WATERBURY — Leonard Mecca, the president of AI-Tek Instruments, has been named the recipient of the Waterbury Regional Chamber’s 2023 Malcolm Baldrige Community Award. The award is the chamber’s most respected, named in honor of Malcolm “Mac” Baldrige, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Ronald Reagan.
Mr. Baldrige, a former chairman of the chamber, continually demonstrated his belief in community, leadership, and volunteerism as he worked to promote economic development in Greater Waterbury.
The award will be presented during the 27th Annual Malcolm Baldrige Chamber Awards Dinner on Thursday, February 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.
The evening will include a silent auction and is a major fundraiser for the not-for-profit Waterbury Regional Chamber, supporting the chamber’s public policy and economic development efforts.
Nominees for the Malcolm Baldrige Community Award are considered for their roles in supporting employment opportunities, for enhancing the overall economic growth and quality of life in the region, for playing a leading role in initiating new business or development, and for their community leadership.
AI-Tek Instruments designs, manufactures, and distributes a variety of speed sensors and high-precision tachometers for a multitude of industries.
Mr. Mecca is also the founder of the non-profit Loyola Development Corporation, which undertook a 7-block revitalization and affordable housing development initiative in Waterbury’s South End, beginning in 2012.
Mr. Mecca has shown a longtime commitment to the Greater Waterbury region through his involvement with the United Way, the Palace Theater, Wellmore Behavioral Health, Waterbury PAL, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Lt. Robert D. Westberg Scholarship Program.
Mr. Mecca is the past president of the Country Club of Waterbury and currently serves as a board member of Holy Land USA.
The chamber will also honor Jason Van Stone, vice president of Leisure Segment at Drew Marine, with the 2023 Leadership Award, and Janice Mitchell-Smith of Benefit Solutions by Janice LLC, with its 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Leadership Award is presented to a chamber member who demonstrates leadership and contributes to accomplishing the chamber’s mission to serve its members as a network, resource, and advocate.
Jason Van Stone is a vice president at Drew Marine, in charge of Marketing Communications and its Leisure Segment.
Drew Marine is a Waterbury-based specialty chemical company whose products and technical expertise serve the commercial, leisure, and military shipping industries.
Mr. Van Stone is currently the vice chairman of the Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Executive Board and served as chairman of the chamber’s Health Care Council.
He has played a key role in the marketing efforts of the chamber, as well as redesigns to its websites.
A Southbury resident and Planning Commission member there, Mr. Van Stone has served on a number of boards throughout the region, including the Palace Theater, Sacred Heart High School, and the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation.
The Volunteer Award is presented annually to a member who dedicates time and expertise to volunteering for the organization. Janice Mitchell-Smith, born and raised in Waterbury, is the owner of Benefit Solutions by Janice LLC.
As an independent agent for AFLAC Insurance, she offers supplemental health plans, as well as other solutions, for small businesses.
A graduate of Post University with a degree in business management, Ms. Mitchell-Smith has been working in the insurance industry since 1984.
She has been a long-time ambassador for the Waterbury Regional Chamber, helping new chamber members become acquainted with other members and to build new connections.
She received the Ambassador of the Year award in 2019 and serves on the Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.