Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony at Holcomb Farm

May 02, 2025

ChamberEventsPress Release

The Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting on May 1, 2025, at the scenic Holcomb Farm, drawing over 75 local small business owners and community members. The evening celebrated the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, recognized key leaders, and ushered in the Chamber’s leadership for the upcoming year.

Ray Lagan,  Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director along with Past President Tim Baker, Metric Financial LLC kicked off the event with the Annual Meeting.

During the business portion of the meeting, the Chamber confirmed its current Board of Directors, many of whom are either serving the second year of their existing term or extending their tenure by one year. Continuing members include Pam Broderick (Coldwell Banker Realty), Jamie Savva (Town of Granby), George McGregor (Town of Simsbury), Brian Guarco (State Line Holdings), Bob Marx (Landmark Tours and Cruises), Rob Pancoast (Windsor Federal Savings), Andrew St. Onge (Northwest Community Bank), and Bernadeta Eichner (Liberty Bank).

Newly nominated to serve 2-year terms as Directors were:

• Steve Couchon, Evans Automotive
• Rachel Festa, Keller Williams
• Heather Whitman, Selig Jeweler

The Chamber also announced its officers for the 2025–2026 term:

• President: Joe Beale, Thomaston Savings Bank
• 1st Vice Presidents: Lou George (Hassett & George, P.C.), Mary Anne Guarco (State Line Propane and Oil), Lindsay Sanchez (Westfield Bank), and Dan Correia (DKC Associates)
• Treasurer: Scott Goetjen, HarperWhitfield
• Secretary: Kathy Underleider, Granby Dental Center
• Past President: Tim Baker, Metric Financial LLC

In recognition of excellence within the community, several individuals were honored:

• Business Leaders of the Year: Joe O’Grady, Holcomb Farm (Granby) & Kelle Becconsall of ISCC (Simsbury)
• Educator of the Year: Kristin LaFlamme, 5th Grade Teacher at Wells Road School, Granby (presented by Superintendent of Granby Schools, Cheri Burke)
• Public Servant of the Year: Tom Roy, Director of Simsbury Public Works
• Scholarship Recipient: Melinda Uanino, graduating senior from Simsbury High School

The evening was supported by Presenting Sponsor PeoplesBank, with a presentation by Patrick McGillicuddy on the bank’s commitment to the community. Guest speaker Rachel Lenda, State of Connecticut Director of Tourism, delivered an engaging slideshow highlighting Connecticut’s attractions and economic opportunities.

The Chamber extended special thanks to Presenting Sponsor PeoplesBank , Gold Sponsor Mitchell Auto Group and Bronze Sponsors: The Granby Drummer, Northwest Community Bank, Westfield Bank, and Windsor Federal Bank.

The event showcased the strength and collaboration of the Granby-Simsbury business community, as it continues to grow and thrive through shared vision and local support.

• Rebecca Taylor Marketing

• May 02, 2025
• Send Email

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