DANIELSON — The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce 2017 recipients of the Chamber’s annual awards have been named. The award recipients will be formally recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Awards Gala scheduled Jan. 20 at Connecticut National Golf Course in Putnam.

Winners include:

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): Willie Bousquet, Recreation director for the Town of Putnam 

While it is Willie’s job to provide for the Town of Putnam’s parks and recreation, most people will acknowledge that Willie has gone far beyond the duties expected of his position. He has truly dedicated countless hours to numerous activities that we all enjoy in Putnam today. 

Just a few examples of how Willie has made a significant difference to the community include:

* Chairing the Putnam High School Athletic Alumni Association when no one else stepped forward even though he is not a Putnam High graduate;

* Spearheading much of the work that ensures a magnificent fireworks event each summer in Rotary Park;

* Willie was the moving force behind the Al Fresco Series in Putnam. Thousands have benefited from the free performances that have included opera, a Beatles program and evenings with Disco, Motown, Rat Pack, Elvis and Neil Diamond;

* He has provided key assistance to the Putnam Rotary Club and their Senior Shoot Out program which provides a fun night for high school seniors who are ending their high school basketball careers; 

* Willie has collaborated with Gary and Karen Osbrey of WINY Radio in the production of the very popular summer River Fire program;

* He has been instrumental in the production of the Trick or Treat night, the Great Pumpkin Festival, the Holiday Dazzle Light Parade and First Fridays in downtown Putnam.  

In addition, Willie is a 30-year member, past president and Paul Harris Fellow of the Putnam Rotary Club. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club. For all of his efforts to promote the many activities that bring so much joy to the residents of northeastern Connecticut, we are pleased to name Willie Bousquet as the recipient of the Civic Achievement Award. 

Business Leader of The Year Award (An award presented to an individual for outstanding business leadership and active participation in community organizations): Marc Archambaul of Archambault Insurance Associates

From a business standpoint, Marc Archambault is well known in northeastern Connecticut for the long-term successful operation of Archambault Insurance Associates, which was established in 1928 by Marc’s grandfather, Joseph Archambault and which Marc joined in 1991. Together, with his brother, Tom, Marc employs a staff of 18 insurance specialists that serve the insurance needs of over 5,000 families and individuals and 500 businesses. In addition to his business commitment, Marc has made a significant impact on many aspects of our northeastern Connecticut community. He is a past president of the Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC) Foundation and has the dubious distinction of serving the most terms of any president. He continues to advocate for QVCC students and for the College, by leading by example and being a valued member of numerous committees, including the Tackle the Trail event, which raised over $40,000 in support of the Foundation’s mission. He is the current president, a Paul Harris Fellow and past golf chairman of the Putnam Rotary Club. In the award nomination, Marc was described as a “diplomatic leader and a true statesman, exemplified by his ability to negotiate and lead discussions in a thoughtful manner, always ensuring that everyone’s opinion is heard and respected. 

Individual beneficiaries of Marc’s “broad-based” involvement range in age from five to eighty-five. They include coaching children playing Pomfret Little League baseball and Frog Rock Basketball, two organizations Marc has been involved with both before and after his children participated. Parishioners of Most Holy Trinity church now enjoy a beautiful church thanks to his chairmanship of the Church Building Committee. 

In summary, Marc has worked tirelessly to better northeastern Connecticut embodying the qualities of honesty, integrity and service and for those reasons, he was the committee’s selection for Business Leader of the Year award. 

Gold Key Award (An award presented to an individual or business for their outstanding service to the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce): Rachael Johnston of Johnston & Associates Real Estate

Rachael has been an enormous supporter of the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce since first joining the organization in 2003.  After joining the Board of Directors, she served in pivotal roles on numerous committees including Tastefully New England, Building Committee, Advertising & Marketing, Legislative Affairs and Health & Wellness. In a relatively short period of time, Rachael’s leadership skills found her in the officer’s chairs and in 2016 she served as president of the organization. In the nomination it was noted that, “she is one of the most dedicated, conscientious and respected leaders that has served the NCCC and its members. Her enthusiasm, dedicated service and welcoming spirit have made her an outstanding leader.”

Despite all that she does with the Chamber, she still finds time to volunteer at the Daily Bread food pantry in Putnam, the Tourtellotte Memorial High School Alumni Association, the Putnam Rotary Club and her church. She is also a member of the Professional Standards Committee of the Eastern CT Association of Realtors and is well known for her work with elected officials to establish relationships that ultimately protect homeownership rights. Rachael Johnston exemplifies the definition of the Gold Key Award.

 

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