The Chamber’s Hall of Fame

Margaret Mead, the American anthropologist, said, “I personally measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings.” Think about this comment from Henry Ford, “There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something.”

Date shows that approximately 50 percent of adults in the United States volunteer for a number of organizations. In addition, they donate over 24 hours per month. This confirms what many of us believe and have experienced.

Throughout our 116 year history, the chamber has been the beneficiary of hours of commitment through the support and dedication of Corporate Sponsors, the Board of Directors, the committee chairs, our staff and members.

We recognize that the efforts and dedication of volunteers must be highlighted in a special manner, namely the chamber Hall of Fame. Hanging proudly in the Chamber is the plaque honoring those volunteers who have worked tirelessly to strengthen the organization, the business community and the Northwest region of Connecticut.

The recipients this year are the individuals who co-chaired the Re-branding Committee of the chamber, Alan Colavecchio and Lance Leifert. Both have worked tirelessly on this initiative and continue to guide the Chamber in its efforts to ultimately create our direction for the future.

Alan is the owner of Colavecchio Design since 1983, a marketing, advertising and graphic design guru as well as the consummate volunteer serving on many community based Boards and organizations, a children’s book illustrator, the recipient of numerous awards throughout Connecticut and a true gentleman always willing to lend a helping hand.

His contributions to the chamber for over 30 years include leading workshops on a myriad of topics, developing surveys, facilitating focus groups, helping with print communications, volunteering for Read Aloud, serving on the Board of Directors and the Chamber’s Education Foundation Board of Directors, speaking at YEA, serving on the Membership Committee, staffing the registration booth for many expos and chamber events, even bartending.

On many an occasion, I would call Alan to inform him that I needed a unique, catchy phrase or title for a program. He’d call back within the hour with the perfect idea. He did create the chamber’s logo that was used for 30 years. How fortunate for us that he is serving as co-chair of the Branding/ Marketing Committee. His influence and involvement have made an indelible mark on the chamber.

Lance Leifert is the CEO of Conquests, a company known as the industry leader supporting clients of all sizes with strategizing and implementing cutting edge digital marketing programs. Their web designs are recognized for their creativity, ease and precision. Because of these facts, their clientele has increased throughout Connecticut and the U.S. through marketing campaigns tailored to each client.

Lance has a history of community involvement, teaching computer science and electrical engineering for UCONN for 10 years. He is a member of the CT Technology Council and the UCONN computer science curriculum committee. Lance has also taught digital marketing for healthcare groups across Connecticut.

In addition to co-leading the chamber’s rebranding efforts, he has been a chamber member for 17 years, serving on the Board of Directors, the membership committee, business expo, Young Professional’s sponsor, Read Aloud, WOW sponsor, YEA volunteer and financial reality fair sponsor. He is a graduate of the chamber’s Leadership NW and clearly one of the outstanding stars of the program.

Thank you, Alan and Lance, for your contributions. According to a Greek proverb, “A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit.” Their leadership paves the way for a very bright future for the chamber and region.