A letter from the Executive Director,
Jenn Tracz Grace

I’m pleased to report that CABO has had a strong start to 2012 and continues to build on the successes of 2011.  We have added two new Corporate Partners to our growing family: MetLife and TD Bank.  Both companies have been great new additions and have demonstrated their commitment by agreeing to host CABO events at their facilities. MetLife had a speed networking event on their Bloomfield campus on April 11 and TD Bank hosted an evening Business OUTReach on May 16 in their new Manchester location.  Another great recent event was Sam McClure from the NGLCC’s appearance at our LGBTBE certification event in March. There was a great turnout for this event and Sam went over not only the benefits of certification, but also the steps on how to get certified.

Speaking of great events, you should start thinking about including the 2012 NGLCC Business & Leadership Conference in Chicago from August 7-10 in your travel plans.  Early Bird registration rates are available for both the conference and for local lodging, so book early.  Another early discount you should be thinking about taking advantage of is our 15% early bird discount for advertising in the 2013 printed member directory.

Lastly, we’d like to invite volunteers to join our committees, especially in marketing, events and membership.  CABO needs your help to make this organization the best it can be and to continue our success!

- Jenn

In this newsletter

• Welcome TD Bank!
• New Board Members
• A message from Aetna
• CABO Interest Groups
• Melissa Etheridge comes to MGM
• Murtha Cullina
• CABOgraphy
• Why MetLife?
• Certify Your Success with the NGLCC
• New & Renewed Members!
  
  

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.

CABO announces newest corporate partner: TD Bank

CABO continues to add great new corporate partners that are broadening our membership, our reach, and the range of services that we can offer our members.  The latest addition to our corporate family is TD Bank, one of the ten largest banks in the Unites States.  TD Bank has been a strong supporter of the LGBT community, with both diversity and inclusion policies for customers and employee and its sponsorship and participation in many LGBT events and programs across the United States.  “I’m so thrilled to have TD Bank joining our corporate partners”, says CABO Executive Director Jenn Tracz Grace. “I’ve been watching TD Bank from a distance and have seen how amazingly committed to the LGBT community they are.  It is truly an honor to see strong allies like TD Bank and our other Corporate Partners work together in supporting diversity at the workplace and in the community.  They truly make CABO what it is today.”

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TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, is one of the 10 largest banks in the United States, delivering full-scale solutions to more than 8 million customers from Maine to Florida. TD Bank offers customers an array of retail, small business and commercial banking products with legendary service and unparalleled convenience.

TD Bank is a financially strong, well-capitalized and committed banking partner for businesses and individuals alike, with more than 1,280 convenient locations and 1,870 TD Bank-owned ATMs. The Bank’s 26,000 diverse employees work in unison to provide hassle-free products and services that are easy to use and easy to understand.

CABO board welcomes John Holt and Jessie Read

CABO’s board of directors was recently greatly strengthened by the additions of two accomplished members: John Holt and Jessie Read.  John is the President/CEO of Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union and Jessie is the business manager for We Care Computers.  Both new board members bring fantastic skills and energy and we are confident that they will help us build on our previous success as an organization.

Jessie has had a successful career in market research, service, and sales, working in such diverse environments as Porsche Cars North America, Staples, and NEADS; Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans. With a degree in Psychology, and a strong skill in relationship building, Jessie brings a great deal to her new CABO board role.  John earned a Master of Business Administration from Western New England College, Springfield, MA; and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY.  He returned to the northeast to join Nutmeg in 2011 after a successful career in Florida credit unions. 

Metabolic Syndrome

At Aetna, we believe that nothing is more important than empowering people to live healthier lives and connecting them to valuable health information.  Metabolic Syndrome - it’s a term we have been hearing about more and more - but what is it?
Essentially, metabolic syndrome is a group of five risk factors that can raise your risk of developing serious medical conditions.  The American Heart Association estimates that 20% to 25% of Americans have metabolic syndrome.

What are the risk factors?
The five risk factors are:

• Blood pressure greater than 130 over 85

• Blood glucose (“blood sugar”) greater than 110

• Triglycerides (form of fat in the blood) greater than 150

• Waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women and greater than 40 inches in men

• HDL cholesterol level (“the good cholesterol”) less than 50 in women and less than 40 in men

What are the consequences of metabolic syndrome?

According to the American Heart Association, many of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome have no symptoms.  So someone may have this syndrome for many years and not know it.  Metabolic syndrome can lead to the development of diabetes, heart disease, blood vessel disease, and stroke.

How will I know if I have metabolic syndrome?

Doctors can test for the risk factors of metabolic syndrome by drawing blood, measuring your waist circumference, and checking your blood pressure.

Can this syndrome be treated?

Absolutely!  Working with your doctor to understand your risk factors and how to reduce them is the first step.  Exercise, proper nutrition, weight loss, and, if needed, medication can help improve health and reduce the risks of future serious illness.

References:
American Heart Association:
1) http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_300322.pdf 
2) http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MetabolicSyndrome/Metabolic-Syndrome_UCM_002080_SubHomePage.jsp

Business Banking just got a lot easier.  Every business should make the move to Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union.  We offer Free Business Checking & Savings, Loans and Lines of Credit, and all the Electronic Services you need.  We also offer Health Savings Accounts and Retirement Planning for you and your employees.  And much more. 
Click Here for more information.
 

CABO Interest Groups

We are seeing a lot of energy developing in our new interest groups, and we are inviting any interested members to join and continue these successes.  The first interest group, the CABO Lawyers' Group, has been a great success and has become our “template” for two new groups, the Realtors Group and the Marketing-Communications Group.  All these groups are fostering collaboration between members in similar fields.  These are great forums for the social and business networking needs of our members.

Dena Castricone is the convener for the Lawyer’s Group and if you are interested in taking part, you can contact her at dcastricone@thecabo.org.  If you are interested in the Realtors group, Danie Fineman of Keller Williams is leading this group and you can contact her at daniefineman@kw.com.  The Marketing-Communications Group is still in its formative stages and you can contact Jenn Tracz Grace at jgrace@thecabo.org if you want to help get this group off the ground.

Melissa Etheridge comes to MGM Grand Theater on June 10th!

Why Start Planning Now?

Without careful planning for the uncertainties in your life, your most passionate wishes for yourself and those who matter the most to you may not be secured.

One clear example of this for the LGBT community has to do with marriage.  While the legal landscape is rapidly changing, the federal government and most states still do not recognize same-sex couples as legally married.  This makes Social Security survivor and spousal benefits, as well as certain estate and income tax advantages unavailable to same-sex couples. 

Beyond marriage, you need to consider many other important rights, directives and financial strategies that may be critical to assuring that your loved ones receive the legacy you intend for them, and that your wishes regarding health care decisions are honored.

Whether you are single, in a committed relationship or are a parent, MetLife’s goal is to help you plan and prepare with confidence and pride for the ifs in your life. 

Reserve the date for the NGLCC “Certify your Success” Conference

This year, the annual conference for the NGLCC is in Chicago on August 7-10, 2012 at the brand new Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago.  In addition to all the great things that normally are part of this event, this year the NGLCC is emphasizing programming designed to meet the interests and needs of LGBT business owners and entrepreneurs.  The conference will connect local and national LGBT businesses with NGLCC’s corporate partners as IBM, American Airlines, Ernst & Young, Wells Fargo, Aetna and UPS as well as many other national and international companies who are committed to developing a positive environment for the LGBT business community.  With partners like that in attendance, LGBT Business certification and supplier diversity are key themes of this year’s event.  In fact, certified LGBT Business Enterprises can register for conference for as little as $249, a savings of $100.00!  Check it out now.

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.

The Rainbow Times is a minority owned–half women and half Hispanic, 100% gay–publication. As a New England LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) newspaper founded in 2006–first based out of Northampton–The Rainbow Times is a liaison that increases awareness of LGBT issues and serves as a vehicle to unify and strengthen the communities throughout the New England region while providing quality news to its diverse readers.

TRT’s social network is one of the strongest in the region too. With constant & strong social network presence, TRT reaches over 25K readers via FaceBook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, YouTube, LinkedIn Publisher, LinkedIn Editor, FourSquare, Issuu, and its monthly e-newsletter “The Pony Express.” Your message will reach others with TRT!

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.

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.  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.