Economic Development Awards Recognize Innovation, Growth and Jobs

There are some economic development gems in Connecticut that have somehow managed to largely escape public attention, even as their businesses have grown and employment levels increased.  The companies were among 20 recipients at the annual Connecticut Economic Resource Center "Celebrate Connecticut" program, which recognizes "a broad range of individuals, companies and programs that have uniquely contributed to economic growth in Connecticut." Recipients ranged from individuals, including Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary and North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda, to the Seymour Fish Bypass, Durham Agricultural Fair Association (the largest fair in North America managed entirely by unpaid volunteers), and Five Point Gallery in Torrington.  But the bulk of the honorees were businesses - more small than large- with solid economic development stories to tell.  Among them:

Tower Laboratories is a leading provider of effervescent products in the United States and supples to distributors worldwide.  The company provides the fizz and bubbly sensation that gives products an edge, both in effectiveness and product appeal.  Located in Centerbrook in Middlesex County, they develop and man;manufacture over-the-counter medications, prescription pharmaceuticals and personal care, beverage and household products.

Belimo Air Control USA employees 300 people in Danbury, and recently moved into newly constructed headquarters.  Belino's products are essential components of the HVAC systems that keep indoor air comfortable, healthy, efficient and safe.  Prominent customers are not only in the U.S, but worldwide.

Polamer Precision is an advanced contract aerospace manufacturing firm that has just completed a 152,000 square-foot facility in New Britain.  The company will employ 83 highly skilled workers in this new facility, which will allow the company to increase its output and handle larger contracts.  It will also feature the largest industrial solar power generation system in Connecticut.

Recognized programs and organizations  include the Rowley Spring Adult Education Diploma and Certificate Program, Billings Forge Community Works, Northwest Connecticut Manufacturer's Coalition, the Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition, Fiddleheads Natural Food Co-op and the Putnam Business Association's First Fridays event.

"These awards pay tribute to the hardworking people and successful programs and projects that are stimulating new jobs and investment in our economy,” said CERC President and CEO Robert Santy. “CERC is proud to recognize the 2014 honorees and the many successes making a positive impact on our business environment.”  The awards were presented by state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Catherine Smith and Shelly Saczynski, Chair of the CERC Board.

Officials noted that a number of the businesses receiving awards began in local basements or with homegrown talent and have grown to successful enterprises.  Danbury-based Mediassociates, for example, has seen 30 percent growth over the past 10-plus years and was highlighted as one of the top 3,000 fastest growing privately owned businesses in America by Inc. magazine.  Datto, Inc., headquartered in Norwalk with nearly $50 million in revenue in 2013, and more than 300 employees, began in a basement as nothing more than an idea.

Among the innovative programs recognized was the Stamford 2030 district, a private-sector-led initiative of 23 property owners and managers and community and professional partners working toward the goal of cleaner and greener commercial and large-scale buildings.  Stamford is the first city in New England and the tri-state region to establish a District, and one of only a handful nationwide.  The initiative is led by Connecticut Fund for the Environment and the Business Council of Fairfield County.

The 20 award recipients, two in each of 10 regions across the state, were:

North Central Billings Forge Community Works CareCentrix

South Central First Selectman Michael Freda Alexion

Southeast Fiddleheads Natural Food Co-op Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition

Middlesex Tower Laboratories, Ltd. Durham Agricultural Fair Association

Waterbury / Naugatuck Waterbury Mayor Neil M. O’Leary Seymour Fish Bypass (Paul Pawlak Fish Bypass)

West Mediassociates Belimo Air Control USA Inc.

Southwest Datto, Inc. Stamford 2030 District

Central Polamer Precision Rowley Spring Adult Education Diploma and Certificate Program

Northeast Putnam Business Association First Friday's Event Plainfield Renewable Energy – A Leidos Company

Northwest Five Point Gallery Northwest Connecticut Manufacturer's Coalition

In addition, CERC awarded its Customer Service Award,named for the late Connie Maffeo, to Donna Wertenbach, President and CEO of the Community Economic Development Fund.

Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc.  is a nonprofit corporation and public-private partnership that provides economic development services consistent with state strategies, leveraging Connecticut’s unique advantages as a premier business location.