Fairfield, Conn. – The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce has been in partnership with the career Center at Sacred Heart University, offering student interns an opportunity to volunteer at the Chamber to help with marketing, social media, newsletters and database entry.
Working with Rob Coloney, SHU Director, Career Placement, Jack Welch College of Business, students were selected based on their skill set, experience and major, to help the Chamber advance further with their electronic newsletters, social media, marketing, website and database.
“We are so happy to have these students participate in our program this year," says Beverly A. Balaz, Chamber President. “They have been instrumental in establishing new and effective marketing programs, to better serve the Chamber’s membership," continues Beverly.
Students were guided by Krista McCormack, Chamber Administrative Manager, as she assigned projects and set timelines for completion. “The students are a pleasure to work with on a day-to-day basis. They are professional, smart and knowledgeable … and they quickly anticipate what needs to be done, in addition to always asking: how else can I help?” says Krista.
“I also wanted the students to have an opportunity to meet with the First Selectman, Michael Tetreau, to have a sit-down and ask him direct questions about how the town of Fairfield utilizes marketing, social media, and the website to better promote the town’s brand and its business community," continues Beverly.
Lively conversations moved forward, as the First Selectman answered the students’ questions one recent afternoon. Tetreau carefully explained the importance of these specific marketing areas … not only for the town, but for the businesses as well.
George Dzialo, a senior with a double major in Accounting and Marketing, stated, “It was an enlightening insight into how a few operations are run in the public sector. The First Selectman truly understands how important social media is in today’s culture and how to connect with the community of Fairfield.”
Ryan Coghill, a senior and Marketing major, added, “I valued the opportunity of meeting with the First Selectman because it allowed me to ask questions of how marketing plays a vital role in a town atmosphere.”
In closing, Beverly shared, “A sincere and many thanks to Sacred Heart University for connecting their intern program with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce."
The meeting was followed by a photo shoot. (Photo credit: Mike Lauterborn)
Left to right: Beverly Balaz, President Fairfield Chamber of Commerce; Ryan Coghill, SHU Student (Marketing); Bethany Baumann, SHU Student (Marketing & Graphic Design); First Selectman Michael Tetreau; Jillian Siegmund, SHU Student (Business Administration); George Dzialo, SHU Student (Accounting and Marketing).
Missing from the photo: Mary Rose Coratolo, SHU Student (Digital Communication and Graphic Design)