Newtown Hosting New Regional

SCORE Counseling Center

By John Voket

SCORE, a US Small Business Administration partner and a national nonprofit organization, announced the opening of a satellite office in Newtown this week. Formally Service Corps Of Retired Executives, SCORE’s Western Connecticut Chairman Joe Eisenberg, Vice Chairman Tom Longmire, and Branch Chairman Gerry Casiello believe that the Newtown location provides a natural extension of the regional chapter that services the surrounding area.

First Selectman Pat Llodra has been working with the Economic Development Commission and Wes Thompson, a SCORE volunteer, to finalize the arrangements.

“Pat felt that these tough economic times require creative and cost effective ways to improve or help our local businesses and attract new ones to our town,” Mr Thompson said in a release. “Pat enthusiastically welcomes SCORE to our community.”

Mr Casiello told The Newtown Bee that the chapter has already counseled many business people and entrepreneurs from Newtown, but they have been pressed into traveling to Danbury or Waterbury offices for assistance.

Among the volunteers that were helping SCORE officials settle in to a small office that formerly served the local probate court at the Newtown Municipal Center were Cathy and Phil Lindstrom. The couple operated a successful manufacturing business in Bridgeport for 27 years that served the promotions and medical industries.

During the short time he has been counseling, Mr Lindstrom said the majority of his assignments have involved “young people who are interested in starting their first businesses.”

Mr Eisenberg brings many years of experience to the group, having served as an executive for the Uniroyal company.

According to Mr Casiello, a retired Union Carbide executive, the group first formed when four friends who enjoyed playing bridge discovered they also valued helping fledgling entrepreneurs with business advice.

“So we decided to form the SCORE chapter, and spent mornings counseling and afternoons playing bridge,” he said. Now 25 counselors and three branch locations later, his SCORE group is responsible for supporting more than 450 clients each year at the Danbury, Waterbury, and recently opened New Milford offices.

SCORE was founded in 1964 and has more 400 offices and 13,000 volunteers. Free advice is provided to any business through confidential meetings made by appointment.

These discussions with experienced professionals are provided to existing businesses, nonprofits, start-ups, or individuals with ideas for a new business. SCORE serves as a facilitator, virtual board, and knowledge base helping people resolve issues or develop new ideas.

Members also work with banks and state and town agencies to identify resources and solutions as business owners prepare for meetings with buyers or sellers. These services start with a confidential one-on-one fact-finding meeting where SCORE learns about the needs of the client and helps develop plans going forward.

These experienced professionals have follow-on discussions with clients to ensure that they are getting the information they need. To make an appointment with SCORE call 203-794-1404.

Callers seeking support are asked to specify Newtown if you would like to meet at the new municipal center location, or another location if it is more convenient. The group is also in need of additional counselors, who do not necessarily have to be retired to participate.