Susan Shaw: An Open Book

From the Department of Underappreciated Gems, here is some info you may not know about one of  the new members of Milford's Board of Aldermen.

Volunteer work

Local Proud, Vice-President—Through the Milford’s Economic Development initiative, Local Proud is tasked with the development and implementation of Milford’s Buy Local Campaign.  On-going marketing campaign.  Local Proud asks consumers to

    Choose personality over conformity
    Keep more money in their community
    Sustain and create more local jobs
    Support environmental responsibility and  sustainable practices

 
The Milford Diner (501c3).  Executive Director—The Milford Diner is part of a community preservation and cultural effort.  Once this historic building is rehabilitated, The Diner will be used as an arts, informational and community center for all of Milford.  As executive director, I have completed fundraising activities that have covered the purchase of the Diner; successfully formulated the non-profit incorporation; and received State funded grants to cover reconstruction costs.   

Planning and Zoning Board  Chairman, 2005 to 2011.   Worked with community groups, the Mayor’s office, and City Planning officials on revising and updating Milford’s Plan of Conservation and Development; the Plan of Conservation and Development provides the city with a blueprint for future development and enables the city to receive funding through State and Federal grants.  As the elected Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board, represented Milford at the Southern Connecticut Council of Governments.   

Downtown Milford Business Association,
Former President

Awarded, as president of the Downtown Milford Business Association, the Chamber of Commerce award for Excellence. Development and Implementation of

•  Milford’s Captain Kidd Treasure Hunt
  (attracting over 4,000 to downtown Milford),
• Saturday Night Movies on the Green,
• The Open Doors of Milford (raising over $25,000 for charity),
•  Friday Night at the Festival     ……..and other events. 

Work experience

Owner, Collected Stories Bookstore.  12 Daniel Street and 16 Broadway, Milford, CT.,  March 2003 to present.  Collected Stories Bookstore is recognized as one of the leading resources of rare and first edition books.  They promote and sell books through auction and world-wide through an e-commerce site.  Collected Stories Bookstore also provides evaluations and pricing information to clients and dealers.  

Co-owner, Basset Publishing and Graphics.—established in 2001, Basset Publishing and graphics provides a full range of publishing services including all pre-press work, design, marketing, distribution and sales. Books published include This Time by Joan Szechtman and The Sword and the Spirit by Andre Bello; as co-owner, Susan also provides consultation help, editorial and layout services for independent publishers including The Hip Chicks Guide series.  The Graphics division has produced material for the Downtown Milford Business Association, Walnut Beach Association, Movie Night on the Green (video) and the Milford Democratic Town Committee. 

Taunton, Director Sales & Marketing—2001 to 2003.  Oversaw all sales, marketing and publicity efforts for $21,000,000 book publishing program

LPC Group, Sr. VP, President Sales and Marketing/Board of Directors Login Publishing—1995 to 2001. Responsible for overseeing the sales and marketing of over 100 independently published books on annual sales of $26,000,000; directed acquisition and series development; oversaw in-house and commission sales groups in the US, Canada, and the UK; developed and implemented corporate and client marketing and publicity plans.   

HarperCollins, Director, Sales & Marketing—1994 to 2001.  Directed sales to major national accounts including Barnes & Noble, Borders etc.

Waldenbooks, Merchandise Director, Superstore Division  1991 to 1994.  Responsible primarily for the merchandising of the Brentano’s chain of stores