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The
Milford Chamber kicked off 2008 with the 53rd Annual Meeting and
2007 Awards of Distinction. Two hundred and forty members attended
the luncheon at Grassy Hill Country Club in Orange. Rob Simmons,
Business Advocate, State of Connecticut presented the Keynote
Address. Senator Gayle Slossberg, also honored the awardees with
Citations from the local delegation.
Ambassador
of the Year
Jean Cogguillo,
William Raveis Real Estate
Jean
Chapman Cogguillo is an active member of the Chamber Ambassadors
Committee and has served as an Ambassador for over ten years.
She is actively involved with membership recruitment and retention
and has worked diligently on multiple membership drives. Her enthusiasm,
follow through and willingness to jump in wherever she is needed
is her hallmark and headlines her as this year’s award recipient.
Jean’s professional affiliations include membership in the
Connecticut Commercial Investment Division, National Association
of Realtors, Connecticut Association of Realtors and the Consolidated
Multiple Listing Service. Having 26 years as experience as a realtor,
Jean was a Top 300 designee of William Raveis Real Estate and
a Million Dollar Producer. She specializes in commercial, residential,
antique real estate and new construction. Her community involvement
has included: Jaycees, Newcomers Club, Hospice, Milford Hospital
Auxiliary, Milford Progress, Devon Rotary and VNA. Jean holds
a degree in nursing and a graduate degree in psychology from SCSU.
Director
of the Year
Scott G. Moulton, AXA Advisors
Scott
Moulton being an extremely active member of the Chamber has made
multiple contributions to our organization. His positive attitude
and follow through have earned him the respect and honor of his
peers. In addition to serving as a member of the Board of Directors,
Scott also has served on Ambassador Committee since 2000, earned
the award of Ambassador of the Year ’05. He is an active
member of the Wednesday Leads Group which he chaired for five
years. As a member of the BIC Golf Classic Committee, Scott has
played many roles and rounds. Co-Chairing the Education and Scholarship
Committee he helped develop and re-define the Chamber Student
Mini-Grant program and scholarship program. He is also a member
of the Board of Directors of Devon Rotary, Chairperson of the
Devon Rotary Glow Ball Tournament, and the United Way of Milford
Small Business Campaign. He was listed by the New Haven Business
Times in their 40 under 40 Community Awards. Scott is a Financial
Advisor with AXA Advisors, LLC of Milford, is a certified mutual
funds and certified fund specialist. He was named a member of
the Enterprise Group Funds President’s Council in 2002,
and a member of their Elite Team. He is a member of the MONY Group
Top Club, and the American Funds All America Team.
Human
Service Award
Dr. Howard & Marcia Fink
Residents
of Milford since 1959, Howard and Marcia Fink have served their
community with distinction and humility. Marcia began her career
as a social worker in Kentucky and New York. Moving to Milford,
she became interested in government and became active in the League
of Women Voters. In 1963, Mayor Iovino appointed her to the first
Charter Revision Commission. She was then later appointed by Mayor
Jepson in 1965, to a regional anti-poverty agency that eventually
developed into T.E.A.M., Training, Education and Manpower, where
she served as chairperson for two years. She then went on to develop
and recruit the first Headstart Program in Milford. Marcia served
on the Regional Mental Health Board, KidsCount, and Agency on
Aging of South Central Connecticut. For over 20 years she has
served on the Board of the United Way in multiple capacities and
sub-committees. Dr. Howard Fink, M.D., F.A.A.P. opened his pediatric
practice in Milford after serving as the Chief of Pediatrics of
the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Fort Hood, Texas. He was appointed
to the Board of Health by Mayor Iovino in 1964, and resigned in
1971 when he took the position the Chief of Pediatrics at Milford
Hospital. In 1975 he became President of the Milford Hospital
Medical Staff. In 1979, Dr. Fink was again appointed to the Board
of Health and he has remained an active member ever since. Over
the years Dr. Fink has served on the Board of the Milford Family
Counseling Association and Milford Child Guidance Clinic which
eventually became Bridges. He along with the VNA conducted a monthly
Well Baby Clinic, and was medical director of Headstart. He was
the medical director for Camp Katoya and the YMCA. In 1997 Dr.
Fink was appointed to the Governor’s Task Force to study
“Healthy Families America.”
Public
Sector Award,
Chief Keith Mello & the Milford Police Department
Keith
Mello entered the Milford Police Academy in January 1981 and graduated
in June of that year when he began his career as a patrol officer.
In 1988 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and promoted to
Lieutenant in 1992 and Captain in 1993. In 2006 he was appointed
the 9th Chief of Police in the history of the Milford Police Department.
Chief Mello is the recipient of the Medal of Merit, the Meritorious
Service Medal, the Lifesaving Award and several commendations.
In addition, he has received commendation awards from the West
Haven and Yale University Police Departments. He currently is
on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Chief’s
Association and is the 2nd Vice President for the South Central
Connecticut Police Chief’s Association. His leadership in
the department is benefiting the Milford community on many levels.
Currently, the Milford Police Department is initiating a cultural
change to focus on developing a partnership with the community
they serve by initiating “Community Policing”. Individual
citizens as well as political representatives, neighborhood/condo
associations, business and merchant associations all have requested
focused, community and neighborhood based police services. In
an effort to fulfill the expectations of community and local government
leaders, a Community Oriented Police Sub-Station (COPSS) unit
was developed. This is a collaborative approach designed to solve
and prevent crime. Using the Mobile Command Van, which serves
as a mobile police station, officers meet with citizens to discuss
the issues in the area, or to provide crime prevention information.
Other officers are assigned to foot patrol, bicycles, motorcycles
or patrol cars around the area. This allows officers to be more
responsive and provides more opportunity for interaction with
the public. In addition, a Milford Police Department Sub-Station
has been established at the mall under the sponsorship of Westfield
Connecticut Post. The Citizen’s Police Academy beginning
this year, will provide information to citizens in a classroom
setting. It is hoped they will make more informed judgments about
police activities.
Community
Service Award (Individual)
Letitia Malone
“Letty”
Malone has been a pioneer in environmental conservation in Milford
and the surrounding region for some 30 years. During which time
she has contributed to environmental protection for Milford. Having
served on the Milford Conservation Commission from 1975 - 2001,
she was the first Chairperson and continues to chair the Mayor’s
Open Space Advisory Committee. Her efforts resulted to date in
the acquisition of open space in excess of 150 acres, not including
Beaver Brook, the Cadley property and Mondo Ponds. Letty helped
obtain funds from the Iroquois Gas Transmission Pipeline to develop
recreation at The Orchards Municipal 9-hole Golf Course as well
as additional acreage for Eisenhower Park. She is also actively
involved with the Milford Tree Commission and the Environmental
Concerns Coalition. Letty’s awards include Connecticut Secretary
of the State Public Service Award, 2002; Lifetime Achievement
Award by CT Association of Conservation and Inland Wetland Commissions,
2001; Excellence in Community Service by Milford Chapter of the
Daughter of the American Revolution, 2007. The Mayor’s Open
Space Advisory Committee is investigating ways to promote agriculture
and preserve farming as an important economic and social component
of the community. The city has received a CT Department of Agriculture
“Farm Viability Grant” to study the nature of farming
today in Milford and to gather ideas to help insure that agriculture
will continue to be an important part of our community and its
heritage.
Community
Service Award (Organization)
Milford Rotary Club
The
Milford Rotary Club was chartered by Rotary International in February
of 1924. The club began with 25 charter members, many of whom
have since had streets in the city named after them. Today the
club has over 100 members who run a number of different fund raising
events each year. These events include the annual Lobster Bake
in July, a food tent at the Milford Oyster Festival, a golf tournament,
a car raffle, outdoor movie night and other various fundraisers.
Through these events, the club will raise over $100,000. Milford
Rotary uses this money to fund over $25,000 each year in college
scholarships for seniors of Joseph A. Foran and Jonathan Law High
Schools, grants to graduating students of Platt Technical School,
an educational scholarship to a Milford Police officer who is
furthering their education, and support of various charitable
organizations in the city. Being an international service club,
Milford Rotary participates in grants for projects in foreign
countries including Brazil, Ecuador, and Haiti. In 2003, the club
funded the construction of a medical clinic in the city of Tanjay,
Philippines. In recent years the club has also funded the construction
of a patio at Milford Landing, the purchase of 17 portable defibrillators
for city public buildings and 120 smoke alarms for needy families.
The club’s public service is well known and appreciated
in the City of Milford. Robert Macklin, President of The Milford
Bank, currently serves the Club as their President.
Corporate
Award
Spectrum Associates
Richard C. Meisenheimer
Spectrum
Associates, Inc. is a leader in quality manufactured fluid control
instrumentation serving the defense, aerospace and commercial
industries. Spectrum is a small business with a total commitment
to producing quality instrumentation on schedule with outstanding
performance. This commitment has resulted in the following achievements:
U.S. Small Business Administration “Award for Excellence”
1985, U.S. Small Business Administration “Supplier of the
Year” 1996, Northrop Grumman Corp. “Supplier of the
Year” 1996, U.S. Small Business Administration “Subcontractor
of the Year” Region I winner 1997, and Defense Contract
Management Command Honor Roll Member, SBA Subcontractor of the
Year. Spectrum Associates is now in their 7th location in Milford,
each move was for additional space and expansion. Spectrum employs
75 people and are celebrating their 51st year in business in their
newest location at 183 Plains Road.
Richard Meisenheimer
is the President & CEO of Spectrum Associates, Inc. of Milford,
Connecticut and CEO and is an alumnus of Southern Connecticut
State University with a degree in economics. His accomplishments,
corporate support, and personal involvement within the local community
is extraordinary. Professional and social organizations include:
Board of Directors, Milford Hospital; Corporator of the Milford
Bank; Past Director, Milford Chamber of Commerce; Director, Milford
Rotary; Past Director, Suzuki Music School of New Haven; Loaned
Executive of the United Way Campaign; Board Member United Way
of Milford. Member: Army Aviation Association of America; American
Defense Preparedness Association; American Helicopter Society;
AF. & AM. Ansantawae; Past Area Director of Connecticut. Association
of Boards of Education; Past Director, Quinnipiac Council, B.S.A.
In 2004 recipient of the Southern Connecticut State University
School of Business Outstanding Alumni Award. He actively participates
in community affairs. Member: Orange Education Goals Committee
1987; Orange Board of Education ten years; Chairman, Orange Board
of Education three years; Past Member Orange Republican Town Committee;
Life-Member of B.S.A National Eagle Scout Association; Past Advisory
Board Member with the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource
Center; Member, Holy Infant Church; Past Member of the Board of
Selectmen of Orange; Member of the Town of Orange Board of Finance.
Business
Persons of the Year,
Joseph & Louise Hebert,
Hebert Jewelers
There
has been a Hebert in the jewelry business in downtown Milford
since 1933. The current business was founded in 1953 by Joe's
dad and purchased from a family member by Joe and Louise over
4 years ago, after both having successful professional careers
in the private sector. Since joining the Milford business community,
the couple have been actively involved in the community. Joe and
Louise are graduates of the Gemological Institute of America and
members of the American Gem Society in which only 5% of the country’s
jewelers qualify for membership. Both are past presidents of the
Downtown Milford Business Association and have just completed
four years of serving as active Board Members. Louise is a current
Board Member of the Chamber and Joe serves as a Board Member for
MPI. They support various charitable and community organizations
including Milford Hospital, and Bridges. Their jewelry business
has grown exponentially and prospered under their very focused
management style. Their positive, persistent and professional
attitude is evident in every project they undertake. They are
passionate about downtown and continually work toward a vibrant,
friendly and enjoyable town center. We are indeed very lucky to
have them here in Milford.
Lifetime
Achievement Award
Robert Gregory, City of Milford,
Department of Economic & Community Development
Born
and bred in Milford, Bob Gregory loves his city and gives back
many hours of his time to make it a better place. He originated
the phrase, “a small city with a big heart”, that
became Milford’s official slogan. Mr. Gregory is Director
of Community and Economic Development for the City of Milford.
He has served in that post since November of 1992 and is responsible
for coordinating all development activity for the city as well
as overseeing the Community Development Block Grant Program. Special
accomplishments during his long and valuable career include obtaining
a grant that funded Lisman Landing at the Head of the Harbor,
multiple open space grants, including acquisition of the 37 acres
on the Housatonic River and another at the end of Wampus Lane
that abuts the Indian River. Gregory administered FEMA’s
Project Impact grant that spearheaded Milford’s hazard mitigation
efforts and garnered special recognition from that organization.
He established the first city website in cooperation with the
Chamber, computerized the office and established a database of
commercial and industrial property. Working with neighborhood
groups, he helped revitalize the Devon, Wildemere and Walnut Beach
areas. Gregory manages the $4.7 state grant for Devon revitalization.
A number of derelict properties were acquired in Wildemere and
Walnut Beach and were turned to productive use during his tenure.
The Firehouse Gallery and the future Stowe Farm arts center are
creating the cornerstone of an arts district in Walnut Beach,
and you can find his fingerprints on them. Downtown has always
been close to his heart and he was very much involved in the Yale
University Urban Design Institute study that is a part of the
City Plan of Conservation and Development. Recently he led Milford’s
efforts in a multi-town site selectors tour that highlighted the
regions’ assets. Gregory served on the board of directors
of the Regional Growth Partnership for 9 years. He also coordinated
many events including inaugurals, grand openings, and city celebrations.
He especially enjoyed working with the Host Town program of the
1995 Special Olympic World Games and Milford’s 350th Celebration
in 1989. He now serves as chairman of the Milford High School
All Class Reunion. Bob served as the Executive Director of the
Milford Chamber of Commerce for 19 years. During his tenure with
the chamber he started the Milford Oyster Festival, created Milford
Progress, a non-profit development corporation, Milford Pride,
a beautification and anti-litter organization, the Hill &
Harbor Tourism District, the Milford Child Care Consortium, and
many other successful business programs. Under his direction Milford
Progress was designated the official downtown development agency,
recognized by SBA as an official local development corporation,
made 56 storefront loans, 3 SBA 502 loans, and coordinated the
public-private partnership that led to the creation of the downtown
municipal parking lot. He continues to serve on the boards of
the Milford Chamber of Commerce and Milford Progress representing
the city.
Milford
Progress, Inc.
John Ceruzzi, Ceruzzi Holdings
John
Ceruzzi has been Vice President of Development at Ceruzzi Holdings
since 1990. After graduating from Fairfield University, Mr. Ceruzzi
began his career in real estate as a residential broker in 1988,
before becoming involved with commercial properties. He is currently
involved with property acquisition, entitlements and permitting,
lease negotiation and construction. Ceruzzi Holdings is a Connecticut
based real estate company that has developed approximately fifteen
million square feet of apartments, hotels, offices and shopping
centers in the United States since 1988. Ceruzzi Holdings undertook
two very significant developments for Milford. The first is the
shopping area called “Milford Crossing” which had
previously been the Ryder’s Trailer Park. The firm negotiated
through an extremely involved circumstance that became a win for
all. John Ceruzzi teamed up with the park residents and helped
them buy the property their homes were on. Simultaneously they
bought a piece of property off Cascade Boulevard. When it was
discovered that the existing homes could not be moved, they helped
the residents buy new mobile homes through investment and subsidy.
Residents were able to move to a modern, quiet area helping preserve
their neighborhood setting. Ceruzzi Holdings then created Milford
Crossing with retail space including Walmart, Staples, Barnes
& Noble and other stores. The second development involved
the former Milford Jai Alai site. Ceruzzi Holdings purchased the
property from the city of Milford. Permits were taken, machines
brought in and the rest is almost history as Lowe’s Home
Improvement Center and Hilton Garden Inn will be opening soon.
These two major developments have added valuable tax dollars to
the city’s grand list and have been managed with professionalism
and human concern.
Milford
Tourism Award
Downtown Milford Business Association
The
Downtown Milford Business Association represents over 70 businesses
- retail, restaurant and service - in historic Downtown Milford.
The association was formed more than 30 years ago, and through
time its membership and activities have reflected the changes
in our downtown. In recent years as new businesses have opened,
the DMBA has made a concerted effort to focus its mission on building
a community organization that through marketing and events, establishes
Downtown Milford as a vibrant retail area and distinctive tourist
destination. Many exciting and well attended events are ongoing.
“Saturday Night at the Movies” held outdoors on the
Green in June attracts over 500 viewers. “The Pirate Ball”,
featuring music and dancing in pirate garb kicks off the “Captain
Kidd Treasure Hunt”. This event taking place throughout
downtown Milford sports a treasure map, free booty, lots of entertainment,
the Duck Race on the Duck Pond, and of course, Captain Kidd, his
pirates and wenches. Creating “Friday Night at the Oyster
Festival” in August, the DMBA promotes a “Pearl Trail”
where thousands of free pearls are donated to the public, outdoor
artists perform and display, and great prizes are distributed.
The “Open Doors of Milford” fundraiser follows where
artists display their originally decorated doors in businesses
in the downtown, and music and reverie abound. Haunted stories
are told in October in local businesses to the delight and fright
of young and old. The Milford Chamber’s Festival of Lights
kicks off the shopping season on Friday after Thanksgiving, where
DMBA merchants decorate their windows and serve holiday treats.
The Lamplight Stroll in early December features holiday singing,
gifts and festivities. Passports are available to be stamped at
downtown business locations and are entered into grand prize drawings
and special savings are available at stores for those participating
in the Stroll. This very creative and gifted group of business
owners enhances every event yearly and design new and welcoming
occasions. They attract thousands to our quaint Downtown and give
it vibrancy and life. We thank them for their incredible efforts!
 
 
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Recent
Business After Hours Networking Events
Orange
Ale House
Peoples
United Bank
The
Milford Bank
Great
River Golf Club
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Ribbon
Cuttings celebrate
business growth and expansion
Lao
Sze Chuan Chinese Restaurant
The
Villa Gourmet
Active Health & Wellness Center, LLC
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Member
News
American
Dry Stripping recently celebrated 22 years in business
and 4th anniversary at their current location.
New Standard Institute’s interactive training
program on Three Phase AC Motors has been selected as a Finalist
for Plant Engineering Magazine’s upcoming Product of the
Year Awards.
Milford Hospital formally dedicated “The
Fairway Suite,” a specially designed home-like suite created
to provide comfortable surroundings for those in the last days
of life. The Fairway Suite is in memory of Robert McInnis who
died at Milford Hospital. His wife Carol McInnis, the Milford
Rotary Club and other groups helped raise funds to renovate two
rooms to create the hospice suite.
Milford Hospital’s Medical Urgent Care Center
is so success after the first year and demand is so strong that
they plan to expand the center. The current center will be expanded
by about a third on the same floor of the existing center.
CertiRestore of Milford
is the first and only national franchise that utilizes a chemical-free
process during the repair and restoration of antiques, furnishings
and cabinet re-crafting and restoration.
Home Care Plus
was recently ranked among the top 25% of home health providers
in the country. Milford-based Home Care Plus has been selected
as one of the HomeCare Elite, an annual compilation of the most
successful home health providers in the nation. Home Care Plus
is a non-profit, community-based visiting nurse agency affiliated
with Milford Hospital.
Dr. Victoria Rothenhausen
has recently been chosen as one of the Twenty Noteworthy Women
by New Haven Business Times.
Griswold Special Care
has been awarded Business New Haven’s 2008 Corporate Citizen
of the Year because of their community involvement. |
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