Local leaders group photo July 27, 2016, Wadsworth Mansion. Front Row: Sarah Cody (Fox61), Rosario “Riz” Rizzo, Liz Shulman, Gail Morris, Cindy McNeil-Sola, Lynda Hunnicutt, Bernadette Jones, Laura Pedersen, Linda Bradshaw, Sharon Griffin, Deb Moore. Second Row: George “Sonny” Whelen, Dave Shulman, Bob Shulman, Andy Morris, David Director, Marc Levin, John Biddiscombe, John Bradshaw, Biff Shaw.
The Community Foundation of Middlesex County is fortunate to be surrounded by “Good People Doing Great Things.” Every day the Community Foundation is reminded that everyone in the region truly cares about their friends and neighbors and where they live, work and play.
This spring the Community Foundation asked for nominations of those individuals, organizations, or businesses who should be recognized and thanked – our community’s Local Leaders, Local Legends. The Community Foundation asked members of the community to think about those they believe go above what would be expected. The Corporate Supporter award highlights organizations that make a difference every day, recognizing outstanding, sustained commitment to building a culture of civic and charitable engagement through financial and in-kind support, as well as creating a corporate culture that encourages employees to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community service.
Larry McHugh, President of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, answered the call by nominating the Council of Business Partners (CBP) for the Corporate Sponsor award of the Local Leaders, Local Legends program. Larry McHugh praised the Council of Business Partners for their work with the No Bully Zone program, which they began seven years ago, long before the topic became a national issue. In his nomination he explained, “CBP led the way in our region and made the struggle against bullying a local and regional priority before it was a national priority. The impact has been incredible, and it is a model that can be replicated in other geographic areas.”
The Council of Business Partners is a passionate group of business owners who care about our youth and our community. In 2009, working through the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC), these leaders established the Council of Business Partners Fund and, with the help of Rushford, a Hartford Healthcare partner, developed and funded the “No Bully Zone” Program. In 2014, CFMC’s Council of Business Partners joined with new partners from Middlesex County and throughout Connecticut to take their commitment to stand up to Bullying to the next level by launching the Campaign for Bully-Free Communities – calling everyone to stand together and take the bully-free communities’ pledge.
As of 2015, more than 8,800 students and adults have been touched by the programs funded by the Council of Business Partners — including students, teachers, counselors, parents, M & J school bus drivers, and business owners who now stand up to bullying. More than 700 business owners, students, camp counselors, and concerned Middlesex County residents have taken the campaign pledge to be an agent of change and help create a bully-free community. Together, with their partners, the Council of Business Partners is working to encourage a community of UP-standers, not bystanders, and building a community of respect.
Council of Business Partners:
A & A Office Systems
A.R. Mazzotta Employment Specialists
Brown & Brown of CT, Inc.
Belltown Motors
BEST Cleaners
Connecticut Lighting Centers
Direct Energy
Essex Printing/Events Magazines
Interfaith Golf Open Tournament
LiveKind
M & J Bus Company
Mahoney Sabol & Co.
Malloves Jewelers
Paulson Training Programs
Nancy Raczka, Attorney
Elizabeth Schulman, LMFT
Suburban Stationers
The Black Seal
The Rossi Group
The Community Foundation of Middlesex County congratulates the Local Leaders, Local Legend Honorees and extends a heartfelt “Thank You” to everyone who submitted a nomination for their special Local Leader, Local Legend. Middlesex County is fortunate to have so many great people working together to make our community the best place to live, work and play.
For further information on any of the honorees please visit our website for a complete list. Find out more about the Council of Business Partners Fund here.
