Reflecting on the successes and challenges of 2020, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT is taking the important step of dedicating its Annual meeting to recognizing the contributions of essential workers and businesses during the pandemic. The Chamber will host its Annual Meeting virtually on March 30, 4 – 5 p.m. with the 2020 awards celebrating Essential Worker Heroes.
“The whole country faced enormous challenges in 2020, and the real story is the people whose work kept us going and pulled us through the hardest days,” said Chamber President and CEO Tony Sheridan. “We would like to express our gratitude to all those who worked in essential jobs, such as gas stations and grocery stores, healthcare facilities, emergency services, utilities, and maintenance. The Chamber is happy to recognize a few of the many committed individuals who represent the resilience and spirt that makes eastern CT a remarkable community.”
Based on nominations from Chamber members, three Essential Worker Heroes were selected to be recognized at the 2020 Annual Meeting:
- John Stafford, Property Custodian, Reliance Health. Recognized for his diligent behind-the-scenes work, John focused on keeping everyone at Reliance Health safe across 18 properties, from doing double–duty on sanitizing to shoveling snow in the early hours. “He is willing to clean anything, move anything, work on anything that is needed to keep our properties clean and safe.”
- Charles Steinhart V, Chief, North Stonington Volunteer Fire Company. Charles serves as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). “He has responded and continues to respond to the call for help day and night, putting himself at risk and sacrificing precious time away from his wife and children.”
- Alison Watrous, Director of Nursing, Elmbrook Village. Alison created procedures responsive to rapidly emerging scientific developments that kept residents and staff safe with no deaths related to COVID. “Alison put in countless hours at work and home to stay on top of all the research that was coming out.”
At the Annual Meeting, the Chamber will welcome the incoming members of the Board of Directors and share the organization’s goals for the coming year. The event will feature remarks and reports from Tony Sheridan, Chamber Board of Directors Chair Stephen Coan, president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium; Chamber Foundation Chair Louis Ziegler, executive director of Mohegan Tribal House Authority; and Chamber Board of Directors Treasurer David Pugliese, partner at Levine Insurance Group.
A video will feature remarks from Chamber members sharing their experiences in 2020: Cassandra Meyer-Ogren, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center; Kelsy April, Bank Square Books and Title IX; Matt Morrissey, Orsted; Angy Gardner, Uncle D’s Blazin‘ BBQ, Home of Comfort Catering; Jim Bellano, Town of Windham; and Gary Baker, The Spa at Norwich Inn.
Learn more about the event or register to attend. Registration of $15 supports the Chamber and the Essential Worker Heroes awards.