DANIELSON — The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce announced the 2015 recipients of the Chamber’s annual awards. 

 Civic Achievement Award - An award given to an individual or group for their broad-based involvement with clubs, civic groups, charities etc. over a long period of time. 

The Committee’s selection is Karyn DiBonaventura. Karyn has worked tirelessly behind the scenes of many organizations and causes without a great deal of recognition or accolades… and absolutely without any personal gain.  She has offered her time and dedication to a multitude of church, civic, business and non-profit groups over the last ten years. She has also served on many boards and committees during that time.

Some of the highlights of her achievements include:

Chairing six of the most successful guest bartender nights to benefit the Deary Memorial Cancer Fund as well as securing many donations for the Fund.

Serving on the Deary Memorial Cancer Fund Committee. 

Serving on the Spring Gala committee.

Raising nearly $150,000 for the Deary Memorial Cancer Fund as a volunteer and member of Team Longmeadow.

Being a member of the Putnam Lions Club and serving as its treasurer for a number of years, as well as being very active and generous with her time and efforts with various Lions Club committees and activities.

Karyn has been a very active member of the Putnam Business Association, is a member of the Brooklyn Business Association, and is a member of the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce.

She is a founder of the Northeast Connecticut Women and Girls Fund and serves on its Steering Committee. 

She has organized a benefit concert at the Vanilla Bean Cafe for the past two years, featuring her church’s band, Nine6teen, with proceeds going to the Deary Memorial Cancer Fund.

Karyn is a member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks and currently volunteers her photography and heads up their social media. She assisted the Interfaith Human Services of Putnam Diaper Bank in organizing its own guest bartender night, has helped to make it successful and continues to help with their on-going success.

George J. Racine, Sr. Humanitarian Award-An award given to a person in recognition of their dedicated involvement with a specific cause or activity; that which promotes concern for human welfare.     

The Committee’s selection is James Booth of  Hometown T&S Energy. 

Over the past 20 years or more, James Booth has performed actions that have been termed amazing and awe inspiring.  On a global scale, Jim has made a number of trips to Haiti spending time building schools, benches, and desks and creating opportunities for clean drinking water… things we take for granted.  He has been instrumental in financially and physically assisting a Haitian friend in opening a health clinic in the impoverished country village of La Plane in that country and frequently sends money and supplies to allow the clinic to continue its mission to provide much needed food, medicines, and immunizations to the destitute families in the area.

Jim has been molded and uplifted by his work in Haiti. He has been energized to continue fund-raising for the operation of the clinic.  Jim and his wife Jacqueline are virtually responsible for all the monies raised here in northeastern Connecticut that support the clinic.  They frequently open their home to ministers traveling through New England from third world countries and give from their hearts in ways that are not often witnessed in this day and age.

But Jim is not only the Committee’s choice only for his dedication to a clinic in Haiti.

His generosity right here in our own community supports the reason for this award.  He has extended his hand to many people in need, never asking for anything in return.  People needing heat or food for their tables have been placed in Jim’s path through God’s grace and Jim never disappoints.  He has purchased cars for people in need from his congregation.  His random acts of kindness are numerous and often go unseen.  He is a gentle and unassuming man, gracious and a complete gentleman in every respect.  Jim has a passion for helping people. There are many who talk the talk.  Jim does the walking without much talking.  His attitude speaks for itself.  There’s no doubt in his mind about anything he does in service to others.  He simply sees it as the right thing to do. He is a deacon at his church and leads by example in all that he does.

Business Leader of The Year Award - An award presented to an individual for outstanding business leadership and active participation in community organizations.  The Committee’s selection is David Panteleakos of Westview Health Care Center.  Panteleakos has risen to the top of the list as one of the most deserving recipients of the Chamber’s 2015 Business Leader of the Year award.  As administrator of Westview Health Care Center, David has led his organization to become one of the top 7 facilities in the nation.  His thoughtful leadership and vision has enabled Westview to grow both vertically and horizontally, and he has made it an organization that everyone should be proud to have in our community.  His “lead by example” style is very evident as you see him walking the corridors of the facility on holiday’s, weekends, and late nights… offering positive feedback to all with whom he comes in contact.  

Outside of the walls of Westview Health Care, David has been involved with numerous community organizations and events including Broadway Live and countless hours of volunteer work at the Bradley Playhouse.  In addition, David and Westview have spent significant dollars and time supporting other local charities and initiatives such as QVCC, Day Kimball Hospital, and many others in our community.  All in all, David exemplifies what the Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Award is all about:  Great vision, leading by example, following through on initiatives, and demonstrating strong support for local organizations and events.

Gold Key Award - An award presented to an individual or business for their outstanding service to the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce.  

The Committee’s selection is Rochelle “Rockie” Alix of Putnam Bank.  Rockie Alix has been an enormous supporter of the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce since first joining the Board of Directors in 2002.  Her commitment to the organization came about following the unification of the former Plainfield Chamber of Commerce and the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. She played an important role on the board when she accepted the position of “merger liaison.” She worked hard to assist the staff in bridging the two organizations. She continued her service on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, serving as Assistant Secretary from 2003-2005 and Assistant Treasurer from 2006-2012. Over the years, Rockie played pivotal roles on numerous committees including the Executive Committee, Health & Wellness, Auto Show, the Home & Business Expo, Sign Committee, and Women’s Leadership Committee.  Since first joining the Board in 2002, Rockie never missed working as a volunteer at the Chamber’s Golf Invitational. Beyond all her service to the organization, this fun-loving lady with an indomitable spirit and gregarious personality has been a remarkable addition to the organization. 

The award recipients will be formally recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Awards Gala scheduled for Jan. 16  at The Raceway Restaurant in Thompson.

 

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