Leadership Spotlight - Amy Fischer and Kate Haueisen, Co-Chairs Southern Connecticut City Group

Amy Fischer, Marketing Specialist - Withers Bergman LLP
Kate Haueisen, Business Development and Marketing Specialist - Robinson & Cole LLP

The Southern Connecticut City Group, the first in our region, has quickly become a vibrant group on its own merits.  The Group brings together marketing pros from Connecticut and Westchester County-based firms, as well as those from the regional offices of larger firms, many of whom are based in New York City.  It helps provide support, resources, programming sessions, and networking opportunities for members whose offices are outside New York City.

The Group, which was formed in 2007, was created because many members in the northern suburbs were finding it virtually impossible to come to the city for the monthly luncheons.  "I wasn't always able to get into New York City to attend programs hosted by the Chapter and I thought there must be other members who work outside of New York City who have the same issue," said Kate Haueisen, Business Development and Marketing Specialist at Robinson & Cole, who is one of the founding members.  

She had attended a New England LMA chapter meeting in Hartford and noted that the group was Boston-centric.  She then e-mailed the LMA Metropolitan New York Chapter and asked if people would be interested in getting together for “mini-meetings” in southern Connecticut.  The Chapter quickly helped formalize the group and offered continuing support.

“New York LMA has embraced the idea rather than looking at it as a threat,” said Amy Fischer, Marketing Specialist at Withers Bergman who helped found the new Group.  “They see the Connecticut City Group as an opportunity to grow.”  In fact, a number of Connecticut City Group members came down to Manhattan to join in the Summer Soiree on August 5.

The Southern Connecticut Group meets for lunch every quarter with a different firm hosting each time – and a different topic as the centerpiece of discussion, often with an outside guest expert.

Already this year, the Group has heard, over lunch, how to develop rainmakers; the intricate details of the attorney advertising laws in Connecticut; and how to connect with the Connecticut media through a first-hand meeting with the editor of the Connecticut Law Tribune and the business editor of the Stamford Advocate.  At least a dozen LMA members have attended each luncheon, giving everyone a chance to get to know one another, as well as more about their profession. 

“The great thing is to network with - and get to know - my colleagues in Connecticut,” said Catherine Hausman, Director of Marketing at Cohen and Wolf, P.C., with four offices in Connecticut.  “The Group has become a great business referral network where we can offer each other information on matters such as finding quality vendors, as well as a wonderful social network.”

The Southern Connecticut City Group currently has a list of 28 members with the potential for many more.  Anyone wishing to be added to the list should contact Kate Haueisen (khaueisen@rc.com) or Amy Fischer (Amy.Fischer@withers.us.com). 

The Group's next meeting will be held on Wednesday October 15 at 12:00 noon at Withers Bergman LLP (660 Steamboat Road in Greenwich.)  Bruce Markus, editor of the Marcus Letter on Professional Services Marketing, will speak on "Positioning - Professional Services Marketing Strategy's Most Powerful Tool."  Please contact Kate Haueisen at khaueisen@rc.com or 203-358-3833 for more information or to make a reservation.