Atkins named firm”™s litigation chairman
David P. Atkins has been named as chairman of the litigation department of Bridgeport-based Pullman & Comley L.L.C. Atkins succeeds James T. Shearin, who was named chairman of the firm in September.
Atkins will remain the leader of the firm”™s professional liability section, a role he has held since joining the firm in 2008.
“We are honored to have David serve as chair of our litigation department,” said Shearin. “David is well-respected among clients and peers for his creative problem-solving abilities and leadership skills.”
Cerminaro leads growth of three-state effort
Norwalk-based First Niagara Financial Group Inc. named Robert A. Cerminaro senior vice president and market executive of corporate banking for the tri-state region reporting directly to tri-state regional President Cathie Schaffer.
In his new role, Cerminaro will oversee expansion of the bank”™s corporate banking services into the tri-state market, focusing on establishing and managing a team responsible for middle-market and mid-corporate clients based in metro New York, southern Connecticut and northern New Jersey. In addition, the business banking team in Fairfield County will report to Cerminaro. He will be based out of First Niagara”™s Norwalk office.
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New Canaan”™s new eatery
Chef and Eclectic Luncheonette owner Robert Milano invited friends, family and foodies from across Fairfield County to celebrate the opening of his new standalone luncheonette and catering service in New Canaan recently. It seats 22.
Attendees gathered for an opening reception on Vitti Street for cocktails and samples from widespread lunch, dinner and catering menus. Guests included New Canaan Chamber of Commerce President Tucker Murphy, The Fairfield County Foodie, The Fairfieldista along with New Canaan residents and Milano”™s family, who are originally from Stamford.
The roar of many engines
More than 200 motorcyclists classic car owners came together to raise funds at the 8th annual Motorcycle Ride and Classic Car Show sponsored by Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project, Community Health Charities of Connecticut and United Way. More than $18,000 was raised, a record for Sikorsky”™s annual event. Particpants included Sikorsky employees, from left, Bill Reardon, Shane Eddy, Sue Hitchcock and Jack Williams.
Charity board gets McGladrey expertise
Make-A-Wish Connecticut has welcomed Nicholas Mensah of Stamford as its newest board member. Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy. Since its inception in 1986, the Connecticut chapter has granted more than 2,300 wishes to local children. Mensah will assist in the overall governance and support of the charity”™s mission and vision.
Mensah is a director in the consulting division of McGladrey, the assurance, tax and consulting company and is based in Stamford. He has more than 20 years of finance, risk, audit and information technology (IT) experience, including 13 years with a Big Four firm, prior to joining McGladrey in 2012.
Bankers and lawyers unite for a good cause
People”™s United Bank partnered with law firm Pullman & Comley L.L.C. to host a reception celebrating diversity in the Greater Bridgeport business community Oct. 23. The event, which took place at the People”™s United Bridgeport corporate headquarters, 850 Main St., highlighted the work of local women- and minority-owned businesses. It attracted more than 200 business owners, community leaders and nonprofit representatives.
“We are thrilled with the response to this celebration,” said Armando Goncalves, Southern Connecticut Market president, People”™s United Bank. “People”™s United deeply values diversity, both within our organization and among our customers and we understand the role it plays in Bridgeport”™s promising
From left, James (Tim) Shearin, chairman, Pullman & Comley; Bernadine Venditto, president, Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut; Armando Goncalves, Southern Connecticut Market president, People”™s United Bank; and Mayor Bill Finch of Bridgeport.
Pepe is top pie
In The Daily Meal website”™s rankings of the best 101 pizzas in America the online food magazine named Frank Pepe”™s of New Haven No. 1. The White Clam pizza, a signature Pepe pie, made with freshly shucked clams, grated Parmesan, olive oil, garlic and oregano enticed Daily Meal writers to vote for the Connecticut institution.
Locations include: New Haven, West Hartford, Fairfield, Manchester, Mohegan Sun, Danbury and Yonkers, N.Y.
Golf employed to battle tick-borne ills
The threat of rain didn”™t dampen the enthusiasm as golfers teed-up to play the second annual Lyme Research Alliance (LRA) Golf Tournament at the Stanwich Club in Greenwich Oct. 10.
Sixty-six golfers came out for a day of golf, camaraderie and to support LRA”™s efforts to help fund research and ultimately find a cure for Lyme and other debilitating tick-borne diseases. About $80,000 was raised during the day”™s activities, which included 18 holes of golf, lunch and dinner buffet, a cocktail reception sponsored by Greenwich Hospital, a silent auction and awards ceremony.
“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who played a part in this year”™s outing,” said Peter Wild, LRA executive director. “Once again our golf committee has done a wonderful job of bringing together a sterling group of golfers to support our cause and play 18 holes on this spectacular course; and we appreciate the continued support of The Pepe Auto Group who donated the hole-in-one car.”
The winners of this year”™s tournament were: First Place Low Gross: Lonnie Fine, Scott Russell, Bill Baum and Zach Stern; First Place Low Net: Steve Robinson, Garrick Stannard, Mike Stamer, Walt McNulty; Second Place Low Net: Scott Hobbs, Gina Zaugrillo, Jack Dowling and Jonathan Moffly.
Norwalk fights cancer
The Norwalk Light The Night Walk took place Oct. 18. It was the fourth and final walk of the season for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society”™s Connecticut Chapter, which hopes to raise $534,700 through the walks this year. Money is invested in blood cancer research and patient services. Nov. 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. the society hosts its fourth annual Star Write Authors Luncheon, Stamford Marriott, with guest speaker ESPN”™s Mike Greenberg. Call 665-1400 for more information and reservations.
