Record-Journal Business & Industry 2013

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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | MAY 3RD | 2013

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Area Offers Ideal Business Community for Many, Some Celebrating 30, 50, 80 – 115 Years Here!

As we spoke with business owners and leaders throughout Meriden, Wallingford, Southington, Cheshire and surrounding communities for this 2013 Business and Industry Review, it became clear that this section features some of the area's best retailers, financial institutions, construction specialists, pool companies, health professionals, spa owners, restaurants and destinations, instructors and providers of other goods and services.

This proud network of area businesses shows such belief in and support for the communities they serve. The people they serve give these

businesses a great drive to work hard every day to help customers, by providing excellent service, quality products and integrity.

In this review of the businesses and industries serving our communities, and the people working together to run them, many successes stand out as a strong testament to the area's capacity for supporting this abundant network for the long term.

The number of business owners celebrating long-time anniversaries of doing business here, 25th, 50th, 75th and 80th – some companies marking well over 100 years here, underscores that this is a great place to do business.

For nearly two centuries, Meriden has proven itself a perfect place to do business.

With the surprising number of local businesses celebrating multiple decades of service here, you will read about friends, neighbors, area leaders, people that members of your family know or work with. This network of businesses is loyal to and dedicated to serving you, members of the community – and to working together as business neighbors.

This section includes comprehensive information in the profiles of so many hardworking business people who want to help. And, among the striking similarities is each

businesses commitment to serve its customers. Each company owner, manager, president and CEO holds dedication to the community and a dream, goal and vision to help people with the products and services they need.

Many of these companies have been family-owned and operated for multiple generations. They are a vibrant and vital part of the community.

These businesses carry timetested records of personal relationships built with generations of satisfied clients.

National economic trends may ebb and flow through the years. Recessions may come and go, but Meriden and the surrounding areas have

proven to be a steadfast spot for business, where the convenient location in the center of Connecticut, between intersecting major highways that traverse the state, halfway between Hartford and New Haven; Boston and New York, serves business better than any other.

Companies doing business throughout the communities the Record-Journal serves are showing an overall trend, not just in surviving – but in prospering and growing, moving forward despite what's been dubbed as an overall challenging economic climate. They're moving forward, faster, with a positive and strong outlook for the

future as well.

These indications are shown by the long-time presence of companies we frequent every day. It's the familiar family name on the sides of their vehicles, to new businesses coming to the area for the first time who are encouraged in through incentives, work help and city programs offered to show support and strength.

It is an honor and a privilege to live and work in these communities. These businesses and industries are owned by and employ people who are passionate about what they do, and who they help – for today, and into the future.

1282676

BUSINESS REVIEW 2013 INDEX COMPANY

AD PG. NO.

STORY PG. NO.

PHOTO PG. NO.

COMPANY

AD PG. NO.

STORY PG. NO.

PHOTO PG. NO.

A-1 Services, Inc.

16

-

-

Pools By Murphy

17

17

17

Apple Rehab Coccomo

39

20

-

Pop’s Burgers & Fries

32

32

32

Assisted Living Services, Inc.

36

35

35

Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce

40

-

17

Assisted Living Technologies, Inc.

36

35

35

Re/Max Professionals Southington

35

39

39

Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service

28

19

-

Record-Journal Publishing Company

23

-

-

Billy Carlson Heating & Air Conditioning

11

26

26

Russell Hall Company

30

-

14

Brothers Pool

21

21

21

SAF-T Auto Service

7

-

-

Canada Dry Bottling Company/Tomassetti Distributors

9

-

7

Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc.

19

-

42

Capital Financial Planning

19

36

36

Silver City Furnace Company

36

-

40

Carver Academy Private Christian School

9

9

-

Sonic of CT

8

8

8

Catherine & Company Salon & Day Spa

7

7

-

Springfield Republican

29

-

-

Central CT Senior Health Services

6

6

6

State Wide Insurance, LLC

39

-

25

Cheshire Dermatology

24

19

19

Suburban Stationers

37

-

-

Civali’s Auto Service

38

-

-

Summit at Plantsville

22

22

22

Collette Physical Therapy

3

-

9

Suzio Insurance Center

13

-

22

Colony Street Auto Service

35

-

-

Suzio York Hill

44

43

43

Comprehensive Dialysis Care, LLC

8

38

-

The Bradley Home

16

-

28

Connecticut Computer Service Inc.

27

-

36

The Curtis Home

14

14

-

Connecticut Power and Sport

25

40

-

Triple Springs Spring Water

5

-

5

Crowell Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

41

41

41

Valencia Discount Liquor and Wine Shop

3

3

-

C-Town Supermarket

41

42

-

Valentin Karate

10

43

-

Duchess Restaurant

34

34

34

Victorian House

18

18

18

Elevation Summer Camp

13

13

-

Wallingford Economic Development

38

38

38

Ferrigno Insurance Agency

31

31

-

Waverly Inn

18

18

18

Fiduciary Investment Advisors

5

5

5

Webster Bank

33

33

-

Foucault’s Furniture & Appliance

40

-

10

Windows Plus

26

-

-

Four Points by Sheraton/Meriden

16

27

27

Wolf’s Indoor Range & Shooting Center

32

-

-

Gaylord Hospital

12

10

10

Workforce Alliance/CTWorks Career Center

30

30

30

Gelo Exterior Home Improvements, Inc.

17

15

-

Gouveia Vineyards

28

25

-

Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce

42

-

11

GT Tire & Service Center

21

-

-

Hunter’s Ambulance/Hunter Limousines, LTD

10

-

39

Hunter’s Pool Center, Inc.

15

15

15

James T. Kay Company

42

16

16

JH Cohn, LLC

33

13

13

King Travelways

6

-

-

K.T. Baxter’s

18

18

18

LaRosa Construction Company, Inc.

27

31

31

Liberty Lagana Furniture

14

-

24

Marianna’s Belltop Bakery

14

-

-

Maryheart Crusaders Bookstore and Chapel

26

-

11

Masters Heating & Air Conditioning

31

-

4

Meriden Economic Development

4

4

4

Meriden Hyundai

20

24

24

Miller Chiropractic & Acupuncture

33

-

-

Moran’s Television & Appliance

37

37

37

Naugatuck Savings Bank

43

28

28

Pals Power Washing, LLC

34

40

-

Pawloski Auto Body

25

-

3

Phil’s Lockshop & Home Security Center

26

-

34

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

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Pawloski Auto Body, at 1145 Old Colony Road in Wallingford, has more than 25 years of automobile collision repair experience. The family owned and operated business offers complete repairs using state-of-the-art equipment. For more information call Pawloski Auto Body at (203) 284-8111. Pictured from left to right: Dan Turgeon, Kris Kaider, Tom Hamill, Michael Pawloski, Steven Pawloski, Adam Hutcherson, Henry Sterling, Jon Turner.

Valencia Discount Liquor & Wine Shop

Celebrates 50 Years in Business Valencia Discount Liquor and Wine Shop is celebrating 50 years of helping customers select the perfect bottles for celebrations, gifts, and enjoyment with friends.

Satisfying customers has made business fun and interesting for shop owners Marc Rosen, Sharon Flanagan and their staff.

The store in the Meriden Parkade, 1231 E. Main St. in Meriden, has been in business since 1963 and has seen many changes. It expanded to its current location, near Ocean State Job Lot, Family Dollar, Bright Dental, Prestige Dry Cleaners and other fine retailers, about four years ago. The store has grown in popularity as the product selection expanded over the years. It offers a friendly atmosphere in a bright and modern space.

"Just like the good old days, we offer service with a

smile, selection that's second to none – and all at great prices. That is Valencia's commitment to our customers," Rosen said.

Today the store offers an amazing selection of wines and beers.

At first glance when you enter Valencia, the majority of the store is wine. There are so many treasures here.

Everywhere you walk, there is a pleasing selection of international wines – from fun wine to boutique wine bottles.

There is also a nice selection, about 30-feet, of liquor and cordials. And, when it comes to Valencia Discount Liquor and Wine Shop, selection is key.

"We've also really been developing our selection of craft brews," Rosen said. "I started with them 33 years ago when I wanted to sell more than Budweiser and

Miller Light. I wanted to make it a little different. I wanted the shop to stand out."

When Rosen moved forward on his vision, starting with a door of imports, people thought he'd never sell craft or imported beers in Meriden.

Rosen proved them wrong, and found quite a following for the finer quality products he brought in.

We started with one door, and we built, built – and built our selection, he said. "Now we have 22 doors of boutique, craft and imported beers.

When people walk in the store, I've watched guys and gals look at the beer selection, and I ask if I can help them find something, but they just stare at all the beer, jaws dropped, and say, "Oh my God." They love what we've done here with the selection."

Valencia tapped its niche in offering an unmatched

selection of craft brews and wines more than three decades ago, but the popularity of the items has grown. The business brought by the shop’s selection is a testament to Rosen’s expertise in selecting just what he knows will please his customers. The store is very strong with the stunning variety of craft brews it offers. It also touts a Deal of the Day promotion, as well as a Mix-or-Match sixpack craft brew section.

The store's "closeout" section, which has recently discounted winter, seasonal and other discontinued items at great values, has been incredibly popular – or, "on fire."

Stop by today and see the amazing 3,000-square-feet of selection for yourself. The shop is loaded with personal service and customized gift options such as gift baskets.

Celebrating 23 years in Business

Valencia's specialty baskets can be tailored in any way, or come pre-made in a wide selection of styles.

Customers return frequently for the artisan-created gift baskets available for every occasion and situation. We can order anything our customers need – just ask!

Having a party? We can help plan it with you. Keg beer is always available.

"This is my dream store.

I don't run it like a big box store," said Rosen, who learned the business by working with his father, Albert Rosen, in the store since graduating from business school at UConn. Rosen officially took over in 1980. "I want to help my customers get stewed.

LOL," he said with a hearty, well-meaning chuckle that his repeat customers have come to love. "This way I can give them personalized service."

"We have a good time here. We enjoy making it interesting and fun in the store," he said. Weekends are always exciting. Every Friday and Saturday you can come in for beer and wine tastings.

You can also take advantage of Valencia's 15% discount on six bottles or more of wine, which is like getting a free bottle! Seniors get a 10% discount on all wine, spirits and beer every Tuesday.

Valencia Discount Liquor and Wine Shop has been recognized as Retailer of the Year by the Connecticut Package Store Association, as well as the Record-Journal Readers' Choice Awards. Stop by the shop Mondays through Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call (203) 235-4825.

Celebrating Our 1963-2013

COLLETTE PHYSICAL THERAPY

MORE WINE!

THOMAS A. COLLETTE, P.T., M.Ed.

Marc D. Rosen and his wife Sharon L. Flanagan

invite you to visit Valencia’s fine wine department.

MORE SPIRITS! THERAPIST OWNED & OPERATED

Best Selection of Fine Spirits ...

Second To None!

Most Major Insurance Plans accepted. Now a Connecticare Provider Home Care Therapy Provided through the Following Agencies

• MASONIC HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE

MORE BEER!

• VNA HEALTHCARE

• FRANCISCAN HOME CARE • VISITING NURSE SERVICES, INC. OF SOUTHERN CT

(203) 265-7333

Fax (203) 265-3847

www.CollettePhysicalTherapy.com

1276098

345 Main Street P.O. Box 4580 Yalesville Section, Wallingford, CT 06492

Biggest Selection of Craft Beers In Town.

22 Doors of Cold Beer Ice Cold Kegs & Cases

WINE • SPIRITS • BEER

1279273

• COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION AND TREATMENT • PRE-OP VISITS FOR HIP & KNEE REPLACEMENTS • KNEE AND HIP REPLACEMENT THERAPY / POST SURGICAL TREATMENT • RANGE OF MOTION & PROGRESSIVE RESISTIVE EXERCISES • ULTRASOUND, ELECTRICAL STIMULATION, PHORESOR THERAPY • NECK AND BACK INJURIES • PERSONALIZED TREATMENT • ATHLETIC INJURIES • MANUAL THERAPY TECHNIQUES • WORK INJURIES • AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES • ARTHRITIS • HOME EXERCISE PROGRAM

1231 East Main St., Meriden • (203) 235-4825 Meriden Parkade • Next to Ocean State Job Lot MON. - SAT. 8AM - 8PM

4

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Meriden Economic Development

A Meriden Like Never Before: City's Value Soars With Exciting Changes The City of Meriden is busy making a great location even better.

A mix of retailers, manufacturers, biotech firms, nonprofits and warehousing companies have found Meriden the ideal spot to grow and expand. Downtown projects are also underway to foster economic growth and create new residential and commercial development.

"At the heart of all the things we're doing is the flood control project, which is very close to being completed," said Mayor Michael Rohde.

"This essential part of our development plan in the downtown allows for increased economic growth as well as a new park and a whole new look to the entire area."

This project that surrounds the Hub area has had several portions completed to date, including bridge construction. The plan's centerpiece is the creation of a 15acre City Center Park immediately adjacent to the new rail station. The park will act as a retention basin in the event of a flood.

The flood control project ties in with the new downtown Transit Oriented Development plan and is a prerequisite for the success of downtown's revitalization.

Plans include an intermodal transportation center supporting the City's existing Amtrak service and the planned commuter rail line going from New Haven to Springfield.

The downtown plan will create easy access into and out of the downtown area by rail and from I-691, one of three major highways serving the city. In turn, this will help Meriden attract new businesses, commuters and residents to its center.

"Meriden is going to be a stop on the commuter highspeed rail line in 2016," said Meriden Mayor Michael Rohde. "As part of our Transit Oriented Development, we're planning a downtown area that enhances this new rail service."

This extensive downtown project includes zoning changes that will allow for the development of new housing units and commercial space with easy access to the train and intermodal station. Young

professionals and retirees will find attractive living options in Meriden's urban center.

The city's improved infrastructure will make it easier to walk around - and even easier to drive downtown. Many one-way streets will be eliminated and two-ways will allow a better quality of life in the area.

"We are expecting that all of this effort to improve the city will significantly change the value equation for the downtown area," Rohde said.

"Most cities and towns have a green. We expect there will be some additional development along the perimeter of our new green."

The City's Economic Development Office stands ready to help businesses looking to relocate to the City.

Immediate access to three major highways, superb incentive packages, and a skilled workforce keep Meriden competitive. The city is actively helping many new businesses to maximize the success of the downtown area with new retail and residential development opportunities. Meriden's Plan of Conservation and Development not only envisions new development downtown but also encourages development along Preston Avenue and on South Mountain Road. This plan aims to expand the tax base and preserve open space.

C-Town Supermarket, which is also located in New Britain and in New York City, is contributing to the Colony Street area, which will also reap many benefits from the Transit Oriented Development plan. The street will be an entry to the new intermodal center. Properties are well suited for great restaurants, housing units and more.

Any part of Meriden is ideal for residential and commercial growth. Located right in the center of the state, the city is geographically the perfect location for business, Rohde explained. "We're also looking at a city-owned 500acre property on the west side of town which could be turned into a light industrial zone, an ideal location for manufacturers."

The 70-plus acre Hall Farm property on Preston Avenue is a shovel-ready site for new development. It is

attracting the attention of developers and investors.

"Our strengths have always been that we're easy to get to. For companies that do business statewide, being in Meriden makes a lot of sense," he said. "One of the best things is that it is much easier to get in and out of Meriden at peak drive times unlike most other cities in Connecticut."

In addition to its ideal location for business in the state, Meriden is also the place to come for fun.

Recognized as one of the Most Playful Cities in America in 2011, the City actively promotes outdoor play for children. Meriden's Quinnipiac Linear Trail, along the banks of the Quinnipiac River, boasts one of the most scenic trails in New England.

"We're blessed with the largest municipal park system in New England," said Mayor Rohde. A magnificent boundless playscape area in Hubbard Park is free for anyone who comes to play.

Meriden boasts of many leisure activities and events and has had an increase in the size and scope of these events in recent years. We are also proud to host a number of cultural events, including the Black Heritage Festival and the Puerto Rican Festival.

Meriden's signature event is the always the well-anticipated annual Daffodil Festival that draws attendance from a wide region to our beautiful Hubbard Park.

"So much progress has been made and projects have been completed all over town.

We want to make sure we are doing a better job of marketing our community, understanding how people feel about us, and reaching out to them in a proactive way," he said. "We want to let them know we're a great town to work, live, and play."

Come to Meriden! The City has so much to fill us all with pride.

If you are considering relocating your business, or want to learn more about our City, call the Economic Development Office at 203630-4151, or visit www.meridenbiz.com. The partnership to make your move a success begins here!

The City of Meriden's Economic Development office is ready to help you grow your business in Meriden.

Call us at 203-6304151 for help in finding a site, information on incentives, our special loans to manufacturers and more. Visit us at MeridenBiz.com.

Pictured from left to right are Economic Development Director Peggy Brennan, Mayor Mike Rohde, Economic Development Associate Aya Beckles Swanson.

Planning To Move Or Expand Your Business?

Choose Meriden Because

Meriden Has It All! Exceptional Quality of Life!

• 3000+ acres of parkland • Meriden Linear Trail and Hubbard Park • Renowned hospital, unlimited shopping, growing businesses

Linear Trail

Great Place to Live!

• Small town atmosphere • Wide range of quality housing options • Easy access to 3 major highways.

Excellent Schools • 2 nationally-accredited high schools • Four Blue Ribbon elementary schools • Committed to educational excellence

Roger Sherman School

Superb Location for Your Business!

For More Information Contact

City of Meriden Economic Development Office (203) 630-4151 Masters Heating and Air Conditioning, at 16 Hosford St. in Wallingford, is proud to bring customers over 40 years of professional experience. Masters is a full-service company that offers high efficiency heating and air conditioning units, with quality workmanship, fair prices and friendly service. Visit www.MastersHeatingandAir.com or call 203-265-4434 today.

Visit us online at:

MeridenBiz.com Just Better For Business

1275987

• Central location at the Crossroads of CT • Skilled workforce available • Numerous incentive programs

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

5

Fiduciary Investment Advisors

Bases Success on Conflict-Free, Straight Talk For Fiduciary Investment Advisors, LLC (FIA), based at 100 Northfield Drive in Windsor, building a successful firm was a matter of responding to market trends and client needs for conflictfree advice and straightforward service.

"We started the business five years ago when 14 of us left a major Wall Street firm.

We left to capitalize on a major trend we saw in the marketplace – the need for fee-only advice," said Mark Wetzel, President. "We formed an independent, feeonly consulting firm."

The company offers customized investment advice to plan sponsors and fiduciaries, who are charged with the oversight of pension plans, 401k plans, 403b plans, endowments and foundations, and wealthy families.

"We help with the entire process, including asset allocation decisions, investment manager selection and ongoing monitoring," he said.

"We're trying to make sure that plan sponsors follow procedural prudence and that everything is well documented, creating a defendable fiduciary trail."

FIA provides its investment advisory services to

fiduciary clients, including pension and defined contribution retirement plans, endowments and foundations, and wealthy families. The firm takes time to work with clients' individual circumstances, offering each one unique solutions and working to build lasting relationships with them. Clients take comfort in knowing FIA's interests are aligned exclusively with theirs and that all advice is 100-percent objective.

Fiduciary Investment Advisors' business model and philosophy are widely sought-after today.

"In five years we've gone from zero to $15 billion that we advise," Wetzel said. "We have about 140 institutional clients. We've had zero senior consultant turn over and we’ve grown from 14 to 32 employees."

While it's nice to be a recognized leader by the industry, Fiduciary Investment Advisors is also proud to be recognized by its business partners: attorneys, accountants and clients – often with the best form of flattery: continuous referrals.

Compared to other firms, Fiduciary Investment Advisors is not a group of investment managers, but it is a firm that

specializes in helping with the overall investment process for plan fiduciaries, ensuring everything is done in a prudent fashion and following a well-documented process to get clients the best results and protect them as well.

"The final stamp of approval comes from a number of New England law firms who have hired us to advise their retirement plans," he said.

The company is seeing big trends in the business, which are bringing customers in for its specialized services.

First, companies are continuing to seek help as the investment world gets more and more complicated and the legal requirements of overseeing money are more complex.

Second, it is also seeing a rise in demand for that conflictfree advice and straight talk.

FIA's core consulting services include: investment policy statement development and review, fund menu design, investment manager/mutual fund search and evaluation, QDIA selection and review, peer/industry benchmarking, total plan cost analysis and full fee disclosure, ongoing performance monitoring, plan vendor evaluation and search, employee

Fiduciary Investment Advisors, LLC (FIA), based at 100 Northfield Drive in Windsor, is a growing independent firm that offers customized investment planning and wealth management services. Visit Fiduciary online at www.fiallc.com. Pictured from left to right: Tyler Polk, Ryan Gardner, Kelly McGuinness, Jeff Capone, John Roche and Katie Marino. communication and education assistance. Recently, FIA has helped a number of 401k plan sponsors review their fee structure. In many cases, they have assisted the client in reducing plan fees by a signif-

icant amount, producing savings that can make a difference to plan participants.

"We feel like we're perfectly positioned to continue our growth and to continue to meet the needs of our clients,"

Wetzel added.

For more information, visit Fiduciary Investment Advisors online at www.fia llc.com

Triple Springs, located at 199 Ives Ave. in Meriden, uses the most advanced technology in bottling fresh spring water. Triple Springs can bottle more than 900 5-gallon bottles of water per hour! We also offer other beverages such as coffee and tea. You can find our primary bottled spring water products available in 5 gallon and 3 gallon bottles, 1-gallon jugs, and half-liter bottles. We are proud to bottle our crystal clear and pure products right at the source. We have three naturally existing springs right on former farmland at Ives Avenue. In fact, you can stop in 24 hours to get an outstanding value: Fill your own gallon jugs on-site, for just 25 cents per gallon! Come see us today!

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199 Ives Avenue, Meriden • (203) 235-8374 • www.triplesprings.com Nestled in the hills between Middlefield and Meriden, CT, is the home of the Triple Springs Spring Water Company, located on pristine land that has been owned by the same family for generations. George Kuchle, the owner and president of Triple Springs, is proud that his company has been providing home and office delivery of exceptional pure spring water to Southern New England and New York since 1918.

Our company is named for three major springs that constantly bubble from deep within the earth at a consistent 50°F throughout the year. Our pure spring water is 100% natural (sodium and chlorine free) and is bottled at the source in our state-of-the-art plant. Our water is tested for purity on a daily basis and our company has been recognized nationally for its excellence in manufacturing.

In addition to our Pure Spring Water, Triple Springs also offers water filtration units, the very popular Keurig singleserve K-Cup Brewers and an extensive variety of coffee, tea and related products. A wealth of additional information about our company and its products can be viewed at our website www.TripleSprings.com.

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6

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Central Connecticut Senior Health Services

Wellness Programs Help Seniors Stay Social, Healthy Often all we can wish for is that our families and loved ones are healthy and happy.

And, Professionals at Central Connecticut Senior Health Services, CCSHS, are putting forth some great efforts to make the wishes of many community members come true.

The Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging offers free resources to the community that help with proactive prevention. An assessment center for seniors and a variety of programs related to their health and wellness, all join with the mission to provide and promote wellness and independence for a higher quality of living. The Good Life Choices program series at seven different CCSHS facilities deals with topics involving balance, posture, getting energized, maintaining your health and prevention.

"We've been looking at expanding these programs to reach members of the community before there's a crisis," said Erika Stinson, Director of Marketing and Business Development, "We've been hearing from children of aging parents, who are grateful that we've been able to better help their parents with these programs."

Seniors coming out to the new Lunch and Learn and Dinner with the Doc programs are really learning how to be preventive and how to live a better quality of life.

Imagine achieving a healthier lifestyle and even social connections further into your senior years than you ever thought possible. Or, imagine offering such care to your parents or loved ones, that their quality of living was everything you hoped for – and more.

Central Connecticut Senior Health Services

(CCSHS) is a leader in delivering care with service and quality – and programs that focus on wellness and prevention for increased health.

Through its Jerome Home, CCSHS was awarded a $50,000 grant that helped to provide a Guide to Good Life Fitness program of exercise as well as a cooking class that helps seniors who participate learn about nutritional cooking for themselves.

"They learn how to use some of their favorite recipes still, but make them healthier," Stinson explained. "They can ask the chef questions and learn about substitutions with healthy ingredients – and more."

Also with prevention in mind, anyone can call CCSHS facilities and get a free balance assessment, which is part of the community wellness programming.

CCSHS facilities seek to enhance the physical, spiritual, social and emotional experiences of patients, residents and program participants through relationship-centered care.

As a proud affiliate with Hartford HealthCare, the company oversees five senior care entities as well as Adult Day Programs and several wellness programs. A continuum of healthcare services is offered at each of the CCSHS facilities, including: • Southington Care Center, a 130-bed skilled nursing community and rehabilitation center with outpatient services, and Good Life fitness and wellness programs. • The Orchards at Southington, a crown jewel 90-apartment independent and assisted living community. • Mulberry Gardens in Plantsville serves Alzheimer's and memory care needs, and offers adult day care in two

locations: Southington and Marian Heights in New Britain. • Jerome Home in New Britain, is a 120-bed skilled and residential care community with assisted living, rehabilitation including outpatient services and long-term care, and Good Life fitness and wellness programs. • Arbor Rose, is a 62apartment assisted living and memory care community on the Jerome Home campus. • Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging resource and assessment centers for seniors and their families have locations at the Bradley and New Britain General campuses of The Hospital of Central Connecticut. • All part of Hartford HealthCare.

"We really want to catch the senior before they have that fall, and help them get proper exercise, correction or therapy before they have a fall," she said. "In addition to getting people the resources before a crisis, the biggest thing is also the socialization piece, which is the underlying thing."

Through the various programs, seniors are getting to know others – and finding a social space instead of staying at home where they are isolated from friends and family, feeling alone and depressed.

"They come out and look forward to coming in and connecting with each other," she said.

We understand that we share so much in common and we are all on a journey together, just traveling at different times and in different seasons of our lives, says Patricia Walden, Executive Vice President for CCSHS. Our facilities and the dedicated teams of employees have a deep understanding of our connections to each other and

Central Connecticut Senior Health Services (CCSHS), based at 45 Meriden Ave. in Southington, is affiliated with Hartford Healthcare. CCSHS oversees five senior care entities as well as adult day programs and wellness programs. It offers comprehensive services for seniors at The Orchards at Southington, Mulberry Gardens, Southington Care Center, Jerome Home, the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging and other facilities. Pictured from left to right in the back row: Perry Phillips, Audrey Vinci, Marc Levesque, Sharon Robinson, Denise Lebrocquy, Carol Barno, Nicole Carbone, Lori Toombs, William Kowalewski. In the front row: Paula Abbatiello, Cheryl Olson, Julie Norko, Edesa Ciscar, Trish Walden, Erika Stinson.

those we are serving. "When we hear comments from participants in our physical wellness programs, such as, "I'm able to walk again." and, "I don't have as much pain when I walk," it is so gratifying and reinforces our commitment to excellence in caregiving and programming for the aging population."

Central Connecticut Senior Health Services is

committed to helping seniors remain as healthy and independent as possible through every stage of their lives. Through the Alliance Advantage Club, a free senior club card is offered to anyone age 55 and over, members can get discounts from local merchants, invitations to, and information about upcoming prevention and wellness programs.

"Because we offer many options for seniors within our care delivery systems we are uniquely able to truly provide seamless services to seniors," Walden said.

To learn more, visit www.CTSeniorCare.org or call the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging at 860-2245278 in New Britain, or in Southington at (860) 276-5293.

Enhancing Quality of Life for Seniors and their Families

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Not for profit members of Central Connecticut Senior Health Services *Other Hartford HealthCare Senior Services

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

7

Canada Dry Bottling Company/Tomassetti Distributors

Fulfilling Customers Needs In Today’s Economy

Stacks of Snapple and soft drinks line the Tomassetti warehouse waiting to be delivered to thirsty folks all over the area. Tomassetti, established in 1940, was initially a bottler of Canada Dry products. They began distributing Snapple in 1992 and it continues to be a popular staple today. The warehouse serves as a drop off and storage point for the company, while Reservoir Avenue remains the hub of activity. Tomassetti is always looking for new opportunities to bring the area the finest snacks and drinks available.

Catherine & Company Salon And Day Spa

tle and bustle in the main shop space. The spa quarters commonly host women's milestone birthday parties, and other private celebrations where friends can enjoy strawberries, champagne, friends and relaxing spa services together.

The salon uses and recommends Paul Mitchell products

Escape in Privacy Go Take a Time Out team it doesn't happen," she says. "I feel very blessed to have a career I love so much after 28 years. I have the perfect combination of work and family life."

The spa may not be in a new building, but that is also a good thing. It is established, with experienced professionals who know what theyíre doing every step of the way.

"We may not be new, but I am constantly making it new and fresh all the time, renovating and remodeling," said Stowik, a Wilcox graduate who has been doing hair for 28 years. "My original love was for carpentry. I got the best of both worlds. I own the building and I'm constantly changing and renovating it. I love that part of it, too. I love people. I'm a people person.

That's who I am. And, that's why I want it to be homey, welcoming, comfortable and relaxing."

Catherine & Company Salon and Spa draws customers in with its charming,

cozy atmosphere. Most people feel as if they are entering a home.

"What drives me is to make people feel happy and look beautiful," says Stowik, who has children, ages 3 and 8.

"I truly love doing what I do."

In addition to constantly updating the shop and also their skills, Catherine & Company Salon and Day Spa also sets its sights to the future. This summer features a Paul Mitchel convention and show in Las Vegas. Trip participants will return with the latest trends, color techniques and trade secrets. "It's a big deal," she says.

If you're looking for a very clean, high-end, peaceful, private and relaxing spa setting, Catherine & Company Salon and Day Spa is the place for you. Four spa pedicure chairs allow friends to luxuriate together in a shared experience. Parties are a spa specialty, held in a completely private area of the spa, away from the rest of the hus-

and Loreal color. Its retail lines include Bed Head, Yonka skin products and more.

I love the fact that it is a warm and home-like environment, inviting and relaxing, not cold and sterile, or so big you can't relax, she explained.

"It's a home. It's warm – just a nice place."

AUTO SERVICE • Alignments • A/C Service • Brakes • Fleet Service • Engine Repairs • Exhaust Systems • We Honor Extended Warraties

Catherine & Company is open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.catherineandcosalon.com and call 203.238.0844.

Complete Auto & Light Truck Service & Repairs Local Shuttle Service

All work comes with a 12/12 warranty

Engine Diagnostic Specialists

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Owned & Operated by Kenneth Gagne

281 East Main Street, Meriden

(203) 237-4311 1277056

Ever feel like you just need to get away from it all?

A little relaxation and decompression is what we could all use. At Catherine & Company Salon and Day Spa, 710 East Main St. in Meriden, rejuvenation awaits.

Catherine & Company, a multiple award-winning full service salon and spa operating in a beautifully renovated Victorian house, was voted #1 Best Hair salon AND #1 Best Day Spa for very good reasons!

Whether you just have time to stop in for a pedicure, facial, massage or reflexology – or you want to book a longer stay to enjoy with friends and put on luxurious robes for several body services, it's always the season to remove stress from your life, improve your circulation and overall health. With a busy prom and wedding season coming up, Catherine & Company urges you to book soon since spaces fill fast this time of year.

Catherine & Company Salon and Day Spa specializes in comprehensive services for hair, nails, facial, cosmetics, body, waxing, pedicure, massage, and much more. There is plenty for the men as well, including hair care services, cuts, coloring, eyebrow management, waxing, sports massage, manicure and pedicure. Some great packages are available for friends to visit for a day of pampering – for Mother’s Day, a birthday, new job, job stress relief, retirement, or any occasion that comes to mind. Any day is a great day for a spa date!

Catherine Stowik, salon and spa owner, has been bringing award-winning body services to her clients 18 years and says she is very proud of the growth her business has seen in that time.

"The thing I'm most proud of is we started out almost two decades ago with three employees, and now we have 18," she said with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. "We've grown by leaps and bounds."

Stowik is fast to credit her team and her manager, Laura, for help that allows her to balance being available to her family as well as working in the salon and spa.

"Without the perfect

With about 10-12 trucks per day distributing products, Tomassetti is working daily to supply the state with new and exciting products. In the early years as a Canada Dry bottler, the firm bottled and distributed the products in parts of New Haven County. As time went on, the firm progressed from manufacturing its own products to obtaining products from big bottlers who count on Tomassetti to distribute them. Tomassetti Distributors sells and distributes products to everyone from Wal-Mart to Stop and Shop and small, local delis as well as anywhere else that has a vending machine such as businesses, shops, and schools. They carry specialized drinks such as Apple and Eve, Snapple, Stewart's Root Beer, Nantucket Nectar, Nesquick, Switch, Mistic, Rockstar in addition to Canada Dry products.

Day Spa & Wellness Center Ultimate Relaxation & Pampering Known For Great Customer Service Specializing In: Complete Hair Care, Facials, Therapeutic Massage, Waxing, Spa Pedicures, Nails Spa Packages & Gift Certificates Available

Thank You From Our Entire Staff READERS’CHOICE AWARDS 2 0 1 2 FIRST PLACE

Voted #1 Best Hair Salon & Best Day Spa

We Appreciate Your Loyalty and Votes Thank You for 18 Amazing Years!

710 East Main St., Meriden (203) 238-0844 Visit us at catherineandcosalon.com Mon. 11-7, Tues. 3-8, Wed. & Thurs. 9-8, Fri. 9-7, Sat. 8-4

8

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Sonic of CT

Stay Cool With Sonic of Wallingford, Manchester – and More Locations Coming Soon!

Sonic is just plain cool.

When you take the family there, coolness is obvious.

You can tell Sonic is cool because of everything happening at the local, familyowned restaurant and its sister store in Manchester. You can also tell Sonic is cool because people from all around the state are talking about it.

They're going to Sonic for something very different.

Sonic isn't a boring regular burger spot. It's a drive-in restaurant with real rollerskating carhops and a menu that lets you choose all day from breakfast items, chicken, burgers, foot-long Coneys, wraps, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, 400,000 drink combinations, Sonic's famous tots, French fries, onion rings, banana splits and more! The menu choices are nearly endless. The entire menu, including breakfast, is available all day – open to close.

You can cool off at Sonic this season with some great new lines of flavored iced teas. Regular and carbonated drinks are half price during Happy Hour daily from 2 to 4 p.m. – perfect for a stop at the end of the school, work, camp or beach day. The best cool cap at the end of the day is half-price shakes after 8 p.m. all summer. Soon Sonic will have enclosed patio seating, complete with booths, fireplaces, plasma screen TVs and more fun on the inside.

The new Sonic store, coming soon, will have all this in addition to the same fun on the outside.

"Sonic is planning a whole plethora of new products coming out, including molten lava cake, 25 new shake flavors, chicken Caesar asiago sandwiches, egg white burritos, and more – to be

released throughout the year," said Robert Mesite, Operations Manager. "There are a lot of new things happening with Sonic right now.

We are growing here in Connecticut, planning to open at least two more stores this year – for a total of four more stores within the next 16 months." Watch for new stores in to the south and north of the two existing Sonics in the state.

Sonic of Wallingford, on Route 5 where the Yankee Silversmith Inn & Restaurant was located, is celebrating its third year in business. And, Sonic of Manchester, near the Buckland Hills Mall, off Exit 62 from Route 84, became a huge success as soon as it opened two years ago.

"It's so fun. When people come off the highway and see the roller skating carhops, they love it," said Gina Mesite Mueller, partner, who owns and runs Sonic of Connecticut as well as Villa Capri with her three brothers. One guest brought his young daughter and his father, 80, who both loved it for the skaters. It's not just for one person. There were three generations who came – and all liked it for the skaters.

You just know people think you're cool when people drive by shouting, "We love Sonic." How many fast food places get that?!

Sonic's success is due to several key ingredients. It serves up quality food with a fun atmosphere, brings back the nostalgic roller-skating carhop style of fast food restaurant service for a unique and entertaining setting.

"Our dedicated, welltrained management and staff, working hard together as a team, is instrumental in the

success of our stores," Mesite Mueller said. "We are very fortunate to have such and amazing group of people working to make our customers happy on a daily basis."

Sonic's success is unique also because it has just the right family to run it – a family with more than 50 years of experience in the restaurant business and lots of genuine customer appreciation.

"My Dad started everything when he opened the Villa Capri on Route 5 in Wallingford. My three brothers, Mark, Ralph, Robert and I - were brought up with his strong work ethics of giving the best service possible, offering good quality food, being friendly and enjoying what we do," Mesite Mueller said. "Having my father as a good role model, we learned a lot of lessons we were able to overlap into the fast food business as well. It really is a high for us to bring good things to people."

George Mesite started the Villa Capri business in Wallingford more than 50 years ago. He came to the United States from Italy with a strong work ethic and an innate business sense. He died at the age of 77 in October 2007, but his values, beliefs and work ethic live on in his grown children who are leading the family business.

"My Mom, Rosalie Mesite, is our driving force," Mesite Mueller said. "She is a behind-the-scenes kind of person, giving us the support and the background, and she is still an integral part of the family dynamic. She's the matriarch – but in a kind and persevering sense."

"It has been a lot of work, but that's what the Mesite

Sonic of Connecticut, at 1033 North Colony Road in Wallingford, near the Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester, and soon coming to at least four other locations in Connecticut, serves up good food and heaping portions of fun with roller-skating carhops! "Friendly and fast" is the motto at Sonic. With nearly 50,000 Facebook fans, Sonic proves to be a hit with people of all ages. Pictured is a Sonic roller-skating carhop. Stop in for some fun at Sonic today! family enjoys, because hard work translates into customer satisfaction – and long-term relationships with returning guests." Gina Mesite Mueller says, "Our family is very humbled by how successful Sonic has become."

Sonic stores in Connecticut rank among the top five out of nearly 4,000 Sonic restaurants in the country, says Robert Mesite, Operations Manager.

"Statistics place Sonic of Connecticut as number one in several categories."

The Sonic culture has been around since the 1950s,

and the food is second to none as far as fast-serve restaurants go. "We try to bring the oldfashioned era forward, even with new products. There's nothing like driving into a Sonic and watching our car hops buzzing around and getting your food," Robert Mesite said. "And now a whole brand-new clientele is coming in for indoor seating to add to the Sonic experience."

People don't want to drive far for a quick-serve restaurant, but they will drive far to go to a Sonic because it's so different from anyone

else – and so cool.

You can get some free stuff and go home with bragging rights if you spot the allnew 10-foot-tall Sonic mascot, Boomer, this summer.

Check online for scheduled visits – or be surprised.

Keep an eye out for Sonic's brand-new web site, and keep checking Sonic on Facebook and Twitter, as that's where most cool specials and promotions are posted for nearly 50,000 fans.

See Sonic at www.Facebook.com/Sonicof Ct, Twitter.com/SonicofCt and at www.SonicofCt.com

C OMPREHENSIVE D IALYSIS C ARE ,

LLC

61 Pomeroy Avenue • Meriden • (203) 238-1962

An Affiliate of

What Makes Us Special • Our core values are safety, compassion and collaboration.

• We strive to respond to the unique needs of dialysis patients.

• Our compassionate interdisciplinary team consists of experienced physicians, dedicated nurses and ancillary staff, who cater to our patients’ needs.

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• We provide in-center and home dialysis options to meet the needs of all our dialysis patients.

• We are backed by the resources of American Renal Associates, one of the largest dialysis providers in the U.S. • Our physicians use an electronic medical record system to ensure seamless transition of care for our patients in all settings.

Optimal Delivery of Care Our modern outpatient facility is located on the east campus of MidState Medical Center and is equipped with: • State-of-the-art dialysis machines • Heated massage dialysis chairs to help relieve back discomfort • Individual patient flat screen TVs • Wireless Internet access • Available DVD players • Emergency generator for providing backup power

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For more information please visit: http://americanrenal.com/facilities/ct-meriden/ http://www.ctneph.com

Our Staff

Eileen Kehoe, M.D.

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

9

Carver Academy

Brings Private Christian Education to Bee Street Isn't it time The Good Book is in with your child’s school books? This is now possible, thanks to an all-new private Christian education school on Bee Street in Meriden.

Carver Academy, a ministry of the New Life Church, will offer your child a worldclass education, with a Christian perspective.

"Our goal is to provide the absolute best academic environment possible while instilling Christian values and world view," said Pastor Will Marotti, senior pastor for New

Life Church. The school is named after the incredibly productive agricultural scientist, George Washington Carver, who was a great man of faith as well as a highly accomplished genius.

Enrollment is now open to children entering the kindergarten and first grade in September. The first year of the school is open only to children in those levels, but the plan is to add an additional grade in every subsequent year. The goal is for the school to teach children through eighth grade.

The entire seven-and-ahalf-acre former campus of the New Life Church, at 262 Bee Street, is dedicated to Carver Academy, including the large school building and playground areas.

"We've been praying about it for about 10 years, but it has only become a recent reality with the acquisition of the MountainRidge facility, which freed up the Bee Street property when the Church outgrew it," he said. "We've been earnestly planning this for about a year."

School curriculum will

largely follow a very wellknown and highly recommended, popular formal curriculum by A Beka. Teachers all hold degrees and have experience working with the age levels at Carver Academy.

"We've had some excitement for the school so far – a very favorable response," he said.

Many prospective Carver Academy students have attended the preschool, which has been serving infants and kindergarteners through fourth graders for seven years already. The preschool will

continue, and Carver Academy may serve as a continuation for small children attending there. The partner schools share the 17,000-square-foot building.

"Parents will literally have the option to enroll their kids as infants and enjoy quality faith-based education all the way through eighth grade," he explained. And, perhaps in the future the academy would include high school levels.

Carver Academy boasts spacious classrooms, a large, fully-equipped cafeteria, acres of outdoor space, computer lab

and library. Sports and activities will be available as well.

Small class sizes will be a goal, with a limit of 15 students per teacher.

Now is a great time to enroll your child, while the school is still a well-kept secret. Tuition rates are competitive, payment plans are available. In the future a scholarship fund may be started for families in need. Registration deadline is May 30.

For more information, call 203-630-6509 and ask for Rebecca Masse.

WHY CARVER ACADEMY? Academic Excellence plus Christian Values

Teachers encourage and address ageStudents have the distinct advantage of appropriate life questions with students a world class education and mentoring during the school day. They also supby Christian teachers, coaches and port students as they wrestle with deeper assignments that advance their leaders. abilities to take academics beyond memorization.

Individualized education We seek out student gifts and talents Education and service and educate to develop them. This is beyond the classroom not a one-curriculum-fits-all school.

Students will enjoy multiple field trips, Small class size class retreats, mission trips and service The average class size of 15 students projects. These seem to be increasingly enables teachers to know and relate to unusual in a school setting and yet they students as individuals, maximizing often provide a key opportunity for sigeach student’s ability to learn in each nificant student growth, personally and subject. spiritually.

Diversity Carver will reflect the diversity of the communities it represents. Students will learn to respect and interact responsibly with a broad variety of others with different backgrounds.

Now Enrolling For KINDERGARTEN & 1ST GRADE

262 BEE STREET, MERIDEN • (203) 630-6509 Carver Academy Is A Ministry of New Life Church

1282787

Tomassetti Distributors CANADA DRY BOTTLING COMPANY

OF

MERIDEN, INC.

We are Proud to Welcome a Product of Beverage Company to our Family of the Finest Beverages & Snacks distributed in Central Connecticut

Sparkling ICE™ Made from the Best Stuff on Earth.®

NATURALLY FLAVORED SPARKLING MOUNTAIN SPRING WATER. Sparkling ICE. A refreshing blend of mountain spring water, fruit juice and just the right amount of carbonation. Enhanced with vitamins and antioxidants. Available in eight delicious flavors. Enjoy Sparkling ICE any time of day.

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FLAVORS: Orange Mango, Black Raspberry, Pink Grapefruit, Lemon Lime, Kiwi Strawberry, Pomegranate Berry, Coconut Pineapple & Lemonade SIZES: 17 oz. & 1L

Tomassetti Distributors was established in 1940 by Alfred and Edward Tomassetti and was initally a bottler of Canada Dry products.

Alfred’s sons, Dan and Tony Tomassetti took over in 1984 and have added many new lines of beverages and snacks.

Local Distributor of Snapple Products in New Haven County

Tomassetti Distributors Celebrating Our 73rd Anniversary

266 Reservoir Ave., Meriden, CT 06450

1282822

Collette Physical Therapy, located at 345 Main St. (Rte 150) in Yalesville, is a therapist owned and operated, full-service physical therapy provider.

Collette offers comprehensive treatments so you can feel your best. Company professionals focus on remediation of disabilities and promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential. Most major insurances are accepted. Visit www.CollettePhysicalTherapy.com. Pictured at back, from left to right: Tracy Herren and Thomas Collette. In the front row: Karen Smith, Doreen Fredericks and Melissa Collette.

Critical thinking skills

10

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Gaylord Hospital

May is National Stroke Awareness Month: Consider Gaylord for World-Class Treatment

Dr. Alyse Sicklick, Medical Director, Inpatient Rehabilitation Division, Gaylord Hospital. Dr. Sicklick specializes in the care and treatment of patients who have suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury. May is Stroke Awareness month.

For 110 years Gaylord has been a leader in caring for patients who have suffered from life altering accidents or illnesses and is considered a regional leader in the medical management and rehabilitation of patients who have suffered from a stroke. For more information go to www.gaylord.org Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America, and the leading cause of disability among adults – yet 80 percent of strokes are preventable.

That is why Gaylord Specialty Healthcare in Wallingford works hard to raise awareness not only during May, which is National Stroke Awareness Month, but every month.

"It is vital to do everything you can to prevent or delay stroke as long as possible," says Dr. Alyse Sicklick, Gaylord's Medical Director of Inpatient Rehabilitation.

"There are lots of risk factors for stroke," she adds, "some of which we can't do

anything about, like getting old, or what gender you are; men are at higher risk for stroke than women. But there are some we can do something about: high blood pressure, for example. Monitoring your blood pressure closely, being compliant with your medication – all that is very important. Also stopping smoking, managing your diabetes, being physically active, and managing your cholesterol are recommended."

Many people who have suffered a stroke undergo rehabilitation at Gaylord, which has been a premier provider of long-term acute care hospital

services and outpatient rehabilitation for more than 110 years. But the health care professionals at Gaylord understand that the best time to "treat" a stroke is before it happens.

So its medical personnel spend considerable time and effort bringing preventive information to the general public, including the importance of identifying risk factors, recognition of early warning signs, and taking secondary stroke prevention measures.

The American Heart Association recommends that people use the word FAST to identify symptoms of stroke: F is for "face drooping," A is for "arm weakness," S is for "speech difficulty," and T is for "time to call 911." The last is particularly vital, because early treatment can make a big difference in a person's recovery.

Many victims of strokes are originally treated by acutecare hospitals in the short term. But when they suffer from complications or need long-term care to return to normal life as much as possible, they come to Gaylord.

Experienced health professionals devoted to treating stroke patients can provide the type of comprehensive, multidisciplinary care needed to best regain and relearn the skills of everyday living.

If the patient does not need in-patient care, Gaylord also provides outpatient rehabilitation that includes specialist assessments, and access to appropriate services for health maintenance.

Treatment after hospitalization is a must, says Dr. Sicklick. "What many people may not know is that recovery from stroke can continue long after the initial neurologic injury," she says.

Gaylord offers a Cognitive Day Treatment program that helps with memory and reasoning skills. It also offers an Aphasia Day program to address difficulties using language, comprehension, oral expression and writing. Patients in these programs may get services including speech-language therapy, neuropsychological testing, occu-

pational therapy, and more.

Its Transitional Living Center is for people who have gone to intensive rehabilitation and who need to work on skills for daily living. The Traurig House Transitional Living Center on the Gaylord Hospital campus offers a place for residents to live during the week and, if they like, go home on weekends. Staff coordinate, guide and monitor the Center where residents relearn skills for independent living.

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare provides a continuum of care, including inpatient and outpatient physical reha-

bilitation, medically complex care, and sleep medicine.

Programs also include treatment of and rehabilitation for spinal and brain injuries, ventilator weaning, respiratory management, neurological rehabilitation and hand therapy.

Gaylord has a solid reputation for rehabilitation services, specifically for complex rehabilitation associated with brain injury, pulmonary disorders, stroke, spinal cord rehabilitation, and neurological disorders. Gaylord's mission is "to preserve and enhance a person's health and function."

Gaylord has also em-

braced technology as a way to help people recover from strokes. The recently acquired Bioness hand therapy system, for example, addresses a major problem for stroke patients.

Its environment of compassion and clinical excellence ranks Gaylord among the leaders in medical care as it brings specialized therapy services for "care beyond the ordinary."

The hospital also operates Gaylord Wellness Center and the Gaylord Outpatient Center, both in North Haven.

For more information, visit Gaylord Hospital's web site: www.Gaylord.org.

“Serving Our Community Since 1989” COME AND SEE WHY SO MANY FAMILIES HAVE CHOSEN OUR SCHOOL FOR THEIR MARTIAL ARTS NEEDS. We offer classes for children starting as young as 3 years old, teens and adults of all ages in Traditional Korean Karate (Tang Soo Do). We are one of the only schools in the area that offers 6 daily classes separated by age and rank.

We also have classes in Capoeira, Kickboxing & Personnel Safety classes.

And don’t forget to schedule your child’s Birthday party with us. We do all the work and you have all the fun.

Meriden Location • 82 Camp Street Since 1989

P.S. Come to one of our 3 locations and ask our parents how they feel about us and the value of our programs.

Plantsville Location • 991 South Main Street Since 2002

Back Row: Jael Valentin, Mrs. Master Rachel Valentin, Master Efrain Valentin, Kyan Valentin Front Row: Aden Valentin, Michael Valentin Missing from Photo: Angel Valentin, Anthony Valentin

16 Chamberlain Highway • Kensington Since 2010

BEST OF...

AWARDS 2 0 1 1

READERS’CHOICE AWARDS

FIRST PLACE

FIRST PLACE

2 0 1 1

WHY CHOOSE OUR SCHOOL?

1277801

1987 Ed Foucault (top left), 83, sits in the window of Foucault's Furniture and Appliance Center in Wallingford. He began working in the family meat and grocery store as a teenager in the 1920's and shows up to open the door of the current business six days a week. 2013 Peter Foucault, (bottom left), 74, a third generation continues to run the family business as learned for past generations.

• We are a Full Time Family Friendly Martial Arts Center • Our Masters & Instructors are certified by the Legendary Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin • We have been providing Quality Training and Instruction for over 23 Years • We are a Family Owned Business – NOT a Franchise • We Offer Training in Tang Soo Do, Capoeira, Self-Defense Workshops, Birthday Parties, Private Classes, Summer Camps, Kardio Kickboxing, Local, Regional & World Campionship Competitions, Bully Prevention Workshop and Much More!

• We Now Offer Family Class Training With Your Child At The Same Time

82 Camp Street, Meriden • 203-238-0427 991 South Main Street, Plantsville • 860-621-1474 16 Chamberlain Highway, Kensington • 860-829-5425

HUNTER LIMOUSINES

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Each of us shares in the success of this company both individually and as a whole.

EXECUTIVE OFFICES: 450-478 WEST MAIN STREET MERIDEN, CT 06451 (203) 235-3369 1-800-262-4782 Ambulances Wheel Chair Vans Medical Assist Livery Special Needs School Buses

Visit us at: www.huntersamb.com

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www.valentinkarate.net

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce small Business Leadership Award is presented to Rose Flowers & Gifts, Inc. at the 117th Annual Meeting, Dinner & Silent Auction in April. (pictured l-r): Fred & Janet Barillaro and Jo-Ann Mangiaracina (owners); Chairman of the Chamber's Board of Directors Atty.

Tom Welsh, Brown & Welsh, P.C.; and in the background: State Representative Cathy Abercrombie. Photo by: Kathy Payne

11

Maryheart Crusaders Bookstore & Chapel is located at 531 West Main St. in Meriden. The Maryheart Crusaders are true Children of Mary and work in the world as her modern-day apostles. Crusaders are missionaries for God in our own particular circumstance and state of life. Come visit us for Catholic books, gifts, church supplies and religious items. Visit our Web site at www.MaryHeartCrusaders.com. Pictured from left to right: Louise D'Angelo, Michael D'Angelo, Alice Simlsius and Teresa Perrotti

The Comfort Specialist providing local homes and businesses unequaled service around the clock.

No job is too big or too small. They specialize in the replacement of oil and gas boilers, furnaces and hot water heaters. They offer conversions

from oil to natural gas and propane.

They service all existing systems, too.

Free estimates and financing are available.

They offer same day boiler and furnace replacement because of the team of likeminded professionals who are trained in the latest technical advances in air quality, humidification, heating & cooling systems. Efficiency and energy savings are the foundation of their thinking just as it is in their own homes.

All customers are like family.

Billy’s wife and mother of his three children, Kathleen, is in the office daily to ensure that the family approach remains consistent to everyone that comes through the door or calls. It’s a tradition that began with his father.

There’s only one Comfort Specialist.

And that’s Billy Carlson.

217 Berlin Avenue, Southington, CT 860-621-0556 www.billycarlsonct.com READERS’CHOICE AWARDS 2 0 1 2

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There are many specialists today ranging from reading specialists to heart specialists to mattress specialists but there’s only one Comfort Specialist.

And this is Billy Carlson.

Billy Carlson Heating and Air Conditioning was founded in 2000 by Billy Carlson after earning distinction in his 18 years of practical experience at his family’s company, Carlson Fuel Oil, in Meriden.

He founded his company on the unshakable belief that personal service with honesty and dedication to excellence would separate him from his competitors.

Time has proved him correct.

Today, Billy Carlson Heating & Air Conditioning has become a leader in

12

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Every 45 seconds someone has a stroke in the United States.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the country, changing the lives of 700,000 people each year. Stroke survivors and their families count on Gaylord Specialty Healthcare to help them regain quality of life. Recovery can be an intense process, and Gaylord helps people make strides after stroke through compassionate care, treatment and support. Whether people choose inpatient care in our long-term acute care hospital or specialized outpatient therapies for continuing rehabilitation, Gaylord puts the patient first.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Share your stories of hope and recovery after stroke on Facebook at facebook.com/gaylordspecialtyhealthcare.

1281208

Gaylord Farm Road

Wallingford, Connecticut

203.284.2800

gaylord.org

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

13

JH Cohn, LLC

Local Focus, National Reach: How CohnReznick Helps Small Companies Succeed When top 20 accounting firms J.H. Cohn and Reznick

Group combined in October 2012, they became

CohnReznick LLP - one of the largest CPA firms in the

country. While that was all good news for CohnReznick partner Don Stevens and members of his Glastonbury- based Accounting and Advisory Group (AAG), his thoughts were on the many new opportunities the combination would offer businesses in his area.

"AAG has a unique business model. We operate a lot like a small accounting firm, but under a very large umbrella," said Stevens. "While we focus on providing tax, accounting, and advisory services to local businesses in our region, we can help them by drawing on the full national resources of Cohn Reznick and its affiliated companies."

As the 11th largest accounting firm in the United States, CohnReznick LLP is an international financial management firm with Connecticut CohnReznick has 25 offices in Glastonbury, Farmington, New London and Stamford Boulevard. offices across the CohnReznick provides clients with forward thinking advice that helps them navigate country, including complex business and financial issues. With more than 2,000 employees nation- four in Connecticut. wide, the company offers the resources, technical skills and deep industry knowl- The firm serves a wide variety of edge to help them succeed. Visit www.cohnreznick.com. Pictured from left to right: clients in industries Esther Romero, Stephen Radau, Aaron Davis, Tonya Crowley, Jennifer Hutchings, that include real Kyle Schoffelmeer, Mark English, John Trusler, Donald Stevens, Erik Johnson, Shelly estate, manufacturing DiStefano, Karen Langlois, William Christensen, Joanne Marcoux. Seated at Table: and wholesale distribution, hospitality, Sherry Williams, John L. Evanich, Jr. medical, construction, and renewable

energy. AAG, which was established more than a decade ago, serves medical practices, law firms, real estate holding companies, restaurant owners, and other small businesses in Connecticut and surrounding states. In addition to tax planning and preparation, AAG offers strategic business planning, state and local tax guidance, financial statement preparation, bookkeeping and software support, and other services designed to help small business owners manage and grow their companies. And when the time is right, AAG can help these business owners better position their companies for mergers or acquisitions, a major real estate purchase, changes in ownership, or an outright sale.

"One of our very good clients, a pediatric dental practice, needed our help in finding ways to improve its profitability," said Stevens.

"Working with the two owners, we provided guidance on a range of issues including ownership structuring, cash and tax projections, billing and collection processes, purchasing and financing a new building, even expanding their practice into general dentistry." Stevens added, "Every year, AAG leads a two day strategic retreat for the practice owners and partners.

We conduct a comprehensive financial review of their

practice and establish goals and priorities for the upcoming year."

CohnReznick's AAG team prides itself on a "handson" client service approach that includes full involvement at the partner level. This allows them to deliver the guidance, experience and big picture thinking clients need to grow their businesses and maximize their revenues.

Moreover, the AAG team regularly helps its clients by tapping into the expertise of CohnReznick's national practice teams across the country in areas ranging from international tax to cost segregation studies to business valuations.

For small companies in Connecticut and elsewhere, financial success typically comes from making critical business decisions at the proper time – selecting entity structures, finding new ways to reduce tax burdens, deciding if it's time to merge or sell a business. Getting the right advice from the right accounting firm can be the difference between a shrewd business move and regret.

"Giving small companies the financial tools and advice they need is what we do best," Stevens advises. "We believe AAG's combination of big firm resources and small business focus is what sets us apart, and what allows us to help our clients succeed in today's highly competitive business environment."

Elevation Summer Camp

New Camp Will Elevate Children to Achieve and Have Fun!

Introducing this summer...

An 8 week summer camp for grades k through five.

“At Elevation Camp we will assist parents in helping their children identify skills and passions in a safe, encouraging environment. We will teach both practical and spiritual skills which help them reach their highest achievements in life.”

Special Emphasis: Music, Sports, Computer and Video Technology, Science and Culinary Skills.

kids experience various styles of music through song and musical instruments. Finally, during the culinary skills weeks, campers will be provided hands-on culinary fundamentals and recipes designed for young foodies, curious cooks and kitchen newcomers.

Camp staff will include teachers from the local school systems, as well as volunteers from the church's ministry for children. Campers will come from many area towns, including Meriden, Wallingford, Durham, Cheshire and Middlefield.

"The purpose of Elevation Camp is to help children reach their highest level of achievement," said Pastor Will Marotti, senior pastor at New Life Church, which is sponsoring the camp. "We're going to identify skills that they have, teach them some new skills, and find out things they're really passionate about."

It is the only faith-based camp in the area, he said.

"The camp is also unique because of the broad variety of topics it offers, and the fact that there is an American History emphasis, as well as a large outdoor campus."

Elevation Camp is offered to the public. Rates are competitive and payment plans are available. Before and after care is available for parents who need care for a longer day. For more information, visit www.NewLife ChurchCT.com or call Marie Mordarski at 203-630-3012.

Daily time will be taken for spiritual devotion and weekly instruction on American History.

Our camp features basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, softball fields, swimming pool, air conditioned indoor classrooms, a cafeteria, kitchens and full indoor assembly areas (in case of rain).

Medical personnel will be on site every day.

Camp dates: June 24, 2013 through August 16, 2013

For more info call 203-630-3012

1282824

350 High Hill Rd. Wallingford NewLifeChurchCT.com

SPEND LESS to protect more of what matters.

WWW.SUZIOINSURANCE.COM 1282440

Everyone needs a little Elevation from time to time.

Especially our children! The all-new Elevation Summer Camp is the place for kids to come for the joy of nature, educational activities and new challenges - all with a spiritual perspective.

Elevation Camp is an eight-week day camp for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Camp runs from June 24 through August 16th. The camp at the former Mountainside facility at 350A High Hill Road in Wallingford will combine sports with several themes throughout the weeks.

The church purchased the property last May to develop the campus into a new home for New Life Church and for a Christian Camp. Children will enjoy the camp's beautiful 58-acre site, with volleyball courts, swimming pools, tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball and more.

Each day of camp will include spiritual time with Biblical themes, and once each week there will be a dramatic teaching about American History.

Camp participants can choose weeks with emphasis on science, computer and video technology, music and culinary skills. During the science weeks campers will blast off into space for space themed adventures. The computer and video weeks will teach kids how to make their own videos, learning how technology can help us express ourselves in positive ways. Music weeks will let

203.237.7403

AUTO / HOME / UMBRELLA / BUSINESS / HEALTH / LIFE

14

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

The Russell Hall Company, at 19 North George St. in Meriden, goes back to 1854 as a wholesale distributor of a huge variety of paper and plastic products as well as cleaning supplies. Russell Hall specializes in environmentally friendly green products. The company delivers to your business and also offers warehouse store pickup, which offers a great chance to see and compare products and pricing. Pictured from left to right: Lawrence Fazzolari, David Griswold, Brendan Logan, Anthony Perez, Kevin Fahey, Patrick Moro, Alex Hernendez, Curt Glatz, Ben Karass, Ryan O'Connell, Sherri Ferraiolo, Mark Demers and Sam Fahey. Seated in front is Nicole Papale. Nelson Normandia is missing from the photo.

The Curtis Home

Makes a Difference in Details, Campus Renovation, Personal Attention – and More!

The Curtis home is also different because it offers superior, high-quality food choices. To many elderly residents, meals are a key part of their experience. Foods presented are tasty, interesting and nutritious. It is also different because of its reputation for being very clean. Frequent state inspections always yield favorable results for cleanliness.

Residents, staff and families were excited when US News and World Report recently named The Curtis Home among the best nursing homes in the country.

Smaller, non-profit nursing homes like us historically have better ratings, Sprague said. "Smaller" is about 90 beds. We have 60 beds and we are considered very small.

That means we can give more personalized attention and a better quality experience to our residents.

The facility's mission is "to provide support to the elderly in our care to assist them in pursuing their highest level of independence."

To that goal, The Curtis Home's nine-acre campus offers elderly programs that encompass its entire continuum of care and services. The Residential Care Home was designed for those who could use supportive services, but not traditional nursing care. It has private rooms, community dining and social areas. The St. Elizabeth Center specializes in skilled nursing and rehabilitative care for those residents who are recovering from an accident or illness.

"If you have surgery, you might need a month or longer

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after surgery to strengthen, get your diet back in order, recover from any drugs they put you on – we give residents a restorative stay," said Sprague, who teaches a course on long-term care administration for the University of New Haven. He also oversees all student licensee candidates from UNH. The St. Elizabeth Center is the heart of The Curtis Home's health center, boasting a staff of licensed and registered nurses, nursing assistants, and occupational and physical therapists.

In addition to its reputation as a good provider of healthcare, The Curtis Home is proud to be a top employer as well, for up to 140 people living in area communities.

Thanks to the smaller size of the facility, knowing our employees is a priority, he said.

Meriden industrialist Lemuel Curtis founded the Curtis Home in 1884 as a home for widows and orphans. The skilled building was built in 1984, and recently went through the extensive renovations.

Our programs serve older persons by providing a secure, healthy living environment with attention to the social, emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual needs of each individual. Our Meriden Campus is a large wooded site that was designed

by Frederick Law Olmstead, a renowned landscape architect.

To learn more about The Curtis Home difference, visit www.TheCurtisHome.org or call 203-237-4338.

Meriden’s Most Dependable Facility offering Specialized Care for the Elderly Since 1884 • Newly Remodeled Rooms • Short Term Rehabilitation • Dementia Care • Dedicated Professional Staff

1282678

The Curtis Home, 380 Crown St. in Meriden, gives specialized care to each individual – because that's its mission – and because it can due to its smaller size.

The entire Curtis Home family - administrators, medical providers and staff always remember that, above all, the people they serve are most important.

The Curtis Home is different. It offers short and long-term care, long-term skilled nursing and residential care for seniors. Its solid, patient-focused care is not by the numbers; but by the heart and with excellence in medical skill. The Curtis Home serves elderly residents of the Greater Meriden, Wallingford and Cheshire area as well as all of Connecticut.

"The intimacy of who we are is really the key factor," said Executive Director Paul Sprague. "We provide a smaller, family-run feel that some of the bigger facilities can't offer. You can walk into any of our offices at any time, as a family member or a resident. Our doors are open and welcoming."

The Curtis Home is different because it just completed some exciting, major renovations. The all-new lighting gives a bright and modern feel throughout. Renovations and updates in the front lobby, common areas, corridors and resident rooms brought a cheerful appearance that is more appealing to residents and their families. Floor and wall coverings, computer technology, elevator mechanicals and all resident rooms are newly renovated.

380 Crown Street, Meriden, CT (203) 237-4338 www.thecurtishome.org

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Doing Business in Downtown Meriden for Over 75 Years

75 West Main St., Meriden (203) 235-2529 Mon. 9:00 - 4:00; Tues.-Sat. 8:00 - 5:30; Thursday 8:00 - 7:00; Sunday Closed

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

15

Hunter’s Pool Center, Inc.

Celebrates 50 Years!

For the biggest and best pool party – come to Hunter's Pool Center, Inc., celebrating its 50th anniversary this year!

While Hunter's Pool Center, 263 Church Street (Rt. 68) in Yalesville, is always ready to make sure your pool or spa is ready for splash-in fun and celebrations – this year is a special milestone.

Glenn Hunter, President, Alan Hunter, Vice President, Robert Hunter, Vice President, Kevin Hunter, Vice President and Jesse Hunter, Secretary, their family and staff are excited to help you celebrate and enjoy every day!

When you think about putting in a pool or hot tub, you really want an experienced, reputable company.

You want specialists who have been around a long time, who can troubleshoot anything that comes their way, and who will be around for a long time to come. Mostly, you want to relax by your new pool or spa – and leave the work to someone else.

Hunter's Pool Center takes care of it all, so you have more time for – You. Leave all the work to this three-generation, family-owned and operated company!

Hunter's Pool Center proves its edge as a leader in the business each day, in inground and aboveground pool sales and installation, swimming pool service and repairs, retail sales of pool

chemicals, plus toys and games. Hunter's is also a SkiDoo Snowmobile and CanAm ATV dealer and a Saratoga Spa dealer. Hunter's strives for excellence in products and service, whether it is designing and offering personalized service for a small spa and patio setup – or a large recreation area. Your pool or spa will be amazing!

Hunter's Pool was ranked as the #1 Dealer in the Nation for the Sustain Once-a-Week Chlorine System. The business is among the top pool and spa companies nationally in nearly every category.

Today you can check out the 9,000-square-foot local showroom and retail store. This shows just how much Hunter's Pool has grown since Rita and Robert Hunter started the company 50 years ago in their basement.

"The key to our longstanding success is making sure our customers are satisfied. We do this by offering top-of-the-line pool and spa products, providing fast and reliable service and by performing all of our pool installations in-house with no subcontractors," says Kelly Hunter-Johnson. "We do everything we can to satisfy our customers' needs. We offer free water analysis and Eileen Hunter, our store manager, can fix any water chemistry problem under the sun.

We take the time to explain the correct way to maintain

swimming pools with every customer."

A family member is involved in every aspect of our business, says Eileen Hunter. "It's nice to see three generations working together here, and now the youngest one that may someday make four generations down the road."

Hunter's Pool Center treats customers like family as well. As a full-service store, we are happy to help you through every step of the process. Let our staff, trained in every comprehensive aspect of the business of designing, setting up and running pool and spa systems, work for you. We take the time to explain everything, with the goal of making pool ownership very easy and fun.

That way our customers don't have to spend much time on their pools – they only need to enjoy their pools.

The store offers everything needed to get started, and keep going. "If we don't have it – you don't need it," Hunter said.

Stop by for Hunter's annual Customer Appreciation Day and 50th Anniversary Celebration on May 18! It is always a fun day to say "Thank you" to customers and celebrate the beginning of a new swimming season. Come in for great exhibits and entertainment for the whole family, including face painting and clowns, a barbecue picnic

Hunter's Pool Center, Inc. is located at 263 Church Street (Rte. 68) in Wallingford. May 18 is Hunter's Customer Appreciation Day and the familyowned company's 50th Anniversary Celebration. Hunter's Pool Center takes pride in offering inground and aboveground pool sales and installation, swimming pool service and repairs, retail sales of pool chemicals, plus toys and games. Hunter's is also a Ski-Doo snowmobile and Can-Am ATV dealer and a Saratoga Spa dealer. Stop by the showroom today. Pictured from left to right: Glenn Hunter, Kelly Johnson, Troy Baylow, Bob Hunter, Justin Camerato, Craig Hunter, Carolyn Pavlick, Amy Hintz, Andrew Harris, Eileen Hunter and Alan Hunter. Not pictured Kevin Hunter and Jesse Hunter.

lunch, DJ, photo booth and storewide, one-day-only savings!

Visit us at www.HuntersPool.com. Be sure to visit us on Facebook, where we offer special pricing and sales for friends and those who "Like" us!

Hunter's Pool Center is

excited to celebrate its 50th year in business. Watch for events and specials as the anniversary draws near.

Hunter's Pool Center is a long-time member of the Better Business Bureau, with top ratings and no complaints.

Visit Hunter's Pool Center

in the store throughout the summer. Daily hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Call 203-269-2183 today.

Gelo Exterior Home Improvements, Inc.

New Name, Same Quality ness of low price."

This does not mean that you have to pay the highest price, but it is a nice reminder that you should look for the best quality, workmanship and the most experience in the business. That's Gelo Exterior Home Improvements.

Gelo Exterior Home Improvements has a combined 80-year history of experience. Owner David Gelo, with his wife, Rosanne Gelo, appreciate their loyal and very experienced career staff members – John Pepper, who has been with Gelo for about 30 years, and Eddie Nieves, who has been with Gelo for nearly two decades. When you work together that long, you take pride and commitment to every job you do.

Just like Gelo's name, it is always a great time to update your home with sights on the future. "Energy Star" ratings mean energy efficiency and money back in your pocket through tax savings.

Call Gelo for Harvey windows that feature Solarban 70 glass with argon gas. Gelo specializes in the latest "Energy Star" rated products, in everything from replacement windows to three season porch enclosures.

Our company went from our original name, Carl S. Gelo & Son in 1969, to Gelo Aluminum Products, Inc. in 1971. At that time, there were no vinyl windows or siding – just aluminum. Since the massive influx of vinyl into the industry, our company needed vinyl in its name, so we became Gelo Aluminum & Vinyl Products. Inc. Today, Gelo Exterior Home Improvements, Inc. reflects success, growth and the ability to do all your exterior home projects. "Our company name is our name and we wear it with pride," David Gelo says. Wallingford is our hometown and wherever we go, we see former and current customers on a daily basis.

We strive to do our best in serving your home improvement needs.

Gelo Exterior Home Improvements installs its own products and gives each client custom treatment: Treat your home to the attention and commitment to quality it

deserves. For more information, contact Gelo Exterior

Home Improvements at (203) 265-5300 or visit our show-

room. You can also visit us on the web at www.Gelo

Exteriors.com.

1279985

What's in a name? For Gelo Exterior Home Improvements, Inc. 29 North Plains Highway in Wallingford, a new name tells long-time customers they come first.

Owner David Gelo has been proud to give the best personal service, quality products and workmanship to all exterior improvement projects for residential customers for 44 years. So, while it's the same company, formerly called Gelo Aluminum and Vinyl Products Inc., it simply got a new name. Like a new wrinkle-free shirt, the name shows that customers' growing and changing needs are covered right here.

"It was time to change our name to reflect the fact that we do it ALL when it comes to Exterior Home Improvements," said Gelo, who has worked on just about every kind of job in his decades in the business. "The work we do includes, but is not limited to siding, windows, roofing, decks, porch enclosures, entry doors – and so much more."

The most important thing to Gelo is offering quality and assurance to his customers.

"We're here over the long haul," he says. Homeowners want the best products they can possibly buy with their money. "People should be extremely careful that they are not losing value with products they put into their largest investment – their homes."

When it comes to quality in products and workmanship, you just can't skimp. If you choose inferior products for their price tag, you will regret it as you will need to repeat the job all too soon. Home buyers and home inspectors are savvy. They know if you try to cut corners. Going with poor quality today could cost you a sale if you put your home on the market someday.

At Gelo, we specialize in quality and value. We want our customers to know they are investing in their homes – and in products that last, are energy efficient and will save money in the long run, he says.

Always remember: "The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweet-

16

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

James T. Kay

141 Years Strong - in Every Corner of the Community Not many companies can boast they've done work in most buildings in the city and some in surrounding areas as well.

The James T. Kay Co. at 766 North Colony Road in Meriden, is a proud part of Meriden's heritage. The 141year old mechanical contracting company helped build the industrial Meriden we know today. The James T. Kay Co. does plumbing, heating, air conditioning, industrial piping and service throughout the state of Connecticut.

"We do work that ranges from residential faucet changing to multimillion dollar mechanical projects," said Executive Vice President Robert Berkmoes. "We're one of the oldest mechanical contractors in the country. We're very proud to be such a unique contractor."

The company has worked on projects in schools, water treatment plants, office buildings and more. Some recent projects include work for pharmaceutical companies, Yale University's School of Medicine, the state of Connecticut, hospitals and

other institutions.

Company founder, James T. Kay, was a Scottish sea captain who came to the United States and started the company in 1872. He and his son, Frank, used a horse and buggy to travel between job sites. They would return to the plant, do their own metal fabrication and then return to each job to complete the installations. Today many parts of the business have changed. Even the basic materials are different.

"It still requires hard work, but the means and methods of doing the jobs are a lot easier," Berkmoes said.

We use state-of-the-art Building Information Modeling, BIM, computerized modeling for project coordination. The industry is changing as a whole, things are being built more quickly. Materials used now make the mechanical industry more streamlined than it was 50 years ago.

Today the company has 10 office staff, and averages about 35 to 40 men and women in the field. Staff members include President Cliff O'Donal, Executive Vice

President Robert Berkmoes, Vice President of Operations Steve Theriault, Project Manager James Libby, Shop Foreman Marcelino Aguilar, CAD and BIM Manager Al Bassell, Ralph Lawless, Kathi Hall in estimating, Jan Sibley and Lori Luddy in accounting.

The James T. Kay Co. is proud to be associated with Local 777, which is headquartered in Meriden. There are many good people in this industry, he said. We have very good relationships with all of our customers.

"We are considered among the best in the industry, and we take pride in that," he said. Last year we were awarded with industry leadership recognitions including the 2011 AGC Subcontractor of the Year award, as well as the Connecticut Yankee Council Boy Scouts of America Construction Industry award.

The James T. Kay Co., 766 North Colony Road in Meriden, is a proud part of Meriden's heritage. Mechanical contractors since 1872, the company helped build the infrastructure for the industrial Meriden and surrounding area we know today. The James T. Kay Co. handles plumbing, heating, air conditioning and industrial piping equipment and services - everything from residential faucet changing to high-end and complex mechanical projects.

Pictured from left to right in the back row: Robert Berkmoes, Executive Vice President, Ralph Lawless, Allan Bassell, Steven Theriault, Vice President of Operations, and James Libby. Pictured in the front row: Kathi Hall, Jan Sibley and Lori Luddy.

The James T. Kay Company belongs to the Mechanical Contractors Association of Connecticut, the Associated General Contractors of Connecticut,

the Construction Institute and the Chamber of Commerce.

"The span of time we've been around really dictates the quality and responsibility we have to our customers," he

said. "We've built a reputation over the past 141 years that people recognize and count on."

Visit www.JamesTKay.com today for more information.

“I believe the second half of one’s life is meant to be better than the first half.

The first half is finding out how to do it.

And the second half is enjoying it.”

— Frances Lear

Our Mission To provide a compassionate community where loving care enables aged and indigent individuals from Meriden and Connecticut to live with dignity in a secure,

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

17

Pools By Murphy

A Pool Builder For All Of Connecticut Pools by Murphy has been a family operation since its founding by Joe Murphy Jr. in 1969. Joe's children Joanne, Richard and Kevin now run the company that has grown to be the largest and most popular inground Gunite pool builder in Connecticut.

Over the years, the Murphy's have established themselves as the number one Gunite pool builder in Connecticut, a reputation they hold proudly today. Pools by Murphy has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and is a member of the Association of Pool And Spa Professionals (APSP).

The Murphy's are also longstanding members of Carecraft, a select group of quality-conscientious, customer-oriented pool builders located throughout North America.

In 2000, Pools by Murphy & Sons, Inc. built a 12,000 sq. ft. building in Durham, CT, complete with their own Gunite (concrete) factory. With their central location, it's not unusual for other Connecticut pool builders to call on the

Murphy's for their gunite services. In 2004, Pools By Murphy was recognized by Pool & Spa Magazine as one of the "Top 50 Builders in the United States."

What Makes Pools By Murphy So Special?

Pools By Murphy has several unique advantages over its competitors throughout Connecticut. First, they built more Gunite pools than any other builder in Connecticut, so they are by far the most experienced.

Secondly, Pools By Murphy runs a highly efficient organization. They maintain all in-house crews for construction, and keep them busy six days a week throughout the building season. This gives Pools By Murphy total control over the schedule. Builders who use subcontractors are at the mercy of the availability of the subs, which makes it very difficult to stay on a fast and efficient schedule.

Thirdly, because these craftsmen are all in-house, Pools By Murphy has been able to grow them into a high-

ly skilled team of professionals. Most of them have been with pools by Murphy for more than 20 years. In many cases, these craftsmen are teaching their children to follow in their footsteps, just like "Big Joe" Murphy taught his children to follow in his.

And of course, Pools By Murphy is a family owned business. When you call, chances are excellent that one of the Murphy's will answer the phone.

"A Low Maintenance Oasis" The Murphys have always stayed on the cutting edge of swimming pool technology, style and innovation.

For example, the Murphys may suggest a combination of waterfalls, fountains and LED lighting to create an oasis that is beautiful to look at yearround. And a well-placed tanning ledge will make a delightful place to relax and enjoy your pool, even if you're not ready for a swim.

Meanwhile, electronic control systems (with remote control, of course) can manage the chemicals and make

Pools by Murphy, LLC is located at 21 Ozick Drive in Durham. Seated from left to right: Rich Murphy; Kevin Murphy; Joanne (Murphy) Mucciacciaro; Frank Mucciacciaro. adjustments automatically.

And in-floor cleaning systems have made the old "pool brush and vacuum" all but obsolete.

The Murphy philosophy is "let your pool take care of itself!"

Good Advice From The Experts Often times, when people contact the Murphy's, they're not sure what kind of pool they want.

The Murphys have three simple questions to help you choose exactly the kind of pool that's going to make you happy for a lifetime.

1) What's the primary purpose of the pool?

Is it backyard entertaining, or something for the kids and grandkids? Health and relaxation for you? More living space? Or just something beautiful to look at, that doesn't require mowing?

2) Which of these styles is more appealing to you?

A classic, formal look, with traditional, geometric shapes? Or a more natural, curving, free-form look?

Reserved elegance and sophistication, or more of a jungle/lagoon? Small and cozy? Or big enough for the whole neighborhood?

3) Do you want a totally unique, one-of-a-kind pool

that no one has ever seen before? Or do you want something fast and affordable that will get you swimming in less than 45 days?

As far as the Murphy's are concerned, the options are endless. When it comes to your backyard, you really can have whatever you want.

If you ever have questions about swimming pool design or construction, just give the Murphy's a call. After five lifetimes in the pool business, they're bound to have some good advice for you.

The Murphy's can be reached at 800-851-6645, or at www.PoolsByMurphy.com.

The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce, at 100 So. Turnpike Road, Suite 3, in Wallingford is the largest non-metropolitan chamber of commerce in Connecticut. It is also proud to be the only winner in the state of the national, coveted "Award of Excellence!" The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce offers a great variety of services, activities and resources to support businesses of all sizes throughout the area. Pictured from left to right: Dee Nesti, Robin Wilson, Rashida Forrester and Maribel Carrion.

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

K.T. Baxter's, Victorian House, Waverly Inn

Cipully Family Charms with Three Area Restaurants If you're looking for some great local food and entertainment, the Cipully family of Cheshire brings three amazing choices with K.T. Baxter's, The Waverly Inn and The Victorian House.

"There's always someone you're going to know – even if you come from out of town," said Kyle Cipully, manager of the three restaurants, whose family has been in the restaurant business more than a decade.

K.T. Baxter's, at 728 North Colony Road in Wallingford, purchased three years ago, offers casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere where you are offered daily lunch and dinner specials on steaks, burgers, pastas, seafood, and even a delicious raw bar. At a place where things are always exciting, you can now enjoy patio dining, acoustic bands and friendly service.

K.T. Baxter's features a private room for up to 45 people, which is ideal for meetings, parties, bereavements and other private events.

"The Oakdale is nearby and people often stop in before they catch a show or a movie in the area. With a thousand restaurant chains on that road, we are proud to offer a family-oriented restaurant with good meals" Cipully said.

August Cipully purchased the Victorian House nine years ago. Cipully takes pride in always being fair to customers. He purchased a restaurant that was going into the ground, turned it into a great place, and plans to do the same with the Waverly Inn and K.T. Baxter's as well.

The Victorian House, 226 Maple Ave. in Cheshire, features new American cuisine, including steaks, burgers, pasta, wings and seafood. It

also offers a higher-end pub menu. Come out and enjoy the open patio seating, plus karaoke on Saturday nights.

The Waverly Inn, 286 Maple Ave. in Cheshire, is a little fancier and has grown to become a landmark in Cheshire. With few other options around in the same dining category, the Waverly Inn has a long history of more than 115 years.

Many local families were sad when it closed and more people have said they were so glad when it opened again. It is nice to bring back the restaurant with great food, reasonable prices and a fantastic dining atmosphere.

The Waverly Inn offers an extensive wine list and is big on steak, seafood, chops, homemade pastas, breads and desserts. Many dishes include a signature Italian flare. "One of our chefs is a former restaurant owner," Cipully said. "He is the best Italian chef around."

The restaurant, in its second year of business, since reopening, is completely refurbished from top to bottom, including a new patio, and offers frequent performances by live bands.

The Waverly Inn is an ideal location for weddings, bridal and baby showers, fundraising events and other large occasions, and offers a banquet hall, with a full bar, for parties up to 150 people.

Many people have stories of their own weddings or other memorable occasions at The Waverly Inn. Now that the Waverly Inn is reopened, Cipully would like to help people make many more memories here in the future as well.

"One of the best parts about The Waverly is that the price tag doesn't scare you away," Cipully said. "You can

Our "friendly staff" at The Waverly Inn, located at 286 Maple in Cheshire welcomes you to come and enjoy a great meal in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. From the back row to the front standing: Omar M, Chef Marcus Hawkins, Sage Kelley, Kyle Cipully, General Manager, Head Chef Ted DeCrosta, Manager Robin Belzo, Chef Frances Soleo, Linda Prince, Steven Stender, Monica Lapinski, Lara Nichols, Christina Bouchard and Owner, August Cipully. Kneeling: Chef Tim Zettergren, Jessica Crebase, Hillary Jennings, and Mariana Cajamarca

have a great meal and a more upscale dining experience for a great price."

"We have great chefs in all three restaurants," Cipully

said. "No matter where you go – K.T. Baxter's, The Victorian House, or the Waverly Inn, you are always greeted by a friendly staff in a

relaxing and comfortable atmosphere, and offered a great meal with an excellent selection of specialties."

Follow the restaurants on

Facebook and Twitter for events and specials. Menus and specials can be faxed daily.

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

19

Cheshire Dermatology

For Your Complete Skin Care Needs Cheshire Dermatology, located at 677 South Main Street in Cheshire, has been serving patients from Cheshire and surrounding areas for more than 20 years.

In that time, the practice has grown to include Dana Correale, MD and Amelia Mittleman, PA-C. The practice provides complete dermatologic care including medical, pediatric, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

Cheshire Dermatology offers expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, rashes, warts and all types of skin cancers as well as total body skin cancer screening exams.

Cheshire Dermatology strives to provide the highest quality patient care. The practice has converted to electronic medical records which allows for electronic submission of prescriptions, thereby enhancing patient convenience. In 2011, the office was completely renovated to modernize and improve the facilities. The office hours were recently expanded to ensure that patients are seen in a timely manner. In many cases, new or established patients with urgent problems will be accommodated with a sameday appointment. The practice is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Bevilacqua completed her training in dermatology at Yale University prior to

founding Cheshire Dermatology.

During her 23 years of practice she has emphasized premiere care based on expert diagnosis and a comfortable, patient-friendly atmosphere.

She was recognized by Connecticut Magazine as a "Top Doc" in her field in 2012 and 2013. The focus of her practice is medical dermatology and she enjoys seeing patients of all ages.

Dr. Correale joined the practice in 2007 after completing her dermatology training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. In addition to practicing medical and surgical dermatology she offers a full array of cosmetic procedures including treatments for skin wrinkling such as Botox, Xeomin, Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse and laser therapies to remove unwanted sunspots and broken blood vessels. Dr. Correale also offers Total FX, a laser skin procedure that resurfaces the skin for an overall rejuvenating effect.

Her treatments always include a personalized, complimentary evaluation during which the patient's concerns and budget are combined with her experienced, artistic eye to produce the best possible treatment plan with the most natural results. She is hosting an informational, free seminar about many of the office's cosmetic services on May 16th at 7:30pm at the

Cheshire Dermatology, located at 677 South Main St. in Cheshire, provides complete dermatologic care including medical, pediatric, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. It specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, rashes, warts and all types of skin cancers as well as total body skin cancer screening exams. In more than 20 years of treating patients, the practice has grown to include Dana Correale, MD and Amelia Mittleman, PA-C. Pictured are Dr. Paula Bevilacqua, at left, and Dr. Dana Correale.

Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc Making dreams come true for seniors with limited resources

Anna, at age 100, wanted to take her family to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. On April 19, 2011 Seniors Have Dreams Too was able to arrange for Anna and her family to see a game in Boston. The She received special recognition on the scoreboard. The Red Sox won the game!

Anna was a senior with a dream and, with the help from people like you Seniors Have Dreams Too made it come true!

Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc. is a volunteer 501(c) 3 non-profit foundation that grants dreams and wishes to seniors 70 and older who live at or below the national poverty level. Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of elders who often feel isolated and disempowered and to create new opportunities for seniors with limited resources to experience a life long dream. Do you know a senior who has a special wish? We would like to help make it come true!

Sally F. Smith, President Betty Berger, Vice President www.seniorshavedreams.org

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Beecher & Bennett

Cheshire Dermatology office.

Interested individuals are encouraged to reserve a space at the seminar by calling 203250-7577.

Amelia Mittleman, PA-C, joined Cheshire Dermatology in June 2012 after earning a Masters of Medical Science from the Yale School of Medicine. Amelia offers dermatologic care to adult and pediatric patients with a range of conditions. She is accepting new patients and has appointments available immediately.

For more information about Cheshire Dermatology, please visit www.cheshiredermatology.com.

203-824-3967

Celebrating Our 120th Year WALL STREET is now on SOUTH MAIN STREET In Business In 2014 Soldiers Program has allowed us to return over 800 used phones donated by our community, for the benefit of giving thousands of prepaid phone cards to our soldiers stationed around the world.

Keeping them in touch with their loved ones is invaluable to them. We are also proud to assist and arrange for Military Honors provided by the Antique Veteran's World Chapter #1. These dedicated veterans are always ready to provide the highest degree of military honors possible. And most importantly, the Antique Veterans consider their service as their way of honoring their fallen friends.

When we are called upon to provide our services at the loss of a loved one, we know this is one of the most difficult times of the family's life. From the very first contact, to weeks and months after the service, we aim to provide excellence in customer satisfaction. We recognize and train our staff to understand that each and every step of our service is critical, and we must work together as a team. Asking the families that we serve to give us detailed and honest feedback, allows us to measure our performance. This information is helpful so that we can always be aware of our patrons' level of satisfaction, and insure that our standards of excellence are maintained. Our percentage of excellence in customer satisfaction for the last 3 years has been 97% or better. We are very proud of these results.

We believe that giving back to our local community and providing excellence in service will allow us the opportunity to serve our neighbors for generations to come.

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Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service will be celebrating our 120th year in business in 2014. Owned by the Erickson family for nearly four generations, we are proud of our heritage, service to our community, and success in business over the years.

However, we are very aware that a good reputation needs to be continually earned, and are always mindful of the future by consistently offering our best to each and every family we serve, as well as our continued service to our community.

Relationships that have been developed over the years continue to influence our business today. Membership in civic clubs and churches are important to us. We look forward to every Chamber of Commerce event, whether it is the Business Expo at the Daffodil Festival, the annual golf outing, or the many Business After Hours events held at our fellow chamber member's place of business.

Giving back to the community is demonstrated every year by hosting our annual Holiday Memorial Remembrance Service. We have been hosting these services for over 25 years. Families continue to attend year after year, and leave with a renewed sense of hope, during what is often a difficult holiday season for them.

Our affiliation with Veteran's & Family Memorial Care has helped many veterans throughout our state to finalize their funeral arrangements. We offer a discount to veterans and their families as a small way of showing our appreciation to them for their dedicated service to our country. In addition, the Cell Phones for

We have a proud tradition of assisting our clients with investments, wealth management strategies, financial planning, and insurance. Now located on South Main Street to serve you comfortably and conveniently. Stop in and see us.

David J. Ross Jr., Vice President

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Retirement & Estate Planning Strategies

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Investments and Much More

Capital Financial Planning, LLC 111 South Main Street Wallingford, CT 06492 203-774-0505 www.cfpwealthmanagement.com www.capitalfinancialplanning.net Securities and investment advisory services offered through ING Financial Partners, Member SIPC. Capital Financial Planning is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by ING Financial Partners.

20

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Apple Rehab Coccomo

Tops in Patient-Focused Care, Modern Facility When you need the very best short or long-term rehabilitative care for yourself or a loved one – you might not think to seek out luxurious accommodations, home-like amenities and strong patientfocused standards of care.

With Apple Rehab Coccomo, at 33 Cone Ave. in Meriden, you get all of this and much more.

Apple Rehab Coccomo offers a 100-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility.

The rehab unit has private rooms, some with private showers, as well as private suites with showers, flat screen TVs, mini-refrigera-

tors, internet access and laptop computers available.

Therapy is offered to patients daily as they work toward progress on their individual goals.

The local facility is ultramodern, with three main units. One is dedicated completely to short-term rehabilitation. It offers mostly private rooms, some with nicely tiled bathrooms, a state-of-the-art gym for the therapy program, and all of the feel and amenities of home.

Apple Rehab Coccomo has created a truly innovative approach to short-term rehabilitation, which is designed

to get you back on your feet and back to the life you love.

Apple Rehab Coccomo has a medical director on-site and is proud to collaborate with the top orthopedic surgeons in the area. The center now has immediate placement available for long-term living.

"Our facility as a whole offers great care. We have the nicest physical plant of anyone in the Meriden area for short-term rehabilitation services, as well as newly renovated private amenities, café style dining, nutritious, fresh and warm food cart selections, a program for residents, and a new café for this

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Outpatient programs in therapy are available, as part of a continuum of care that is specifically designed for patients as they progress toward independent living.

Apple Rehab Coccomo specializes in rehabilitation for joint replacement patients.

Positive testimonials are often expressed by past patients, who say they enjoyed their stay, that they would recommend the facility, the food service and the impeccable housekeeping.

Staff is always warm, concerned and caring.

"We take pride in our patient-centered approach, when it comes to therapy and continuous communication between families and residents for smooth transitions into the facility – as well as upon discharge back into the community," she said.

Apple Rehab offers a one-of-a-kind approach to

short-term rehabilitation, designed to address the multiple dimensions of wellness and recovery. Each patient has a personalized plan for physical, occupational and speech language therapies, highly skilled nursing care and physician driven programs as necessary. In addition, Apple Rehab Coccomo boasts postacute care that allows patients to experience a comprehensive rehabilitation program unmatched in the industry.

Programs include orthopedic rehabilitation, congestive heart failure, stroke recovery and rehabilitation, post-surgery recovery and rehabilitation, post-acute cardiac recovery, pulmonary rehabilitation, diabetes care, IV therapy, pain management, wound care, myriad physical and occupational therapy services, as well as speech and lan-

guage pathology.

Thirty-four years after founder Brian Foley started Apple Health Care on a vision of offering a commitment to culture with the finest nursing and rehabilitation services available, the company has emerged as the region's leading provider of short term rehabilitative care.

Apple Rehab Coccomo works closely with Hunters Ambulance. It is a member of the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, visit www.Apple-rehab.com or call (203) 238-1606.

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

21

Brothers Pool

Splashing into its 25th Year of Fun! Brothers Pool, 250 Main St. in Yalesville, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary as number-one in summertime fun!

As one of the top companies in Connecticut's pool and spa industry, Brothers is splashing into an exciting season – helping you spend more time having fun and relaxing outdoors. Brothers Pool is a one-stop shop for professional, hassle-free, affordable installation and maintenance of beautiful pools and spas.

As Brothers Pool blows out the candles on its 25th Birthday cake, it is getting a very big present. A wholenew building to better serve customers in a state-of-theart, modern 16,000 square foot addition. Brothers Pool breaks ground this season, with the goal of housing its warehouse and all-new, ultramodern showroom at the same location.

"We are the fun experts, specializing in aboveground and inground pools, spas, backyard kitchens and patios," says Vice President Lisa Morgillo.

Brothers Pool gets the backyard party heated up with The Big Green Egg. The allnatural, wood burning grill features a ceramic cooking shell. It goes from zero to 500 degrees in minutes, and leaves juices in the foods you cook.

Cleanup is easy when dinner is done, since it leaves low ash.

We all know that bigger usually means better. So, gourmet grillers beware: The Big Green Egg grill just got better! It looks like a dinosaur

egg, and everyone who has one is instantly excited to see the new, extra-large edition of the colossal cooker that spiked to popularity with its entry into the marketplace last summer.

Come sample some tasty gourmet foods as The Big Green Egg company cooking team is on-site at Brothers Pool serving gourmet selections on May 4.

Brothers is the place to perfect your poolside or patio grilling space. It has the lowdown when it comes to chowing down – Entry is by Record Journal ballot and online at www.myrecordjournal.com/grill. Big Green Egg Giveaway Contest now through June! Yes, one contest for May and One for June... That's 2 shots at Wining your very own Big Green Egg! Brothers' showroom always has new products to make your pool ownership easy. There's so much to see, whether you're hosting a luau party on your patio, or just chillin' and grillin' with family.

Brothers has sold DreamMaker Spas for 15 years, so it's extra exciting to roll out the new body design that gives your spa an ultramodern look and feel. The fresh molded-body design and basket weave panels integrate the spa into the furniture area so it is more functional and attractive than ever.

The outdoor patio and entertainment area is great for together time with family and friends, plus it boosts your

home's value with a strong selling point. Consider a beautiful fire pit, fireplace, granite and stonework, refrigeration, built-in grills, a keg and bar serving area and more. It's easy with Brothers Pool experience to guide the process.

"Anything you can imagine to put into your outdoor living space, we can help," she said. We offer a mix of everything, and specialize in complete services as a part of each project. "If you're replacing the pool liner, we can also do the patio – adding speakers to the pool area, or enhancing the setup. People are going beyond the simple repair work. Anything you can think of – we're helping people add to their yards."

Brothers Pool has a full retail store, a professional water lab and a full service department. A new comprehensive water testing system uses the latest technology to perform tests for more things in your pool water than you even knew existed.

"We're really excited because it allows us to do 15 different tests to one pool," she said. In addition to testing for pH, alkalinity and other routine needs, Brothers now does computer testing for phosphates and more at the same time. Phosphates started to become a huge issue last year as municipalities changed their requirements.

The proper phosphate levels in your pool water can greatly reduce your chlorine needs.

Brothers new testing system

Brothers Pool, 50 Main Street. (RT 150) in Wallingford, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary year in business. This year the company breaks ground on an all-new building addition that will combine showroom and warehouse space on the same property. Pictured is the architectural drawing of the future 16,000-square foot facility featuring one-stop shopping for all of your pool and spa needs. is another regular service, not an extra service that you have to request.

"With the more comprehensive pool and spa water testing system, we can detect problems that people may not be aware they have – or that there is even a test for it," she explained. We can isolate problems faster, solve them and get faster results for you."

Brothers Pool offers new pool installations, openings, closings, cleanings, filter and pump repairs, liner replacements and more. Come to Brothers 12th Annual Open House event on May 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Help Us Celebrate Our 25th Anniversary, Thanks to All of our Loyal Customers!" Morgillo said.

The store is open until 9 to 5 p.m. that day. The event is fun for the whole family, with free

classes on how to open your pool, goodie bags for Pool School Attendees, plus inhouse specials, vendors offering special discounts, raffles and, of course, plenty of food – largely courtesy of the Big Green Egg cooking all day.

In addition, Doughboy just made it easier to purchase an aboveground pool by offering "dough for Doughboy" savings! You can get $500 off any Doughboy Pool, liner, and filtering system package, by doing so you also extend your warranty to 5 FULL YEARS, not pro-rated. Even better, if you purchase during the Open House event, Doughboy will give you a FREE Patriot Automatic Vacuum with your package.

Also, the Kafko inground liner manufacturer is producing "The Ultra Seam" Liner!

Kafko will attend the Open House, offering specials such as 30 mil liners for the price of the 20 mil. There are many new patterns to choose from!

"It's a fun day and a way of celebrating the opening of the season while we thank our many customers for their continued years of support. This year is a real celebration with Brothers' anniversary and building addition," she said.

Join us for one of our free pool sessions or check out our Web site, at www.brotherspool.com Don't forget, Tuesday & Wednesday are Senior Day...

Discounts for seniors.

Stop in or call Brothers Pool now for a free estimate or further information, at (203) 265-5980.

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Reservations Not Not Required Required Reservations Brothers Pool is a Full Service Company. We open & close all pools & spas. We also provide services & repair along w/Liner Replacements and complete restorations. Call today for all your Pool or Spa needs or simply join us at a Free Pool School. (Visit our website www.brotherspool.com)

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22

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

The Summit at Plantsville

A One-Stop Center for Medical Excellence Finding good medical care can be challenging at best. The Summit At Plantsville, located at 261 Summit Street, makes it easier to get excellent medical care for many different needs – all under one roof.

When you need care for yourself or a loved one, it is likely The Summit At Plantsville has a solution. The modern, compassionate and welcoming center has a track record of success in helping medically complex patients through specialized care by expert providers.

The Summit At Plantsville is a 150-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center with a state-of-theart facility for the comprehensive treatment of patients. Its span of medical excellence includes orthopedic, cardiac and neurological recovery, wound management, amputation care and prosthetic training, IV therapy and IV pain management, respite and hospice care.

The Summit At Plantsville's proud standard of excellence in care comes from some of the top medical and therapy professionals in the area, including Medical Director Anthony Ciardella, MD, Assistant Medical Director Leonard Glaser, MD, and several attending and consulting physicians.

Dr. Anthony Ciardella has been the Medical Director for The Summit At Plantsville for 29 years. He was the Medical Director of the Hospice of Central Connecticut from 1988 to 2010. He earned the first-ever William A. Petit, Jr., MD, Physician Service Award in 2010. The annual award goes to a physician member of the hospital's medical staff for extraordinary commitment and service to the hospital, the community, the medical staff, and patients. In addition to his private practice in Southington, Dr. Ciardella is the Associate Chief of Medicine at the hospital's Bradley Memorial campus; is Medical Director of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Connecticut's Hospice Program; and is an Associate Clinical Professor at the UConn School of Medicine.

Ciardella also helped coordinate a medical mission to Haiti in which he and other staff members cared for earthquake victims.

"As Medical Director at The Summit since 1984, I have come to appreciate the high level of care delivered by their facility. The caring nature of the staff and the commitment of the administration to deliver the best quality of services is why both my mother and father were residents here. If I needed rehab, this is where I want to be treated," says Dr. Ciardella.

Dr. Glaser joined The Summit at Plantsville as Assistant Medical Director in 2008. He attended the University of Washington and completed a residency at Greenwich Hospital (affiliated with Yale University). He has held a private practice for 33 years and serves as Secretary of Medical Staff at the Hospital of Central Connecticut's Bradley Memorial Campus. Dr. Glaser is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the UConn Medical School The Summit At Plantsville's Attending Physicians are Letterio Asciuto, MD; Andrew Guest, MD; Joseph Babiarz, MD; Ralph Prezioso, MD; and Craig Bogdanski, MD. Consulting Specialty Physicians are Henry Ward, MD for Cardiology and Russell Chiapetta, MD, for Orthopedics. Dr. Ward recently joined the team of doctors at The Summit at Plantsville.

Therapy is integral to each patient's stay. Director of Rehabilitation Thomas Jackson is experienced in acute care and skilled nursing facility care. He leads the therapy team that includes physical and occupational therapists, a physical therapy assistant, an occupational therapy assistant, a speech and language pathologist, and a rehabilitation aide. Clients can access therapy services up to seven days a week as prescribed by their physician.

Help is available for many diagnoses using a variety of therapeutic methods, such as diathermy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound.

"Our goal is to assist patients in returning back to their baseline level of functional mobility," Jackson said.

"We understand that therapeutic intervention can be physically and mentally taxing so we strive to respect and accommodate the individual differences of our patients, while maintaining quality

care."

The therapy team works very closely with other disciplines throughout The Summit At Plantsville to implement a safe discharge plan, such as analyzing the patient's home environment and needs upon returning to independent living.

Independence Way is a short-term rehabilitation unit where a highly skilled staff creates a care pathway for patients to successfully heal and return home. The entire team is committed to each patientís recovery – from pain management to nutrition needs analysis and emotional support.

Loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia will find the perfect level of care with specialized programs provided in the nurturing Meadowview community. This is a secured dementia care unit provided physical and cognitive activities, specialized entertainment, including pet therapy.

Professionals working with your loved ones focus on patient dignity and communication. They understand to treat the person, not the disease, and work with them in a variety of ways while focusing on their remaining skills.

The Summit At Plantsville fosters a culture where everyone is sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of every patient. All staff, including nursing and facility supervisors, physical

and medical caregivers, every department from maintenance to laundry, housekeeping and more, is specially trained in the numerous areas of care patients require.

The Summit At Plantsville facility went through extensive upgrades and renovations to serve patients with short-term rehabilitation needs. Today it helps patients through their entire journey, which starts long before they even leave the hospital. The recently refurbished facility is bright and inviting, offering many activities. Families can feel confident that their loved ones will be cared for with compassion and respect, while benefitting from the amenities.

Always responding to patient needs with the best caregivers, The Summit At Plantsville is proud that for the second year in a row, a Certified Nursing Assistant was inducted into The Connecticut Chapter, American College of Health Care Administrators Certified Nursing Assistant Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Mary Ann Chase on induction this year.

The Summit At Plantsville is committed to providing the highest standard of care to our patients and residents. This commitment is shown by participation in a University of Massachusetts research study on Urinary Tract Infections, the Connecticut Nursing Home Quality Care Collaborative, and

The Summit At Plantsville, 261 Summit Street in Plantsville, is a 150-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center that offers excellent medical services in many specialty areas, including orthopedic, cardiac and neurological recovery, wound management, amputation care and prosthetic training, IV therapy and IV pain management, respite and hospice care. Pictured in the top row: Thomas Jackson, MS, PT, and Suzanne Krassler, MBA, NHL. In the front row, from left to right: Anthony Ciardella, MD, Henry Ward, MD, and Leonard Glaser, MD. the Advancing of Excellence in America's Nursing Home Initiative.

For those planning surgery, The Summit At Plantsville can pre-book your rehab stay to help you facilitate a return home. Long-term care placement is also available. To start the process please stop by for a tour and fill out an applica-

tion or call (860) 628-0364.

We invite you to come in see our facility, meet our staff and talk to some of our patients and residents.

For more information, visit The Summit At Plantsville online at AthenaHealthCare.com/summit, or call 860-628-0364.

• Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Skilled Nursing Services

A Health Care and Rehabilitation Center

Private & semi-private rooms available with cable TV, phone, Wi-Fi, and fine dining.

Suzio Insurance Center, at 54 Chamberlain Highway in Meriden, has brought a variety of insurance products with professional, knowledgeable service to area residents since 1974. Frank Suzio and Jim Suzio specialize in insurance products including auto, home, health, life, umbrella policies, business and more. Suzio professionals believe it is their responsibility to protect their clients. They work hard to understand individual needs. Pictured in front from left to right are: Standing, from left tot right are Paul Buczak, Fran Villella, Jim Suzio and Frank Suzio. In the second row are Laura DiStefano, Michelle Kline, Janice Taylor and Nancy Grossman.

261 Summit Street Plantsville, CT 06479 To arrange a tour or prebook call:

860-628-0364 athenahealthcare.com/summit Managed by Athena Health Care Systems 1237126

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

23

Celebrating 164 Years as Central Connecticut’s Leader in Print and Digital Publishing

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24

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Meriden Hyundai

All New – With a Recommended Lineup For You!

Meriden Hyundai, 318 So. Broad St., offers more than seven models that earned recognition as Consumer Reports Automobile Issue top-recommended vehicles this year. To best serve its long-time customers, the Meriden dealership marked its 20th anniversary last year by completely remodeling the dealership from top to bottom, and doubling the size of the service area. Pictured are the members of Hyundai's friendly Sales, Service, and Parts Departments who are always available to help customers and to answer any questions.

Meriden Hyundai, at 318 South Broad St., is looking "mah-velous" with some great features for customer comfort, thanks to an all-new facelift completed during the dealership's 20th anniversary year last fall.

In addition to bringing you some of the top – recommended cars on the market today, the local dealership is paying attention to every detail of customer comfort – keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer, dry in snow and rain – with completely brand-new sales, service and showroom areas. A new customer lounge enables customers to drive right in and go from the car to the customer hospitality area without the typical parking lot schlepping, especially in crummy weather.

Long-time dealership owners Bob Doyle and Tod Moynihan are glad to offer their customers a drivethrough service center that is also tops for convenience and comfort. The facelift includes new architecture, modernized equipment and much more.

"We totally redid the dealership from top to bottom," said Doyle, who had wanted to make the facility improvements for a long time.

"There are all-new areas for sales and service, we doubled the size of the service department and did so much more.

We just wanted it to be nice for our customers."

Meriden Hyundai is extremely grateful to its customers and the community for so many years of support. In fact, it even donated a car to the Meriden Board of Education.

"While we've been recognized for that, we are very humbled. It is because of the people in the town and their support that we've been able to be in business this many years," he said.

Numerous Consumer Reports Automotive Edition (April) recommended vehicles, also make Meriden Hyundai a place to race to. At least seven core models received Consumer Reports' unbiased recommendation as top picks for fuel economy, reliability, fit and finish, cost, and a culmination of strong performance areas.

When it comes to the car business, the product drives the manufacturer's success.

Meriden Hyundai is offering an amazing lineup of vehicles.

Some of the top-recommended models have been tough to keep in stock as people favor vehicles that you just don't see at the gas pumps often.

"The product is what's driving our business to heights we've never dreamed, especially in a day when performance and fuel efficiency are everything," says coowner, Tod Moynihan.

A brand-new seven-passenger Santa Fe is the newest model, with other new and improved vehicles on the way this season.

I don't think we could have envisioned this franchise being so successful and Hyundai being so tuned in to the American market, Doyle said. "As a dealership, we're absolutely thrilled to bring these products to our customers because all Hyundai vehicles have come so far."

Our automobiles are at the point where Consumer Reports recommends our entire model line - sedans and sport utility models, including the Santa Fe, Veracruz, Sonata and Elantra. That's the endorsement that everyone wants, he said. Many customers keep coming back. In fact, last October's grand reopening celebration brought customers who have bought 13 and 14 cars in their families over the years from Meriden Hyundai.

"We've always felt very lucky to be in this town and to have a wonderful bunch of customers who keep coming back," Doyle said. "We feel extremely fortunate to have such an amazing model lineup and be America's most fuelefficient car company."

All models are achieving top scores for reliability, fuel economy, performance and safety. These are cars made in America, with the best technology available.

"We've been so fortunate to have been two young guys who started out as dealers," he said. "We were in our late20s, and to start a new car franchise then is almost unheard of these days. What it has become is amazing, and we couldn't have done it with-

Liberty Lagana Furniture, at 75 West Main St. in Meriden, helps you fill your house with great furniture buys - without emptying your wallet. Liberty Lagana Furniture has brought area residents some great deals in home furnishings and appliances for over 75 years! Owners Joe and Matt Lagana invite you to stop by today to check out the selection of furniture and appliances, including recliners, televisions, bedroom sets, bedding, dining room and living room sets and so much more! Pictured is Matt Lagana near some elegant but comfortable home furnishings in one of his Liberty Lagana showrooms.

out the support of our customers. We send each and every one of them a sincere, heartfelt thank you."

You can count on Connecticut's largest exclusive Hyundai dealer to get you the model you want at a price you'll love!

Visit www.MeridenHyundai.com for more information, or call (203) 235-1669.

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

25

Gouveia Vineyards

Visit for a Sense of Place "We've been growing steadily in popularity among people from all over the state and beyond. I think people like us because we offer a place where people can sit down and enjoy themselves, buy a bottle of wine and relax," said Amanda Gouveia, business manager and oldest daughter of owners Joe and Lucy Gouveia. "It's not a place where you come to buy a bottle and leave. It's a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere." Guests are invited to bring their own picnic baskets with any kind of food they would like to compliment their wine selections at the vineyard.

The setting is truly unique and unexpected for the area. It leaves guests wondering where the rest of the 45,000 Wallingford residents are.

Gouveia Vineyards offers a variety of seating areas available for visitors' enjoyment – from outdoor patios to tented sitting areas, to indoor views in the all-glass tasting room or summer seating on the pondside dock.

Joseph Gouveia grew up in Portugal's vineyard country growing grapes and artfully turning them into prize wines as a way of life. The local vineyard was born from his passion and spirit.

Free weekend vineyard tours start at 2 and 4 p.m. The winery hosts family activities throughout the year, including tractor rides through the vineyard. In the cold winter months come enjoy warm mulled wine infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange slices or a seasonally fruit filled glass of cool sangria in the warmer months. The Gouveia Family and staff want to thank you for enjoying the place that they have so lovingly cultivated, and hope that you continue to share and create new memories at Gouveia Vineyards.

Vineyard hours are Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (203) 265-5526 or visit Gouveia Vineyards online at GouveiaVineyards.com.

Celebrating

Years

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Reserve, at the 2012 Ament' del vIno International Wine Competition. In addition, Gouveia Vineyards was the only Connecticut winery to win the 2012 Northeast Gold Wine Competition at the Big E, where it accepted Gold medals for its Stone House Red and Cabernet Franc.

Additionally, the Cabernet Franc was voted best wine grape of all seven New England States.

As you drive toward Gouveia Vineyard, through the acres of vines, past the pond's tranquil waters, you can see the rescued goats, sheep and dog, Daisy, roaming about the hilltop. The spectacular views encompass lush woodlands, open fields, immaculate hundred-year-old farms and 32 acres of vineyard. The inviting winery is outfitted with impressive beams and a double-sided stone fireplace. Guests are encouraged to bring food, sit and enjoy the gorgeous views.

Gouveia is noted in particular for its spectacular sunsets.

Gouveia is a medium sized winery, producing 7,000 cases annually, but has one of the largest vineyards in the state. The winery prides itself on growing the lion's share of its wine, and, in the last few years, selling grapes to Massachusetts and Connecticut wineries. With the availability of more than 100 acres of open fields, Gouveia looks forward to expanding its vineyards this year, especially now that it has hired a new winemaker, Kristen Parsons. Parsons is a graduate of Washington State University's Oenology and Viticulture program who also studied wine at Lorenzo de Medici in Florence Italy. She is a practiced vintner and viticulturist in Virginia and Washington State Wineries.

She is full of enthusiasm to continue her wine career at Gouveia Vineyards.

Gouveia Vineyard is managed by Joe Gouveia's daughter, Allison Gouveia.

Joe Gouveia is a kind and modest man. He says, "The success of the winery is due to the dedicated staff." They include 22 part-time and five full-time employees.

www.pawloskiautobody.com 1281197

Sometimes you just want to escape everyday stress.

Take a vacation. Check out some scenery.

At Gouveia Vineyards and Winery you can do all of this and more. The winery offers a piece of heaven on Earth – in a surprisingly close by location that is a best-kept secret in Connecticut.

The winery, built of stone and rustic timbers, houses a glass-surrounded tasting room that sits atop a scenic 140acre hillside along Whirlwind Road in Wallingford. It is open year-round to offer some of the finest, award-winning wines available on the Connecitcut Wine Trail, along with the perfect setting to sit back and relax with friends or family.

Gouveia Vineyards is run by and for family. Not just immediate family, but all of those who work and visit. It was conceived by the passion and spirit of Joseph Gouveia.

He was born in a rural Portuguese village where he learned the importance of being a proactive member of society and the love of belonging to a community. It is this conceptualization of bringing the value of a village to America that is the foundation of Gouveia Vineyards.

Visitors to the vineyard are welcomed and brought together like family for celebrations and gatherings to forge memories and relationships.

Gouveia Vineyards is one of the most highly visited wineries in Connecticut, with 30% of its visitors traveling in from out of state. The winery has won many awards including the Connecticut Wine Festival People's Choice Award for Connecticut's Favorite Winery. Gouveia Vineyards has been represented in several publications, including Cruising CT With a Picnic Basket, by Jan Mann, and soon to be released, voted best local wine in the New Haven Advocate.

The wines of 2012 have shown quite successful among their peers. Gouveia Vineyards can boast to have been the only New England winery to win a double gold for its dessert wine, Epiphany

935 N. Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 265-1206

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State Wide Insurance, LLC, is a full service independent insurance agency offering a wide variety of options to meet clients' insurance needs including auto, home, life and business. As an independent agency we are able to offer competitive rates while placing our clients with many of the top rated insurance companies. We invite people to call or stop by our office for a noobligation quote to see how we may assist you in saving money. Visit us as Savewithsammy.com or 203-440-9550. Stop in at our new location at 1347 East Main Street, Meriden, CT (across from Spoonshoppe Brooke Deli, next to Huxley's Bookmark Cafe).

26

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Billy Carlson Heating and Air Conditioning

A Trusted Name for Loyalty, Service Above All he said. "I don't ever see it coming down."

Natural gas pricing is almost half the price of oil.

Carlson suspects the gas companies will plan to serve everyone's homes in the next 20 years – which may be a very good thing for those who need to budget for their heating expenses since natural gas and electricity prices are both regulated by the state Department of Public Utility Control and cannot spike the way gasoline prices do.

Natural gas heating is becoming a new trend, he explained. "I don't believe we'll ever see a shortage of natural gas."

Carlson cautions those who are entirely focused on the newest green heating systems, as they may not be backed up by a company with a good name and a strong background of providing the best in customer service.

Also, parts may not be available, technical support and education may be a problem at another company convincing you to go with a new, high-tech product.

Billy Carlson looks to the source of his customers' service needs, and has learned to place a great deal of emphasis on filtration. Air moving systems need to be filtered now more than ever, he said. "We include a high-efficiency, high-micron filter that you only replace yearly for efficiency and continued strength in your system."

"The filters we use are so good that they protect the entire system, and they help customers because they do not have to remember to change their own filter anymore," he explained. "We take care of it during the annual cleaning now."

"It all ties in with our service, our knowledge – and staying on top of information so we can best help our clients and give them the best of us – our service."

Carlson started the business out of a home-based office with just one employee.

Today, the company, located at 217 Berlin Ave. in Southington, has grown to include a full staff of eight licensed and experienced employees offering top-notch service, especially 24-hour emergency service.

"We're not just the oil man or the technician anymore," he says. "We're consultants because so much of our job is in educating the homeowner and answering questions about their system."

We provide complete residential heating and air conditioning service and specialize in the replacement of oil and gas boilers, furnaces and hot water heaters, including the use of Energy Star products.

We are doing high numbers of conversions from oil to gas, both natural gas and propane.

We do same-day boiler and furnace replacements, he said.

WINDOWS PLUS ANDERSEN WHITE VINYL WINDOWS

The entire team at Billy Carlson Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC in Southington makes personal service its top priority. Billy Carlson Heating and Air Conditioning is a multiple award-winning company with high integrity and excellent customer service, that works to put a smile on each customer's face.

Pictured from left to right in the back row: George Onerato, Kevin LaPointe, Billy Carlson, Kathy Carlson, Lori Touma and Lisa Levesque. In the front row: Don Reese, Eric Coffin and Don Bouchard.

We keep up with the latest technical advances in the field for air quality, humidification, heating and cooling systems and offers cutting-edge products, which offer low noise, great efficiency and energy savings, including heat pumps, hot water heaters and more. We also service existing equipment.

"We always want to stay small enough that we keep our personal touch," he said.

"We have gained a lot of longtime customers and built mutually loyal relationships with them that way."

Billy Carlson is more than an honest, hard-working professional who you want on your side when something

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wife, Kathleen. They are also proud of their three children, Ryan, Megan and Matthew.

Visit Billy Carlson Heating and Air Conditioning online at www.BillyCarlson CT.com. For more information, call (860) 621-0556 or email Oilsix@bchvac.necoxmail.com.

Serving The Needs Of The Church And The Laity Since 1984 531 West Main Street, Meriden, CT • (203) 238-9735 or 1-800-879-1957

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goes wrong with your system.

He's a neighbor who is kind, and who will put new business on hold to ensure his long-time clients are well cared for. He will go out of his way to help his customers who have supported him through the years.

He is proud to run the business with help from his

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When Billy Carlson was just a toddler, he was holding tools for his dad and learning how to serve customers as he grew up in the HVAC business.

Today, as a proud owner of his own company, Billy Carlson Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC, he celebrates 34 years of experience in giving people the best service possible.

"I am a big proponent of service. Service is what has brought my company to where it is today. Service takes priority over everything," he said. We were swamped with furnace calls throughout the hard winter we just got through. Many customers had furnace calls due to the prolonged heating season. I took pride in being right there, within 24 hours to help each one.

Today, it is that sense of loyalty, family values and service to his current customers above all, that has made Carlson proud to know each of his 3,000 clients.

Carlson knows he has earned a solid reputation as a fullservice residential heating and air conditioning specialist. Before starting his own company, he worked for 18 years with his father at the former Carlson Fuel Oil. "I always go back to how my father taught me from an early age – and his methods and philosophies of personal customer service as a priority are things I still use," Carlson said. "I'm very fortunate."

One couple had a furnace that was beyond repair and needed a replacement right away in the cold of winter.

Billy Carlson made it his personal priority to quickly respond, restructure his schedule and help the clients' emergency needs.

"We're very good at same-day service and we always have been," he said.

This past winter, many emergency furnace breakdowns occurred because of a cracked heat exchanger, which could allow carbon monoxide into the home. "We were able to help customers right away."

While Carlson jokes about the couch in his office that got more than expected amounts of use this winter, but he is proud to have accomplished what he did.

"We were able to rise to the needs of customers needing winter service." As the owner, he gets to wear every hat – jumping in with the service crews, running out to get parts, answering customers' questions and getting to job sites on the same day ñ or same evening as the calls came in.

Carlson is also very busy with the tremendous numbers of conversions from heating oil over to natural gas and propane.

"What we're paying for gasoline is what we're going to be paying for heating oil,"

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The latest technology in Security Automotive Transponder Keys Residential & Commercial Locksmith Services Motorcycle & ATV Keys

Stop In & Check Out Our Showroom!

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

27

Four Points by Sheraton/Meriden

Great Things Happening 2012 brought many positive changes to the Four Points by Sheraton Meriden.

Giri Hotels of Quincy, Massachusetts made a 3.3 million dollar investment with plans of investing an additional 1.5 million for renovations in the first year and another 1.5 million through years two and three. Work on the property began immediately following the official close on the property.

The first item on the list for the Giri Team was to replace the 20 year old roof.

After that project was completed, a gentle facelift to Silver City Sports Bar and Grill was done, and then the new owners spent time with their Starwood approved design team coming up with a new plan. Designs were made for a full guest room renovation including bedding, window treatments, new carpeting, new 42" flat screen TV's and an upgraded system that brings 48 HD channels to each guest room.

Each of the changes are part of the Starwood Hotels and Resorts goal of building great brands, of which Four Points is one amongst them; including Sheraton, Weston, W, St. Regis, Aloft and element.

Renovations aren't the only change that took place at the Four Points. The Giri team saw a great asset in six year Director of Sales & Marketing Yvonne deAngeliFontanez, and gave her the position as General Manager of the hotel. Together with her

team, deangeli-Fontanez is ready to take on the challenge that comes with a renovation year. "Of course there are difficulties that come with renovations, but we don't mind a little banging and hammering – we know the end result will be well worth it!" said deAngeli-Fontanez.

Giri Hotels is a young ownership group with 5 other properties in Maine and Massachusetts. Each property carries the flag of a different brand, so the Giri Management team is well versed in many types of hotels.

"We are please to make an entrance into Connecticut, and look forward to being the kind of hotel Meriden can be proud of. We are here for the long haul, and hope to be a positive part of the Meriden culture as the redevelopment of Downtown Meriden begins. We hope the new train system will encourage growth of residence and business, as both are items which can encourage travel to our area."

Said Ashish Sangani, CEO of Giri Hotels.

Once the guest room renovation is complete, the design team will change their focus to the lobby, Library and Grand Ballroom. The Four Points "Welcome" desk will be a part of the plans, along with a new location and updates to the business center.

Phase 1 of the renovation plan is scheduled to be complete fall of 2013, with Phase 2, which focuses on an enlarged fitness room and swimming

pool updates are scheduled to begin in early 2014.

"We are fortunate to be the only Full Service Hotel in the Meriden-Wallingford area. With Silver City Sports Bar and Grill and a beautiful newly renovated facility, we hope to the best hotel around!" said Sangani.

The Four Points Sheraton, at 275 Research Parkway in Meriden, is the area's only full service hotel. It is also home to The Silver City Sports Bar and Grill. Contact the Four Points for all of your meeting, event and overnight guest needs. Pictured from left in back: Ernie Rode, Executive Chef, Alistar Elcock, Executive House Keeper, Ina Gallant, Front Office Manager, Yvonne deAngeli-Fontanez, General Manager, Kevin Volz, Restaurant Manager. In the front: Nasser Mouane, Food and Beverage Manager, Renee Fishner, Catering Sales Manager, and Steven Ranno, Senior Sales Manager.

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28

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Naugatuck Savings Bank

Experience the Difference Naugatuck Savings Bank, headquartered in Naugatuck, Connecticut, has been serving customers throughout Connecticut's Greater Naugatuck Valley and Central Connecticut since 1870. The bank is committed to serving individuals, families, and businesses as well as local communities. With its 19 branches in 13 towns, including its newest location at 665 North Colony Road, Wallingford, it offers personal and business banking, mortgages, online banking, bill pay, and mobile banking.

Well-Capitalized With Money to Lend.

Whether you need a loan to start a business or help to expand your current one, Naugatuck Savings Bank is well-capitalized and has money to lend to qualified borrowers. It is also uniquely positioned as an independent local bank with an efficient local approval process enabling quick decisions on loan applications.

"Our commercial lending team knows our local markets, understands the businesses in our communities we serve, and offers proactive solutions to help them grow," said Charles J. Boulier III, Naugatuck Savings Bank President and CEO. Business owners can get help from local Naugatuck Savings Bank lenders to find the right solutions and decide which loan product in the bank's extensive loan program is most appropriate.

Commercial Mortgages are offered with short and long-term financing options, with flexible terms that range from 5 to 30 years.

Residential Development and Construction Loans and Lines are available with a variety of terms and attractive rates. Commercial Installment Loans help business owners who need equipment or vehicles. Business Line of Credit and SBA Loans can also help when starting or growing your business.

Convenient and Local Naugatuck Savings Bank has convenient branches in Naugatuck, Ansonia, Cheshire, Hamden, Meriden, Middlebury, Oxford, Prospect, Southbury, Wallingford, Waterbury, Watertown and Woodbury. Last year, it was the first bank in Connecticut to introduce Personal Teller technology in its new Wallingford branch, offering extended teller hours on Saturday, along with before and after typical bank hours on weekdays.

Dedicated to the Community For more than 140 years, Naugatuck Savings Bank has been dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves by supporting worthy organizations that make a difference every day. Bank employees work alongside neighborhood residents and local businesses to initiate projects and programs to help make our communities better places to live and work.

Naugatuck Savings Bank, Our Commercial Lending Team Seated (L to R): Sharon Mansfield, Jayne Kelly. Standing (L to R): Terry Rowse, Allan Monteiro, Pete Galla, Kevin King, Rick Nemec, Andy Hvizd In 1998, the Naugatuck Savings Bank Foundation was established to ensure the tradition of supporting community organizations would continue far into the future. Since its inception, the Foundation's cumulative grants have exceeded $4 million to deserving non-profit organizations to support a broad range of programs and services that are consistent with the

Foundation's mission to contribute to the betterment of local communities.

Stop in Today and Experience the Difference "Experience the Difference" is Naugatuck Savings Bank's commitment to provide friendly and personalized service to every customer, every day by living its philosophy and service standards. As an independent

community bank, serving customers is the focus, not shareholder value. To find out more, stop in any branch, visit naugatucksavingsbank.com or call 203.729.4442. You can also follow the bank on Twitter at naugsb or by clicking "Like" on the bank's Facebook page at naugatucksavingsbank.

The Bradley Home and Pavilion, at 320 Colony St. in Meriden, offers two levels of care; a 74-bed Residential Care Unit and a 30-bed Skilled Nursing Unit for elderly residents of varying ability levels. Seated in the front row from left to right: Rita Kowalchik, Molly Savard, Executive Director of the Bradley Home, Edward Haberli, Chairman of the Bradley Home Board of Directors, Michelle Thibeault and Anne Dembski. Standing: Sister Georgeann Vumbaco, Second Vice Chairwoman, Maureen Bilger, William Hyde, Treasurer, David Wyskiel, Immediate Past Chairman, Kevin Curry, Wallie Feliciano, Dennis Ceneviva, Secretary, Enrico Buccilli, Katherine Clements, David Carabetta and Elaine Murphy. Board Members who are missing from the photo: Donna Jones, First Vice Chairwoman, The Honorable Gerard Adelman, Marguerite Brennan, Daniel DeRosa, George McGoldrick and Dr. David Parke.

A Sense of Place Growing up in a rural Portuguese village, Joe Gouveia learned the importance of family and being a productive member of your community.

It was a lesson taught him by his mother in her words and her actions each day.

Every day.

winery guided by Joe himself twice a day and taste the eleven different wines as they relax in the comfort of their classic wood reception area.

Those early lessons have continued to shape him and his actions throughout his life. And they are being taught to his children in the same way. Hard work.

Common sense. Loyalty to God and country. And giving back.

The Gouveia family is committed to the environment as much as they are to their neighbors. Everything they use is organically pure. The vineyard, which is open to the public free of charge year round from Thursday thru Sunday, is like walking into their home. Family greets you. Each harvest season everyone is welcome to pick grapes, too. It’s a oncein-a life time experience. They even share their planting lessons with other growers. Picnicking is encouraged.

That is what legacy is all about for Joe and his family.

It is measured not in size but in beliefs and actions. Those were the guiding principles that defined him when he started Gouveia Vineyards in 1999 and are still evident today.

Carolyn Szymaszek and Arthur Erickson, Owner

We are Beecher and Bennett a locally owned and managed funeral home.

We are proud of our premier facility, excellent caring staff and highest quality of service.We are there for you in your time of need — and will provide a memorable tribute to your loved one, of which you and your family will be proud.

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www.beecherandbennett.com • 203-235-4152 • 48 Cook Avenue

It takes many years to become an overnight success. The thirty-two acres of vines were planted the old fashion way. One vine at a time by hand. One acre at a time. And they are cared for the same way each year.

Visitors instantly recognize the uniqueness of Gouveia Vineyards, the largest privately owned and operated vineyard in the state, as they drive up the crushed stone driveway, see the breathtaking panoramic views, tour the

There are no clocks as time is suspended while you are there.

Kristen Parsons has recently joined Joe as his assistant wine maker. Together they will continue the tradition of making award winning wines.

Thousands of people have enjoyed themselves at Gouveia Vineyards. You are invited to stop by as well.

The old world lessons are clearly alive and well with Joe and his family. His mother would have been proud

Joe Gouveia & Family Gouveia Vineyards

Gouveia Vineyards Vineyards 1339 Whirlwind Hill Road, Wallingford, CT | 203-265-5526 | gouveiavineyards.com | OPEN YEAR ROUND - Thursday-Sunday 1282675

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

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The Republican is your go-to source for high-volume, high-quality commercial printing. We print on your RBGDCTKD LDDS XNTQ CD@CKHMDR @MC CDKHUDQ SGD ƥM@K product to your door. With two state-of-the-art presses – a Goss Magnum and a Cold Web Press Regioman – our print capabilities include: • Full color on all pages

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The Republican proudly prints The Record-Journal and its products.

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Workforce Alliance/ CTWorks Career Center

Helps Employers And Workers StepUp and Get Discovered CTWorks runs about 35 to 40 workshops each month, which are open to the public with no eligibility requirements. Topics range from resume basics to interviewing skills, and basic computer training for people who need to learn skills or brush up their skills.

One client who worked for the post office hadn't written a resume or attended a job interview in 30 years.

"She was overwhelmed and didn't know where to start," he said. "I recommended our workshops, where she could learn resume techniques and practice interviewing skills as a good place to start."

"During a 12-month period, we have about 1,500 people who attend our workshops.

The three CTWorks in Workforce Alliance's region see almost 20,000 individuals every year. There is still room for more. We want to serve anyone who needs our services."

CTWorks offers a selfservice career center with computers for job searches, information about different job search web sites, and resume building templates.

They also provide paper and postage, copy machines, fax machines and more, all at no charge.

Many people are not aware CTWorks exists and offers so much to help them find employment. All basic services are free – and people may qualify to be eligible for more intensive services, including retraining, if that is what they need to become employable.

"You can get free training, if you need that to move into employment," he said.

Our friend who worked for the post office for so many years would be a good candidate for retraining to learn another skill that would make her marketable in the workforce.

CTWorks provides a scholarship up to $3500, where participants can choose from an approved list of programs for the training they're interested in and the school they want to attend. The choice is theirs.

And, never mind the expensive temp agency,

employers can get the right workers matched to meet their needs for FREE. "One secret, that's unfortunately too well kept, is that the other customer we serve is the employer," Gamble said.

"I don't think enough employers know what services we can offer them and how they can benefit from these services."

StepUp is just one incentive program to enable small businesses to hire new work-

"We get to know the job seekers and we can vouch for their experience and education, and we can match them to employers," he said. "And, we follow up and continue to provide any necessary support to make the match successful."

The CTWorks Career Center helps job seekers with just about any employment resource imaginable: job search assistance, job development, on site job employer recruiting, career counseling and an online assessment tool to match your interests and aptitudes with current labor market information. Stop by and make an appointment to attend an orientation where you will learn about all the help and resources you can get to launch this journey to full time employment. Come in today and learn how the CTWorks Career Center can help you.

Remember – we're not just here for workers! When it

comes to employment – we can help everyone, employers and job seekers.

The CTWorks Career Center, an American Jobs Center, is a partnership between Workforce Alliance, the CT Department of Labor, and the Human Resources Agency.

The Workforce Alliance supports three CTWorks Career Centers, with services for job seekers and employers within the South Central Connecticut Region. There are 17 CTWorks Career Centers statewide. Stop by the Meriden CTWorks Center on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., or Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Many CTWorks services are also available at Russell Library in Middletown. You can also call 203-238-3688, or visit www.workforcealliance.biz

Specializing in environmentally friendly green products including: • Sustainable can liners (leed certified) • EcoLogo and Green Seal certified towels, tissues & napkins • Clear drinking cups made from plants • Green cleaning programs

Call to set up an appointment with one of our green experts.

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Do you need work?

Wonder how to get a job, or begin a new career?

Employers – do you need to hire good workers? The CTWorks Career Center helps everyone in the workforce win.

The CTWorks Career Center, at 85 West Main St. in Meriden, has all the answers you need. Employers and workers, can get help to meet their employment needs. And, thanks to a special new program, combat veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom can get back to work and help area manufacturers at the same time.

"The new StepUp program for Vets is designed to give manufacturers, especially, an incentive to hire someone, give them training and get them to work," said Brian Gamble, Veterans Coordinator for CTWorks. "The hiring incentives give the employers an added go-ahead if they need employees. It also gives the employee some time for training before they have to be producing at a certain level."

StepUp has a couple of different programs. One focuses on helping unemployed individuals from specific communities, while another is for manufacturers anywhere in the state. This particularly generous program helps workers get training and earn wages up to $20 per hour.

Wages are supported with a $12,500 total subsidy for each employee, paid in increments over a 24-week period.

"We do all we can to help our homecoming veterans resume a normal and productive life. They deserve all we can do for them," said William P. Villano, President and CEO. "It's a great program and we're glad to offer it."

A lot of people coping with long-term unemployment may feel lonely or overwhelmed. These are the people CTWorks is urging to come in and take advantage of all the services available for free. For example, CTWorks offers workshops and job clubs, where people can learn together in a group and get answers they need in a comfortable, supportive setting.

ers by offering a training subsidy for new hires. Other programs target existing workers who need skill upgrades, or people who have been laid off from large companies and need assistance in finding a job.

Employers often are hesitant to hire people, and these incentives can be just what they need to help make that decision. "All the feedback from companies I've worked with so far has been: "I can't believe how easy this was," and that was the goal," he said.

When the CTWorks Career Center assists employers with filling their vacancies, it's almost like working with a staffing agency – except it is free. CTWorks has qualified candidates who are seeking employment with all levels of education and experience from different industries, from Ph.Ds and airline pilots to manufacturing workers and Certified Nursing Assistants and everybody in between.

Visit us on the web: www.russellhall.com

ARE YOU AN UNEMPLOYED POST-9/11 COMBAT VETERAN? If you are currently unemployed – even if you’re just finishing school – this program may be right for you.

You Served Your Country Now Serve Your Future Step Up for Vets offers cash incentives to employers of up to $12,500 for hiring you.

Call Brian Gamble at

203-624-1493 X235 Regional Step Up for Vets Coordinator

Ready to Train. Proven Skills. Strong Potential.

The state’s Subsidized Training and Employment Program provides employer incentives and jobseeker opportunities.

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Whether you need a job, or you're an employer looking for some good workers, come to CTWorks. The CTWorks Career Center, 85 West Main St. in Meriden, can help you meet your goals through a variety of programs, and incentives to employers. The Center offers many resources – Free! Stop by and check us out.

CTWorks professionals are eager to help you!

Pictured are Brian Gamble and Ann Harrison.

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

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LaRosa Construction Company, Inc.

LaRosa Family Builds Successful Construction Business With 60 Years of Experience Building a business has always been hard work, but building a business that has been around for 60 years doing hard work has brought local contractor, LaRosa Construction Company, great success.

LaRosa Construction Company was founded in 1953 by Joseph Salvatore LaRosa on the principles of hard work, integrity and quality craftsmanship. Today, 60 years later, the LaRosa family still owns and operates their construction company in Meriden on the same principles.

LaRosa Construction today is a full service Heavy Highway/Site Work Construction Company with a client list that includes the State of Connecticut and many local municipalities.

LaRosa is licensed, fully insured and bondable to perform single or multiple projects with an aggregate value of $25,000,000 – a far cry from their humble beginnings, but a testament to their perseverance and hard work

through the years.

"Our portfolio of projects includes everything from utility work to landfill closures throughout Connecticut, and site work packages at many of the state's landmark universities," said Marilyn Gaffey, Office Manager. "Our company takes great pride in the personal attention and experience we bring to every project."

The company has been located in Meriden since its founding, but its projects and equipment can be seen across the state. LaRosa's projects have included bridgework, downtown beautifications, paving and concrete, demolition, landfill closures, dredging, university work, general site work and underground utilities. The company has handled just about everything in the construction business, including major contracts for cities and towns across Connecticut. Regardless of the job location, you can count on LaRosa Construction and its employees to meet your goals. They have built a solid reputation

on quality craftsmanship and timely completion.

"Currently, we are working on a few large projects in the City of Hartford, including the $3.9 million North and South Meadows Dredging Project," said John Gustafson, Company Operations Manager. "We try to keep a diverse project portfolio that allows us to be competitive on a wide variety of projects and does not limit us to any particular work classification. I think that's one of the main reasons we are always so busy."

LaRosa Construction is a unique company because it can do any project. Owners and staff take great pride in the challenges they face in completing projects of such diversity. "Regulations, risk and accountability have increased exponentially on projects, making it more difficult and costly for contractors," Gustafson said.

"However, we have grown during this economic recession, which really is a testament to how seriously the

owners, staff and tradesmen at LaRosa take their work."

Quality craftsmanship and timely completion have been the hallmark of LaRosa Construction's success and longevity. "My father started this business and my brother, Joe, and I have been working here all of our lives," said John LaRosa, Company President. "We take a lot of pride in what we do, and our goals are always the same: Taking care of our customers and our staff."

In today's market, it is not easy to find a highly recommended, well-qualified company that handles just about everything you need done on

LaRosa Construction Company, Inc., General Contractors, based at 1400 Old N. Colony Road in Meriden, is a fully licensed and insured general site contractor with nearly 60 years of experience. LaRosa offers a variety of construction related services. Pictured are LaRosa Construction vehicles at work at the site of the $39 million project that involves dredging and restoration of the North and South Meadows Pond in Hartford. your project, from start to completion. To learn more about all that LaRosa Construction Company

offers, call 203-237-5409 and visit www.LaRosa ConstructionCo.com.

Call the professionals, not your buddies with the 6 pack!

Ferrigno Insurance Agency

Celebrates 80 Years of Customer Service, Family Business explained. "I can help take care of people and walk them through the steps together. Loss Joseph is a very Ferrigno Feest tough thing. I just think it's a service you should try to do if you can – help customers every step of the way."

"The secret to our success has been putting our customers first!"

Visit www.Ferrigno Insurance.com and call today for more information on how Ferrigno can give you peace of mind: (203) 237.0241 x122.

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you how that limit will protect you at the time of a loss. Many people just choose the state minimums required to register a car. Ultimately it is the customer's decision, but we can guide them along the way."

We always ask new customers if they understand what they're buying.

Customers have to feel comfortable about what they're getting and what they need, whether for themselves or their businesses, he said. One common misunderstanding in insurance coverage happens between a landlord and a tenant. The landlord's insurance policy covers the building and contents in the building that the Landlord owns. The tenant is responsible for their belonging and should have an insurance policy to protect them at the time of a loss. I have seen many articles in the paper talking about tenants who lost everything in a fire or burglary because they didn't have this relatively inexpensive coverage. It is sad to see tenants suffer this type of a loss. While sentimental items can't always be replaced, we can do our best to help tenants recover other personal property like clothes and furniture.

Ferrigno Insurance wants to help you get the best coverage possible at a reasonable price. "We are here to advise clients on why certain things cost more and where and when they can save on their insurance premiums with different deductibles options," he said.

Ferrigno Insurance especially thanks customers who have been there for many years, such as third- and fourth-generation families who have insured with Ferrigno since Joseph Ferrigno Feest's grandfather; Joseph R. Ferrigno founded the company. Owner Joseph Ferrigno Feest's father, Alfred D. Feest, Jr. worked in the business for years after coming into the family.

"We always take the best care possible of our clients, and we treat all of our customers like family," said Joseph Ferrigno Feest, who is just the guy you want on your side when something goes wrong.

"I am often on site to help clients when something goes wrong such as a fire," he

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Ferrigno Insurance Agency, 240 Pomeroy Ave. Suite 201, in Meriden, is celebrating its 80th Anniversary of helping clients get properly insured – which brings a peaceful feeling to you, your family and your business.

That peace of mind comes when Ferrigno Insurance works with you independently so you understand everything about insurance and the coverages you need.

Insurance products that Ferrigno handles include commercial and personal lines; homeowners, renters, automobile and classic auto, umbrella policies, boats, valuable property, motorcycles, flood insurance and more. Commercial insurance lines include package policies, worker's compensation, business automobile, liability, fire, crime, commercial property and bonds.

Joseph Ferrigno Feest, President and third-generation of the company's founding family says he takes pride in helping to educate and explain everything to his clients.

Insurance has become a necessity – and critically important to safeguarding our future.

In the better part of the past century, the business has changed drastically. Cost is a huge factor today, and an important one. "I found old insurance policies for the City of Meriden when my grandfather handled the account. The premiums to insure the city buildings and schools were around $1,000. Today that same coverage has to be well over $400,000", Ferrigno Feest said.

The company has also changed with the times. It has gone from representing three companies to about 20.

Technology is very important when it comes to staying competitive in an ever-changing insurance industry.

"The internet has helped clients research and purchase insurance, but the problem with the internet is that it doesn't give the information and the education that we can, and sometimes people don't understand the coverages they're choosing," he explained. "I can help walk you through the process of choosing your limits, not just by price, but also by showing

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Pop’s Burgers & Fries

Customers Quick to Name The Best Burger in The Business Pop's is the tops when it comes to serving up the very best tasting burgers and fries in the area.

Pop's Burgers & Fries, 959 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in Southington, was named Best Burger in Southington in the Record Journal Reader's Choice Awards, AND by The Southington Citizen – AND

by Hartford Magazine's Best Burger edition as an honorable mention for serving one of the Top Burgers in the state.

"We've already made our mark for having unique flavor and fresh ingredients that make all the difference – and we've only been around a year and a half!," said John Salerno, who co-owns Pop's with Betsy Tooker.

Salerno's family also owns and operates Top's Supermarket in Plantsville.

"Our supermarket has always been known for its meat department – way back to the original founders," he said of the 65-year-old local food store. We do a lot of catering through Carmela Marie's Catering, and traveling around the country we noticed a trend for fresh burgers in the marketplace - Five Guys out west, Jake's, and In and Out Burger. We ate at some of these places and believed we really could do a great job with it.

Encouragement by family and friends plus months of experimentation to perfect their seasoned burger recipe led to the opening of Pop's Burgers & Fries in 2011.

None of the chains they discovered had really put their recipe on the line, and risked having a seasoned burger as their focal product – the way you might season a burger at home and cook on the grill for the old fashioned taste.

"Our burgers are prepared like years ago, only we give a little more flavor to them," he said. "That's how we make ourselves unique."

Salerno test sampled the burger to supermarket customers for six months. In general, kids preferred plain tastes without the seasonings.

That's why Pop's offers regular, non-seasoned burgers for children, fries that are cooked in peanut oil, 10-inch hot

dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, old fashioned milk shakes made by hand with Gifford's Ice Cream from Maine and veggie burgers.

Burgers are served on potato rolls and adult burgers are served on ciabatta rolls as a standard where other restaurants serve them upon request and charge more. Each burger comes with over 16 free toppings including grilled or fresh onions, mushrooms, hot peppers, sauerkraut, tomatoes, pickles and more. The cheeseburger and bacon cheeseburger are fantastic, too.

"There are 524,288 various combinations that can be ordered," Tooker said. Pops uses only 100 percent Angus beef in its burgers.

Pop's owners put thought into quality, freshness and flavor from the start – and in ways you wouldn't expect.

"I never knew how difficult it was to make a fresh fry," Salerno said. "There is a different taste to it, and after much work perfecting our recipe, we learned the whole process is very different also.

If you don't follow the recipe exactly, you don't get the same fry."

Now we know why you don't see many restaurants, if any, with fresh-made fries.

Salerno, a friendly, kind and very likeable family man, called the restaurant Pop's because that's what his three grandchildren have called him for years.

Pop's Burgers & Fries is more than a local, family owned and operated burger restaurant that wins for quality and flavor. It is a place where your neighbors serve you with passion, humor, and a great, friendly personality.

You can tell Salerno, Tooker, and their store manager, Heather Medling, just love what they are doing. The whole family is involved, said Salerno.

Pop's Burgers & Fries was selected to serve food at the Southington Drive-In last summer, and they plan to return this summer. The restaurant is also featured at Lincoln College cafeteria weekly during the academic year.

Stop by and you'll see right away just why Pop's is

the tops in the burger business. The restaurant features nostalgic movie posters and two television sets playing movies from years ago such as Jaws and Grease. Try the amazing, custom burger of the month selections, too.

"The concept of having the burger feature of the month was more successful than we ever thought it would be," he said. "We came up with some pretty unique-tasting burgers, such as Pastrami Burger, a BBQ Western Burger, Pesto Caprese Burger, Bleu Cheese Burger, Salmon Burger, Memphis Burger and more. We always offer the turkey burger and the veggie burgers too. Ingredients arrive fresh daily. Nothing is ever frozen, which also has a lot to do with Pop's success and shooting to the top of the local scoreboards from the very start. Pop's is open daily all summer, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pop's Burgers & Fries, 959 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in Southington, was recognized for making the Best Burger in The Record-Journal Readers’ Poll as well as The Southington Citizen and Hartford Magazine – all within its first year and a half of opening. Pop's came up with the perfect flavor for seasoned, home-cooked burgers as well as an unbeatable recipe for fresh French fries through extensive trials. Pictured is John Salerno, co-owner.

VOTED BEST BURGER - IN SOUTHINGTON

Not All Burgers Are Created Equal One year sure flies by, Pop would say. Our first year did fly by. And what a year it was!

We launched our business, voted Best Burger in Southington, selected as the exclusive food vendor at The Southington Drive-In, held weekend Cruise Nights all summer, raised money for local non-profits with our Give Back Programs, featured Burger of the Month, and much more.

Our highest compliment came from one faithful fan, who described us as “Five Guys on steroids”.

No wonder. Not all burgers are created equal. We create our burgers from an old family recipe that adds the right amount of spices that brings out the taste tempting flavors that has created thousands of fans already.

Our burgers are made fresh each day. Every day.

No exceptions. Nothing is ever frozen. Ever.

This ensures that every burger is the best you can buy. That’s why we don’t have freezers.

Each burger is grilled to order. Perfection takes time. That’s the reason we don’t have a drive thru window. We are not fast food; only great food. It’s worth the wait.

Our fries are equally singular in taste. They are cut by hand each morning from farm fresh potatoes. One potato at a time. Then they are time cooked to perfection in their skins in all natural peanut oil.

And, finally, two words about our hand scooped and individually blended milkshakes made from Maine’s leading dairy, Gifford’s: try one.

Open to the Public Monday 2 pm-9 pm Tues. thru Fri. 10 am-9 pm Sat. 9:30 am-9 pm Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Taste is everything. That’s the secret to winning awards.

597 Middle St. (Rt. 229), Bristol

• Gift Certificates • • Retail Gun Shop • Private Instruction • Firearm Rental • 15 Ports - 75’ Distance • Law Enforcement Rates • No Membership

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John Salerno, Co-owner & Heather Medling, Manager

Call Ahead And Avoid The Wait

Open Everyday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

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860-585-0447 1277057

Remember ... Safety First.

W W W . WO L F S R A N G E . C O M

979 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike | Plantsville, CT 06479 | 860-426-9998 | popsburgersandfries.com

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Webster Bank

Bankers Who Understand You and Your Business Westchester County, N.Y., to Boston, MA and our vision has grown, but our basic values still endure. And our services have grown too – becoming more comprehensive and expanding upon the depth and breath of our service in person, on the phone, online, and through mobile devices.

Simply put, Webster Bank is here for you.

For five consecutive years, Webster has been the leading lender in Connecticut to small businesses under the Federal Small Business Administration as well as the leading SBA lender to women, minority, and Veteran owned businesses. Webster continues to make significant investments in Meriden to start up and build businesses and to help make the City of Meriden a stronger and more vibrant community. Whether it is the Daffodil Festival or other community investments, we work closely with the City and feel it is important to enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Meriden – that's because we live and work here too.

And not only is Webster committed to leading the region’s economic recovery, we are committed to the local community's needs as well.

Webster believes in philanthropy, sponsorships, community investment, and volunteer activities. In Meriden alone, we have invested thousands of dollars and countless volunteer hours. It's a testament to our spirit and to our core values that we give of ourselves in the communities we serve.

It's part of our Type W Personality. So, welcome to Webster, where our bankers understand you, your community, and your business needs.

For more information, please contact Dan Cardona at 203.639.2930 or stop by the Webster Banking Center in Meriden at 652 East Main Street. We look forward to helping you achieve your financial goals!

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Welcome to Webster!

Your exceptional customer experience begins with Dan Cardona, our banking center manager. He's a seasoned business planner who has traveled the world and has chosen to come home to Meriden, Connecticut to help make your banking experience easy and convenient as well as more personal.

All of our Webster bankers – exude what we call a Type W Personality – individuals going that extra mile with the personalized service you know and trust. Simply knowing your name is not enough. Webster are all about building long and lasting relationships. It's knowing and understanding you as a valued partner and an important member of the Webster Bank family and how best to responsibly invest in your future.

All of our Webster Bankers – including those who are here for you at 652 East Main Street - embrace this holistic approach to financial growth. Our banking center managers are Webster Four Star Certified Bankers specially trained after 100 hours of in-depth learning in Moody's Analytics classes.

We understand how your business works, what your specific cash flow needs are, and what it takes to help you find the right financial solutions. We're here to give you the expertise you deserve to reach your personal and business financial goals and keep you and your business on the road to success.

Webster has been doing the right thing for almost 80 years. Our humble beginnings and deeply rooted traditions began during the Great Depression with the initial promise of treating people with dignity and respect as we helped families and friends achieve the American Dream of owning a home. Over the years, our mission has evolved to serve communities in four states from

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Duchess Restaurant

Defines Freestyle in Fast Food: Fresh Ingredients to Order – Fast For 26 years Duchess Restaurant has set itself apart from others in the fast food business, serving fresh ingredients and made-to-order menu selections all day – a sort of freestyle model for service and selection.

That is why Duchess, 124 Church St., Route 68 in Wallingford, is so well suited for its new Coca-Cola Freestyle machine. It lets customers choose from over 120 soda flavors and Coke products to create the perfect cup.

The machine was an instant hit with customers – who always find what they like to drink. And, kids love to make crazy combinations.

"We now offer flavors we never had before, so it really satisfies anybody looking for a cold drink – with everything from power-ades and sodas to lemonades and more," said Duchess Owner Stuart Levitz.

"It basically has every Coke product in there, with a larger variety of sugar-free and diet sodas than we've ever been able to carry."

Feeling hungry? Now is the time to run over to Duchess. The restaurant has become a beacon light of hope of freshness, quality and selection in the local fast food landscape.

"We offer a lot of things that the big chains can't offer.

Everything is cooked to order; pancakes, omelets, French toast, egg sandwiches – anything you want is available all day," said Levitz, who was brought up in the business that his uncles started. We offer two nice, full-size breakfast sandwiches on hard or Portuguese rolls for $3.33, and there's a full menu of lunchtime sandwiches, dinner plates and more. Lunch specials and $5.55 combos change each month. "It's not unusual for someone coming off the late shift to come in for chopped steak dinner at 8 a.m.

It's not a problem. We also have many people who come in at breakfast and also grab a Cobb salad to go so they don't have to go out again for lunch."

Cooking food to order and giving customers what they want for freshness, quality and variety all day is something the big chains just can't do.

We don't play games when it comes to customer service. You never get half sizes, he explained. Our meat is never frozen. You get fresh hot dog and hamburgers, our rolls are delivered fresh, seven days a week from an area bakery. Our meats are delivered fresh six days a week. It's easy to offer fresh food when it is delivered everyday. If you go to the chains, the prep work consists of opening a package or a can. We bread our own nuggets, and chicken sandwiches by hand, we make our own chili. Even the bacon chips we use on the hot dogs – we cook it all ourselves. We do it the way customers want - that's how we can compete!

Duchess Restaurant has earned a solid reputation for its extensive menu of freshly cooked selections, and its commitment to freshness and

friendliness.

"We try to provide a level of service as a small business that big chains can't," Levitz said. "We try to take care of people – our customers and our employees."

Choose Duchess today, and get anything you want – freshly made all day, including a western omelet, scrambled eggs, platters any way you want, salads made fresh and more. When you go to the big name fast food places, the salads are sitting in their coolers for hours, the lettuce is browning and the carrots look dried out. Duchess makes it fresh, the way you would make it for yourself - and that is what our business is all about."

Stop by for cruise nights every other Saturday all summer. Visit us online at: www.DuchessRestaurants.co m, and stop by today to let Duchess Restaurant make the perfect meal for you – fresh, just the way you want it.

Duchess Restaurant, at 124 Church St., Route 68, in Wallingford, celebrated 25 years as a locally owned restaurant serving an extensive menu of freshly cooked selections, including a dinner menu, breakfast served all day – and much more. Duchess is all about freshness and friendliness. You can get just about anything you want, made to order. Pictured is Stuart Levitz, owner of the Duchess Restaurant in Wallingford, standing next to the all-new Coca-Cola Freestyle® machine, which offers over 100 drink choices.

Stop by today to mix and match all of your favorite Coca Cola brand flavors.

For more than 39 years Phil's Lockshop & Home Security Center has been offering the best security products and solutions to all our commercial and residential customers. We sell and install integrated security products designed to protect you, your home or your business. "Secure for Life", this is not just a slogan, this is our life. The facility is located at their new address, 186 Hall Avenue, Meriden. Pictured from left to right: Robert Severin; Mike Hobbs; Paul Mankoski and Owner Dale Hobbs.

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During the last 3 years we have grown our database to over 5,000 Loyal Customers. We now have a trailer mounted machine, carry 250 gallons of water and are the only Licensed Hot Water Cleaning Company in the area.

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

35

Assisted Living Services, Inc. Assisted Living Technologies, Inc.

Local Homecare Company expands into the field of Technology Assisted Living Services, Inc. was established in 1996

by Sharon and Ron D'Aquila and now has more than 300 staff providing a broad range of in-home eldercare services to hundreds of customers and their families throughout Connecticut. "What we have really tried to do is focus on being a premier quality service," according to Sharon D'Aquila co-owner. Ron D'Aquila adds "we have our goals set to be the most creative, innovative, and forward thinking agency that can provide both care and technology solutions for aging-in-place."

Sharon's previous work experience is with the Connecticut State Police. Ron is a Registered Nurse with over thirty years of acute care, community health, and managerial experience. Between the two of them they bring the right balance to a business that must focus on reliability, trustworthiness, and high quality service. "We look forward to positive feedback from our customers and reward premium service with incentives" Ron D'Aquila said of the thousands of dollars the company has put toward rewarding employees who "go over and above to provide exemplary services."

"The families we work with are under so much stress, and they need our staff to give them a break while feeling reassured that their loved one is in good hands" said Sharon.

We get our referrals from the children of elderly clients – the so called "sandwich generation" in a quandary about how to get help for their parents at home while balancing the responsibility of raising children and working each day. Not only is home-care favorable because people prefer to stay at home, but it is also considerably less expensive than other options.

"Generally our customers are older and need just some help to stay safe and happy in their home. But we also provide services to those affected by Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, getting Hospice Care, as well as others of all ages who have some type of disability and need help."

Assisted Living Services, Inc. offers Homemakers that

perform housekeeping and household management, meal preparation, and medication reminders. "We also have Personal Care Attendants who work with clients in 8 to 12 hour shifts" according to Sharon. These staff have specialized training in Alzheimer's care, and are all formally trained in a Home Health Aide or Nurse Aide training course making them ideal at providing supportive care to clients who have a chronic and stable medical condition. The effort to promote PCA services is spearheaded by Lynne Schmidt BA, Director of Hourly Services and Marketing.

"Lynne was the former manager of an Assisted Living Facility and has outstanding insight and experience and she is also a Certified Dementia Care Specialist" said Sharon. The company also has Live-in Caregivers who are also specially trained and stay with the elderly 24 hours a day to assure safety and wellness. This program has been a great asset to many families who need aroundthe-clock coverage and is operated by Tom Daly MS, Director of Live-in Services.

"Tom has developed a program that encourages family involvement in selecting and making the right match for their loved ones, Tom is dedicated to assure that families are satisfied with their caregivers and we are fortunate that he has such great experience in rehabilitation services from his previous employment at Gaylord" said Sharon.

The company is also fortunate to have Mary Scagliarini RN, as a Live-in Coordinator to assist in this rapidly growing area. In addition, Mary is a Dementia Care Specialist and provides staff education.

The key to the company's success is because it has surrounded itself with the very best employees.

From Homemakers to Managers all staff must truly love working with the elderly, and have a proven track record of reliability and compassion. All newly hired staff are insured and bonded and must have a National Criminal Background Check. "We are very proud to have attracted

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"The company works collaboratively with various services such as Hospitals, Alzheimer's Association, Rehabilitation Facilities, VNA's/Hospice Agencies, Nursing Homes, Protective Services, and the Connecticut Homecare Program for Elders," said Ron D'Aquila.

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Assisted Living Services, 128 Broad St. in Meriden, provides personal care attendants to help you or your loved ones stay independent and continue to live at home. Pictured from left to right: Lynne Schmidt, Director of Marketing and Hourly Services, Mary Scagliarini, RN and Live-in Coordinator, Akosua Mensah, Scheduling Manager PCA Services, Carole L'Heureux, Payroll Manager and HR, Brenda Samal, Receptionist, Sharon D'Aquila, President and Co-Owner, Tom Daly, Director of Live-In Services, Ron D'Aquila, RN, Vice President and Co-Owner, Brian Luckhardt, Technologies Specialist, Kristin Mercadante, Live-In Scheduling Manager, Tonya Dennis, Scheduling Manager Hourly Services, Sonny D'Aquila, Companion Therapy Dog.

recognition devices, automated medication dispensers, Personal Emergency Response Systems, and personal GPS locators, according to Brian Luckhardt, Technologies Specialist. Brian has degrees in Biomedical Engineering Technology and Electronics Technology. Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. website also functions as an on-line store for worldwide sales and distribution of some of their products. You can visit the site at www.assistedlivingtechnology.com Both companies central office is located at 74 S. Broad St. in Meriden. This former medical office building has been completely renovated and offers a beautiful conference center for community support groups and a Senior Resource Center that is open to the public. The Senior Resource Center has several kiosks' offering a wealth of information on such topics as Elder Law issues, funding sources, SNF's/ Rehab/Assisted Living Communities, and medical and non-medical homecare.

Assisted Living Services, Inc. also has branch offices in Glastonbury and Clinton. The company offers free in-home evaluations by a Registered Nurse. For further information, contact (203) 634-8668 or visit their website at www.assistedlivingct.com.

36

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Capital Financial Planning

"Our Only Agenda is that of the Client" ~Celebrating 10 Years ~

Connecticut Computer Service, based at 101 East Summer St. in Plantsville, has been providing IT solutions to area businesses for 30 years. As the stateís only combination Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Hewlett Packard Elite Partner with Authorized Service Center, Cisco Premier Partner, Symantec Platinum Partner and Citrix Silver Solution Provider, the firm is committed to providing the most comprehensive and reliable service and support available. Pictured, from left to right: April Brissette, Lenny Anderson, Lisa Simone, Vincent Rubano, Jason Cooper, Tara Gumprecht.

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Capital Financial Planning, at 111 So. Main St. in Wallingford, helps clients with every aspect of their financial lives. The company's financial professionals provide the most personalized service available and work to make sure clients understand everything in their portfolios. This has earned Capital Financial Planning a reputation for excellence in the industry. Pictured from left to right: Dave Ross, Don Coffin, Pete Cowen and Frank Adams.

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FREE QUOTE they all worked together to assist David's clients during his battle with cancer. This inhouse award is given by Todd Slingerland when he recognizes advisors and associates going above and beyond in their service to the community, to clients, and to making a difference in the lives of others. This underscores that caring for people is essential to each member of the team.

Due to recent expansion of the office space at 111 S. Main Street, the firm is pleased to offer a rare, turnkey opportunity to experienced financial advisors or small producing groups to be a part of this positive work environment. The Wallingford office

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Capital Financial Planning is celebrating its 10th year as an organization on May 5, 2013. Yet, many of the almost 70 financial advisors in 9 states have been in the business for many more years.

Having worked at other firms and listened to clients' concerns, Capital Financial Planning had one goal in mind: To build a firm where the only agenda was that of the client. And they have succeeded. With a high level of financial advisor and client retention, the firm does not push product or have a "one size fits all" approach. Rather, financial advisors listen to individual client needs and custom-tailor strategies to work toward those unique objectives.

"No branch manager stands over us telling us what to offer to our clients because it impacts his or her bonus.

Unfortunately, that exists in our industry even today. At Capital Financial Planning, we have no product quotas or minimums. Each one of us owns our own practice and takes care to utilize products and services only as tools to help our clients meet their goals for wealth management, risk mitigation, education, retirement, or other concerns.

This is not one of those firms where every person who walks in the door is going to be offered the same solution.

This philosophy resonates well with us as professionals and resonates well with our clients. They can tell we truly care about them," said Frank Adams, Senior Vice President.

Over the past ten years, the markets have moved up and the markets have moved down. Through it all, Capital Financial Planning has assisted its clients in remaining informed and engaged.

"When a client understands the investments in their portfolios and what each does, that client is going to be more comfortable discussing their finances and riding out market downturns. We need to have a trust relationship. We are better able to assist when clients are able to talk with us honestly and openly about their concerns and their tolerance for risk. We are always delighted when our clients reach their goals such as retirement or sending a child to college," said Peter Cowen, CMFC. Capital Financial Planning moved from North Haven to Wallingford for the convenience and hometown feel of a stately colonial on a tree-lined street. "When clients come to our office, it's like coming to a living room and having a cup of coffee. The warm and homelike atmosphere puts people at ease. Everyone loves Maggie and Bernadette who make everyone feel welcome and important. Our clients are like family. Many of them have been with us for many years, even before we joined Capital Financial Planning. We enjoy our clients and have many multigenerational clients." said Adams.

The firm has offices in 9 states and is one of the leading investment and financial services firms in New England. Capital Financial Planning and its financial advisors have won numerous awards for community service and industry and business excellence. One of the most meaningful awards the firm offers is the David J. Ross, Sr. Award for "service above self". The award is named for a financial advisor who was an integral part of the Wallingford group prior to his passing. The Wallingford, CT group was the first to receive this recognition from Capital Financial Planning's President and CEO, Todd Slingerland, for their commitment to assisting others in need as

presently has 4 advisors and 2 assistants and is outfitted for business success. For more information, financial advisors may contact Bernadette at (203) 774-0505 or Bernadette@4cfp.net.

To learn more about Capital Financial Planning visit www.capitalfinancialplanning.net or stop in at 111 S. Main Street in Wallingford. The coffee pot is on.

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Moran’s Television & Appliance

Offering Product Service & Commitment to Customers For major heart surgery, you want the very best doctor available – someone knowledgeable who has been at it for years. To sell your home, you want the best Realtor around – someone with an excellent reputation, skills, and dedication to the community.

When it is time for a new TV, air conditioner, a Weber grill with all the latest features or other appliance, you want a company that knows everything in the business and can offer you a great value for a product that lasts. You want a company that will be around to come service your TV or appliance long after you get it home. It would also be nice if that company gave back to the community we all live and work in. You want Moran's Television and Appliance.

For more than 50 years Moran's Television and Appliance has been a trusted name in the community.

Moran's is widely known for the quality and personal service it offers customers. It has built a solid reputation for special television and appliance products that perform – and for being there down the road when something needs a repair.

With today's amazing television and appliance technology, Owner Jim Moran is proud of what he brings to customers. He even remodeled the showroom in recent years for more convenient shopping – and access to an amazing selection of products with service and friendly, knowledgeable staff to help answer any questions.

If you end up at a big box stores, ask the sales person what happens if you have a problem with the purchase. If they claim to have service they use outside companies for delivery, installation and service. Usually that service is several states and hundreds of miles away.

"That's a big plus for us.

We do our own deliveries, our

bought every television we have owned from them because they believe in giving people the best possible deals," says Lisa M, a satisfied customer. "For our last television purchase, the staff at Moran's did everything in their power to get it to us for Christmas. And, as promised, we had our new TV for Christmas! The staff is courteous and really tries to find you that "perfect" TV for your needs! I would HIGHLY recommend them for any television purchase!"

Unlike online shopping, you want to touch your next own installations – and, if you have a problem, we have our own service technicians," Jim Moran says. You'll have the big box store sales person tongue-tied because they cannot answer you truthfully.

They all use outside contractors and offer no service.

Some even advertise that they do offer service – but it is so far away that nobody can access it affordably.

Moran's Television and Appliance is among just a few people in the state that actually do service their own products, plus handle delivery and installation in-house, with their own employees.

Moran's Television and Appliance does something else that is extremely important to everyone living in the area. They give back to the community. Unlike any big box store ever will, Moran's cares about the community and gives through donations of time, talent and treasure as much as possible.

"There is a huge problem in Meriden. I can't believe how many small businesses we've lost in the last few years," said Moran, a Third Vice President of Lions Club.

"I do absolutely everything I can. I wish I could give more."

Jim Moran has a heart like nobody you will ever find at a big chain store. He cares

deeply about the community he has lived and worked in and supported over his entire career and lifetime. You just do not get guys like him at the big stores over near the mall.

In fact, for the very few dollars difference in price – if any, you get so very much more with Moran's Television and Appliance.

"We've been selling TVs for about 50 years," he said.

"One customer came back to us for a TV recently, to replace their old one they bought from me in 1983. It was almost as old as some of my employees." Moran is proud to keep his loyal employees, who are all raising families in the community as well.

Moran's has built close relationships with its many loyal customers, with people and organizations in the community, and with all of the major manufacturers.

"We belong to one of the biggest buying groups in the northeast, and we can usually get any product by the next day," he said.

"Moran's has been my family's television store since before I was born! We have

37 refrigerator or other appliance before you buy it. You want to see everything it does before you pay. You also want to build a relationship with the store - to know where to go if you have questions after you get the product home. Today customers can shop at Moran’s well-known location at 664 West Main St. in Meriden.

Moran's TV and Appliance carries a full inventory of appliances. If you are looking for a refrigerator, oven, cook top, stove, dishwasher or washer/dryer – it is in stock.

You will also find a huge inventory of Digital Projection, LCD TVs, Plasma and surround sound equipment.

"Lots of brands sold nowadays are not serviceable.

Most odd brands are throwaways," Moran said. "People are spending a lot of money for them and they can't be

repaired. Moran's services all the major brands we sell."

Moran's has been in the appliance business for years.

It is what we love, it is what we do, and it is what we know. So if you want to get your money's worth, shop for your appliances with us and expect nothing less than expert advice and service.

"It's our business to know everything about the most popular and reliable manufacturers available," Moran says.

"We have long standing relationships with the biggest manufacturers and know all of our products inside and out. The result? You get exceptional service for the life of your appliances."

Come visit our showrooms, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, call us at 203-2374800 in Meriden, or visit us online at www.MoransTV appliance.com.

Moran's Television & Appliance LLC, at 664 West Main St. in Meriden, has been a trusted name for personal service, quality and value for more than 50 years. Owner Jim Moran is proud to offer service for the products he sells... a rare thing in this business. He is also proud to support the community. Monte McCalmont and Jimmy Moran are pictured, from left to right, showing off the Electrolux® display in the retail store.

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38

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Wallingford Economic Development

You Can't Do Better Than Wallingford for Business Lowering costs and making it easier to do business is what Wallingford's Economic Development Commission is all about. That's why there is nowhere else to go but Wallingford when it comes to choosing the perfect spot in the state to do business.

It is a lucky seven when it comes to attracting business development in town. Seven Wallingford companies broke ground or have plans to build multi-million dollar expansions here.

"We are really a municipality where you can lower your operating costs by locating here. Our location is just amazing – for many reasons," said Wallingford Economic Development Commission Chair Joe Mirra. You can't do any better than where we are."

Wallingford happens to have a unique position for attracting businesses because it has the lowest electricity rates in the state. Wallingford has its own electric company, which means it can offer huge savings to companies that are large power users.

"That really sets us apart from everybody else in the state of Connecticut," he said.

We also have an amazing location right off of I-91 north and south, which is attractive to businesses. "When they say, 'Location, location, location,' we sure have that."

Because it is located midway between Boston and New York, between Hartford and

New Haven, and right in the middle of a web of major highways traversing the state, Wallingford is unbeatable for businesses looking to bring in quality employees from around the state, and for accessing a larger network of customers. Taxpayers also appreciate that Wallingford has one of the lowest mill rates in New Haven County.

The Wallingford Economic Development Commission, EDC, remains steadfast in its effort to find and help companies as they come in and conduct business locally.

"We assist new businesses and we work with Wallingford-based companies that are looking for new locations, or space to expand," said Doreen DeSarro, Business Recruiter for the EDC. "We offer incentive programs, help them find financing, and in some cases job training programs, depending on what each company is looking to do.

Sometimes a company just needs some help to hire people. The EDC recruits companies to bring in. It advertises and attends regional and nationwide trade shows. We offer many ways for companies to lower their operating costs. That's pretty much what our hook is."

Seven local business leaders serve as volunteer commissioners who meet monthly and dedicate a large amount of their time and ener-

gy to supporting the local business community as they also interface with many other local boards and commissions. EDC Members Tom Collette and Mark Gingras make up its Marketing Committee, Joe Mirra and Jim Wolfe are on its P&Z Liaison Committee, and Gary Fappiano and Rosemarie Preneta serve on its Retention & Incentives Committee.

The EDC started the year with a focus group to analyze goals and make plans to achieve them. The result is a new three-year plan, which goes into practice July 1.

"We start year one of a three-year initiative for marketing – online, print and media, plus local and out of state trade shows, and more," she said.

The hard work pays off when major local manufacturers choose to expand in town.

For example, BYK USA, an international maker of chemical additives for plastics and paint, APS Technologies, NUCOR Steel, a producer and recycler, GET Corporation, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Edible Arrangements and Choate Rosemary Hall are all expanding their real estate holdings and operations in Wallingford. The local growth means new jobs coming to the local market, and other benefits to residents including the potential to lower taxes.

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kidney disease. Physicians affiliated with the center work to follow patients closely to prevent them from progressing to a point where they need dialysis. But, when it does progress, professionals at Comprehensive Dialysis Care are the ones you want at your side.

"At a certain point, the kidney function is not enough to keep them healthy," Dr. Chughtai explained. "That is when they need to come in and let us help. People come to us because we really believe in quality, safety and coordination of care," he added.

"Our goal is to give our patients as normal a quality of life as possible," he said. "We try to follow our patients closely to prevent them from progressing to a point where they need dialysis. When it is required, we try to ensure it happens in a very safe and coordinated manner."

The Care center coordinates care with other healthcare providers to ensure smooth transition of care. "Co-ordination is our goal – patients get services that are efficient and seamless so their resources are not wasted."

"We tie everyone in - cardiologists, hospitalists, primary care physicians, and surgeons," he said. "We actively look for ways to prevent things from happening, rather than responding to the patient's needs after things occur."

Comprehensive Dialysis Care is in a convenient location, near the highways, and right on the east campus of MidState Medical Center. The brand-new facility offers generous patient waiting areas, state of the art equipment, service six days a week, insurance coordination, and more. The center opened in May of 2011 currently runs multiple shifts six days a week, to cater to the patients' needs.

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Comprehensive Dialysis Care, is a full service dialysis care provider in the greater Meriden area. This center is affiliated with American Renal Associates, one of the largest dialysis providers in the United States. The center provides incenter as well as at-home services. In-center services are most common and include hemodialysis, or, "blood dialysis." However, in some cases patients can get trained to perform a kind of dialysis, "Peritoneal dialysis," in their own home, which gives them more freedom.

"I have patients who hold daytime jobs and only need to go to the center for follow-up needs. They have as good a quality of life as possible," says Medical Director Dr. Irfan Chughtai.

"Quality of life means a lot to the patients, and that's why Comprehensive Dialysis Care is the best possible choice."

"If you were to compare our center to other centers, our typical percentage rate of patients, who are able to perform home dialysis, is high at about 20 percent," he explained. Some bigger centers only achieve about five to eight percent.

More than 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is most commonly associated with high blood pressure and diabetes, while other factors, such as heart disease and obesity can put patients at risk too.

CKD tends to be a silent but progressive disease so patients do not experience any symptoms until the disease has advanced to end-stage kidney disease.

Optimal control of blood pressure and diabetes as well as lifestyle measures like weight loss may slow down the progression of CKD to end-stage

The Wallingford Economic Development Commission works to lower costs for companies and facilitate business in town. Wallingford is tops in the state when it comes to choosing the perfect place to do business. Lower costs, location, and better access to the web of state highways mean better business. Pictured are six of the seven hard working members of the Economic Development Commission. From left to right in back: Mark Gingras, Tom Collette, and Gary Fappiano. In front: Jim Wolfe, Joe Mirra, Chairman, and Richard Nunn, Vice Chairman. EDC Commissioner Rosemarie Preneta is absent from the photo.

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

39

Hunter Limousines, Ltd. "The Luxury and Comfort You Deserve", "Advocate Best of New Haven 2011" Visit us at www.hunterlimo.com Phone: 203-514-5151

Re/Max Professionals Southington

Now is the Time to Get More become more strict with buyers. But, working with the right people helps the process become easier."

Call today and get a free, no obligation, market analysis of your home – spring is a perfect time to put your home on the market, as buyers are out looking for a fresh start.

Everyone knows now is the time – before home prices go up with interest rates to reflect the improving marketplace.

"RE/MAX sells more real estate than any other company in the world," Alfano said. "Our agents nationwide almost double the sales of our closest competitor."

In fact, the local office has decades of experience.

Some of the top agents like Ray Valenti, among numerous other awards, was recently recognized with a lifetime achievement award. Margaret Bennet is a certified appraiser, recipient of the RE/MAX 100% Club, and Connecticut Magazine's Five Star Award for real estate. Ed Silva is also in the 100% Club, and Executive Club, and makes charitable donations from each transaction to the Children’s Miracle Network and the Susan G Komen Foundation.

RE/MAX helps agents make the change to kick their careers into high gear. With RE/MAX, youíre in business for yourself – but not by yourself.

"We're a unique company. We really offer a great deal for agents looking for stronger careers, or for people looking to grow their businesses to the next level – that’s where RE/MAX is a great fit," Alfano said. Any agents who are looking to increase their business should

consider RE/MAX. If you are an agent ready to dramatically change your way of doing business, succeed and earn the money you deserve, then you should consider RE/MAX Professionals and call today to learn more.

As an agent with RE/MAX, you have the independence to be as successful as you choose. RE/MAX provides you with the latest technology and tools to do business. The company brings you top name recognition, high compensation plans, schedule flexibility and work-from-home options, leads through a program that features nearly 2 million visitors monthly – and so much more.

RE/MAX Professionals is proud to support the Children's Miracle Network, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, local toy drives and turkey drives to help our neighbors in Southington, Relay for Life, Southington's Apple Harvest Festival, MADD and the local YMCA. From everyone at RE/MAX Professionals: We would like to extend a huge thanks to our clients, family and friends for all of their continued support, which has helped us make this business a success and has helped us to grow to meet the needs of our clients through the next decade – and beyond.

Client satisfaction is our top priority – and it shows by the recommendations many of them offer.

RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS provides a wide range of real estate services and uses the most current technology, processes and systems. Whether you are new to the market or an experienced investor, let our expertise, proven track

record, and resources help you achieve your real estate goals.

Call Dave Alfano today, at (860) 426-9268, ext. 10, or at davealfano@remax.net.

He is happy to meet with you and discuss what RE/MAX can offer you. Also visit www.joinREMAX.com.

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The real estate market is improving, interest rates are still low – now is a great time to jump in. If you're thinking of buying or selling a home, RE/MAX Professionals in Plantsville is the way to go.

Good market or bad, it doesn’t matter. Today's RE/MAX professionals stand out as the tops in the trade.

They know how to get the deal closed. RE/MAX agents are consistently the most productive among national franchises. They close the most transactions per agent and generate the highest sales per agent when compared nationwide.

Finding just the right home for your needs, or getting a fair price when you sell can be challenging in any market. RE/MAX Professionals, at 640 Main St. in Plantsville, is a true leader when it comes to helping you buy or sell real estate.

When it comes to buying or selling your home – you don’t exactly want a box of chocolates. With other companies, you never know what you will get. But, RE/MAX Professionals are seasoned.

The company simply brings you the very best agents and services in the industry.

"We have certified luxury specialists, accredited buyer and seller representatives, certified short sale specialists, and a huge host of resources to offer clients, going above and beyond to achieve complete client satisfaction," said Dave Alfano, owner of RE/MAX Professionals and Southington native. "We all work closely with specialists, so we can refer clients to make sure that the process runs smoothly. It has been tough, especially over the past few years as banks have

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RE/MAX Professionals, located at 640 Main St. in Plantsville, helps more families buy and sell real estate than any other brokerage company in the world. RE/MAX is proud to offer the best agents and services in the industry. Call today to learn how you can become a RE/MAX Professional, or to get started in buying or selling property. The market is improving everyday – now is the time to jump in with the right professionals at your side to help – RE/MAX Professionals. Call Dave Alfano, pictured, at (860) 426-9268, ext. 10.

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Connecticut Power & Sport

Pals Powerwashing, LLC

Celebrates 40 Years of Fun, Friendly Service

Make Your Property Look New Again

It's a season for excitement at Connecticut Power & Sport, 935 North Main St. Extension in Wallingford - the place to go whether you're out for some fun, or have a job to get done.

Now celebrating 40 years in business, Connecticut Power & Sport co-owners and Meriden natives Mark Fontanella and Peter Joyce say they always look forward to spring and summer – for some of their favorite sports.

Connecticut Power & Sport is a multi-line motor sports and power equipment dealer that offers the highest quality products in everything imaginable that works or plays with a small engine! That means, you can stop in for Seadoo and Yamaha PWC and sport boats, Suzuki ATVs and motorcycles, Kymco scooters and mopeds, Yamaha snowmobiles, and power equipment like John Deere and Honda lawnmowers, lawn and garden tractors, generators, snowblowers, weed whackers, trimmers, products by Stihl, Exmark, Ariens, Billy Goat – and lots more. Just a look at the web site, www.ctpower andsport.com makes you want to get outdoors and play!

Not many businesses can say they've been serving customers for four decades – and loving it. But, it's clear that Fontanella and Joyce are having as much fun as they help

their customers have.

Most people come in here because they want to have a good time. Even people buying lawn tractors are in here because they enjoy mowing their lawns on some level. It's always fun to serve happy people, he said.

With products that get you outdoors on the water, in the yard and having fun with friends and family - it's always good times, with great service at Connecticut Power & Sport.

"In addition to being dealers, we're also enthusiasts," he said. "We actually use the products we sell, ourselves. At last count we have well over 100 years of experience between everyone on our team."

Connecticut Power & Sport doesn't have to worry about competing with the big box stores. They work with the big guys, because they are factory authorized to service everything they sell. So, if you make a purchase from the larger chain store, you can still bring it to the local shop for friendly service.

"We're local guys offering the same prices as the big box stores, but we also give friendly, award-winning service, we service everything we sell," Fontanella said. "If you have a problem – you bring it to us and it becomes our problem."

Many people mistakenly think they pay less by going to

a large chain store. But, it doesn't cost you any more to buy from a local shop that is a full-service dealer.

"Many of our Honda and John Deere lawn mowers are sold for the same price there, but the customer is better off buying from us because we service them," he said.

Connecticut Power & Sport has earned multiple service awards from manufacturers. It has earned a Seadoo Platinum Service Award for the past five years running, which means it belongs to a very exclusive group – only a small percentage of dealers get the award. It also holds the Yamaha Customer Service award for dealers who have a high customer satisfaction rating. The shop is also a multiple-time winner of the John Deere Circle of Excellence award, among others.

Fontanella and Joyce bought the business from two Wallingford brothers who started it 33 years ago. They are proud to have grown it over the years to include a new facility, a huge expansion of product lines and the latest equipment, technology and gear.

It's a great time to check out Connecticut Power & Sport. Call 203-265-1206, see www.ctpowerandsport.com or come in today.

Silver City Furnace Company, located at 316 East Main Street in Meriden has the expertise to utilize all types of heating and cooling equipment to customize an environment that will be comfortable for all.

Pictured left to right: Owner John Alfieri, Drew Carson and Steve Wagner.

Do you miss the way your home, deck, patio, or even workplace sidewalks used to look? Or, wonder if all that snow had just lingered a bit longer, you wouldnít have to see all the green mildew, dark areas and general dirt everyday?

Call Pals Power Washing today. Pals Power Washing, LLC is a Veteran-Owned business and washes with HOT WATER. Pals specializes in residential homes, condominiums, commercial property, gutter cleaning, concrete poolside cleaning, patios, roofs, awnings – and more. Pals also has extensive knowledge in deck restoration and waterproofing. Too many people spend countless time and money building beautiful decks, and sadly watch them deteriorate because the wood is unprotected from the devastating forces of the weather.

"We can bring your deck back to life. Our process includes stripping off the old stain, applying a wood brightener, sanding the floor and top rails, and applying a top-quality stain with water sealer. If the deck wood is rotted, we can replace the boards with wood or with composite. We do a lot of white vinyl fence cleaning in the spring, and when people are opening their pools we wash and seal pool concrete," says Southington resident Kevin Palladino, who has owned and operated the company for 20 years.

He got into the business in 1992, a short time after marrying his wife and buying their first house – which turned out to be filthy. "They said the deck was pressure treated," he explained, "but during the house-warming party, a friend's foot went right through a deck board.

After completing the repair, I went out and bought a pressure washer and cleaned the house. The next thing I knew all the neighbors were asking me to do theirs – so I started a little part-time business."

Palladino had spent 24 years in the army, and in 1998 he started Pals Power Washing, LLC. "Responsibility and accountability. The military taught me how both of these words would impact my military career. Now that I am retired I have adapted these principals into my everyday business life," he says.

Today Palladino has more enthusiasm for his work than many other people in any profession. He is one of the

most energetic, interesting guys you'll ever have power wash your home, deck or other space. The energy is contagious just in talking with him, and it is easy to detect his passion for the power washing business. He says his only regret is that he can't be power washing all year-round due to the climate here.

However, he enjoys cleaning up properties by snow blowing in the winter.

Part of the fun, he says, is just how great a job he can do for clients – thanks to his specialized equipment and his priority to satisfy customers.

"I have a 26-inch-wide surface cleaner with small rotating parts that spin about 6,000 times a minute. It really cleans the concrete nicely, much better than any other system," he said. "If you just go over the surface with a wand, you see zebra stripes.

But, this machine acts like a big buffer."

The commercial business actually tripled last year when I purchased a hot water machine that heats water up to 250 degrees, he said. The hot water truly makes Pals Power Washing unique over others. I use highly specialized equipment and bring water for customers who have wells or low water pressure.

Now, that's serious power washing that achieves unbeatable results.

Pals Power Washing offers house washing service that can handle all of your needs. It's a great way to wake up a tired home and make it look new again. Pals is a recognized name in the Hartford County and residents rely on Pals for Trust, Integrity, and Customer Service.

"Thank you for being so professional and for making my house look brand new again. I was worried about those tough stains in the back and side of the house, and honestly, you can't tell they were there!," Taina Badillo of Waterbury wrote in an online testimonial.

Is the sight of gum on the sidewalk "grosser than gross" to you? Pals Power Washing specializes in sidewalk gum removal and dryer vent cleaning. Drive through windows and gas filling stations never looked better after Pals services their spaces on regular commercial contract work.

Pals Power Washing keeps businesses looking professional.

Pal's Power Washing also urges real estate professionals

to suggest the services to their clients for faster home sales.

"When people go to sell their house, they paint the inside, they move furniture a little and clean up a bit, but the outside is the first thing people see when they get out of their car. I can also do landscaping," Palladino said. "We now have the capability to do everything for the outside; mulch, trim branches, even commercial mowing. Right before an open house, you can get the cris-crossing stripes on your lawn and more." Pals Power Washing is a one stop shop – Palladino does it all, even hedge trimming, roof cleaning and more. He uses all green, environmentallyfriendly products that are safe for plants, pets, shrubs, grass and animals.

"We clean up afterward and we do a lot of things that others may not – even help the customer prep by moving furniture off their decks," he said. "We do a nice job and we don't overbook. We don't hurry through. We're not a splash and dash company. We do a lot of extras."

Palladino is proud of his two sons, a junior and a senior in high school, who are involved in marching band and the baseball team, respectively. Both young men have also taken an interest in the power washing business, helping their dad by working during their off-time, making Pals truly a family business.

The company holds an A+ rating as an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau. It is also a member of the Plainville and Southington chambers of commerce.

Pals Power Washing is a member of the National Fire Prevention Association for its dryer vent cleaning. Pals actively supports the community and Southington sports. It also supports Relay for Life. Last year one survivor got their home washed for free.

Palladino stays on top of training, frequently attending trade conferences, preventive maintenance classes, and networks with other professionals in the industry.

Pals Power Washing is licensed and insured, and certified in house washing and deck restoration. Now Pals is offering a 10 percent, or $25 off any house washing, and free stain and sealer on any deck restoration.

Visit www.palspowerwashing.com and call Kevin at (860) 9198748 today.

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

41

Crowell Heating and Air Conditioning

Brings Care, Commitment to Quality Crowell Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. does not do a lot of advertising. It never had to.

Through 41 years in business, a high focus on personalized customer service has brought Crowell HVAC a dedicated base of return customers and word-of-mouth advertising that has more than sustained business.

"I try to go the extra mile," says General Manager Brian Delaney. "Whereas others would just get the job done and leave – collect the money and be gone."

Joseph E. Crowell started Crowell Heating and Air Conditioning in 1972. The family-owned and operated company, located at 604 Pomeroy Ave. in Meriden, is proud to offer professional system analysis, design and installation, annual preventive maintenance plans, professional and reliable service by highly trained and experienced technicians.

In this tough economy, everything from attracting customers and going through the bidding process on larger jobs, to keeping lifelong clients is very competitive.

For example, in a recent competitive bid on a large residential heating system project, Crowell emerged a winner because of the company's long standing reputation for offering a great value,

while giving that extra effort to satisfy customers.

Crowell HVAC knows that today's customer expects the world – at least when it comes to world-class quality, and that is what the company strives to deliver. While most customers are looking at the bottom line today, often Crowell can offer a highquality product from Heil or American Standard, and bring a level of quality that means stronger resale values to homes going on the market in the future.

"It's a tough industry," he said, "but, in a world where many companies don't offer the workmanship, Crowell Heating and Air Conditioning stands apart from others." We are trained to service any system out there, and to help customers meet all of their heating and cooling goals and needs.

Crowell offers top quality in products, workmanship and service.

"I take pride in helping our customers, and they are happy to recommend our company," Delaney said.

Crowell Heating and Air Conditioning has worked hard since 1972 to provide expert service that you can rely on – and still satisfy your comfort and your budget.

Today's systems are based on technology. What once involved lots of mechan-

ical parts to run furnaces and air conditioning systems, now relies on computers and micro-boards. Among many features the new, high-end systems offer, is the ability to control your climate-control system with an app on your phone.

"I do try to encourage customers to invest in higher end equipment to achieve savings in the long run," he explained. We are a company that cares and brings commitment to its customers. We do more than install equipment.

We take pride in building lasting relationships with our customers, by offering longterm solutions that will increase fuel savings, and help them meet their unique needs.

Crowell is a past president and current member of the Meriden Lions Club.

Delaney, who has worked for Crowell for 33 years, says, "Joe is a great guy. He has always taken care of me. My kids even call him Uncle Joe." Crowell Heating and Air Conditioning is a fully licensed and insured member of the Better Business Bureau. For fast, friendly, knowledgeable service, Call Crowell Heating and Air Conditioning today, at 203237-7580 and visit www.CrowellHVAC.com.

Crowell Heating and Air Conditioning is located at 604 Pomeroy Ave. in Meriden. The company has taken pride in providing air-conditioning, heating ventilation service and fabrication of all types of duct work for both residential and commercial customers for more than 41 years. Now utilizing "environmentally friendly" refrigerant for "our" future. Pictured is Joe Crowell and Brian Delaney.

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

C-Town Supermarket

Committed to Local People, Diverse Products, Community brothers to help their father on the weekends. "We used to come help him pack groceries for customers, put the groceries in their cars," he said.

That was back in a day when customer service went far beyond today's standards.

"We grew up with our Dad doing that. We liked the business, and we liked getting to know the customers on a firstname basis."

Diaz and his family moved to Connecticut seeking a great community to raise their own children. He envisions the new C-Town as a grassroots grocery store here, serving people who are also neighbors.

The same business formula has brought Diaz' CTown Supermarket a great response in New Britain, where customers come from Meriden, Waterbury, Bristol, Newington and many other towns. They come for CTown's unique product niche and personalized service in produce, fine-cut meat, deli, ethnic foods (much more than Spanish), lottery and more.

"You can tell the butcher exactly what you want and he'll customize it and make your order the way you want it," he said. "Customers needed more choices. The prices are also low, so it's a win-win situation for everyone."

C-Town is looking forward to supporting the community through sponsorship of youth sports teams, such as little league as well as local events.

"We're always helping the community," Diaz said with pride and excitement for the new Meriden store.

Diaz' integrity, sense of duty, and passion for his profession are obvious when you first meet him. His enthusiasm shows as he talks about

the importance he holds for helping customers.

"The best advertising is customers walking out of the store and feeling that they were treated well and they want to come back. When you go to a place and you feel welcomed you want to go back there again," he said.

When a customer from Argentina asks for a special ingredient from their country, and I say, "Yes, we have five or six different choices," and they open their eyes, like – wow, that makes me feel good."

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An all-new C-Town Supermarket location is opening at 152-160 Colony St. in Meriden – much to the delight of anyone tired of the traditional and ready for something special.

Any grocery store can sell aisles of canned food and everyday products at low prices. But, C-Town is different in a very good way. "We are a local grocery store with a lot of different ethnic foods from different countries," said Larry Diaz, who owns the new Meriden store with his two brothers, as well as locations in New Britain and New York. "We have a lot of products from Europe, Latin America and Asia as well as your traditional all-American foods."

C-Town Supermarket will carry products from local wholesalers as well as its own suppliers – and even produce from Connecticut farms.

Meats also come from local suppliers, and sources in nearby states.

The store follows a nontraditional model, with locations where many suburban stores have "abandoned" the cities. Most important, CTown tries to go back into the community and give jobs to local residents, said Diaz, whose father was one of the first merchants to license the C-Town name back in 1985.

"It is successful for us because nobody is currently doing it this way." Today, the trend is for big stores to build on five acres and draw everyone to the huge megastore.

But, for C-Town, business is plain and simple – not overwhelming and complex like big chains. C-Town is a store that stays local. The supermarket wants to Be local, and give jobs to local people.

Diaz recalls joining his

At C-Town, we can help people recognize their cultural traditions, he said. The U.S. is a melting pot and when customers see you have a product that they grew up with, and you were able to help them find it – it's an amazing experience.

Most mainstream grocery stores out there only strive to be the lowest discount store.

Anybody can do that. "But, to be unique and to have something that is different from everybody else - that's special."

C-Town stores are independently owned and run.

Visit us online, at www.ctownsupermarkets.co And, come to C-Town Supermarket in Meriden for something special! C-Town Supermarket in Meriden is expected to open around early summer. Hours will be Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce, 3 Colony Street, Suite 301, Meriden Ph.: 203.235.7901 Fx: 203.686.0172 info@meridenchamber.com ’—Â? ’—Â?˜ǰ —Ž œǰ ÂŽÂ&#x;Ž—Â?Âœ Ç­ –˜›Ž ŠÂ?Çą www.meridenchamber.com

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Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc. was started by Sally F. Smith, LPN, in 2007, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for seniors. The organization works to grant wishes to elders who have worked hard all their lives but have been unable to fulfill a long-held dream. Pictured is Charlie, 87, visiting the Fire Museum in New York with his therapeutic recreation aide and a New Haven Firefighter. They also visited the 126 Liberty St. Station at Ground Zero. Charlie smiled all day! Visit www.seniorshavedreams.org to learn more, and for an application to nominate a senior to have a wish granted.

Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

Suzio York Hill

Moves Forward with Meriden, Building for the Future While building bridges is something we should all strive for in our businesses, long-time Meriden company Suzio York Hill is also building much more – in very real ways in our community.

Suzio York Hill has been a thriving part of Meriden's business community for more than 115 years. Passing by the company's quarry on Westfield Road brings an exciting display of activity – great rock-moving trucks, mixers with ready-mix concrete, dump trucks with asphalt and crushed stone, and each one busily working on a project, a goal, a vision and a dream for the future development of our state and its people.

The L. Suzio Companies have been at the forefront in highway, residential and commercial construction, in providing crushed trap rock, asphalt and ready-mix concrete products to the area's construction industry. All materials are customized to the needs of each job: crushed stone for various construction needs; asphalt / bituminous concrete for paving projects that range from residential driveways to major interstate highways, and different

The L. Suzio Asphalt Company began its season the middle of last month when it opened its plant on 975 Westfield Road in Meriden. strengths of ready-mix concrete, for highways, bridges, residential and commercial buildings.

With so many construction supply products, and long-time dedication to the community, the local school

projects are one of Suzio/York Hill's top priorities. It has been supplying material to Wilcox Tech and also hopes to help with building projects at Platt and Maloney High Schools.

The Suzio Companies have developed a

solid reputation and trust within the communities where their top jobs are located.

The Meriden location operates a concrete and asphalt plant and a quarry.

Suzio Concrete is also pro-

43 duced in Wallingford and New Haven, which have helped on major construction projects across Connecticut.

One of the company's very exciting and higher profile projects was Yale Peabody Museum's Cretaceous Garden, which features a walkway with dinosaur footprints made in concrete. Suzio is also proud to be involved in work on the Quinnipiac Bridge - a gateway to New England, and the Mattabaset Water Pollution Control Facility. The family-owned business is proud to be growing, as it acquired two new concrete plants, in Milford and Derby, in recent years.

Suzio/York Hill owners and employees enjoy the great feeling of watching so many projects in our state take shape, and knowing they had a part to play in the successful outcomes of each.

The company is setting its sights on the future, and the exciting possibility of helping with local scholastic projects.

"Ideally, Suzio/York Hill would like to supply the Meriden scholastic projects with our materials, which are all locally produced," said Bruce Dykty, Vice President of Sales.

Meriden and Suzio York Hill go hand-in-hand.

People's memories really go back with this company to when they were young. The company headquarters décor includes dozens of award plaques that join black and white photographs to show a

Valentin Karate

bines music and dance. Watch for new programs starting at Valentin Karate. To learn more, visit the school in person or online at www.Valentin Karate.net.

Three Studios Focus on Leadership, Family and Achievement extending the martial arts beyond yourself to support others as well. Valentin hopes to work on a thesis involving a cross-kick approach that includes elements of cardio kickboxing as a cross training method.

Efrain Valentin started training in martial arts at just eight years old to gain selfconfidence and self-esteem, while also learning to defend himself. The art of the sport sparked a lifelong passion in him, and by the time he was 19, it was time to open his own school.

"I tested for the Masters level when I was 21, and, together, our family opened the second school, in Plantsville, in 2002," he said.

The third school opened in 2010 in Kensington. "We foster a strong family environment. I come from a large family and try to have everyone feel that kind of family warmth."

Efrain Valentin and his wife, Rachel, who is a kindergarten teacher at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, met through martial arts. They recently adopted two children, totaling eight children in the family - and most train in martial arts.

Late April featured the studio's leadership in helping to host the Region 9 World Tang Soo Do Tournament at the XL Center in Hartford.

The event featured nearly 400 competitors.

"It's not just about teaching the kids about martial arts," said Efrain Valentin.

"We try to teach them life skills and the importance of volunteering and helping family and the community."

Children as young as three can start training at Valentin Karate. The studio works to build character in children through a strict yet fun atmosphere. Focal areas also include respect, coordination, behavior, confidence, patience, concentration, responsibility, teamwork and cooperation, mental and physical health, and growth with a sense of fairness.

Valentin Karate is proud to support the Boys and Girls Club and the Connecticut Food Bank, and to give back to the community in many other ways including the Relay for Life.

"Our mission is not just

to be super martial artists, but also to be productive citizens," he said. "And if they become champions, like some of the kids have, that's great.

But that's not priority."

Valentin Karate hosts birthday parties in addition to some of the latest classes.

New programs include a

mini-self-defense workshop, an obesity program, and more. The school also offers instruction in capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that com-

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Valentin Karate, based at 82 Camp St. in Meriden, has been serving the community for 24 years. The studio has grown to 10 instructors working with people of all ages at three locations: Meriden, Plantsville and Berlin/ Kensington.

"We've gained recognition in the field of Tang Soo Do with all of our masters and instructors receiving their certification from Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin," said Efrain Valentin, Master Instructor and owner of Valentin Karate.

Our knowledge and experience has earned us a certification from the World Tang Soo Do Association.

Valentin is at the forefront when it comes to leadership skills training and helping people achieve their goals in very meaningful ways – namely training young women to achieve.

"Our school has a large female instructor base, which speaks a lot to teenage girls," said owner and Master Instructor Rachel Valentin.

"We have many teenage female blackbelts."

When you train with Valentin, you become a part of a large family. After all, for the Valentins, karate and family are a natural pair. When the business started out, it was Rachel and Efrain, who has seven sisters and one brother.

Today seven of the eight siblings hold black belts. One of them is a female master instructor as well.

Rachel Valentin is on the precipice of completing a life goal: "As part of a two-year process, I just tested and am eager to learn if I receive my fifth degree. I would be the second female to earn fifth degree in the whole World Tang Soo Do organization – and I would be the youngest."

"The organization is Korean and very strict with tradition," she added. "There weren't many females when I was growing up, and there were no teenage girls training in my school. It was an adultbased program. There were women, but no trainers. Our studio today offers training for all ages."

Part of becoming an advanced degree black belt is marking the end of one journey as another is about to start. It means focusing on mental development and

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Business & Industry – Friday, May 3, 2013

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Suzio mixers waiting to be loaded with concrete out of the company’s New Haven plant for one of the many construction projects taking place in the area. Suzio York Hill is located at 975 Westfield Road in Meriden.

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A Suzio Mixer prepares to pour footings for the new Carrington School in Waterbury. The project concluded last year and featured Suzio Concrete in all of the building’s construction.

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