm Tree Communities, Breaks Ground on Upscale, 56-Unit Development in Haddam

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Jeff Hartmann of Old Lyme (fourth from right) participates in the groundbreaking for the upscale, 56-unit, multifamily community named Blueway Commons in Haddam, which Hartmann’s company, Elm Tree Communities, is planning. Photo credit: Elm Tree Communities.

“We welcome Mr. Hartmann and Elm Tree Communities’ new Blueway Commons development as an integral part of the [economic] growth [that Haddam is experiencing.]” (Haddam First Selectman Robert McGarry)

OLD SAYBROOK — Last Friday, Dec. 10, Elm Tree Communities (ETC) announced that it had broken ground on Blueway Commons, an upscale, 56-unit multifamily community in Haddam, Conn.

Old Lyme resident Jeff Hartmann, founder and CEO of Elm Tree Communities. Photo courtesy of J. Hartmann.

Old Lyme resident Jeff Hartmann is the founder and CEO of ETC, a private real estate company headquartered in Old Saybrook.  Elm Tree Communities pursues real estate development and investment opportunities throughout the Northeastern U.S.

With more than two decades in CFO, COO, and CEO capacities, Hartmann now develops, implements, and oversees ETC’s development strategy and all capital markets activities in his capacity as ETC President.

Hartmann’s career, which began at at PricewaterhouseCoopers, spans the landmark casinos of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods in Connecticut and Ocean Casino in New Jersey.

Blueway Commons will consist of three two-story buildings and a state-of-the-art resident clubhouse. The project is slated to open in the winter of 2022, with preleasing to begin in the summer of 2022.

Located east of Exit 7 off Rte. 9 and 12 minutes north of I-95, the development is convenient to the Amtrak and Shoreline East trains. The complex is 15 minutes south of Middletown and I-91.

Blueway Commons is being built on Brookes Court adjacent to Rte. 154, and will consist of 56 upscale apartment homes. Conveniently located near the popular downtown Chester, nearby stores and restaurants include Adams Market, Stop and Shop, CVS, Dunkin, Cumberland Farms, The Blue Oar, Little House Brewing Company, and more.

The development is also located near the iconic Swing Bridge that links Haddam and East Haddam. It will offer residents an outdoor lifestyle near the Connecticut River with kayaking, biking trails, and waterfront dining in the surrounding area.

“This development will offer the first modern apartments in Haddam – with complete lifestyle amenities, like the health and fitness clubhouse, a co-working lounge, a community room for events, and an outdoor patio contribute to the resort-like setting and overall sense of place,” said Hartmann.

Blueway Commons will provide an attractive home for young professionals, families, and empty-nesters no longer needing a large residence. Offering a variety of floor plans to cater to an array of lifestyles, the development will feature one- and two-bedroom options ranging from 815 to 1180 sq. ft. with smart technology throughout the complex.

In 2012, the Connecticut River was declared the first National Blueway, after which Blueway Commons is named, and from which the development draws its inspiration. The upscale development is intended to offer residents a resort experience with innovation, community, wellness, and a connection to the natural environment.

The project will be completed over a 15-month construction period, with the first residents scheduled to move in in the winter of 2022.

Blueway Commons property’s community amenities will include:

  • 2,500 square foot community center.
  • Secure package system for residents.
  • Digital access control systems throughout the community
  • A state-of-the-art fitness center.
  • Co-working spaces and a lounge area.
  • A community gathering room for resident use.
  • An outdoor lounge area with grills and fire pits.
  • The community will be pet-friendly and feature an outdoor pet exercise area.

Haddam First Selectman Robert McGarry commented: “We are excited about the economic growth that Haddam is experiencing, and we welcome Mr. Hartmann and Elm Tree Communities’ new Blueway Commons development as an integral part of that growth.”

Gary Coursey & Associates of Atlanta, Georgia, is the project architect, and The Associated Construction Company of Hartford, Conn., is construction manager. Elm Tree Communities has contracted with Real Page and Lease Labs as the technology partners for the development.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by Elm Tree Communities.

‘The Bowerbird’ Announces Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden as Recipient for 2022 Gift Wrap Donation Program, Presents $3K Check to 2021 Recipient, ‘Safe Futures’

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The Bowerbird owner, Chris Kitchings (left) presents a donation check to Margaret Soussloff, C.O.O. of Safe Futures, which is headquartered in New London, Conn.

OLD LYME — The Bowerbird of Old Lyme has selected as the recipient of the proceeds from their 2022 gift-wrap program Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG). The LOLFSG is a non-profit volunteer organization with a goal of providing fresh produce to reduce food insecurity and support healthy nutrition to local families in Lyme, Old Lyme and surrounding communities.

The Bowerbird donation program runs from Nov. 1, 2021 through Oct. 31, 2022. 

The Bowerbird recently wrapped up their 2021 gift-wrapping campaign to raise funds for Safe Futures based in New London, Conn.  The Bowerbird owner Chris Kitchings recently presented a check in the amount of $3,058.00 representing 2,597 packages wrapped to the organization.

The Bowerbird charges a nominal fee for gift-wrapping purchases and donates 50 percent to local non-profit organizations. 

The Bowerbird pioneered ‘cause’ marketing when they created their gift wrap donation program in 1992. In the past 28 years, The Bowerbird has donated over $101,000 to 33 statewide and local non- profits proving that small businesses can make a difference.

Photo attached; 

For a complete listing of past recipients, visit www.thebowerbird.com.

Desperately Seeking Drivers: National Shortage of School Bus Drivers Impacting Lyme-Old Lyme Schools

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The sign says it all.

LYME/OLD LYME — Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser sent out an email Sept. 22, to the school community in which he stated, “There is a national shortage of bus drivers.”

He went on to urge, “… individuals who would like to drive for our [the company which runs the school buses for LOL Schools] bus company, M&J Bus, Inc.,” to consider applying for a position.

Neviaser linked his email to a statement from M&J Bus Inc., which reads as follows:

The Covid 19 pandemic has ravaged the school transportation industry. There is a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers and Connecticut has been hit especially hard. We are seeking potential drivers to become licensed to transport school children. We are also seeking licensed drivers, who would like to earn up to $5000 in signing bonuses.

Many of our current employees, started out driving school buses because they were parents of pre-school or school-aged children and it was a way for them to supplement their family’s income and still be with their young children.

We also have many semi-retired persons that were originally looking for part-time work to stay busy, and college students earning money to get through school. Some of those parents are still with us after 20, 30,and 40 years or more.

Sadly, many of the semi-retired are becoming the fully retired.

We are hoping you see yourself in the descriptions of our drivers above. We offer a full comprehensive training program for those who are not yet licensed. Parents can bring their pre-school aged children (and school-aged children) on the bus with them (thereby saving on day care).

If you would like to drive for the Lyme-Old Lyme Schools, please call our main office in Old Saybrook CT, toll-free at
1-877-GO-MJBUS (1-877-466-5287) or, if local to Old Saybrook, at 860-388-6782.

Editor’s Note: For more information about M&J Bus, Inc., visit their website.

Suisman Shapiro Atty. Kyle Zrenda Now a Member of Mohegan Gaming Disputes, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Courts

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Attorney Kyle Zrenda of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys at Law.

NEW LONDON/OLD LYME — Attorney Kyle J. Zrenda of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law was sworn in Aug. 11 as a member of the bar of the Mohegan Gaming Disputes Court. Atty. Zrenda is a resident of Old Lyme, Conn.

As a sovereign Indian Nation, cases related to the gaming enterprise of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, including claims for personal injuries that occurred at the Mohegan Sun resort and casino, often need to be brought in the Mohegan Gaming Disputes Court.

Atty. Zrenda is also admitted to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court, which is the tribal court for cases arising from personal injuries that occurred at Foxwoods.

Commenting on his recent admission to Mohegan Gaming Disputes Court, Attorney Zrenda said, “I am excited for the opportunity this new license presents to expand Suisman Shapiro’s tribal law practice and to protect the interests of those working at and visiting the Mohegan Sun.”

Editor’s Note: If you have been injured at either of Connecticut’s resort-casinos, contact Suisman Shapiro for a free consultation to help you navigate the complex legal issues involved with claims arising from injuries that occur on tribal lands.

Greg Shook, Essex Savings Bank President & CEO, to Retire July 31 After 47-Year-Career

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Gregory R. Shook, who is retiring as President and CEO of Essex Savings Bank, after 22 years  at the helm.

OLD LYME/ESSEX — Gregory R. Shook, President and CEO of Essex Savings Bank, will retire after 22 years at the helm and a career spanning 47 years in banking. He is the longest serving president and CEO in Connecticut and will retire on July 31.

A Westport, Conn., native and  Madison resident, Shook began his career as a management trainee in 1974 in a  subsidiary of Philadelphia National Corporation, Signal Finance and Mortgage, Fairfax,  Va. He managed their Cleveland office and then became a Vice President at State Home Savings in Bowling Green, Ohio.

In December 1984, he joined First Federal Savings of Madison, Conn. In 1987, he joined Branford Savings Bank where he rose to  Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary and was named Interim President and CEO where he found a right’s offering used for manufacturing companies to successfully raise capital to support the bank’s continued existence via a 1991 stock offering.

Highlights of his career include being elected by his peers and serving five years as a Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, a $62 billion bank, from  2015 – 2019. He was also appointed to serve on the first two years of the Federal Reserve of Boston Community Depository Institution Advisory Committee (CDIAC)  mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act to provide input from Banks under $10 billion to the Federal Reserve system.  

Professional associations have included the Connecticut Bankers Association, legislative committee, executive committee and the American Bankers Association Mutual Institutions Advisory Committee. He serves on the Board of Essex Savings Bank and Essex Financial Services. Following his retirement, he will continue to serve on the  Essex Savings Bank Board of Directors.

He is a corporator of the Middlesex Health  Care System (parent of Middlesex Hospital). He is also on the advisory committees of  the Community Music School and the leadership counsel of the Middlesex Coalition on  Housing and Homelessness.  

In 2011 Shook received the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Distinguished  Citizen Award and was elected Chairman in 2016 and continues to serve on its Executive Committee and its Board of Directors.

He has been recognized by numerous organizations for his dedication to community service and has served on non-profit boards and advisory committees. He was a finalist in the New England Division of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year program in 2009. He has been a featured speaker for a variety of seminars and radio shows.  

During his tenure, Essex Savings Bank grew its assets from $110 million to over $525  million, expanded its physical footprint from four to six branches, participated in the  growth of assets under management or administration of Essex Financial Services from $700 million to $3.2 billion and Essex Trust from a de novo to $871 million and has  rolled out new technology and capabilities leading the Bank through the pandemic.

He  is the 17th President since 1851. The Bank is currently celebrating 170 years of service and trust to the community.  

Shook commented, “The best part of Banking is building long term relationships and I am so appreciative of  everyone’s support and trust over the years. I am extremely proud of what we’ve been  able to accomplish together for both our customers and the communities in which we serve. It has been both my great privilege and honor to work with so many dedicated  and talented people – the absolute best.”

Looking to the future, Shook said, “I am confident that Essex Savings Bank will continue to garner new relationships and remain an outstanding business serving the  personal and business banking, trust and investment needs of the community. On Aug. 1, I am pleased to turn the business over to Diane Arnold, formerly our Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer as she will be our 18th President and CEO,  who is poised to lead this business to new heights.”

During the month of July, Shook will be looking forward to wishing many of his customers, friends and colleagues a fond farewell as he embarks on his next voyage.  

Editor’s Notes: i) This article was prepared from a press release issued by Essex Savings Bank.

ii) Essex Savings Bank is a FDIC insured, state chartered, mutual savings bank established in 1851. The Bank serves the Connecticut River Valley and shoreline with  six offices in Essex (2), Chester, Madison, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook providing a full complement of personal and business banking. Financial, estate, insurance and retirement planning are offered throughout the state by the Bank’s Trust Division, Essex Trust and wholly-owned subsidiary, Essex Financial Services, Inc.