Official Press Release from The Chamber’s Annual Recognition Night Celebration
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The Chamber’s annual Volunteer Leader Recognition Night was Friday, October 8 at Eastern CT State University. Over 500 local volunteers were invited to attend to honor them for the hours they give and their commitment to their community. The Chamber acknowledged that the majority of all quality of life indicators are run by volunteers. Activities involving youth sports, local museums, service organizations, libraries, and municipal commissions are organized and performed by volunteers. “Giving these people an ice cream sundae in recognition of the hundreds of hours, personal investments and time away from their families seems like such a small gesture but we are hoping that they know they are acknowledged and appreciated for everything they do,” said Roger Adams, Executive Director at the Chamber.
“Tourism and quality of life indicators are what bring people and business to our region. People come as visitors and as new residents. Businesses decide to relocate to this region because we have so much to offer the families of their employees. Without our volunteers we would have very little to offer and our local economy would suffer. People would move to a town where there were more services, more opportunities for their families. The contributions made by volunteers go way beyond the soccer games and zoning meetings. They are key to our economic survival. The Chamber wants to make sure that they know how much they mean to us,” said Adams.
“Another important part of the evening is our thanking the families of these wonderful people. They often get dragged into helping, storing equipment at their homes, operating out of their dining rooms, and missing family dinners together among other things. Without a supportive family it would be difficult for many volunteers to give what they do. So the Chamber wants to make sure the spouses and the kids get thanked too.”
Among the guest speakers for the evening were Ed Osborn from Eastern, Representative Pam Sawyer, Representative Susan Johnson and gubernatorial candidate Tom Marsh. All of the guest speakers did a great job thanking the region’s volunteers. “They remained for a while to talk to people individually which made it really nice for everyone involved,” said Adams. “And we could not be more thankful to Eastern for providing not only the venue for the event but for supplying the ice cream and toppings. Eastern has been a very supportive member of our community so it was very fitting that they were the hosts for the evening.”