If the secret must get out, then we might as well lead with Dawn Emmerich, given her job as Bank Secrecy Act officer for the Bridgeport-based Community”™s Bank.
Emmerich and 39 other members of the local business and civic communities are winners of this year”™s Fairfield County 40 Under 40 Awards, bestowed annually under primary sponsorship of the Fairfield County Business Journal in partnership with area chambers of commerce to recognize up-and-coming leaders in their fields.
Bridgeport organizations secured eight spots on this year”™s 40 Under 40 list, to include Michael Moore, head of the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District, and Benjamin Henson, a city planner who likewise works on economic development there.
Stamford organizations won eight spots including Michelle Naggar, chief operating officer of newcomer Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Foundation Inc., who last year administered emergency cash grants to more than 450 people whose homes were damaged in disasters, as well as community grants to a half-dozen Fairfield County nonprofits.
In between were all manner of businesses and nonprofits from nearly every corner of Fairfield County ”“ from founders of family-focused organizations such as CT-Moms Online L.L.C. and Hall Arts Academy, to high finance as represented by Avant Capital Partners (see accompanying table).
Supporting business groups include the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, Business Council of Fairfield County, Darien Chamber of Commerce, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Stamford Chamber of Commerce and Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce.
Tickets are $40, of course, for the 40 Under 40 Awards scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. June 2 at High Ridge Park Corporate Center in Stamford, to include a keynote address from Olympic gold medalist Donna DeVarona.
At the event, previous winners will have the opportunity to showcase their companies in a “valley of achievement.” David”™s Soundview Catering is providing hors d”™oeuvres and wine merchant W.J. Deutsch & Family is also a sponsor.
Business attire is appropriate. And while you are looking through your closet, remember this year”™s 40 Under 40 recipient Scott Sokolowski, whose Save-A-Suit foundation holds drives to collect unwanted dress suits and apparel for distribution to college students and military veterans as they prepare for job interviews.
