Chamber annual dinner celebrates members, looks ahead

Steve Weir (right) of American Integrity Restoration, LLC, receives a citation from state Rep. Prasad Srinivasan on behalf of the state assembly, in honor of Weir being named the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce's Business Person of the Year. Photos by Steve Smith.

The Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 110th birthday at the  annual meeting on Jan. 25. “Our success really is a direct result of this outstanding community in which we live and work,” said Chamber President Mary Ellen Dombrowski, “and the energy of countless members and their commitment to the Chamber.”

Out-going Chairman of the Board of Directors Joe Jaconetta said the Chamber continues to thrive in a challenging economic climate. “The Glastonbury Chamber continues to be one of, if not the most, innovative and vibrant organizations that promotes businesses in the Greater Hartford Metropolitan area,” Jaconetta said. “This past year, we took a look at the revenue side of the balance sheet, and we took positive steps.” Jaconetta said that the Chamber, which had no reserve in 2007, now has built an impressive reserve in a short amount of time.

Dombrowksi said the past year’s successes included more than 175 meetings and events, as well as the Riverfront Music Festival and the Apple Harvest Festival.

Upcoming programs for 2012 include a new focus on member-to-member connections, including a website-based coupon system for members to offer discounts to other members, and a boost in its member-referral programs.

The creation of industry-specific groups, known as “cluster groups” have been one of the past year’s innovations that has seen great success. “I have found they are very attractive for new members,” Dombrowksi said. “They meet with people in the same disciplines or who are like-minded.”

Steve Weir of American Integrity Restoration, LLC was named the Chamber’s Business Person of the Year. “It’s a great honor to be recognized for this award,” Weir said. “The Chamber of Commerce has been a great resource for me.”

Weir thanked his parents, Ruth Ann and Dennis Weir. “They instilled in me work ethic, honesty and fairness,” Weir said, also thanking his wife, Allegra. “Without her caring for me, the house and three kids, working herself, there’s no chance that I would be up here or have the time to dedicate – have the passion and the effort – to really commit to push this business to where it needs to be.”

Glastonbury Director of Civil Preparedness Bob Dibella was named the 2011 Ambassador of the Year. Also earning that honor for 2009, Dibella is only the second ambassador to receive that title twice.

“A member of the Chamber since 1971,” Jaconetta said, “Bobby has been an active member of the Chamber, with his involvement in the Riverfront Music Series and the Apple Harvest Festival. He is very active in town, due  not only to his role with Glastonbury Emergency Management, but also for his love of Glastonbury.”

“I’m very grateful,” Dibella said. “I just love the town of Glastonbury and I certainly do love the Chamber. The Chamber is a wonderful wing of the town, and I work for the town. We are the oldest business in the town of Glastonbury. We are 319 years old and going strong.”

Dibella dedicated his award to the men and women from Glastonbury who have served in the Armed Forces. “Especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “Really, they are the ambassadors...not us.”

For more information, visit www.glastonburychamber.com.