Mystic, CT - Mark your calendars for November 30th, 5:30PM to 10:00PM at the Velvet Mill in Stonington Borough as the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce celebrates its members and the community. The spotlight will be on award recipients for the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce BALLAST Awards and KEEL Award, the 2023 JOYCE OLSON RESNIKOFF TOURISM Award plus, the Stonington Public Schools will present the “JUST ONE CHANCE” awards.

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the winners of the third annual BALLAST Awards, acknowledging those business icons who have remained steadfast, making Mystic their own for 15 years or more.  Nominations were received from members of the community nominating businesses representing tourism, professional, retail, and more.  The three winners chosen for the 2023 Ballast Award are Allie Nasin, Owner of the Captain Daniel Packer Inne; James Holley, Owner of Franklin’s General Store; and Robert Valenti, Owner of the Valenti Family of Dealerships.  In addition, the Greater Mystic Chamber will announce their third annual KEEL Award winner that evening, given to a community business leader who represents the future Mystic, someone who will lead the ship through any conditions.  

The JOYCE OLSON RESNIKOFF TOURISM Award was created to recognize business owners and people who support, grow and nurture southeastern Connecticut’s tourism economy.  The 2023 winner will be announced at the event!

Stonington Public Schools and the Greater Mystic Chamber, with support from the Inclusion A Sylvestre Foundation is presenting the second annual "JUST ONE CHANCE" awards.  This is for a community member or organization that has promoted an inclusive environment for Stonington Public Schools’ students who have a disability.  Under the supervision of Stonington Public Schools staff, these students have not only been given authentic experiences to learn the "soft skills of employment," but also been given opportunities to apply for and obtain employment in their own community. This year’s "JUST ONE CHANCE" award winners are Wendy Eck of Dog Watch Café and Sarah Cahill of Mystic Seaport.

Bruce Flax, President of the Chamber said, “The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce wants to continue to recognize people in our community who make a difference. The awards represent a cross-section of Mystic business, tourism and community and are an accurate representation of what makes our little corner of Connecticut so special.”

The Party of 12 Event is a yearend celebration of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and its members. Area restaurants show off their favorite hors d’oeuvres in stations found throughout the event space at the Velvet Mill. Restaurants who will be serving at the Party are Shipwright’s Daughter, Angie’s Pizza, Rocks 21, Sift, Andiamo, Daniel Packer Inne, Surf Cantina, Bank & Bridge, Waffle Pop, Pink Basil, and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Tickets are $125 each and include open bar. Sponsorship packages are available as well.  Entertainment will be provided by local legends SUGAR. There will be a silent auction featuring a number of locally donated items including a Studio Jeffrey P‘an Champagne Glassblowing Experience.

For more information including tickets and sponsorship opportunities head to mysticchamber.org. 

For media inquiries, please contact Bruce Flax at [email protected].