The Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS) has announced its 2018 achievement awards, which were presented at its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Stony Creek Brewery in Branford, Connecticut. CEDAS is a not-for-profit organization committed to advancing the practice of economic development within the state of Connecticut. The awards are as follows:
- 2018 Kenneth L Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award – Richard LoPresti, Town of North Haven EDC
Richard recently retired from The United Illuminating Company as the Community & Economic Development Specialist. In this role, he managed economic development projects within the UI territory, and worked with the municipal, regional and state teams to ensure that the utility gave the best possible service to its residents and businesses through its direct financial and programmatic involvement in economic development efforts within the UI territory. Richard serves as the Chair of the North Haven Economic Development Commission and works alongside First Selectman Mike Freda in town to shepherd economic development projects that will improve the community. - 2018 CEDAS Member of the Year Award – Rebecca Nolan, MetroHartford Alliance
This award recognizes a member who has exhibited true leadership in economic development in Connecticut and has implemented an initiative that demonstrates real results and outcomes in the past year. As the immediate past president of CEDAS, Becky has kept an active role on the CEDAS Board, assisting board committees where necessary and providing institutional knowledge while incorporating new ways of growing CEDAS’ role in the community. She has spearheaded an archiving project for the association, continuously embodies the true spirit of CEDAS, and is an effective advocate for our state and it’s municipalities. - 2018 CEDAS President’s Award – Chris Edge, Town of Berlin
The 2018 CEDAS President’s Award is given to a member who has demonstrated excellence in service to CEDAS. Chris stepped in to chair the CEDAS Policy Committee mid-way through the year, ensuring that CEDAS’ voice was heard at the State Capitol on critical economic development issues like brownfields, workforce, tax abatements and more. He also organized CEDAS members to write to local legislators and take an active role, and reinforced CEDAS members’ value in advocacy at the state level, such as passing TIF legislation and similar efforts that contribute meaningfully to the economic development profession in Connecticut.