FARMINGTON BUSINESS LEADER AND CITIZEN OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED 44th Annual Awards Dinner Recognizes Outstanding Achievements
The Farmington Chamber of Commerce has named its 44th Annual Business Leader and Citizen of the Year Award recipients and other various community honors. The awards will be formally distributed at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner held May 12th at the Farmington Club. ConnectiCare, Nancy Parent, Courtney Hendricson and Bill Neagus are among those being honored in various categories.
“The Chamber is recognizing individuals that have made some exceptional contributions to our community,” said Lisa Whitney, Chamber President and Principal of Harris Collaborations. “These members of our community are most deserving of this recognition.”
ConnectiCare is being honored with the Chamber’s Business of the Year Award for its commitment to Farmington. The corporate headquarters has been located in town since it was founded over 25 years ago and has recently had 64,000 square feet added to its office space on Scott Swamp Road. The company is an active Chamber member and is an insurance choice in the statewide Chamber Benefits program, offering quality healthy plans and exceptional service to Chamber members. “We are happy to be recognized with this long time award. With the creation of our new building we have cemented our relationship with the town for years to come. We evaluated all options in the Hartford area when we considered consolidating our buildings to one campus, and Farmington remained the best spot for us,” said Michael Wise, president, ConnectiCare. “We have found Connecticut’s Chambers to be great partners in our pursuit of health reform that will build upon the existing private system and work towards affordability. A goal we all share,” he added.
The 2010 Citizen of the Year winner, Nancy Parent, is a 13-year resident of Farmington and a wellknown figure in town. As the Director of Community and Recreational Services for the Town of Farmington she manages social, youth and senior services and provides assistance to numerous individuals and organizations. She devotes much of her personal time to assisting others as well. She can be seen serving Thanksgiving dinner at the Farmington Senior Center, delivering holiday baskets to the needy, and volunteers weekly at her church. Her vacations have been spent assisting with her church’s summer camp and taking mission trips to Canada.
“I was extremely surprised and humbled to be nominated by my peers and selected to receive this distinguished award. I am proud to be part of a community that values helping those in need,” said Parent. Local organizations that benefit from her professional and personal volunteerism include the Farmington Community Chest, Farmington FOCUS, Farmington Housing Authority, Juvenile Review Board, Farmington Services for the Elderly and the Human Relations Commission.
A special recognition award is being given to Courtney Hendricson, Economic Development Director for the Town of Farmington, for her professional commitment to business growth, satisfaction and success in town. Courtney began the position in November 2008 and has been responsible for promoting growth of the town’s tax base by encouraging business retention, expansion and attraction, while maintaining the character of our community. She acts as the liaison between the local business community, Town government and the Chamber of Commerce.
“To be recognized for this work makes me proud and motivated to do an even better job in the future,” said Hendricson. “Thank you to the Chamber Board and members for recognizing my efforts. It is through partnerships with groups like yours that we best serve our local business community.”
The Chamber Member of the Year Award will be given to Bill Neagus, Farmington resident and principal of Strategic Persuasion Group, a public relations, marketing and public affairs agency that is also located in Farmington. As one of the Chamber’s newest board members, he has displayed an immediate level of commitment to the volunteer organization. Over the past year, he has served on the organization’s Government Affairs Committee, representing the Chamber at the State capitol. Bill also serves as the chairman of the Membership Committee and is committed to growing the strength of the Chamber.
“Bill’s commitment to the Farmington Chamber of Commerce is commendable,” said Whitney. “We are fortunate to have his public affairs expertise serve our Chamber on important business issues
at the state level. This vital roll has been a welcomed addition to our Chamber’s membership offerings.”
A Farmington Chamber Beautification Award will also be presented to the business that has enhanced its property to a new level, contributing to the beauty of the town. This year the award will be given to Hampton Inn & Suites for its new property and elegant landscaping on Scott Swamp Road/Rte. 6. The three story, 124-room, hotel opened in early October 2009.
The awards winners are selected from a group of nominations made by the community. The Chamber of Commerce Executive Board selects the winner that best meets the awards criteria. The Business Leader of the Year Award recipient must possess distinguishing characteristics resulting primarily from a business leadership role of professional accomplishments, not volunteer work or public service. The Citizen of the Year Award recipient must posses a positive image for the community, promote the general welfare of the community and demonstrate outstanding volunteer leadership in town.
To purchase tickets or find information about attending the dinner to support an award recipient, please call 860-584-4718 or visit www.farmingtonchamber.com. Tickets are $60 per person. The silent auction begins at 5:30 PM followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. The Farmington Club is located on Town Farm Road in Farmington.
The Farmington Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of business owners working together to advance the economic and civic development of the community. The organization has nearly 300 members. It is affiliated with the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce and is a Strategic Partner with the MetroHartford Alliance.
