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Chamber Celebrates Accomplishments of Business Leaders The Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce honored several members at their 2006 Annual Meeting & Dinner held at the new Riverfront Community Center. Marti Curtiss, Director of Marketing for Laurel Gardens of Glastonbury was named the Business Person of the Year. The Chamber also presented Carolyne Gatesy, President/Manager of Main Street Office Center, with the annual "Ambassador of the Year Award."

The highest commendation the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce presents each year is the "Joining Forces Award" which recognizes a Chamber member as Business Person of the Year. This award is given to an accomplished businessperson who has started, developed, expanded, or otherwise effectively managed a business. This person is also a recognized leader dedicated to the economic growth in the area and involved in civic projects that help improve the quality of life in Glastonbury and neighboring communities.

Marti Curtiss, the 2006 recipient, has been an active member of the Glastonbury community since she settled in town 35 years ago. As a mother of five children, Marti became involved in the schools, her church, programs for youth such as sports and scouting, and local cultural events. Once her family matured, Marti started her career, became involved with several service organizations, and began her foray into politics.

Marti became Marketing Director for Laurel Gardens of Glastonbury in 2003 after eleven years of working as Community Liaison for Glastonbury Health Care Center, owned by Connecticut-based Athena Communities. In 2005 Marti was appointed to oversee the marketing direction of Laurel Gardens at Fairway Crossing, which provides memory care services and programs, in addition to her responsibilities at Laurel Gardens. Prior to her marketing career in healthcare, Marti held several positions in customer services, public relations and sales.

Marti is currently serving her sixth term as a member of the Glastonbury Town Council and plays an active role as a member of the Republican Town Committee. She has completed two terms on the Board of Directors of the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce after serving as a Chamber Ambassador. Marti has dedicated her time and resources to local organizations such as the Historical Society of Glastonbury, the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury and numerous charities including the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Committee, Alzheimer's Association Race for the Cure among many others. Of her prominence in town, Marti says, "Leadership is fun for me, as it allows me the opportunity to motivate others and encourage them to learn and/or experience things they may not otherwise."

The Ambassador of the Year Award is presented annually to a member of the Glastonbury Chamber's Ambassador Committee. The award is given in recognition of an Ambassador who has been dedicated to assisting the Chamber in recruiting and retaining members and representing the Chamber in the community.

Carolyne Gatesy, the 2006 recipient, established Main Street Office Center, a full-service Office Business Center providing business people a prestigious business address and the amenities of a large corporation without the cost, in 1989. Main Street Office Center features professional office space complete with furniture, administrative support, and phone answering services. Tenants have access to a conference room and a central work area with office equipment. Carolyne is responsible for all business management functions, implementing policies and procedures, sales, and contracts. She also provides extensive business consulting and services to clients with an emphasis on excellent customer service.

In 1992, Carolyne also founded Bear Mountain Press, LLC, a publishing company primarily dedicated to publishing adventure/travel books. She authored and published the guidebook, "Firetowers, Lookouts and Rustic Cabins for Rent," selling out the 3,000 copies printed.

Carolyne attended Purdue University where she was awarded a swimming scholarship after qualifying for the U.S. Swimming Nationals. She graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Mathematics. She went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Mathematics from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Connecticut. An avid athlete, Carolyne has continually challenged herself by participating in mini triathlons and road races, and hiking, trekking and mountaineering adventures. In 2000, Carolyne successfully trekked to the base camp at Mount Everest (17,600 feet) and climbed Kala Patar in Nepal (18,200 feet). She and her husband, Donald Lewis, currently hold the title of the "oldest married couple" to climb Vinson Massif, the highest point at 16,067 feet on the subcontinent of Antarctica. Eric Person, then Executive Director of the Chamber, also presented the President's Award to several members including: Zagnutz Web Development; Arbot Software; Richard Johnson, Glastonbury Town Manager; Glastonbury Gourment; Joe Pacitti, Hilton Garden Inn-Hartford/South Glastonbury; and Jim Black, RE/MAX East of the River.

This award is given in recognition of Chamber members who have been actively involved in the development of programs and events that strengthen the organization and improve business services.

Tracy Lynch
Lyman Orchards Golf Club