BUSINESSMEN HONORED

Colavecchio, Leifert inducted into Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame

TORRINGTON >> Two local businessmen were honored for their years of service to the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Thursday, as the group held its annual meeting.

Alan Colavecchio, President of Colavecchio Design, and Lance Leifert, the CEO of Conquest Consulting, were inducted into the Chamber Hall of Fame Thursday with the help of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, who presented the two men with certificates.

“I’m so honored to be able to be in with the other inductees. I know all of them — I’m very lucky to know every one of them who are already there,” said Colavecchio. “To be included in their company — all of these people have given so much — is really, truly, truly meaningful.”

“I’m very honored,” said Leifert. “I think it’s an honor for me to be able to give back (to the chamber), because they’ve given me so much.”

Blumenthal said he was pleased to visit the chamber, which he described as a standout among its counterparts around the state.

“I have been to all of the chambers in the state,” said Blumenthal. “This one has a great turnout, not just in numbers, but also in spirit — very kind of supportive and genuine, (a) spirit of giving back and community service. So I think for them to be honored in this way is very special and significant, and I love coming here to speak as well as to honor some great people.” “The Cham-

ber Hall of Fame was created in 2008 to honor those Chamber volunteers who have worked tirelessly to strengthen our organization, our business community and our Northwest region of Connecticut,” wrote Lauren Zordan, vice president of programs and events for the chamber earlier this month. “Past recipients include Ann Bowen, Fred and Josephine Bruni, Frank R. Buonocore, Jr., Susan Burton, Barbara Douglass, Ph.D., Jim Garfield, Michael McGuffie, Joyce Muse, Douglas K. O’Connell, Esq., William O. Riiska, Esq., Doreen A. Roy, Laurie Roy, Robert E. Teittinen, and Thomas Villanova.”

Colavecchio and Leifert served as the co-chairs of the chamber’s re-branding committee, according to Zordan.

The group launched a new brand earlier this year, as it debuted a new logo, brand, and initiatives, including peer groups and educational efforts for members.

BEN LAMBERT — THE REGISTER CITIZEN From left, Alan Colavecchio and Lance Leifert, joined by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and chamber President and CEO JoAnn Ryan, were inducted into the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce’s Hall of Fame.

BEN LAMBERT — THE REGISTER CITIZEN Alan Colavecchio and Lance Leifert were inducted into the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce’s Hall of Fame.