Farmington Chamber of Commerce Holds Annual Awards Dinner

The Farmington Chamber of Commerce held its 45th Annual Awards Dinner Wednesday night at The Farmington Club, celebrating the contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations to the community.

Incoming Chamber President Robert Perry announced the awards following dinner.

The Business Leader of the Year Award was presented to Data Management by Courtney Hendricson, Town of Farmington Economic Development Director.

“Data Management fosters a culture of business and professional growth while being a good corporate neighbor to nonprofit organizations in the Farmington Valley,” Hendricson said.

CEO Daniel Hincks accepted the award on behalf of the company, which his father cofounded 50 years ago.

“We spend the best hours of our day at work,” Hincks said “so you have to leave your mark and have fun.” He dedicated the award to his father.

The Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Caffeine's Café by Doug Kartsen, incoming Chamber Vice-President.

“You have to have fun, but you also have to have coffee,” he joked. David and Danielle Gugliotti, founders of Caffeine’s were recognized for their hard work to make Caffeine’s Café a welcoming environment that supports the community.

"They sponsor local purveyors, local art work, and many fundraisers. They work closely with the Farmington Alternative School in providing internships and part-time jobs. Dave can be found at Caffeine’s seven days a week. Danielle works full time as an account manager but can be found at Caffeine’s Café every weekend,” Karsten said.

In accepting the award David Gugliotti said his goal is “to create a hometown feel, by buying local produce, featuring local bands, displaying local artists and holding book signings for local authors.”

The Citizen of the Year Award was presented to The Rotary Club of Farmington by Mike Clark, Farmington Town Council Chairman. The Rotary Club was recognized for its strong support of the community through many projects such as the bike shelter construction.

“Every Rotarian is sharing the pride of succeeding in the global eradication of polio this year,” President Stephen Wasley said in accepting the award on behalf of Farmington Rotary. “Locally, we are proud that membership doubled this year. We fundraise in Farmington and the money should stay here, so this year we are also increasing scholarships.”

The Special Recognition Award was presented to Lucinda A. Antonacci, who served as Chamber director for eight years, secretary for four years and treasurer for two years, by current Chamber President Lisa Whitney.

Whitney noted “In her 23-year tenure at Farmington Bank, Lucinda has been involved in many civic and charitable activities; currently she serves as a United Way and CCARC, Inc volunteer as well as President of the New Britain/Berlin Community Chest.”

The Chamber Member of the Year Award was presented to Joseph W. Leiberis by Perry.

“I am thrilled to have the ability to say thank you to someone who has done so much fundraising for the Chamber,” Perry said. In turn, Leiberis, who has worked at Westfarms mall for 23 years, thanked Taubman Company for encouraging workers to get involved beyond the boundaries of their jobs.”

The Beautification Award was awarded to the Vincent DiPietro Memorial Bridge. George Reider, President of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association said “The entire team encompassing many contractors, the Town, the State, and the Farmington Garden Club partnered the project and made it a huge success. Farmington is a special place and it is exemplified by all the organizations that cooperated on the bridge project.”

For more information, visit the Farmington Chamber of Commerce website or call (860) 676-8490.