The Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the prestigious Cecil J. Previdi Award.
This annual award honors the memory and legacy of the late Cecil J. Previdi, the former President of Danbury Printing & Litho, later known as Banta. Through his remarkable leadership and guidance, Cecil Previdi transformed a family business, relocated it to a new facility on the west side of Danbury, and expanded it into a thriving 20-million-dollar organization. Tragically, in 1987, Cecil Previdi, along with five other dedicated individuals from the company, lost their lives in a plane crash in Wisconsin.
The Cecil J. Previdi Award recognizes exceptional entrepreneurs from the Greater Danbury Business Community who embody the spirit of Cecil J. Previdi. Nominees for this award are expected to have demonstrated a progressive business attitude, exceptional leadership abilities, visionary thinking, and a significant contribution to the growth of a local business.
We invite the community to participate by nominating deserving individuals who meet these criteria. To submit a nomination, please complete the Nomination Form available on our website and return it to the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce by October 2, 2023.
Nomination Form:https://www.danburychamber.com/previdi-award/
For any inquiries or further information about the award and the nomination process, please contact P. J. Prunty, President & CEO of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, at pj@danburychamber.com.
The Cecil J. Previdi Award is a testament to the enduring legacy of Cecil Previdi and his impact on the Greater Danbury Business Community. We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the remarkable individuals who continue to carry forward his spirit and vision.
About the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce is a vibrant organization dedicated to fostering economic growth and supporting the local business community in the Greater Danbury area. Through various programs, events, and initiatives, the Chamber works tirelessly to promote the prosperity and success of businesses in the region. For more information, visit https://www.danburychamber.com/previdi-award/
2022 - Lucie Voves, Founder & CEO - Church Hill Classics
2021 - Robert Bedoukian, Ph.D., President - Bedoukian Research
2019 - George Mulvaney, President & CEO - Mulvaney Mechanical
2018 - Mary Jean Rebeiro, President & CEO - NY-CONN Corporation
2017 - Greg Smith, President & CEO - Maplewood Senior Living
2016 - Jim Kennedy, CEO & Founder - The Network Support Company
2015 - Todd Ingersoll, Owner - Ingersoll Automotive
2014 - Jeff Levine, President - Levine Automotive
2013 - Paul Dinto, President & CEO - Paul Dinto Electrical Contractors
2012 - Farooq Kathwari, Chairman, President, CEO - Ethan Allen Interiors
2011 - James Marquis, President - Kimchuk
2010 - Stew Leonard, Jr., President & CEO - Stew Leonard's
2009 - Frank Kelly, President & CEO (retired) - Danbury Hospital
2008 - Richard Steiner, President - Steiner, Inc.
2007 - Albert Salame, Owner - Albert Salame Affiliated Companies
2006 - Robert Sallick, Co-Founder/Sr. VP of Engineering - Waterworks
2005 - Paul Scalzo, Founder - Scalzo Group Real Estate
2004 - Jerry Leitman, Chairman & CEO - FuelCell Energy
2003 - Deno Macricostas, Executive Chairman - Photronics
2002 - Hank Zaccara, Owner - Chuck's Steak House
2001 - Gene Banucci, Co-Founder - ATMI
2000 - Ted Baruch, President & CEO - Heli-Coil
1999 - Seymour Powers, Founder - Seymour Powers Company
1998 - Jack Marcus, Founder - Marcus Dairy
1997 - A. Searle Pinney, Attorney/State Representative - George, Hull & Pinney
1996 - Joseph Engelberger, Robotics Pioneer/Founder - Unimation
1995 - Bernard Baker, Founder/Chairman - FuelCell Energy
1994 - Ervie (Bud) Hawley, Jr., Real Estate Developer - The Hawley Companies
1993 - Anthony Rizzo, Sr., Founder - The Rizzo Companies
1992 - Norbert E. Mitchell, Sr., Founder - Norbert E. Mitchell Co.
1991 - Pearl Dent - Dent Electrical Supply
1990 - Anthony Pellegrino, Founder - Topex, Inc.
1989 - Roy Young, Chairman & CEO - Fairfield Processing
1988 - Albert Casazza, MD, Oncologist and Entrepreneur
These exceptional individuals have left an indelible mark on the local business landscape, embodying the spirit of Cecil J. Previdi and his commitment to visionary leadership and business growth. We salute their achievements and look forward to adding the 2023 recipient to this esteemed list.