Central CT Chambers Of Commerce Announces Award Recipients

By Brian M. Johnson, The Bristol Press

April 21, 2022

The Central CT Chambers of Commerce have announced the award recipients for their Regional Annual Awards Dinner, with this year’s E. Bartlett Barnes Distinguished Service Award honoring Donna Osuch.

The Chamber’s awards dinner will be held June 1 at the Aqua Turf Club at 556 Mulberry St. in Southington. This event is a chance for the chamber to honor those who have made a difference in the community and contributed to the chamber’s mission of economic growth, legislative advocacy and business development.

This year’s E. Bartlett Barnes Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Donna Osuch, who is president and CPO of the local United Way of West Central Connecticut. The Mission of the United Way of West Central Connecticut is to “advance the common good.” The organization aspires to “create opportunities for a better life for all” by promoting health, education, and financial stability.

Upon learning that she would be recognized this year, Osuch said that she was surprised and honored.

“It’s an honor and a blessing,” she said. “I’ve always held the other honorees over the years in very high esteem. They’ve always been the people that I’ve looked up to. I never thought that I would find myself in the same company.”

The E. Bartlett Barnes Distinguished Service Award is the Chamber’s highest honor. Named after the former Bristol Press owner and publisher, the award is presented annually to “an individual who exemplifies the spirit, integrity, character, leadership and enthusiasm of one of Bristol’s greatest community and business pillars.”

Last year, the award was presented to Nancy O’Donnell, a founding member of the Plymouth Community Food Pantry whose community involvement included the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, United Way of West Central Connecticut, the Rotary Club of Terryville, the Main Street Community Foundation and more.

The Distinguished Business of the Year award will be presented to Baur, Inc.

Bauer began as an electrical contracting firm in the early 1900s. Today, the Bristol-based company is a World-leader in the design and manufacturing of aircraft component testing and support equipment for commercial and military aviation industries.

The Special Recognition Award will be presented to the CT Business and Industry Association (CBIA). The CBIA is Connecticut's largest business organization, with thousands of member companies. The CBIA advocates on behalf of area businesses at the state capitol with the goal of promoting a "globally competitive business climate."

Six Outstanding Community Businesses will also be recognized, including Family Roots Produce Market in Bristol, Greenhouse Tavern in Burlington, Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Lauretano Sign Group and Tim Bobroske Construction in Plymouth and Plainville Funeral Home.

For more information, or to register to attend, visit centralctchambers.org or call 860-584-4718.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.