Milford Chamber of Commerce 2013 award winners

2013 Chairman, Milford Chamber of Commerce

Darryl Zebrowski, Edward Jones Investments

Darryl T. Zebrowski, A.A.M.S. is a financial advisor with Edward Jones having his office located in the Woodmont section of Milford. He has spent the last 13 years helping clients achieve their financial goals. His philosophy of focusing on one client at a time, with emphasis on quality and diversification, has been key to his professional success. Taking pride in educating his clients and keeping in close contact with them on a regular basis helps him know and better serve his client’s needs.

Darryl moved to Milford from Northampton, Massachusetts in 1964 and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Upon graduation he joined the U. S. Marines Corps in 1974 and became a radar intercept officer in the F-4 Phantom Fighter jet. Darryl retired from the marines as a Major in 1994.

Darryl is a past president of the Devon Rotary and is a member of the Ansantawae Lodge of Masons. He has also been active with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program for multiple years.

Having a passion for golf, warm weather finds Darryl golfing and enjoying fine weather.

Darryl is married to his wife Jacqueline for 37 years has three daughters and one granddaughter, Jayden, who is turning a year old in January.

Chairman Emeritus 2012

The Chairman Emeritus is presented to the outgoing Chairman in thanks and for extraordinary community service during their term.

Harriet 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 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 30 years of 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 Mil-ford Chamber of Commerce as an Executive Board member and an Ambassador. She was the Ambassador of the Year for 2001-2002. She is a 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.

Ambassador of the Year 2012

The Ambassador of the Year Award is presented to a Milford Chamber of

Commerce Ambassador for his or her consistent and enthusiastic

participation in the Ambassadors Committee.

Steve M. Cooper, S. M. Cooper Photographic Artist

Steve Cooper has owned and operated S. M. Cooper Photography, LLC since opening on the Post Road here in Milford in 1979. He has worked on assignments throughout the United States as well as internationally. He is an active member of the Professional Photographers of America and the American Society of Photographers. He was the Photography Edi-tor and Contributing Photographer for the national magazine, “World Class Weddings”.

Being awarded Connecticut Photographer of the Year seven times, he earned the titles of Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman by the Professional Photographers of America (the largest international professional association for photographers). Originally a music major, he changed his concentration and earned two Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees from the University of Bridgeport, one in Art Education and the other in Photography.

Steve is an internationally certified photo competition judge and has judged state, regional and international competitions for over 30 years. He has received awards for more than 700 prints and has been consistently displayed in the Annual International Exhibit since 1982.

Among Steve's more notable portrait assignments are those of Arnold Palm-er, Tiki Barber, Count Basi, Itzahk Perlman, Gloria Gaynor, “Bachelor” Bob Guini, Maynard Ferguson, Carrot Top, Harry Chapin, Senators Chris Dodd and Joseph Leiberman & Richard Blumenthal, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, and Governors O'Neill, Weiker, Row-land and Rell and Speaker of the House Jim Amann.

Through his studio he donates more than 75 gift certificates to local charity auctions each year. He is the executive director of the philanthropic endeavor he started, the Charitable Hands Foundation. This new foundation will allow him to use his creativity to reach a larger audience in efforts to help those who help others.

On January 1st of 2012 Steve started a new cause marketing company, www.ChariDeal.com. The model of this company is to partner consumers with businesses and charities for the mutual of benefit of all. This social buying community has already collaborated with over 60 non-profits in the first year. ChariDeal is building stronger community bonds one deal at a time, as the “The Social Buying Community with a Social Conscience”.

FRIENDS OF THE CHAMBER 2012

Recipients are recognized for their outstanding contributions

to the Milford Chamber and the business community.

Dewey Forbes, Sales Marketing Associates

Dewey Forbes is owner of Sales Marketing Associates, a firm specializing in marketing strategy, planning, digi-tal marketing and webcasting services for both B2B and B2C businesses. Since its founding in 2011, Sales Marketing Associates has produced award winning videos and built growth strategies for small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits throughout Connecticut.

Having 23 years of experience in sales, marketing and general management, coupled with cutting-edge digital marketing strategies, Dewey offers his clients a comprehensive marketing approach for the current marketplace. Dewey’s experience running marketing strategy and manufacturing operations for three different international businesses allows him to offer his expertise in global sales and operations to his clients.

In cooperation with the Connecticut Small Business Development Council, Dewey also educates small businesses throughout the state on the optimal mar-keting strategies for their small business start-ups. His workshops for the SBDC cover a range of topics. Dewey lives in Orange with his wife of 20 years and their three children. When he’s not cooking for his family or working on the house, he enjoys tennis and relaxing at the Paugusset Club where he serves on the Board of Governors.

Greyson Schwing, Antelope Web

Greyson D. Schwing is a native of Yorktown, Virginia who moved with his family to Milford in 2008. He attended Old Dominion University and worked in the computer industry in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk region for over fifteen years. His early years in business were focused on networking and IT solutions for small to medium sized businesses and software development. In early 2000, Greyson became involved in web design and marketing. It was a changing point in his career.

When first moving to Milford, Greyson worked with a local Norwalk business company providing internet solutions to publishing companies before deciding to refocus his energy into forming his own business.

Greyson opened Antelope Networks LLC in 2008, initially working from home. In the over four years since opening, the business has continued to grow and expand to having over 200 local clients, and he attributes much of his success to the Milford Chamber of Commerce. Now called Antelope Web, his thriving business has enabled him to work with the computers and technology he loves, and provide marketing services and consulting to the small business community he supports.

He has been a member of the Milford Chamber of Commerce since early 2009 and currently serves as an Ambassador for the Chamber. Greyson is an active participant in the Chamber’s Wednesday Leads group, and a member of the Technology Committee of the Chamber. He is a past president of the Greater Milford BNI chapter. In addition, Greyson also gives much of his time supporting the Connecticut Council of the Boy Scouts of America and St. Gabriel School, where his children attend. Last year, Greyson also joined the Devon Rotary Club.

Greyson has been married to his wife, Casey, for thirteen years and together they have two children, Addison, 10, and Maia, 8.

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR 2012

The Director of the Year Award is presented to a Director of the Milford

Chamber who has shown outstanding leadership or vision in a specific area or

overall has been consistent in his/her performance.

Attorney Vincent J. Averaimo, Kapusta, Otzel & Averaimo

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 attending Quinnipiac University of School of Law, Vinny spent all three summers as a legal intern for the United States Attorney’s 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 1st 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.

Vinny became a named partner of what is now known as Kapusta, Otzel & Averaimo in January, 2008. He has been practicing law for over ten (10) years. Throughout his decade of practice, Vinny has engaged in Civil Litigation, Probate Litigation and Title Litigation matters while representing both individuals and corporations in the purchase, sale or refinance of their property He also has extensive experience in probate administration both contested and uncontested and preparing and draft-ing Wills and Estate plans. Vinny represents numerous lenders and individuals in the prosecution and defense of foreclosure actions.

Vinny is the past Chairman of the Milford Chamber of Commerce (2011) and has remained active holding positions on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. In 2004, he was awarded the Milford Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador of the Year Award.

In addition to being active in the Milford Chamber of Commerce, Vinny is President-elect of Milford Progress, Inc., the City of Milford’s official economic development arm for the City of Milford, the Devon Revitalization Committee and Milford Columbus Committee. Further, Vinny has served as Director and is now an Incorporator for the Boys and Girls Club of Milford, Inc.

In 2005, Vinny was awarded the New Haven Business Times “Forty Under 40” Award in recognition of professional achievement and community involvement.

Vinny has been an adjunct professor of Business Law at the University of New Haven and currently teaches courses in Short Sales and 1031 Exchanges for the Dares Institute.

In his spare time, Vinny is an avid tennis player competing in USTA sanc-tioned matches and tournaments and cherishes his time with his wife and two (2) daughters.

Public Sector Award 2012

The Public Sector Award is presented to an individual working as a paid public or non-profit employee, who has demonstrated service beyond the expected.

Jonathan D. Berchem, Milford City Attorney

Born and raised in Milford, Jonathan D. Ber-chem returned home to practice law with his father, Robert Berchem, at Berchem, Moses & Devlin P.C. in September of 1995 following his graduation from the Syracuse University College of Law. In an effort to give back to a community that has given him and his family so much over multiple generations, Jon has devoted himself to the Milford community. He has been a member of the United Way of Milford Board of Directors and Woodruff Family YMCA’s Board of Managers and currently serves as the Chairman and Vice-Chairman for each, respectively. A 1992 graduate of Fairfield University, he also serves as a director of the Diocese of Bridgeport’s Cardinal Shehan Center and as a grader for the State of Connecticut’s Bar Examination Committee. In November of 2011, the Honorable Benjamin G. Blake appointed Jon as the City Attorney for Milford. With the support of his family, Jon has embraced his “dual” employment in an effort to provide the best legal services possible to the citizens of Milford.

Jon lives in Milford with his wife, Heather and two sons, Aidan (9) and Jack-son (6). When not working, Jon can often be found on a little league or football field coaching his sons on the same fields that he played on as a Milford youth.

Community Service Award 2012

The Community Service Award is presented to a group and/or individual

working toward the betterment of the community as a whole or on a specific

project resulting in community benefits.

12345 KidsCount of Milford, Incorporated

12345 Kids Count of Milford, Inc., mission is to develop, enhance, and promote the educational, social and emotional well-being of children from birth to age five so that they enter kindergarten ready to learn. Becoming the first Connecticut chapter in 1992, and recognizing the crucial importance of a successful start, Kids Count makes information and programs accessi-ble to Milford families to ensure this mission. With funds raised from private and corporate donors, a special grant from the Unit-ed Way, and a major annual fundraising event, Kids Count has supported the efforts of organizations providing direct services to families in Milford such as the Milford Family Resource Center and the School Readiness Program entitled Ready To Learn.

Kids Count has also established the John Peterson Memorial Preschool Scholarship Fund to provide full or partial funding for children whose families other-wise would not be able to pay for quality preschool education. This goal stems from the recognition that learning does not begin at the schoolhouse door, but rather in the first 60 months of life.

Kids Count has implemented the Family Read (formerly Motheread) Inc. program which is a national literacy program aimed at increasing early literacy in families, they have also coordinated and facilitated a total of ten successful Saturday Preschool Showcases at the Milford Public Library. Additionally they have been a collaborating partner with the Health Department, the United Way of Milford and the Discovery Initiative to bring the Parent Leadership Training Institute to Milford. Kids Count and the Milford community continue to use the Family Connections - a Guide to Milford’s Resources. In 2009, ten thousand copies were printed and distributed throughout the community. The Guide was created to assist parents in gathering information about programs, services and activities that benefit all children and families in the Milford community.

Kids Count collaborates with the Milford Discovery Initiative to focus on the improvement of children’s social, emotional and behavioral performance. Kids Count has taken a leading role in this initiative by helping to focus on the needs of the community as it relates to early childhood issues. One aspect of this collaboration is the Kindergarten Transition Team.

Kids Count has an active Board of Directors who offer their time and effort, ideas and dreams to bring to fruition the long ago wish to positively impact the lives of our children.

Peggy Kelly has been the Executive Director of Kids Count for the past 15 years having moved from the Boston area where she was the Director of a Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Program at a mental health center, Boston Community Services. Peggy is married, the mother of four children and grandmother to four granddaughters.

Health & Wellness Council Award 2012

Health & Wellness Council Award is presented to a business or individual in the health industry that has made exceptional contributions to the community, through either constant or expansion of health services or volunteer contributions.

Traci O’Brien, Independent Insurance Broker

Traci O’Brien has been in the health insurance industry for seven years. After calling a wrong phone number back in April of 2013 she was recruited by An-them Blue Cross and Blue Shield to work as an individ-ual health insurance agent and his since gone on to become an insurance broker specializing in individual health insurance and Medicare. Immediately, she knew the next step was to join the Milford Chamber as well as the Health and Wellness Council. After a few months in the council she was nominated to be the Chairperson for 2012. Having the support of council members she was able to raise money for the Milford Animal Shelter through a pet wellness event called “Yappy Hour” as well as chair the Step By Step to a Healthier Milford II, a 6 week walking program that Dr. Brian Hollander launched last year.

Traci is involved with the Network of Executive Women as well as the neighboring Orange Chamber of Commerce. She was on the founding committee of the Cinco de Miles, 5 mile road race which is slated for May 5th 2013. With the help of a few friends in the community Traci raised almost $1,000 for a local charity through a fundraiser called “Not Your Mom’s Networking Event”. She has also re-turned to college this year through the Charter Oak State College online program to complete her Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Health Care Administration.

Traci lives in Orange with her daughter Isabella and an assortment of furry and not so furry pets. In her spare time she sells home fragrance through a company called Pink Zebra. She enjoys vineyard hopping, roller skating and football.

Human Service Award 2012

The Human Service Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated care and concern for people in need and has offered unselfish service.

Raymond G. Vitali

Ray was born and grew up in New Haven but spent most of his adult life in Milford, moving to Milford in 1991. He is the father of two, a son living in Shelton and daughter in North Haven along with four granddaughters.

A graduate of Hillhouse High School in New Haven, graduating from SCSU with a BS, Fairfield University with both a MA and Certificate of Advance Study and began his teaching career in Milford. Now retired after spending 44 years in the Milford School System as a teacher and administrator, of both an elementary and middle school; Live Oaks and Harborside Middle School. He began his career at OAS as a 7th and 8th grade teacher. He also served as an assistant principal at OAS, CPM, Seabreeze and CGS.

Being extremely involved in the community Ray has served on many boards and commissions in the city. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at Bridges having also been its chair (2003-2007) and co-founder of Folks on Spokes (bicycling event) now in its 21st year one of Bridges’ major fundraisers. He also is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the United Way having chaired its campaign from 2009 through 2012 and has been a member of its Founders Club since 2006. Ray serves on the Board of Directors for Concerned Citizens for People with Disabili-ties has served on the Board of Directors of the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Milford and was a member of Milford’s First Night committee. Currently Ray is serving his 3rd term as an Alderman representing the 5th District in Milford. As Alderman he is the liaison to both the Board of Education and the Health Department and sits on the Permanent Schools and Facilities Building Committee. He served on the Library Com-mission prior to becoming an Alderman. A board member of Milford’s Youth Net-work and chair in 2011, Ray is presently treasurer of the Milford Prevention Council. He is past president of both the Fathers’ Clubs of Lauralton Hall and Notre Dame high school of West Haven. In 1995 he served on the Special Olympics World Games Committee held at Yale, in New Haven. In 2009 he graduated from the Milford Citi-zens Police Training Academy.

On that horrific occasion of September 11, 2001, that took the lives of two former students from Live Oaks School, Ray immediately created a committee, with the help of the Live Oaks School community, to establish a memorial garden at Live Oaks School that to date serves as the city’s focal point to that memorable event.

His services have been well recognized over the years. He has been the recipient of many awards that include; the Gold Sword of Hope Award presented by the American Cancer Society in 1995, Special Achievement Award given by the Mil-ford Columbus Committee in 1999, Community Service Award from Bridges in 2000, the Humanitarian Award given by the Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities in 2005 and in 2007 received the United Way’s Champion of Caring Award.

Milford Chamber “Green” Award 2012

The Milford Chamber “Green” Award is presented to a business entity

exhibiting environmentally friendly business practices and theory.

Schick Wilkinson Sword

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 then in 1993 acquired Wilkinson Sword. Energizer Holdings 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 2012 Annual United Way Campaign raised $146,000 for the United Way of Milford. The Schick facility has always been committed to reducing their environ-mental footprint and has raised the bar by implementing a program that recycled over 5.4 million pounds of production waste materials in 2012. Through this pro-gram and other waste management improvements, Schick now diverts over 99% of all waste materials from being disposed in a landfill. Accepting this award on behalf of Schick, Inc. is Sean Hurley, Director of Plant Operations.

Milford Progress, Inc. Economic Development Award 2012

The Milford Progress, Inc. award is presented to a business entity exhibiting a

commitment to the business climate and economic development of Milford.

Milford I-95 Service Plazas

Paul D. Landino, is the founder of Project Service, LLC, in conjunction with the Carlyle Infrastructure Group and Doctor’s Associates who began the redevelopment in 2009 of the I-95 service centers in Mil-ford. Paul is currently President and CEO of this organization that works together with the Connecticut State Department of Transportation on a 35 year contract to redevelop 23 Connecticut State Highway Rest Stop locations. Paul is the Develop-ment Agent for SUBWAY Sandwiches and Salads. Doctor’s Associates is the parent company for SUBWAY, founded by Fred DeLuca in 1965. The SUBWAY World Head-quarters office is located in Milford, CT. Paul began his career with SUBWAY in 1976 as a franchisee and became the developer for the brand shortly thereafter. His development territory is Connecticut and New York, inclusive of NYC. Together with his office team, Paul is responsible for building over 600 SUBWAY restaurant locations with continued growth planned to expand to over 800 locations.

In Milford, the fourth of 23 Connecticut highway service plazas to be completely renovated – with a series of “green” features – reopened on the north and southbound sides of Interstate 95. The work began in December 2010 by Project Service LLC, which has a long-term contract with the state to renovate and operate the service plazas.

The Milford service plazas, open around the clock, offer food from Dunkin’ Donuts, Subway and McDonald’s, a convenience store, and gasoline from ExxonMobil. In addition, Milford Northbound features Good to Go Organics, Sbarro and Robeks, while Milford Southbound offers Cheeseboy, Carvel, Sbarro and Panda Ex-press. Each side also features a gift shop called Statement which features only Connecticut made items. Each service facility has facilities for single-stream recycling and idle-reduction technology for tractor-trailers.

The Milford facilities utilize solar panels to lessen dependence on traditional power sources and the buildings themselves have been brought up to top environmental “Silver LEED” standards. The rest rooms also feature facilities designed to use less water. Building insulation is much “greener” than the original, the heating and air conditioning units are state-of-art in terms of energy efficiency and lighting has been designed to take greater advantage of natural light during the day. Sensors have been installed to shut off lights when, for example, there is no one in the rest room. Conduit has been installed for the anticipated installation of charging stations for electric cars. The gas pumps have been moved out from in front of the building to space adjacent to the building to improve safety and aes-thetics. The pumps are arranged in a “drive-in” configuration for easier use by motorists.

“We are committed to green technology, as well as terrific food choices, clean restrooms, fuel and convenience,” said Paul Landino, President and CEO of Project Service. “We will continue to serve those traveling on Connecticut’s high-ways as we renovate the remaining service plazas in the state.”

Lifetime Achievement Award 2012

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual for their tireless work on behalf of the Milford business community.

Gary Johnson, United Way of Milford

Born in New Haven and a resident of Milford since 1976, Gary Johnson has served as President and CEO of United Way of Milford since January, 1986. He joined the non-profit organization on March 18, 1978. “United Way has been a labor of love for the past 34 years,” says Gary.

A licensed attorney, Gary practiced law in the 1980’s along with doing the work of the United Way. He holds a B.A. Degree from the University of Connecticut (1974) and a J.D. from Quinnipiac University School of Law (1981). His community involvement over the years includes membership with the Milford Bar Association, Milford Rotary and the Milford Technology Advisory Committee, an organization dedicated to donating refurbished computers to families in need. Gary is a member of the Board of Directors of the Milford Human Services Department and the Senior Wish Society and a former member of the Saint Mary’s School Board, Boys and Girls Village Advisory Board, Milford Jaycees and the Milford Pension and Retirement Board. He also serves as a corporator for The Milford Bank and is a Board member of the Milford Chamber of Commerce.

Gary and his wife Beverly have been married for 36 years and are the proud parents of Brooke, Terra and Brent and the grandparents of Noella Brooke.

For hobbies, Gary enjoys golf and visiting the major professional sports venues around the country. To date he has visited 20 major league baseball facilities.

Milford Chamber Business Image Award 2012

This award is presented to a business/person who had upgraded, renovated and or improved and/or expanded their presence within the City of Milford.

Bridge House Restaurant – Christopher Saley

Christopher Saley is a lifelong resident of Milford who attended Milford Schools, and graduated from Jonathan Law High School. He is the co- owner of the Bridgehouse Restaurant in Devon, which he opened in 2007.

Chris has been very active in the revitalization of Devon since 1992 by building or renovating numerous proper-ties including the Bridgehouse Restaurant. He is also a member of the Board of Education and a member of the BOE Permanent Building Committee, which is presently overseeing major renovations of East Shore Middle School.

He is a member of his children’s school PTA’s and a past member of the Sewer Commission. Chris is also an active member of the First United Church of Christ in Milford Center. Chris believes in being an active member of his community who constantly helps out local charities and people in need with fund raising.

He enjoys spending quality time with his family, loves reading about history and visiting historic location throughout the United States, debating politics and just enjoys living and raising a family in this great city of Milford.

Corporate Award 2012

The Corporate Award is presented to a good corporate citizen exhibiting a

commitment to the business climate of Milford through growth, expansion,

inspiration and continued success.

SUBWAY World Headquarters

Subway President and Co-Founder Fred DeLuca was born in Brooklyn, New York and displayed entrepreneurial talent even at a very early age. As a very young boy, he made money by cashing in the 2-cent return bottles he found strewn around his Bronx public housing project; he would buy comic books and once he read them sell them to other kids so he could buy the latest one and when he was 10 he started a newspaper route that eventually had more than 400 customers.

The DeLuca family eventually moved out of the projects to a home in Bridge-port, Connecticut. One Sunday afternoon in July 1965 Fred attended a picnic with his mom and dad at Dr. Peter Buck’s house that would change everything for the young man. At the time Fred was working at a local hardware store making $1.65 an hour and he was concerned about how he would pay his tui-tion at UB—he wanted to pursue a medical degree there.

Pete Buck said “I think you should open a submarine sandwich shop.”

A simple handshake a $1000 investment from Dr. Buck and a long and prosperous business partnership was born.

Pete’s Submarines eventually became the SUBWAY® restaurant chain. Headquartered right here in Milford with nearly 900 employees and 38,500 locations in 100 countries the SUBWAY® restaurant chain is the largest submarine sandwich chain in the world and largest fast-food chain in North America.

In 2000 Fred DeLuca’s wrote a book to help would be entrepreneurs learn about how they could succeed in business. He donates all his proceeds to organizations that provide low income loans and help promote self-sufficiency. “Start Small, Finish Big: Fifteen Key Lessons to Start and Run Your Own Successful Business,” is sold in bookstores and in e- book formats on sites like Amazon and the Apple store.

The list of accolades and honors bestowed upon him and his company is amazing. From having the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch through his old Brooklyn, New York neighborhood to being inducted into the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

Many organizations in Milford and the Greater New Haven area benefit from his humble generosity. Subway employees are encouraged to get involved in their communities and even can have half their membership dues paid for when they volunteer! Whether it is food drives, scholarships for many CT High Schools or the donation of their famous sandwiches to more than 200 local charities last year- Subway does it all!

Subway World HQ, home to nearly 900 employees, services and sup-ports the 38,000 Subway franchised restaurants in 100 countries along with the 13 additional offices around the world. Proud to call Milford home, the chain got its start right down the road in Bridgeport CT in 1965. The company encourages support of the many worthwhile organizations in and around the Greater Milford in a number of ways. The company will pay half the member dues for any staff that volunteers for a non-profit agency, the Frederick A DeLuca Foundation provides small grants and scholarships to many CT organizations and of course, their signature—the donation of great tasting sandwiches for all sorts of events. In 2012 Subway corporate and employees supported food, pet food, book, clothing and toy drives, hospital fundraisers, theater events, Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts, fundraising walks and so much more for the Milford area.

Small Business of Year 2012

Awarded to a Milford Small Business with less than 50 employees

having a positive impact on the Milford community.

Orange Ale House - James Hassenmayer

Jim Hassenmayer was born in Milford Hospital and always resided in Milford or Orange, mak-ing him a lifelong area resident. He attended Milford Public Schools as well as Milford Academy. He then went on to The University of Connecticut, pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine. Upon realizing that there were other things more to his interest, he decided to work in the family business before ultimately venturing into real estate and construction.

The purchase of the Orange Ale House brought more challenges. Jim and his son Dan operate it with the help of his other son Rob, daughter-in-law Trish and a great staff of family-like employees. The Ale House has become a popular venue for all ages, offering top musical acts, pool tables, the finest dart setup in southern Connecticut and outstanding food.

Giving back has always been foremost for the Ale House, having just surpassed the half-million mark in charitable fundraising.

Jim is past-president of The Home Builders Association of New Haven County, a Mason in Ansantawae Lodge #89 and a shriner. He is a member of Milford Kiwanis and a long-time member of Devon Rotary.

In his spare time, he sleeps.

Business Person of the Year 2012

The Business Person(s) of the year is presented an individual who has

undertaken a successful business venture which has directly had a positive influence on some segment of Milford’s business community.

Seamus Warakomski - Tri-City Heating and Cooling

Seamus got his start in the home services business as an appliance repair technician in 1984, after graduating high school from Notre Dame in West Haven, CT. He always enjoyed fixing things, and since his parents Jim and Cecelia owned an appliance repair shop by the name of Tri-City Appliance, it seemed natural he went to work for them. 1984 was a very busy year for Seamus, as it was also the year he married his high school sweetheart Phyllis. And their first child, a daughter Amanda, was born in 1985. A son followed, Seamus Patrick, in 1989. During the next few years, Seamus became more involved in the family business, and in 1989 he became partners with his father. Seamus is always up for a challenge and realized a certain satisfaction in making customers happy. As he began tak-ing in more responsibility, he found his purpose in running and growing the family business.

Over the past 28 years at Tri-City Seamus himself has grown from a humble technician to the owner of a successful and award winning family business. He took a small “Mom and Pop shop” with just three employees, to a multi-trade home service empire with over forty five employees and a fleet of over 25 vehicles. The same customers that called his Dad to fix their washers and dryers, now call Seamus and his employees for all their appliance repair, heating and air-conditioning, plumbing, bath-room remodeling, roofing, and sewer and drain repair and replacement needs. He grew the company’s revenue from $500,000 annually to $8.5 million annually.

Seamus is an active member of the board of directors for both the Milford Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Club. He also sits on the board and serves as President Elect of the Connecticut Heating and Cooling Contractors Association.

He works hard but he also likes to play hard as well. Seamus’ hobbies are exercising, snowmobiling, and traveling the world with his wife of 27 years. But his absolute most favorite thing to do is spend time with his two granddaughters, Cecelia and Charlotte. Seamus is proud to say that Tri-City is currently enjoying its third generation of family operation, as his two children are involved in the business. And he looks forward to the future in a new state of the art facility that is currently undergoing renovation and will be opening in