Date Released: 11/12/2008
URL: http://labelsandnameplates.blogspot.com/2008/12/2008-uconn-family-business-award.html

By Cara Baruzzi, Register Business Editor

STORRS — Two Greater New Haven businesses will be honored at the 13th annual Connecticut Family Business of the Year Awards Celebration taking place at 6 tonight at the University of Connecticut’s Lewis B. Rome Ballroom.

Marcucio Gardens of Derby and William B. Meyer Inc. of Stratford are among 10 companies throughout the state that will be honored by the UConn Family Business Program.

The awards recognize family owned businesses that “exemplify core family values and the best of American free enterprise,” according to the Family Business Program.

Marcucio Gardens, at 480 New Haven Ave. in Derby, is owned and operated by the Marcucio family, which has been involved in agriculture in the region for several generations.

The business, which is a full-service lanscaping and garden center, opened in 1998.

William B. Meyer, headquartered at 255 Long Beach Blvd. in Stratford, is in its fourth generation of family ownership.

The company specializes in a variety of transportation and storage services, such as household and office moving, records management, off-site data protection, library relocation and courier services, among others.

“Over and over again, we are reminded of the vast accomplishments and contributions Connecticut’s family firms have made to the economy and the people of Connecticut,” Priscilla Cale, director of the Family Business Program, said in a statement.

“They are the central nervous system of American free enterprise, the heart and soul of charity and goodwill and the backbone of Connecticut’s economy.

“We applaud these honorees for their achievements.”

The other eight honorees from throughout the state are: Allied Printing Services Inc. in Manchester, Baronet Coffee Inc. in Hartford, Nursing Services Inc. in East Hartford, Olender’s Inc. in Vernon, Paine’s Inc. in East Granby, Peter Paul Electronics Co. Inc. in New Britain, Shawmut Equipment Co. Inc. in Manchester and The Willington Companies in Stafford Springs.

Kevin A. Bouley, president and chief executive officer of Nerac Inc., a technology company in Tolland, will be the keynote speaker at tonight’s ceremony.