MONROE, Conn. — The Monroe Chamber of Commerce’s 60th annual dinner was held at Sal’s Family Pizza, 630 Main St., last Monday evening. Members reflected on highlights of the past year, presented awards and scholarships and elected officers to bring the business organization into the next fiscal year.
“We’ve had a very successful year here,” President Ray Giovanni said. “We just finished our golf tournament this month at the beginning of June. We had a very successful tournament with a great turnout. All the wonderful board members here helped pull it all together. I thank them profusely for all the heavy lifting they do constantly.”
This year’s annual golf tournament was renamed in honor of Lee Hossler, the beloved former Chamber ambassador who passed away earlier in the year.
When First Selectman Terry Rooney spoke, he commented on all of the business owners and professionals seated around tables in the restaurant’s dining room.
“I see a lot of new faces and that’s what I like to see,” Rooney said. “I see new business owners — new people who are interested in investing in Monroe. It’s good to see that. To see new businesses here celebrating with us is absolutely fantastic.”
The first selectman expressed optimism for Monroe’s local economy in the year ahead.
“We have a lot of interest on Route 25 now,” Rooney said. “I think in the next year we’re gonna see this town have some things that we never had — and I’m praying that they come to fruition. I’m really hopeful to elevate the tax base. Obviously, we need that. I’m really hopeful to get some new businesses that people have really been asking for and want. We may have some really great surprises in the upcoming year and I’m excited about those.”
Among the special guests attending the dinner were Economic and Community Development Director Bill Holsworth, former first selectman Ken Kellogg, who is currently chairman of the Rotary Club of Monroe, and Tax Collector Deborah Heim, who volunteers for many organizations in town.
During the dinner, Chamber members unanimously voted for the entire board to remain intact, including President Ray Giovanni, Vice President Jan Snyder, Treasurer David Fraga, Secretary Joanne Almonte, Gaetano Marra, Bruce Minoff, Ron Bellenot Esq., Danielle Rownin, Audra Santos, Previn Patel and Beth Stoller.
Special appreciation was shown to Giovanni, Snyder and Chamber member Wendy Grasso for their contributions.
Supporting education
The Monroe Chamber of Commerce supports its member businesses with networking events, lunch and learns and promotions like Restaurant Week, which it organizes with the Monroe Economic Development Commission. Funds raised through its annual golf tournament are used to award scholarships to deserving Masuk High School seniors and to support community organizations and programs such as Project Warmth.
This year’s scholarships went to Masuk seniors Brayden Callahan and Wilfredo Uquillas.
Callahan, who played on Masuk’s football team, including the team that won a state title two years ago, plans to attend Bryant University in the fall, where he will study finance.
In his essay for the scholarship, Callahan wrote how small businesses with limited budgets can attract new customers by leveraging what large corporations often cannot do, according to an excerpt read aloud by Giovanni. Callahan also wrote how personal relationships and a community presence can lead to quick results and how the most powerful tool available is the word of mouth.
Uquillas, who came to the dinner with his parents, Will and Kimberly, plans to attend the University of Connecticut School of Business, where he will focus on marketing.
In his essay, Uquillas commented on how collaboration is an effective strategy for small businesses. He said local shops can expand their reach by partnering for events and cross promotions, while strengthening their ties in the community.
“That’s our mission in our Chamber,” Giovanni said. “What he’s describing is what helps our Chamber go forward.”
Giovanni also took the opportunity to honor Kerry Neaton, a paraeducator at Masuk High School who is retiring after a 25-year-career working for Monroe Public Schools.
Monroe’s state delegation of State Rep. Tony Scott, R-Monroe, Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, D-22nd, and Sen. Jason Perillo, R-21st, presented an official citation commending Neaton for her contributions at Masuk. It mentions how her peers spoke of Neaton’s patience, positivity and compassion in creating a supportive learning environment for all students.
Giovanni pointed out how Neaton has the distinction of starting the Masuk High School boys volleyball program.
Neaton helped Giovanni’s son, Raymond Giovanni Jr., with his schooling. Ray Jr., who graduated this year, read the proclamation aloud.
“Ray is so much better off because you were in his life,” Giovanni Sr. told Neaton.
Beautification Awards
Holsworth and Giovanni presented this year’s Beautification Awards in recognition of the improvements and beautification accomplished by business owners in the town of Monroe.
“We’re so proud of what happens in our community and all the great work that goes into the new businesses coming into town, and those improving their situation, and those who are expanding,” Giovanni said.
This year’s winners include:
- Whitney Cabinet Painting and Doors at Clock Tower Square, 477 Main St.
- Monroe Animal Control, 447 Purdy Hill Road
- J1 Sushi and Japanese Kitchen, 447 Monroe Turnpike
- Monroe Ninja Academy, 17 Enterprise Drive
- Blooming Smile Dental, 162 Purdy Hill Road
- Millie Jo’s on Main, 444 Main St.
- Premier Cabinet Creations, 500 Monroe Turnpike, Gaslight Square
- Medical Arts Pharmacy, 461 Monroe Turnpike
- O’Reilly Auto Parts, 215 Monroe Turnpike
- Dollar General, 685 Main St.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
