The ECTys recognize businesses, nonprofits, innovators, and individuals
Each year, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT recognizes businesses and organizations for their excellence, innovation, and contributions with the Regional Chamber Awards, the ECTys. On July 22, the Chamber will recognize the 2019 and 2020 Regional Chamber Award winners after a year that demonstrated their resiliency, adaptation, and community spirit. Joining the celebration, the Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition will also present their annual awards which take into consideration the tremendous impact on the arts and culture sector.
Local professionals and community members are invited to join the Chamber in recognizing the following 2020 winners:
Small Business of the Year: Cardinal Honda
Business of the Year: Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
Community Revitalization Leader: Whaler’s Inn
New Business of the Year: Sea Services North America
Nonprofits of the Year: Backus Hospital (Hartford Healthcare) and Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (Yale New Haven Health)
Best Place to Work: Liberty Bank
Industry Innovator: ThayerMahan
Young Professional of the Year: Molly Bruno
Volunteer of the Year: Maria Miranda
The 2019 Regional Chamber Award winners join the celebration following their virtual recognition last year: Small Business of the Year, Duncklee Cooling and Heating, Inc; Business of the Year, Pfizer; Community Revitalization Leader, A.R. Building Company; Nonprofit of the Year, Public Library of New London; Best Place to Work, Chelsea Groton Bank; Industry Innovator, Mohegan Sun; Young Professional of the Year, Matthew Spring; Volunteer of the Year, Gail Weber; Tourism Leader of the Year, Bill Furgueson; and Board of Directors Special Award, Jack Malone, SCADD.
The Chamber also will honor three Essential Worker Heroes who were selected to be recognized at the 2020 Annual Meeting: John Stafford, Property Custodian, Reliance Health; Charles Steinhart V, Chief, North Stonington Volunteer Fire Company; and Alison Watrous, Director of Nursing, Elmbrook Village.
The Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition will recognize awardees that reflect and embody their core values: connect, collaborate, communicate: Outstanding Arts and Cultural Organization, Florence Griswold Museum, and Outstanding Business Supporter of Arts and Culture, Chelsea Groton Bank.
“We are emerging from one of the most difficult times in memory,” said Tony Sheridan, Chamber President and CEO. “Throughout we came together as a community to help and support one another, even when we couldn’t gather in person. The Chamber is pleased to honor our winners and recognize their contributions with this celebration, marking the perseverance and spirit of eastern Connecticut.”
“Chelsea Groton Bank and Florence Griswold Museum have been inspirational over the past year during some of the most challenging times, and we honor their efforts to serve the arts and cultural community, as well as the broader community,” said Wendy Bury, Executive Director, Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition.
The celebration will be held July 22, 5-8 pm, at Latitude 41° Restaurant, by Mystic Seaport. Tickets are $75 before July 16, $85 after. Event sponsorships are available.