Tolland County Chamber of CommerceRooted in Community, Driven by Excellence

Tolland County Chamber of Commerce

69th Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration

An autumn evening celebrating the people and businesses whose leadership, innovation and service help Tolland County thrive.

Join the celebration
ThursdayOctober 29, 2026
Time5:00–8:00 PM
LocationThe Lodge at Crandall's Park120 Cider Mill Road · Tolland, CT
Gather · Connect · Celebrate

A special evening for our Chamber community

Join fellow members, community leaders and friends of the Chamber for our 69th Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration. This reception-style evening is designed for easy conversation, meaningful connections and time to recognize the businesses helping Tolland County thrive.

Celebrating businesses that make Tolland County thrive

Our 2026 Business Recognition Award Winners

These awards celebrate businesses and people who invest in our communities, create opportunities, and make Tolland County a better place to live and work. We’re proud to recognize:

Corporate Citizen Award

American Eagle Financial Credit Union

American Eagle’s commitment reaches well beyond banking. Through charitable giving, volunteerism, community partnerships, and financial education, its team continues to support organizations and programs across Tolland County. Its nomination reported nearly $40,000 in local support since 2025.

Economic Development Award

Spice Town

Spice Town has grown while continuing to reinvest in its business and create local jobs. Its success reflects both an entrepreneurial drive and a commitment to serving the diverse needs of our community.

Best New Business Award

Naiche Public Insurance Adjusters, Inc.

Based in Vernon, Naiche has built a specialized business focused on helping clients navigate insurance claims. It has expanded its licensing across seven states, embraced current technology, and become involved in the local community.

Beautification Award

Jerry Fornarelli and the CT Golfland Green Family of Businesses

Jerry’s continued investment has transformed the Vernon property into a welcoming destination for families and visitors. The Rocking Horse Bar & Grill, Dig It, Fossil Falls Mini Golf, and Coneheads Creamery bring new activity and energy to the site while improving the appearance and vitality of the area.

Nonprofit of the Year

Opportunity Works Connecticut

Opportunity Works creates meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities through vocational training, employment, life-skills development, and community involvement. Its work helps the people it serves build skills, confidence, and stronger connections within our community.

Please join us in congratulating all of our recipients! We’ll celebrate them at the Chamber’s 69th Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration on Thursday, October 29, at The Lodge at Crandall’s Park in Tolland. 🎉

Capturing the celebration

Melanie Merkel

Community Voice Channel

Behind the camera, Melanie will capture the people, recognition and meaningful connections that make this evening special. We’re delighted to welcome her as our videographer for the 69th Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration.

October 29 · 5:00–8:00 PM

An evening of connection & celebration

Proposed timeline · Times and program details are subject to confirmation.

  1. Welcome & check-in

    Arrive, settle in and connect with fellow guests.

  2. Graze & connect

    Enjoy the Harvest Grazing Table, beer, wine and networking.

  3. Opening welcome

    Welcome and sponsor recognition with emcee Jeff Boniface.

  4. 69th Annual Meeting

    Chamber business and a look back at the year.

  5. Passing of the gavel

    Outgoing President’s remarks, the formal transition and incoming President’s welcome.

  6. AI & Business

    Guest speaker Rebecca Bertoli.

  7. 2026 Business Recognition Awards

    Jeff introduces our recipients, followed by award presentations, winner remarks and individual photographs.

  8. A moment to remember

    Leadership and award-recipient group photograph.

  9. Closing acknowledgments

    Final remarks and thanks to everyone who made the evening possible.

  10. Event concludes

A taste of the season

The Harvest Grazing Table

Front Porch Charcuterie will create a generous autumn-inspired spread made for mingling—not a formal sit-down meal. Guests can graze, connect and enjoy the evening at their own pace.

Gather aroundSeasonal bites.
Easy conversation.
Beautifully arranged for a relaxed cocktail-style reception
Artisan favoritesCheeses · Cured meats · Rustic breads · Crisp crackers
Autumn harvestApples · Pears · Grapes · Figs · Seasonal fruit
Sweet & savoryNuts · Honey · Preserves · Dried fruit · Fall-inspired accompaniments
Finishing touchesFresh herbs · Warm fall colors · An abundant seasonal presentation

Come ready to mingle. The grazing-table format leaves more room for networking before guests take their seats for the annual meeting and awards presentation.

Join the celebration

Ticket Pricing

Admission includes the Harvest Grazing Table, beer, wine and soda, the Annual Meeting and the 2026 Business Recognition Awards presentation.

Chamber Member$30per person
Nonmember$40per person
Help make the evening possible

Sponsorship Opportunities

Each exclusive sponsorship includes recognition on this event page, a tagged social-media thank-you, verbal recognition during the celebration and one complimentary event ticket.

Exclusive$200

Beer, Wine & Soda Sponsor

Your business logo will be featured at the beverage station and recognized as the sponsor helping guests raise a glass to Tolland County's business community.

Exclusive$150

Business Awards Sponsor

Your business logo will appear with the awards presentation, with special recognition during the ceremony and in the award-winner announcement.

Exclusive$200

Room Rental Sponsor

Your business logo will receive prominent recognition near the event details and at the entrance as the sponsor helping provide the setting for the celebration.

Join us October 29

Registration is now open!

Reserve your place for an evening of connection, celebration and recognition of our 2026 award recipients.

Register for the Annual Meeting