Danbury, CT – September 18, 2023 – 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 [email protected].

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/

In recognition of the outstanding achievements and contributions made by entrepreneurs in the Greater Danbury Business Community, the Cecil J. Previdi Award has celebrated the following remarkable individuals since its inception:

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.