Carpino Tours New Businesses in District

State Rep. Christie Carpino stopped in to visit three local businesses this past week in order to continue her mission to bridge the gap between industry and government.

Carpino first met with Mike Robinson the General Manager of Aaron’s which just opened up a new store at 34 Shunpike Road. Aaron’s, Inc. is a lease-to-own retailer. The company focuses on leases and retail sales of furniture, electronics, appliances, and computers. According to Mike Robinson, Aaron’s, it’s designed to be easy to lease-to-own whatever you need for your home and family – without needing any credit.

Rep. Carpino also met with Donta Johnson, the Owner and Director of Drive4Stardum located at 208 Coles Road in Cromwell. Drive4Stardum was developed to provide an opportunity for future basketball players to hone their skills. The purpose of the skills training is to incorporate different drills that will improve and enhance an individual’s abilities in various aspects of the sport of basketball.  Defense, agility, ball handling, shooting, passing, rebounding and strength and conditioning training are covered.

Donta Johnson said Drive4Stardum works with athletes who are committed to becoming better basketball players by training them in all facets of the game.  Donta played basketball professionally with the Connecticut Pride (CBA/IBL) and Springfield Slamm (EBA) for several years and Donta’s coaching experience started when he began coaching summer league basketball, church league teams and PAL league (high school and middle school).

Rep. Carpino also crossed the bridge to Portland and visited with Penny Chiasson, of The Genesis Center for Clinical Hypnosis which is located on Main Street, along with Selectman Ryan Curley. Penny is a Registered Nurse, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and Certified Consulting Hypnotist. She serves the greater Middletown area, Portland, Middletown, Cromwell and surrounding towns.

Penny explained  the use of hypnosis complements medical treatments leading to better control of pain and headaches, improving immune function (through decreased stress), reduction of symptoms of IBS, and improving compliance with medical recommendations.

Carpino said, “It is exciting to see business growth in our region. I’m especially proud to see entrepreneurs like Penny and Donta. My goal is to continue to promote and assist local industry and resolve any state issues that might arise. Connecticut should be a place where businesses new and old are welcomed.”