First Place Winners

Vision Corner Optical Corporation - Large Business Category
John and Genevieve Kapelewski, joined by their children Kristen and John Jr., operate eight stores in Connecticut - offering a full line of optical products and comprehensive professional eyecare. Founded in 1976, Vision Corner Optical Corporation has received several accolades from the eyecare industry including being named one of the "best and the Brightest" optical companies of 1986 by 20/20 Magazine, as well as a nomination for national optical retailer of the year in 1996. Their employees are considered part of the "extended family," with several employees having over fifteen years with the company. "Cherish every patient, cherish every staff member" is part of Vision Corner's mission statement. Vision Corner has invested more than one million dollars in the last five years developing an integrated computer system for each store, holding true to their mission statement's goals. More than 250 local companies are participants in Vision Corner's Advantage Vision Care Benefit Plan, providing eyecare to more than 150,000 employees. State of the art manufacturing and finishing facilities are located in each store, enabling staff to guarantee quality control and emergency services to patients. Further, the company has recently established Vision Corner Express to accommodate those patients who prefer their lenses and other products mailed to their homes. Vision Corner has an outstanding track record of industry and community involvement and a history of generous philanthropy.

A.M. Rizzo Electrical Contractors, Inc. - Medium Business Category
The "American Dream" is embodied in the history of A.M. Rizzo Electrical Contractors. Born in Italy one month prior to his father's untimely death, Anthony Rizzo Sr. began his life fighting an uphill struggle to survive. Without the ability to speak a word of English, Anthony was sent to the United States at the tender age of twelve to live with relatives. Hard work and intense determination brought Anthony significant rewards. Four years after graduating from Henry Abbott Tech, Anthony and his wife Joan founded A.M. Rizzo Electrical Contractors, Inc., providing electrical construction services to business and government entities in Connecticut. Presently, under the management of the second generation, Rizzo Electric has grown into one of the largest and most reputable commercial-industrial electrical contracting firms in the state. Six family members play an active role in its operations following the company slogan, "Service with Peace of Mind." They have made significant contributions of time and money to benefit numerous community organizations.

Hobbs, Incorporated - Small Business Category
Hobbs, Inc. is a high-end residential construction company founded by Theodore Hobbs in 1954. Prospering through the turbulent 1990's without resorting to downsizing, Hobbs has enjoyed an average revenue increase of 21.1% in each of the last five years. Grounded in its philosophy of integrity, dependability, quality, and customer service, Hobbs has established itself as the provider of choice for custom construction services in its market. Although the construction industry is plagued with companies trying to avoid the payment of employment taxes facilitated by the illegal classification of employees as subcontractors, Hobbs is a leader in the fight against these outlaw employers. And it is the only company out of over 80,000 in the state to win five consecutive Connecticut Safety Council awards honoring companies striving for an accident-free work environment. Nearly all of their new business has been awarded through referrals from clients and architects. Further, Hobbs has not been in court with any client in their 42 years of business. The company has dealt with issues of succession planning proactively. Hobbs, Inc. is dedicated to providing for their employees through extensive benefit plans, bonuses, and retirement plans. The community benefits significantly from the generosity of the corporation and the Hobbs family.

First Runners-Up

Fodick Corporation - Large Business Category
In 1977, Theodore Konstantino purchased Fosdick Corporation from its founder, Raymond W. Fosdick. Two years after the purchase, the Konstantino family endured several tragedies. A fire in 1979 destroyed the company's office building in Meriden, forcing a move to the Yalesville section of Wallingford. Three years later, flood waters from the Quinnipiac necessitated a move to a new location on higher ground. Currently run by both first and second generation family members, Fosdick provides fulfillment services for direct response programs throughout the world. Six family members are active in the firm, including three sons and a son-in-law; however, the president is not a blood-relative, but treated as a family member, nevertheless. In the last five years, Fosdick has nearly tripled sales volume. The notion of "family" extends to all 638 employees with the belief that each person is a member of the "Fosdick Family". Special events and rewards such as a yearly picnic and in-service awards exemplify the commitment to respect and recognition that the company embodies. College scholarships to employees' children and grandchildren, as well as contributions to various charities, portray Fosdick's dedication to their family, their family business, and the local community's future.

Telaid Industries - Medium Business Category
Telaid Industries is the market leader in the installation and service of Hoot 'N' Holler networks for financial institutions. This voice communications company was founded by Thomas and Ann Patsiga in 1981 with only one thousand dollars in capital and an outstanding idea. Today Telaid services over 3,500 top brokerage firms and banks in the United States. The company believes that their employees are their most important asset. The employees at Telaid work in an environment that is casual and relaxed, but never unprofessional. Telaid is run like a family with many employees having ten or more years with the company. The Patsiga's two sons, and Thomas' brother work in the family firm. Telaid has a succession plan in place which is updated annually. In part, the plan includes a Board of Directors comprised of people within and outside the family, as well as a governance structure that provides for oversight and review of all business practices. Last year, Telaid acquired a company that will allow them to diversify operations into the business television market. For many years, Telaid has supported local charities, youth groups, churches, and schools in their area.

Paine's, Inc. - Small Business Category
For 67 years, Paine's Inc. has "put the customer first" in all aspects of its rubbish and recycling business. Founded in 1929 by Albert Paine as an inexpensive way to feed the pigs on his family farm, Paine's employs 36 people and operates a fleet of 28 trucks. In 1988, Paine's became the first rubbish removal company to provide automated rubbish removal to the residential market in the Northeast. Currently under the stewardship of Michael Paine, family members are encouraged to join Paine's to contribute their individual skills and talents to shape the company's future. Eleven family members dedicate themselves to the continued success of the family business. Since 1990, Paine's has increased gross revenue significantly while increasing company-wide productivity. Further, the company has expanded operations from the Farmington Valley to areas of Litchfield County. Active participation in civic and professional agencies demonstrates Paine's commitment to their local community.

Finalists

Keeper Corporation - Large Business Category
Keeper Corporation, founded in 1979 by Kenneth and Barbara Porter, is a manufacturer of tie-downs, tow ropes, and bungee cords. Keeper began conducting business in the basement of the Porter home, allowing Ken and Barbara to raise their two young boys in the process. As the company grew, the business moved out of the basement and into an old mill building in Willimantic. Today, Keeper employs 150 associates who are dedicated to the manufacture of high quality "Made in the USA" products, and outstanding customer service. In the last fie years, sales have grown by 50%. Part of the success can be attributed to the close-knit character and open communication present among employees. Although Keeper is a first generation family business, their mission statement stresses the belief that all employees are indeed part of the "family". In part, the company's mission states, "We will provide our associates with a clean, safe, family-oriented work environment." The company actively supports local economic development.

Frank Mercede & Sons, Inc. - Large Business Category
Emigrating from Italy in 1921, Frank Mercede, Sr. brought his bricklaying skills and desire for a better life to Stamford, Connecticut. In 1927, after working for several contractors in the area, Frank founded Frank Mercede & Sons, Inc., a firm involved in all aspects of building construction, construction management, and turn-key projects. Mercede's projects include large office buildings as well as churches, theaters, and civic centers. The company makes a conscious effort to retain its workforce in the volatile construction industry. Frank Mercede and Sons believe in company loyalty, integrity, pride in craftsmanship and hard work, and provides encouragement by rewarding employees who adhere to the company values. Each member of the Mercede "employee family" realizes that their contribution is vital to the success of this family business. The Mercede family's strong dedication to the community is evident in the Frank and Anna Mercede Critical Care Unit at St. Joseph's Hospital (Stamford) and the Anna and Anita Mercede Reception and Atrium at the Stamford Center for the Performing Arts.

Acme Wire Products Co., Inc. - Medium Business Category
Edward J. Planeta founded Acme Wire Products Co., Inc. in 1970 specializing in custom engineered wire and metal fabrications. Acme is one of the top ten precision fabricators in the nation, providing expertise in close tolerance wire and metal fabrications. Although all seven of Ed's children have worked for the company in various capacities, Mary and Michael came on board full-time after completing a college education and gaining other work experience. Employees are treated with fairness and respect. Every year, each employee must take at least one week's vacation to rest. They are given cash gifts at the arrival of a baby or upon marriage, and are permitted to bring children to work if short term daycare problems arise. In the last five years, Acme has added a full-time second shift, doubled their set-up personnel, and hired several people dedicated to reducing lead times in their functional areas. Through various educational opportunities and scholarships, Acme has made significant contributions to their local community.

Hygrade Precision Technologies, Inc. - Medium Business Category
Hygrade Precision Technologies, Inc. has provided precision contract machining in Connecticut since 1962. Since its founding by John J. Salce, Hygrade has expanded its facility three times and now employs more than sixty people. The company gives top priority to employee safety, working conditions, and training. An updated Employee Handbook, as well as training in basic math skills and blueprint reading, were recently completed with the belief that new knowledge flows directly from their employees to their customers. Hygrade has employed a consultant to smooth the transition of power from the president to the current executive vice president. The company is using a team approach called the "Tactical Operations Team," made up of several functional managers, to operate more effectively for the future. Senior management maintains an "Open Door Policy" with all employees in an attempt to provide the best possible work environment.

Reynolds' Garage & Marine, Inc. - Small Business Category
Currently run by the fifth generation of famiy members, Reynolds' Garage & Marine, Inc. operates an automobile dealership and boatyard in the shoreline community of Lyme. All family members live within walking distance of the garage, and 84-year-old Leland still opens the service department every morning before anyone else arrives. This small business began in 1859 by E.O. Reynolds building carriages with his two sons to serve their customers' transportation needs. Around 1900, production line wagons such as the Studebaker forced them away from production and into the wagon repair business. As the transportation industry rapidly changed, the Reynolds' family ventured into auto repairs and sales. Reynolds' became a Subaru dealer in 1992. Each year since then, they have been awarded first place distinction for excellence in Customer Satisfaction out of all the Subaru dealers in New England. In 1995, Reynolds' added the "Skeeter" line of performance fishing boats to their boatyard business. Reynolds' pride themselves on their upfront and honest relations with customers, as well as employees, which contributes to their excellent reputation in their community. Each family member dedicates their time to make Reynolds' a success.

The Roberts Agency, Inc. - Small Business Category
In 1963, at the age of 25, Robert Wolcott started this construction insurance/surety bond agency with only himself and a part time secretary. Still president and CEO, Bob is joined by a total of 18 employees, including his wife, his son and by January 1997, one of his two daughters. The quality of their family bond has been enriched by working together closely. By making collections and budgeting a high priority, the Roberts Agency has maintained low accounts receivable write-offs, and has never had a year in the red. The company stresses an atmosphere of respect, hard work, and friendliness in the office, treating each employee with honesty and sincerity. The Roberts Agency is a member of the selective "Surety Bond Producers Association" and one of fifteen agencies to be chosen as a VIP agency in the Hartford Area.