The 3rd Annual Pet Contest was held at Electric Boat in October to raise money for the American Cancer Society and the Making Strides for Breast Cancer October campaign. Electric Boat employees from all sites were invited to participate in this four-week fundraising effort for a chance to win one of nine trophies.
To enter the contest, employees were asked to fill out a virtual registration form and return the form with a photo submission of their pet. Participants were asked to enter their pet into one of three categories—Dogs, Cats or Other— and one of three sub-categories— Best of Show, Cutest or Best Companion. Overall, a total of 127 entries were submitted for this year’s contest. All pet submissions were given a number and were displayed throughout the month of October in the Groton and New London atrium areas for employees to place their votes.
In an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society and the Making Strides for Breast Cancer campaign, employees were asked to make a $1 donation for each vote made. Votes were accepted from employees, family members, friends and co-workers, and people could vote as many times as they liked. To place a vote, employees wrote the number of the pet they would like to vote for on an envelope, provided their monetary donation, and then dropped the envelope in the ballot boxes located next to the pet submissions. Employees could also cast their votes by sending their ballot and donation via interoffice mail, through Venmo or PayPal or on the Pet Contest web page. Votes were tallied up at the end of each week and all entrants received a weekly email with the current tally of votes.
From all of the votes collected, this year’s Pet Contest resulted in $3,965 raised for the American Cancer Society and the Making Strides for Breast Cancer October campaign. Nine trophies were awarded to the contest winners from each category.
Electric Boat employee Mandy O’Dell, organizer of this year’s Pet Contest, also took it upon herself to raise money for local animal shelters in our region. Animal shaped pins, cookie jars, treats and various other items were sold, resulting in a $400 donation split between four local animal shelters. Additionally, Mandy personally collected generous donations from employees, including money, food, toys and accessories for pets, which she personally brought to the animal shelters.
Combining the money raised from both efforts, Electric Boat employees raised a total of $4,365, making this year’s contest a great success. Thank you to all EB employees who participated and congratulations to the 2020 Pet Contest winners.
Safety Update: Installation of Speed Tables on Eastern Point Road
In an effort to increase safety at Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard, two speed tables are being installed across Eastern Point Road this week. The tables, a few inches tall and marked with yellow stripes, are designed to slow vehicle traffic in an area frequented by pedestrians. The first speed table crosses Eastern Point Road just...Continue reading→
EB firefighters recognized for life-saving rescues
Five members of the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton were recognized for perilous, life-saving rescues during a pair of multi-alarm fires that engulfed apartments in Groton and New London in 2025. Firefighters Thomas Gugliotti, Arthur Keaten, Theodore Bartkoski, James Brady and Capt. Ryan Boulanger were each presented with Lifesaving Awards and the prestigious 2026...Continue reading→
The Barnacle: Parking Enforcement That Sticks
Meet the Barnacle, Electric Boat’s newest parking-enforcement tool that will begin deployment in the Groton shipyard starting Monday, June 15. As our enterprise continues to grow, we are dedicated to ensuring parking is safe, fair and accessible to all. The Barnacle is an immobilizing parking-enforcement device that attaches directly to a vehicle’s windshield using heavy-duty,...Continue reading→
Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday
June 14th marks the 251st Birthday of the United States Army, a moment to honor the enduring legacy, bravery, and sacrifice of those who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the Army has played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and safeguarding its freedoms....Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 20: 2026 EB Signing Days
Electric Boat held recent Signing Day ceremonies at Cranston West High School on May 21 and the Garde Arts Center in New London on May 28. EB President Mark Rayha spoke with students about their decision to join EB and educators who prepare their students for careers in shipbuilding. Click here to see the latest installment of the Rayha...Continue reading→
Save the Date: CT Health Fairs Kick Off June 9
A Message From Dan Vieira and Kathleen Heller At EB, Safety and Wellness go far beyond meeting basic compliance standards. Our focus is on building a culture where employees can thrive in every aspect of their lives. Prioritizing wellbeing is vital to being our best on the job and at home with our families. ​​...Continue reading→
Supporting Our Neighbors Impacted by The Ledges Apartments Fire
Early Sunday morning, a devastating fire occurred at The Ledges Apartments in Groton. Eighteen fire departments, including Electric Boat’s, responded.  Thanks to the heroism of these first responders no residents were injured. The fire did, however, displace more than approximately 50 residents and destroyed or damaged 44 units in the building. Several EB employees were...Continue reading→
Pride Month Celebrations at Electric Boat
June 1st marks the start of Pride Month, a time for millions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies around the world to come together in celebration and reflection. From film festivals and art shows, to marches and concerts, Pride is a vibrant tribute to LGBTQ+ culture, history and the relentless spirit of activism. It’s a chance...Continue reading→
Celebrating Our Next Generation of Shipbuilders
The Next Generation of Shipbuilders Takes the Stage Over the past two weeks, Electric Boat welcomed the next generation of shipbuilders at our Rhode Island and Connecticut Signing Day celebrations, marking the beginning of a journey that will help shape the future of our company and our nation’s defense. Held at Cranston High School West...Continue reading→
Update: Gold Star Bridge Project – Upcoming Traffic Impacts
CT DOT is preparing to enter the next major phase of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project, and employees should expect new traffic patterns that may affect travel to and from EB’s Groton and New London facilities. A crossover will direct two northbound lanes onto the southbound bridge, as shown in this CT DOT...Continue reading→
