First Place Winners

The Siemon Company - Large Business Category
Carl F. Siemon founded the Siemon Hard Rubber Company in Bridgeport in 1903 manufacturing imitation stag-horn knife handles out of a durable plastic material that didn't break or bend under extreme temperatures and boiling water. The company entered the telecommunications market in1906, setting a standard for their industry and catapulting the business to its current 650 employees in 17 countries.

The Siemon Company acquired several other companies - bringing them into the Recording Industry with the invention of a non-breakable plastic record, and the military where they then went to produce plastic indestructible dinnerware for the US Navy. The company grew substantially as Carl F's son, Carl M, became President, and later when Carl M's son, Carl, became President 1957 further advancing the company in telecommunications with its "66" connecting blocks. The 1980's saw a boom and the fourth generation, led by Carl's son Carl N, and brothers Hank, CK and John, went into the computer networking industry and saw demand for their product - branded under its own name, grow. They are now a respected OEM global manufacturer and the first to deliver a Category 6 cabling solution and the only company in the world to have a commercially available Category 7 solution. In 2002, The Siemon Company was awarded the Connecticut Exporter of the Year Award.

The Siemon family remains highly philanthropic, endowing 10 scholarships and serving on numerous community mentoring and educational boards. Employees, likewise, partake in a profit based quarterly bonus program and are encouraged to be innovative and creative. Morale is high as employees plan monthly activities to promote a family-friendly environment.

Swiss Laundry of Rockville, Inc. - Medium Business Category
Henry Kloter started Swiss Laundry back in 1913 after purchasing the business from the Blatter sisters who immigrated to the US from Switzerland. Laundry was picked up before sunrise, by horse and carriage, washed, hand ironed if needed, and delivered (wet wash) by noon to be hung on the clotheslines to dry.

Henry's son Emmanuel took over the business in 1943 and expanded it to include dry cleaning and shirt laundering. Sons Eric and Keith took over in 1976, and in 1988, Keith pursued individual interests - opening Kloter Farms. Nowadays - Eric's son, Bruce, and brother-in-law Ken work in the business, which includes laundry, dry cleaning, shirts, uniform rental, coin laundry, tailoring and alterations, home delivery service, gown restoration and storage, leather and suede cleaning and seasonal storage.

Swiss Laundry has prospered to a tune of $5 million in sales, 11 locations, 9 truck routes and 96 employees with their basic family values of honesty, loyalty, faith, integrity and sincerity. Throughout the generations, family members begin to learn the skills of laundering, cleaning, spotting and finishing a garment at an early age. They've learned how to enhance workflow by using lot control and efficient use of production space, as well as reusing heat, recycling solvents, water, hangers and other materials. Outside coaching, supporting and training of the management team is on a continual basis, and Swiss Cleaners offers their employee cross-training, flexibility, better-than average hourly pay rates, health insurance and a 401K-retirement program.

Swiss Cleaners remains highly philanthropic and the family has served on numerous industry association boards and serviced many charitable organizations throughout their long history.

Casey Fuel Company - Small Business Category
Bill Casey started Casey Oil Company in 1949 after the purchase of a small division of an established Fuel Company in Ridgefield. At that time, he bargained for 400 established accounts, but found that only 200 were actually active. So, in 1968 - after being joined in business by his son-in-law, Chip Brown, Bill began his steady climb with a keen eye on competition and a knack for acquisition, buying several smaller floundering oil companies and growing his business from 2 employees to a solid twenty-six today. But, Bill didn't only grow his business by acquiring companies. He grew his business by earning the respect of their competition and customers. During the oil shortage of 1972-1973, Bill once lent his own oil to an undersupplied competitor - saving his competitor from business ruin.

Bill's son, Michael, joined the business in 1972 and Chips son, Michael Brown, now entering the third generation of family ownership, joined later in 1998. Most recently, Michael Casey's son, Shane joined in March of 2003.

Casey Fuel Company has grown to become one of Greater Fairfield County's most respected oil companies. Early on, they established a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year operation and practice a no-charge service agreement. They also grew their website to accommodate online bill payment and enacted a Price Protection Plan with 80% customer participation. In addition, Casey Fuel has it's eye on technology to help manage and structure growth. They are currently operating on a Windows based, client/server application and have networked their shop/vehicle depot to their server through a virtual private network. This allows their Operations and Service Managers real time access to customer accounts, pricing changes, and other critical business information. They are also working on installing electronic meters and registers on their fleet of trucks and look to accommodate their drivers with handheld units which will allow more detailed invoices at the point of sale - reducing time for Casey Fuel's accounting department, producing real time tracking reports and increasing convenience to the customer. In short - they're an oil company in the service business. Please join us in congratulating the Casey and Brown families of Casey Fuel.

First Runners-Up

Guida's Milk & Ice Cream Company - Large Business Category
Guida's co-founders, Alexander Guida Jr. and Francis Guida, were two of thirteen children raised on a dairy farm in Middletown by Polish immigrants. By 1932, the brothers were selling milk in stainless steel canisters from horse-drawn wagons. Fifteen years later, they purchased the Seibert Dairy, which was established in 1886.

Now one of the largest independent dairies in New England and a third generation run family business, Guida's Milk & Ice Cream Company has resisted temptation to sell their company - desiring to remain an independent family-oriented company and maintaining that "personal touch." That mentality is what keeps employee morale at a peak. In fact, in 2002, Guida's very first employee retired after 51 years of service.

At Guida's, employees are treated like family and, average length of employment is ten years. Some examples of exemplary employee benefits and morale boosters include a $2500 travel voucher awarded to employees after 25 years of service, safety incentive awards, 100% tuition reimbursement, employee assistance programs, profit sharing by department as well as company wide profit-sharing award of one week's vacation for each employee reaching company profit goal. Guida's also has a medical buyout program, an open door policy and employee suggestion boxes with monetary awards for innovative or cost-cutting ideas.

Guida's has remained highly philanthropic, sponsoring the 1995 Special Olympics World Games and the Greater Hartford Open. They are also a major sponsor of the 2003 West Hartford CowParade. Guida's Milk & Ice Cream Company will auction off its 16 cows in February - proceeds of which will benefit various charities including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Cancer Society, Hospital for Special Care and the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. However, their most endearing accolade was starting the missing children program on milk containers.

Filomeno & Company, PC - Medium Business Category
In 1966, Joe Filomeno decided to start his own accounting firm in West Hartford after a 15-year stint working at other accounting firms. What started with 5 employees and a commitment to excellence grew into a 42-member business with a unique blend of professionalism, charisma and emotional intelligence and exploring branching out from traditional compliance-driven services and offering such services as cost segregation, business valuations and investment advisory services.

Joe's son, Tom, joined the firm in 1978 after graduating from UConn with a degree in Accounting. Tom's rearing for business ownership began with daily dinner table conversation discussing the day's successes and challenges - and summer jobs at the firm doing anything that had to be done. Nowadays, with Joe semi-retired and Tom at the helm as CEO & Managing Partner, Filomeno & Company has 10 principles with an average of 19 years in the accounting profession - 16 of those with Filomeno. Additionally, 26 of their top clients have been with the firm for an average of 28 years.

The family atmosphere and care to create lasting relationships is what sets Filomeno apart. They remain highly philanthropic in the West Hartford Education System and the non-profit sector. Internally, when a new "team member" is hired, they are greeted with business cards waiting on their desk their first day, a welcome card sent prior to the first day and a "meet & greet" lunch. Prior to tax season, a "pep rally" is held and team members may bank hours and earn "Filomeno Bucks," which are given out to team members going above & beyond their scope of service. These "Filomeno Bucks" are redeemable for products and services from several clients and other vendors. Breakfast, lunch and dinners are brought in during tax season and schedules coordinated so that nobody works alone.

Kaiser Whitney Staffing - Small Business Category
Having placed thousands of individuals across the state and abroad, Kaiser Whitney has earned a reputation as one of the most formidable staffing firms in Connecticut. In 1978, Don and Irene Kaiser opened a franchise of Dunhill Personnel - later going independent as Kaiser Whitney Staffing. With Don's foresight and ability to locate people for hard-to-fill executive positions domestically and abroad and Irene's focus on relationships in the local market, it is little wonder whey they were recently named as the #1 Employment Agency by the readers of the New Haven Advocate.

Son James came to the company in the 90's after working in Human Resources for a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota - learning the fundamentals about Total Quality Management. Daughter Elaine joined in 1996 after a successful career in international finance. Both bring with them a plethora of knowledge that gives Kaiser Whitney Staffing a distinct edge for their clients.

But the environment in which they operate sets Kaiser Whitney Staffing apart from many staffing firms in the region. They focus on positive communication and they strive to maintain the "human factor." Their offices are "kid friendly" with toys and videos for children to use while their parents are interviewed. The Kaiser Whitney staff lend bus fare and provide transportation. They have donated money to numerous charities including Muscular Dystrophy Association and Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and support community programs such as RideWorks and New Haven Sister Cities. The family also volunteers to speak on various radio programs regarding the job market, and give generously of their time to high schools and universities to educate students about preparing resumes, interviewing, how to find jobs and determining career paths. They have also gone to the Capitol to testify on different bills and legislation regarding employment issues.

Finalists

S&S Worldwide - Large Business Category
In 1906, Aaron Schwartz founded S&S Leather in New York City with 4 employees - dealing in small leather crafts such as comb cases, purses and hair curlers. But, the hectic life of life in New York City soon gave way to a more serene setting in Colchester, Connecticut, where succeeding son Hyman, who joined in the 1930's, expanded the business into non-leather crafts and craft supplies - serving a broader customer base.

S&S underwent a third transition as Hyman's son Stephen grew the mail order business and expanded the product line to include games, therapeutic products, sporting equipment and early learning materials in the 60's. Nowadays, with Stephen's sons Adam as VP and General Counsel and Hy as VP of Business Development, and through various acquisitions, S&S Worldwide is now the largest suppliers of recreation items in their market, and also supply sporting goods, seasonal novelty and party items and specifically tailored educational items. Their S&S Discount Sports catalog was the recipient of the 2001 "Parents' Choice" awards and their product launch of "Gee-Perz" was chosen as a winner in the "Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's products for 2002."

Associates at S&S Worldwide recently ranked a 90% overall satisfaction rate, and the company helps increase through the use of suggestion boxes, hiring displaced workers, annual incentive plans to receive up to two weeks additional pay for meeting company goals and state of the art teleconferencing and visual software - allowing employees to discuss products and samples in real time and make more efficient decisions.

Currently, S&S has launched some products on QVC and they distribute over 7 million catalogs under 12 titles annually. They employ 350 people in three locations and continue to grow in various sectors of their business.

Munson's Chocolates - Large Business Category
Candy-maker Benjamin Munson and his wife Josephine started the Dandy Candy Company in 1946 - shortly after the conclusion of World War II and the elimination of sugar rations. The fledgling family business, located above a tailor's shop in Manchester, made many of the sweet confections popular at that time: ribbon candy, sugar wafers and candy canes, which were sold to local department stores.

In 1948, the Dandy Candy Company changed its name to Munson's Candy Kitchen and opened their first retail store. They also expanded their product line to include hand-dipped chocolates. But their expansion didn't stop there. In 1951, the Munson's moved and set up shop in Bolton with a new 1344 square foot facility that also consisted of a retail store and kitchen.

Ben and Josephine's son Robert became president in 1975 and the company ultimately changed its name to Munson's Chocolates. Nowadays, with the third generation of Karen and husband Jim involved in the business, Munson's employs close to 200 people and is Connecticut's largest retail chocolate manufacturer with 10 stores and a 35000 square foot facility. They are also the exclusive manufacturer of officially licensed UConn Husky Chocolate Bars.

The Munson family has received a number of accolades throughout the state, including Editors Choice Best Candy by Connecticut Magazine, Best Sweet Shop by the Advocate and Best Candy by the Fairfield County Magazine. In addition, Munson's Chocolates is a founding member of the Retail Confectioner's International and New England Retail Confectioner's Association.

The Munson Family has remained committed to their industry as well as their community - contributing thousands of dollars of product to charities and offering an annual Munson Family Scholarship to a Bolton High School Senior pursuing a degree in business administration. With this in mind, they never stray from their company vision of manufacturing happiness and adding a special little ingredient called Pride.

Collins Bus Service & Post Road Stages - Medium Business Category
The year was 1912 when John A. Collins established Collins Bus Service - ushering South Windsor children to and from school in a horse-drawn wagon in fair weather and two-horse sleigh in winter weather.

John was later joined in business by his two sons, Leslie and Harold, who grew the business remarkably through school contracts in the towns of East and South Windsor. The Collins sons in 1958 further grew the businesses by purchasing the franchise of Stafford Bus Company and incorporating the company under the name of Post Road Stages. The era of the 60's & 70's saw remarkable growth as the company saw its fleet quadruple. Nowadays Collins Bus Service specializes in commuter transportation while Post Road Stages serves he charter and tour clients.

Collins Bus Service and Post Road Stages, now grooming the 5th generation, has always focused on the needs of the customer. Recognizing that many of their customers are senior citizens or students, the family has always realized their special needs focus on safety and cost-effective planning. Their equipment is always clean, in good repair and the drivers are in uniform, well trained, friendly, informed and helpful. Additionally, Collins Bus Service & Post Road Stages equip all drivers with a personal cell phone so that the office can get in immediate contact with the drivers or any passengers on their coach in case of an emergency.

The family remains highly involved in their community and industry and have been since the company's inception with Harold Collins receiving the first "Golden Wheel" award presented by the American Bus Association for his efforts in getting legislation passed in Connecticut regarding transportation taxes. Bruce Snow, Harold's Grandson, serves as President of the Connecticut Bus Association and Priscilla Snow, Harold's Daughter, serves on the Board of Directors of the Local Chamber of Commerce, Chairs the Ambassadors Board and is a member of the Board of Directors f the Greater Hartford Tourism District. Please join us in congratulating the Collins & Snow families of Collins Bus Service & Post Road Stages.

LaRosa Building Group - Medium Business Category
In 1979, with a 4 year old and a newborn, Bob and Carmela LaRosa founded R.N. LaRosa Corporation in Meriden, specializing in custom home construction and developments. With just 5 employees and annual revenue of $200,000, LaRosa Building Group soon grew to one of the most respectable Building Groups in the state with over 45 employees and annual revenue of $25 million in 2002.

Son James joined the family firm after studying construction management in college. Daughter Patricia joined shortly thereafter having studied Finance. Both children, while having worked in the business since they could swing a hammer, have been understudies to their parents - James now working as Project Manager/Estimator ready to succeed his father at Project Executive; and Patricia working in Accounts Payable/Human Resources ready to succeed her mother as Controller.

The LaRosa's maintain that they are a family first and a business second - a feeling that permeates the employee base where they some have been with them for 15 years. The LaRosa's keep close communication between the family unit and their clients, design team, sub-contractors and employees. Their ability to remain focused and communicate catapulted an era of growth in the 80's when the company expanded to renovate private offices, restaurants and take on municipal and industrial facilities. Nowadays, the company continues to expand by taking on more complex projects - particularly the International Terminal and Fire Station at Bradley Airport.

The LaRosa family remain active volunteers. Bob serves on the Board of Directors for the Bradley Home - a unique residential non-profit care organization that cares for people over the age of 65. LaRosa Building group is a major fundraiser for the Connecticut Children's Medical Center and the Village for Families and Children - raising over $130,000 within the past 3 years for these two organizations and helping to sponsor various events.

Esquire Gas Products - Small Business Category
The year was 1940 and Harry Squires made his living as owner of the Newgate Ginger Ale Company in Enfield as soda-bottling businesses ran rampant here in Connecticut. Son Robert developed cylinders to hold carbon dioxide in his father's business and Robert began selling them to independent bottlers in the state. What blossomed thereafter was Esquire Gas Products.

Sixty-three years later, with Robert's son Bill as President and his wife Nancy as Vice President, Esquire Gas Products maintain its status as only locally-owned dry ice and carbon dioxide distributor in Enfield. The key to their success is their outstanding service, and they've managed to resist consolidation despite national agreements with major suppliers. Their customers keep going back to Esquire Gas - much in part to their speedy and reliable service and emergency deliveries.

Family shares in the decision-making policies and their management style is admittedly low-key and informal, which works for them and their 16 employees. All employees are encouraged to voice their opinions and partake in decision-making policies where needed. Currently, the third generation is being groomed for family ownership.

Esquire Gas Products continues to grow and have recently expanded and upgraded their facility having reinvested profits into the business. From what grew from a $100,000 business in 1951 now enjoys revenues close to the $4 million dollar mark.

Crystal Blueprint & Stationery - Small Business Category
It was in 1973 when Daniel Waskiewicz began a small blueprint reproduction operation in the basement of his Stafford Home. Sister Debbi joined him a year later as bookkeeper and ultimately joined Dan and his wife, Diane, as a trio to be reckoned with in downtown Rockville.

Crystal Shops, which includes Crystal Blueprint and Stationery and Crystal's Personal Touch, moved to Rockville in 1974 and continue to service the town's residents and Town Boards with hard-to-find stationery and office supplies, art supplies and continuing the blueprint reproduction operation with new digital technology. Notwithstanding the competition from major retail outlets in the area, Crystal Blueprint and Stationery maintains it's loyal customer base with unique services: order by telephone, fax or e-mail and get free delivery the next day, even on out-of-stock, hard to find or special order items.

But hard-to-find items and collectibles are not all that you will find at the small-family owned store. Crystal Shops has been a backbone in promoting local events taking place downtown Rockville. Walk into Crystal Shops and you'll find literature racks, fundraising items for non-profit organizations, drop boxes for a used book sale and local art exhibits.

Dan, Debbi and Diane, with various nephews and nieces employed throughout the years, focus on making Downtown Rockville a better place to live and do business. In the mid 90's, downtown Rockville saw a decline in business and was riddled with vacant buildings and late-night drifters. The trio then became deeply involved in renovating downtown Rockville - chairing the Neighborhood Revitalization Zone and economic development committee. Later Daniel formed the Rockville Downtown Association and became part of the Connecticut Main Street Program. Dan, Debbie and Diane relentlessly work to make Downtown Rockville a better place to live and do business - sweeping streets on Clean-up Day and funding a façade improvement program. In 2002, the CT General Assembly gave Crystal Blueprint a citation at the end of Dan's term as RDA president and in the spring of 2003, Crystal Shops was nominated for the CT Main Street's Merchant of the Year Award.