|
Chairman 2011
Attorney Vincent Averaimo
Kapusta, Otzel & Averaimo - Attorneys at Law
Born and raised in Little Neck, New York, Vincent J. Averaimo joined the law firm of Kapusta & Otzel in 2001. He is a graduate of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York and Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut. While at Hofstra University, he received the Hofstra University Freshman/Sophomore Award for Outstanding leadership in the Hofstra Community (1995), Hofstra University Bovenaan Award for juniors or seniors who show exemplary leadership skills (1997), and Sigma Pi Fraternity, International Bruce Moore Award for outstanding leadership within the Fraternity (1998).
While at Quinnipiac University, School of Law, Vinny spent all three summers as a legal intern for the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut in New Haven, and an extern for Legal Services of Waterbury, Inc. He was active in The Quinnipiac University School of Law Probate Law Journal, The Mock Trial Society Competition Team, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and Italian Law Society. He also authored the trial problem for the first ever Northeast Regional Criminal Justice Trial Competition hosted by the law school. Vinny was awarded the Superior Classroom Award, Outstanding Performance in Oral Advocacy, Service to the Law School Award and Excellence in Clinical Work Award.
In 2005, Vinny was awarded the New Haven Business Times “Forty Under 40” Award in recognition of professional achievement and community involvement.
Vinny became a named partner of what is now known as Kapusta, Otzel & Averaimo in January, 2008. He represents all clients in the General Practice of Law including, but not limited to, areas of Business and Corporate Law, Civil Litigation, Wills/Estate Planning, Probate Litigation and Representation of clients in Residential and Commercial Real Estate Closings and Refinances, Foreclosure Prosecution and Defense, Collections, Real Estate Litigation, Landlord/Tenant Matters and Elder Law.
A strong community advocate, Vinny is the 2011 Chairman of the Milford Chamber of Commerce, a former Ambassador, member of the Wednesday Leads Group, member of Milford Progress Inc, Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Milford, member of the Milford Columbus Committee and appointed member of the Devon Revitalization Committee.
Vinny lives in Milford Connecticut with his wife, Tracie and two daughters Shaelyn (3.5 years) and Madelyn (2 years). When he is not working, he enjoys watching the New York Giants, New York Rangers and New York Mets. He plays Golf and Tennis in his spare time and likes to spend time with his family.
Director of the Year 2010 & Chairman Emeritus 2010
Attorney David Slossberg - Hurwitz, Sagarin, Slossberg & Knuff
David A. Slossberg is a graduate of Columbia University class of 1985. He earned his law degree in 1988 from New York University School of Law. Practicing in many areas of complex business litigation, class actions and employment law, he litigates unfair trade practices, lender liability, Uniform Commercial Code, commercial contract disputes, land use, real estate, and reinsurance matters in the state and federal courts. Mr. Slossberg is admitted to the bars of Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. He is a member of the Federal District Courts for the District of Connecticut, Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts of New York, Second Circuit Court Of Appeals, and United States Supreme Court. He serves as Chairman of the Connecticut Committee of the Federal Bar Council, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Bar Foundation. He was the Chairman of the Milford Chamber of Commerce 2010, and serves on the Board of the Devon Rotary Foundation.
As Chairman David Slossberg spearheaded our spring membership drive resulting in 128 new members to the chambers roles in days. His leadership abilities are extraordinary and have led the Chamber through tough economic times. We thank him for his time, energy and commitment to the business community of Greater Milford.
Friends of the Chamber
Gina DeLucca, Once Upon a Time Development Center
Gina DeLucca founded the Once Upon A Time Development Center in 1997. Being a mother of three she found the best of both worlds being able to spend time with them and develop her own professional career. A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, Gina started her career at the Hartford Region YWCA working in child care. Being a lifelong dancer (tap, ballet, jazz & Hawaiian) she used her extensive experience and thoroughly enjoyed teaching children in her studio. Having approximately 125 students at her childcare facility, Gina finds time for community service. She belongs to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Milford Rotary Club, Milford Chamber of Commerce and Founders Club of the United Way
Dennis Fendo, AFLAC
Dennis Fendo was raised in Tucson Arizona and attended the University of Arizona and The University of California for Graduate Studies majoring in Marketing. In 1968 he served one tour in Vietnam in the U. S. Navy aboard the USS Yorktown. Upon his return to the states, he joined Western Union and became a sales and management trainer and then moved on to Exxon, Cable and Wireless and Wiltek in various sales management positions. In 1992 he started his own company Fastnet. In 2000 Dennis joined the sales team at AFLAC as an agent. Awards received from AFLAC: New Agent of the Year, multiple National and state convention qualifier.
Joining the Milford Chamber in 2001, Dennis jumped right in and over the years has been an Ambassador, Chairman of the Tuesday Leads Group and now serves on the Milford Chamber’s Board of Directors. Dennis received the Milford Chamber Ambassador of the Year in 2006.
He is a Board member of Bob Cooke Skin Cancer Foundation, Vice President of Fairfield Professional Network and Social chairman of Mount Snow AARP Ski Club.
He lives in Fairfield with his wife Gretchen and Bob the cat. He has 3 children Joshua, Delaney and Justin. Joshua is an AFLAC agent and works with him.
Harriet C. Haggerty, Shamrock Financial Services
Harriet C. Haggerty, principal of Shamrock Financial Services, located in Milford was born in New Haven. Harriet graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a BS in education and a MS in Psychology. After teaching elementary school for four years and raising a son and daughter, she pursued a career in financial services.
She has had over 29 years experience as an insurance broker. Her company, Shamrock Financial Services offers all types of health and life insurance products. She specializes in the design and implementation of income protection plans for professionals and business owners. Her approach to financial planning is a simple, yet effective one. Help clients determine their objectives, then map out the best strategy for meeting those goals. Once their plan is in place, be there to help them keep it up to date. Harriet strongly believes that, “anyone can sell you insurance: but, will they be there to service you?”
Harriet knows the needs of her community. She is very active in the Milford
Chamber of Commerce as an Executive Board member and an Ambassador. She was the Ambassador of the Year for 2001-2002. Past President of the Network of Executive Women, the Stratford Business Networking International, and the Greater New Haven Chapter of the National Association of Insurance Financial Advisors.
Knowledge, expertise, creativity and integrity are the foundations upon which she continues to build her business and promises to keep you in the GREEN.
Barb Roderick, The United Illuminating Company
Marketing and communications have been Barb's passion since she graduated Southern Connecticut State University. Since beginning her career and traveling the country in tradeshow marketing, Barb has worked both on the agency and corporate side of marketing receiving a variety of advertising awards. Barb earned her MBA from Quinnipiac University in 2007. She is currently the Sales and Marketing Manager at The United Illuminating Company.
Barb is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, where she has served on the Southern Connecticut Chapter Board since 2007 and this past year as board Vice-President. She also serves on the Milford Chamber of Commerce board. In addition she is a member of the American Marketing Association and the Humane Society of the Unites States.
Barb resides in Milford where she enjoys gardening and boating with her husband, Rich.
This past year Barb was the Chairman of “An Evening with the Rat Pack”, an extraordinarily fun evening of business with pleasure.
Ambassador of the Year - Robert Kademian, ActionCOACH
Bob Kademian grew up in New Jersey where he worked in the family’s chain of tuxedo stores while in school. During those years, he received lessons about running a successful business from his grandfather, who was the founder of that and a number of other businesses. He later attended pharmacy school in Boston, practicing pharmacy a few years before deciding to work for pharmaceutical companies. He earned his MBA at Boston College with a concentration in marketing. Twenty-two years and four corporate moves later, he and his wife Christal moved to Milford where they have lived the past 10 years.
Today he is an ActionCOACH Business Coach with his office located in the Milford Financial Center on Cherry Street. Bob has been an active Chamber member since 2004. He is an Ambassador, a Board Member and a member of the Tuesday Morning Resources Group. He facilitated the Chambers strategic planning session, has been involved in the last four membership drives and played a vital role in creating and programming the Chamber’s first Small Business Institute.
In addition to his business coaching, Bob is a Registered Pharmacist in both CT and MA, having earned a BS in Pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He has been a member of both the Milford Rotary and the National Exchange Club. In his spare time Bob plays (lots of) soccer, also plays tennis and runs, and continues to enjoy learning about what makes one business more successful than others.
Health & Wellness Council Award
Diane Frankel-Gramelis, Milford Hospital
In her varied position at Milford Hospital as the Director of Education, Diane produces multiple community and patient education programs. She designs and implements educational seminars, screenings and speaking programs on improving health and making lifestyle changes for both patients and the community. Much of her time is spent teaching and she assists the business community in corporate screenings.
Diane is an empowering wellness speaker, bringing warmth, wisdom and real-life solutions to her audience. She is committed to the community, women and families, promoting wellness and living a healthy lifestyle through education, mentoring and being a positive role model.
Diane has a Bachelors and Masters degree in Health Education from Southern Connecticut State University and has been designing and implementing health and wellness programs for over 20 years.
In her spare time, Diane is an Adjunct Educator at Southern Connecticut State University and Recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. She has lived in Milford for over 14 years and has a son John Paul 22 and daughter Heather 20 years old.
The Milford Chamber Health & Wellness Council thanks Diane for her help in organizing and supporting the founding programs of the Health & Wellness Council.
Public Sector Award - The Junior Woman’s Club of Milford
The Junior Woman’s Club of Milford, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to community service and to promote common interests in education, philanthropy, public health, civic and fine arts. Their chapter was founded in 1968 and is a member of the Connecticut Junior Women’s Club, Inc (CJW) and a member of the Milford Chamber of Commerce. They are also the proud founders of the Literacy Center of Milford.
Education is the cornerstone of activities sponsored by the Junior Woman’s Club of Milford. They encourage the pursuit of education through their support of the following activities: City-wide 5th and 6th grade Spelling Bee, annual college scholarships, Story Hour and Book-A-Baby at the Library, Literacy Center of Milford Award Ceremony and Milford Living Treasure Award, to name a few. In addition through all the fundraising they do throughout the year, they are able to support different community programs. Some of the community programs they have supported in the past include: Kids Count, Bridges, Rape Crisis Center, Boys and Girls Village, Bodie’s Place, Young Parents Program, Beth-El Shelter, Milford Diner, Homes for the Brave, Get In Touch Foundation and some others. In addition, they have a Homelife committee that serves to help different causes throughout the year, such as Sponsor-A-Grandparent, Backpacks for DCF and collect canned foods for the shelter.
The Junior Woman’s Club of Milford is a group of 30+ women that meet once a month to coordinate events. To serve the community, they coordinate and run events throughout the year. Some of the events they sponsor are Comedy Night, Shake and Stir, Touch A Truck and Movie Night.
Community Service Award
Bodie’s Place Founders, the Vaccino Family
In 2007 Lisa and John Vaccino, the parents of Johnny, (nicknamed Bodie) and his sister Emma, decided to start the initiative to bring a Boundless Playground to Milford after visiting the Hannah's Dream playground in East Haven. This was the first time their son who uses a wheelchair as a result of his cerebral palsy was inclusive with other children his age. For three years the Vaccino family worked with the City of Milford, civic organizations, countless private citizens, and businesses to advocate for and create the park, culminating with the ground breaking ceremony on September 16, 2010, at its site, 725 North Street, within Eisenhower Park.
$325,000 was raised towards the creation of the 16,000 square foot playground. Bodie’s Place. Bodie’s Place is a multi-leveled boundless recreational area that engages participants at their own developmental levels and supports inclusion of all citizens.
Chamber of Commerce as an Executive Board member and an Ambassador. She was the Ambassador of the Year for 2001-2002. Past President of the Network of Executive Women, the Stratford Business Networking International, and the Greater New Haven Chapter of the National Association of Insurance Financial Advisors.
Knowledge, expertise, creativity and integrity are the foundations upon which she continues to build her business and promises to keep you in the GREEN.
Health & Wellness Council Award - Diane Frankel-Gramelis, Milford Hospital
In her varied position at Milford Hospital as the Director of Education, Diane produces multiple community and patient education programs. She designs and implements educational seminars, screenings and speaking programs on improving health and making lifestyle changes for both patients and the community. Much of her time is spent teaching and she assists the business community in corporate screenings.
Diane is an empowering wellness speaker, bringing warmth, wisdom and real-life solutions to her audience. She is committed to the community, women and families, promoting wellness and living a healthy lifestyle through education, mentoring and being a positive role model.
Diane has a Bachelors and Masters degree in Health Education from Southern Connecticut State University and has been designing and implementing health and wellness programs for over 20 years.
In her spare time, Diane is an Adjunct Educator at Southern Connecticut State University and Recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. She has lived in Milford for over 14 years and has a son John Paul 22 and daughter Heather 20 years old.
The Milford Chamber Health & Wellness Council thanks Diane for her help in organizing and supporting the founding programs of the Health & Wellness Council.
Milford Chamber Business Image Award - Napoli Nissan
Napoli Motors was founded in 1959 by Leonard Napoli Sr. beginning with a Renault and Peugeot franchise. By the end of the year they acquired a Pontiac franchise thereby eliminating the Renault and Peugeot lines. In 1966 Napoli Motors bought and acquired their current location at 688 Bridgeport Avenue and sold Pontiacs. After acquiring a Datsun (Nissan) franchise in 1969 they then sold in 2007 their Pontiac franchise to GM. Their recently completed and remodeled facility is to Nissan factory requirements.
Napoli Motors current sales are over $32 million dollars a year with over 65,000 automobiles in the Connecticut area since 1959. They employ over 80 full time employees with many having over 20 years of service.
Leonard Napoli Jr is the owner/operator and Scott (Napoli) Haverl is owner/general manager. The company has been awarded the Nissan Dealers Association Award of merit for multiple years, and former member of the Pontiac Dealers Association.
Having much involvement with the community, Len Napoli Jr. is a former member of the Milford Chamber Board of Directors, and is a member of the Board of the Milford Hospital. Their donations to local community organizations include Scholarships through he Milford Chamber Trust, and to such organizations as Milford Hospital, United Way, Milford Little League Team sponsor, Devon basketball, and Boys and Girls Village and many others.
Corporate Award - Schick
Schick Wilkinson Sword’s history as a Connecticut Manufacturing company dates back over 50 years. Starting in Bridgeport in 1958 as Eversharp, Inc., the company moved to Milford in 1961 under the name Schick Safety Razor Company. In May 1970, Eversharp sold the Schick Safety Razor Company to the Warner Lambert pharmaceutical conglomerate, which in 1993 acquired Wilkinson Sword. Energizer Inc. acquired Schick Wilkinson Sword in 2003 and Playtex Products, Inc. in 2007 which now form the Energizer Personal Care Division. The Milford site currently employs over 600 people in its 422,000 square foot facility. The Milford manufacturing team specializes in razor blade manufacturing technologies, as well as molding of high tolerance plastic components. A world class packaging and distribution system rounds out the production of its brand portfolio. On-site research, development and engineering teams create new technologies in order to produce innovatively designed products here in Milford.
Schick Wilkinson Sword is recognized for its quality products and delivery with world class certifications and awards from major corporate customers. Most recently named a Wal-Mart “Top Vendor” and Target’s “Vendor of the Year”. Schick Wilkinson Sword is also proud of its commitment to community. Their 2008 Annual United Way Campaign raised $300,000 for the United Way of Milford.
Small Business of the Year Award - James Wilson, Milford Photo
James (Jim) Wilson is a lifelong resident of Milford. Graduating from Milford High School and then attending Southern Connecticut State University, in 1972 he took a summer job at Milford Camera and zoomed in on camera business as his profession. He eventually became general manger and opened Milford Photo at One New Haven Avenue in 1995. Purchasing the building at its current location at 22 River Street in 2000, Milford Photo has become the premiere camera store and digital imaging specialist in the state.
Providing incredible servicing for the customer his staff can do just about everything in the photography field. Services include digital printing, film developing, custom framing, photo studio and passports, large format printing, posters, photo restoration, scanning, classes and seminars, photo software and a photo kiosk center. Celebrating 39 years in business Milford Photo draws their customers from all over the country. Milford Photo is now recognized as the leading photo specialty retailer in the state of Connecticut.
Milford Photo was voted as #1 Camera Store by the New Haven Advocate, and Jim was honored as Business Person of the Year in 2001 by the Milford Chamber. Volunteerism has always been a personal trademark. Jim served as the president of Photo Marketing International for Connecticut and New York, the president of Downtown Milford Business Association, on the Board of Directors for Milford Progress, Inc. and is a member of Milford Rotary. He is constantly helping out local not for profits and has a reputation as a strong community supporter. He is married to Linda Wilson of Coldwell Banker Realty and has a son Michael.
Business Person of the Year - David Stevens, Stevens of Milford
David Hart Stevens was born in Hartford Hospital on January 15, 1955 to William P. Stevens Jr. and Carolyn McIntosh Stevens. At age 2 the family moved to Milford. His father opened Stevens Ford in January 1955, the same year the Milford Chamber was formed. Stevens Ford was one of the Chamber’s founding members and has been a continuous member for the past 55 years. Graduating from Tabor Academy in 1973 and earning his B.S. in Accounting from Georgetown University in 1977, Dave passed CPA Exam on first sitting and worked for 10 years at Deloitte and Touche (New Haven) and KPMG (Stamford). He joined his Dad’s business in 1986 as VP of Operations and became President of Stevens of Milford in 1993.
In 15 years Dave has turned the dealership in to one of the most profitable dealerships in the Northeast and has won numerous awards for exceptional customer service. Others include: Advocate “Best Place to buy a domestic vehicle” 2001, Ford Motor Company ”Best of the Best Award” 2008, 2009 and 2010 New York Region, Alzheimer ‘s ‘Community Achievement Award’ 2002, Chrysler 5 Star Dealership Award 1995-2009, Ford ’50 Year Dealership Award’ 2005.
Being active within the auto industry and local organizations Dave has served as a member of the Ford Advisory Committee and Ford and Dodge Advertising Board. Dave is currently the Treasurer of the Connecticut Car Association and was instrumental in re-writing the state franchise laws protecting dealerships and preserving Connecticut jobs.
Community service includes the Board of Directors of the Milford Chamber, member of Board of Directors of United Way of Milford, and the Woodruff Family YMCA, Milford Senior Center Community Service Award-2009, and Secretary for Milford Rotary.
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Back
to Top
Recent
Business After Hours Networking Events
Milford Fine Arts Council
Grassy Hill Country Club
Mark Barry's Restaurant
Rainbow Gardens Restaurant & Bar
Back
to Top
Ribbon
Cuttings celebrate
business growth and expansion
Lao
Sze Chuan Chinese Restaurant
The
Villa Gourmet
Active Health & Wellness Center, LLC
Back
to Top
Member
News
Grassy Hill Country Club was voted "Best Public Golf Course" by the New Haven Advocate's "Best of 2011 Readers' Poll".
Milford Photo, Inc. was voted "Camera Shop" by the New Haven Advocate's "Best of 2011 Readers' Poll".
Trish Stott Summer has recently joined the Fairfield office of Mortgage Master Inc. as a Senior Mortgage consultant. She is past program chairperson of Network of Executive Women as well as a member of the Connecticut Society of Mortgage and New York Mortgage Brokers.
Congratulations to Cracker Barrel for being recognized by Zagat as "best breakfast available at a full-service chain restaurant 2010.
Connecticut Property Appraisers was voted one of the top 3 appraisal firms in the state for 2010 by the readers of "The Commercial Record" a trade publication for the banking, real estate and legal communities.
Lauralton Hall was recently listed on the State Register of Historic Places by the Connecticut Historic Preservation Council.
Connecticut Magazine has recognized H. Mangels Confectioners as "Best Truffle" for the past 8 years.
GoatThroat Pumps has been recognized by readers of Plant Engineering Magazine "Product of the Year" in the fluid handling category.
The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation has awarded grants and scholarships to nearly 180 Connecticut organizations for the 13th year in a row. The foundation, created by Fred DeLuca, president and co-founder of Subway restaurants, focuses on education, job training and the arts, with money awarded to assist public charities, nonprofit organizations, community associations and high school scholarship programs.
Mary Ann Wasil Nilan, Executive Director of the Get In Touch Foundation, has been awarded a publishing contract by Balboa Press. She was recognized at The Women's Conference Day of Transformation in California.
Mary Ann has also been named by Bright Starts as 2011 Pink Power Mom. She was selected for her inspirational fight against breast cancer, honored for her courage and recognized as a role model to her family and community.
At the 2011 Crown Council 16th Annual Event, Dr. Mitchell Quintner, Sensitive Care Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, was nominated and awarded Members Choice "Best Doctor to Work For". The Crown Council is a an alliance of leading-edge dentists around the world who are strongly committed to promoting oral health, fighting oral cancer, and serving their communities through charitable work.
|
|
Business
