Chamber Seeks Nominees for Annual Awards

The following was submitted by Art Secondo, president of the .

The Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations from the public for its annual citizen awards presented at the organization’s 74th annual dinner meeting on April 21 at the .

Each year the Chamber of Commerce recognizes outstanding businesses and volunteers who have enhanced the quality of life in the Southington community. Brief nominations can be sent to the chamber office, One Factory Square.

There are five categories for nominations including the Riccio Brothers Business Person of the Year that is awarded in honor of Ralph and Vito Riccio to an outstanding business person who has demonstrated a sound commitment to the community as an owner or volunteer.

The Employee of the Year Award is in honor of Ann Hauver, who worked as office manager of the Chamber after 27 years of service. It is awarded to an individual who exemplifies the ethnics and spirit of Southington.

The Gail DePaolo Community Spirit Award is presented to a person, group of people or organization who has succeeded in bringing together a diversity of people for good of a common cause.

The Beautification Awards are presented to developers or commercial property owners who have constructed new or made exterior improvements to building facades in an effort to improve the overall appearance for the community.

The Chamber will present Public Service Awards for the seventh consecutive year. These awards are presented to uncompensated public servants who serve on town boards and commissions for at least 15 years.

A Chamber selection committee will review the nominations and announce the recipients on March 20.  Deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, March 5. Nominations should be made in writing and should be sent to the Chamber of Commerce, 1 Factory Square in Southington.

The chamber’s annual dinner is scheduled for Saturday evening at the Aqua Turf Club and will feature a tribute to the movie, “Dirty Dancing” as part of the theme. The major sponsor is TD Bank with numerous contributing sponsors to be announced. The event will include dinner, open bar, dancing to the Dave & Dave Show and a gala raffle. Charlie Cocuzza will be welcomed as the new board chairman along with several new directors.

Tickets are $75 per person. Reservations for the event will be taken on or after March 19. For more information visit the chamber’s website by clicking on the link or by calling (860) 628-8026.