FBA 2013 Awards Gala
MAKING A POSITIVE
By Nora Tooher
M
ore than 400 family business owners and supporters gathered at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge on Oct. 24 to celebrate the Family Business Association (FBA) Awards for Massachusetts 2013. While the Red Sox slugged it out across the Charles River during the second game of the World Series, the 22 finalists for this year’s awards were feted for persevering and succeeding despite personal, economic and industry challenges. Keynote speaker Carolyn Stimpson, one of five Crowley family siblings who own Wachusett Ski Area and Polar Beverages, discussed the difficulties of extended family members battling ownership shares, a 1994 advertising dispute with Coca-Cola Co. and the importance of coming together as a family. Her husband, John Stimpson, a filmmaker, is not on the company payroll because of a “no-spouse rule.” John explained, “we as a family all work together, we play together and we vacation together,” adding that it helps that the family has “a wonderful Irish sense of humor.” The ski resort employs 1,000 during the ski season, and the Worcester bever12
age company, which traces its roots to 1882, is the nation’s largest independent soft-drink bottler. FBA President Edward D. Tarlow said before the dinner that the awards and annual dinner are an extension of the organization’s commitment to educate and empower family businesses. The awards recognized small, medium, large and first-generation firms whose business practices have had a positive impact on their business sectors and communities. In addition, several awards were given to family businesses for special achievements in particular areas, including marketing and philanthropic work. Paula Ebbens, co-anchor of WBZ-TV’s noon and 5 p.m. newscasts, pinch-hit as master of ceremonies for colleague David Wade, who was on assignment in St. Louis for coverage of the World Series. “Family businesses really are the backbone of the economy,” she said. Ebbens noted that family businesses not only weathered the recent economic storm, but also outperformed many public companies. “It’s really because of having the integrity to make good and moral business decisions,” she said. “What a special gift you are giving to
your children, or your parents or grandparents passed on to you,” Ebbens told the audience. 2013 Winners Named Brief videos highlighted the stories of the 22 finalists, which ranged from twoperson bakeries to growing tech manufacturers. FBA award winners this year were: Small Business of the Year (fewer than 50 full-time employees): Ellis Haven Inc., a third-generation family campground in Plymouth, now owned and operated by David and Craig Carreau. Mid-Sized Business of the Year (50 to 150 full-time employees): E.T. & L. Corp., a 68-year-old, heavy construction business in Stow, now owned and operated by Jennie Lee Colosi – one of the largest womanowned heavy construction companies in the country. Large Business of the Year (more than 150 full-time employees): Boston Harbor Cruises Inc. Founded in 1926 as a 30-minute Charles River cruise for 10 cents, the company today is the nation’s largest private operator of passenger vessels. Rick, Chris and Alison Nolan – fourthgeneration members of founder Matthew Hughes’ family – currently steer the business.