Awards presented at Avon Chamber's 49th Annual Meeting

During the 49th Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon of the Avon Chamber of Commerce, held at the Golf Club of Avon, awards were presented in various categories.

The recipient of the Loren Bristol Spirit Award was Tom McGee of PMP Corporation in Avon. This award is given in memory of Loren Bristol and is presented annually to a chamber member who possesses the same attributes he personified: devotion to one’s family, demonstrated commitment to bettering the community, and a dedicated leader in business. McGee is a former Avon Chamber president, Avon Jaycees president, member of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, and a Boy Scout leader.

Three additional awards were presented: the Large Business of the Year Award was given to Robert Hensley & Associates, a diversified financial services firm in Avon; the Small Business of the Year Award went to E.N.E. Realty Associates, an Avon-based company led by Ed Queirolo that leases and manages commercial office space; and the New Member Advocate of the Year Award was given to Chip Janiszewski of SendOutCards.com, who brought five new members into the chamber during the year.

Also at the May 21 annual meeting, new chamber directors were elected and welcomed. They are: Peter M. Bakker of Peter M. Bakker Agency; Jeffrey Hoess-Brooks of Avon Old Farms Hotel; Dena Martinelli of Farmington Bank; Cal Miller-Stevens of Miller Foods/Oma’s Pride; and Margo Ross of William Raveis Real Estate.

“Thank you” awards were given to retiring directors Joanne Beers of Avon Education Foundation; Vic Bible of IFFS Eldercare Consultants; Kim Ciccarello of Liberty Bank; Robin DiNicola of Simsbury Bank; and Janina Cummings of Shear Artistry Day Spa & Salon.

In addition, The Salvation Army and WTIC News Talk 1080 radio recognized both the chamber and Avon Old Farms Hotel for their participation in and support of the 2013 Holiday Store. Farmington Bank was also recognized for a donation organized by Dena Martinelli, branch manager.

WTIC News Talk 1080 radio is a sponsor of The Salvation Army Holiday Store and during the store’s season, the station broadcasts live from Avon Old Farms Hotel, a host of the Holiday Store since 2006. One day each year, Avon Chamber members serve as Santa’s helpers, volunteering as greeters for those making donations and as sorters of items donated. Chamber members also take up a collection of unwrapped toys for the Holiday Store at their annual holiday party.